How to Spend the Holidays in Kennebunkport, Maine

When it comes to celebrating the holidays in Maine, there’s nowhere more festive than Kennebunkport. Each December, the seaside town transforms into a holiday wonderland seemingly straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Between Dec. 5-15, the town rings in the season with Prelude, an annual tradition that’s now ushering in its 43rd year. The festivities span 11 action-packed days and include events for all ages, including lighting the lobster trap Christmas tree, candlelight caroling, and even a visit from Santa Claus, who trades in his standard sleigh for an arrival aboard — what else — a lobster boat.

Hotels deck the halls with their holiday finest, bars and restaurants craft special seasonal menus, and the village’s shops and holiday markets are the perfect places to cross everyone’s gifts off your list.

See the Christmas trees.

What’s more iconically Maine than a Christmas tree crafted from lobster traps? Stop by Cape Porpoise Square to see the spectacle. Dock Square and Kennebunk’s Lower Village also have sparkling trees that are sure to put you in the holiday mood.

Hop aboard a twinkling trolley.

Each year, the Seashore Trolley Museum decorates its (heated) trolleys to take guests on a ride along the heritage railroad through the woods. The rides, which last roughly 25 minutes, are held between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 13-15. Purchasing tickets online is recommended.

Shop at a holiday market.

Looking to stock up on some gifts while you’re visiting? Be sure to stop by the Merry Makers Market in Kennebunk from Dec. 5-15 to find handcrafted and hard-to-find presents. Local shops such as Daytrip Society, Bliss, Mélange, and Seacraft sell wonderful wares for even the pickiest people on your list.

Take a wreath-making workshop.

If you’re searching for the perfect way to bring back the holiday cheer year after year, consider partaking in a wreath-making workshop. Snug Harbor Farm, River Tree Arts, and Nathaniel Lord’s Carriage House at the Kennebunkport Captains Collection all offer classes.

Lift your spirits at a holiday-themed bar.

Throughout the holiday season, some of Kennebunkport’s best bars and restaurants undergo a merry makeover to celebrate. The Rabbit Hole celebrates “Elf” and transforms into Buddy’s Bar, featuring themed cocktails and canapés from the film’s four major food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. The Burleigh at Kennebunkport Inn becomes the Tinsel Bar, decked from floor to ceiling with Christmas ornaments, lights, and garlands. And no one does the holidays quite like Batson River. Each year, the Kennebunkport outpost becomes a winter wonderland with vintage blow molds, tons of tinsel, and stockings galore. Can’t-miss cocktails include Sleigh the Town, crafted with snickerdoodle syrup, and We’re Mint to Be, a peppermint white chocolate delight.

Where to Stay

The Nonantum Resort

Home to 13 events throughout Prelude, The Nonantum Resort may be the unofficial headquarters for those looking to celebrate in the middle of the fun, while still enjoying a bit of serenity away from the crowds. Events include breakfast with Mrs. Claus and the annual Fire & Ice celebration complete with bonfires and ice sculptures.

White Barn Inn

One of the most luxe hotels in the state and part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, White Barn Inn is cozy, romantic, and throughout December, donned with decor from interior decorator Nathan Turner. With heated floors, gas fireplaces, and large soaking tubs, the rooms here are the ideal place to warm up from the chilly winter weather.

Kennebunkport Captains Collection

For visitors wanting to dive into the historic nautical charm of Kennebunkport, look no further than the Kennebunkport Captains Collection. The four properties that make up this collection were constructed in the early 19th century and once belonged to the daughters of Captain Daniel Walker. Now under Lark Hotels, these houses are soaked in history. Guests can enjoy live music, heated igloo rentals, family crafts, a hot chocolate bar, and a gift market at Nathaniel Lord’s Carriage House.