Despite the fact that everyone seems to start a little early, the official start of the Christmas season really seems to begin the day after Thanksgiving. But, there are a few things you need to accomplish before it’s truly Christmas in Maine. Once you’ve done these things in Maine at Christmas, consider yourself ready for the main event!

1. Watch your breath while singing Christmas carols in the cold Maine air.

Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
David Lounsbury / Flickr
Try the Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude for one of the most festive versions of this tradition. Check out the full schedule of events at the Kennebunkport website.

Take a look at this video by @christmaspreludekennebunkp8667:

2. Gaze up at Nubble's beautiful outline of lights.

Nubble Lighthouse, Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909, USA
Michelle Callahan / Flickr
While the actual lighting ceremony usually starts in November, you can still check out the lights throughout the holiday season in all their glory every night. It's also a great spot if you're looking for things to do on Christmas day!

3. Use a lobster as a Christmas decoration.

Frank Gruber / Flickr
If we weren't supposed to use Maine's favorite crustacean as a decoration at Christmas, would they be red and look so great with the green of a wreath or tree? Think about THAT. This is probably one of the best Christmas traditions in Maine.

4. Take in a performance of "The Nutcracker."

Roger Meike / Flickr
Or, more specifically...

5. ...See the Portland Ballet's unique "Victorian Nutcracker."

Sanford Performing Arts Center, 100 Alumni Blvd, Sanford, ME 04073, USA
Victorian Nutcracker
This annual production recreates the interiors of Victoria Mansion and interprets Tchaikovsky’s score through the stories of Portland’s 19th-century families. See it in December. For a full schedule and to get your tickets please visit the Portland Ballet website and secure your seat.

Take a look at this video by @PortlandBallet:

6. Participate in Santacon.

Jo T / Flickr
In early December, fine folks dressed as Santas will converge upon Portland. Then, they'll take over this city in a fairly annoying way and drink their way around the Old Port. But, don't get mad - join in! It's all in the name of a good cause - donations will be collected for Family Crisis Services. If you want to get some Christmas spirits then check out everything you need to know for Santacon this year. This is one of the most festive Maine holiday traditions.

Related Stories

You've Gotta See These 5 Spectacular Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays In Maine

You've Gotta See These 5 Spectacular Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays In Maine

 Enjoy The Magic Of Winter By Visiting This 10,000 Square Foot Ice Skating Rink In Maine

Enjoy The Magic Of Winter By Visiting This 10,000 Square Foot Ice Skating Rink In Maine

 You'll Feel Like A Kid Again When You Tube Down One Of Maine's Best Winter Spots, Seacoast Adventure

You'll Feel Like A Kid Again When You Tube Down One Of Maine's Best Winter Spots, Seacoast Adventure

7. Appreciate how much Mainers love to make things more "Maine."

Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport, ME, USA
Frank Gruber / Flickr
Check out the Christmas tree in Cape Porpoise for a great example!

8. Choose and retrieve your own Maine Christmas tree.

smilla4 / Flickr
Thankfully, the Maine Christmas Tree Association makes sure you always have a place to do this. No fake trees around these parts!

9. See the glow of lights shining in the snow.

Corey Templeton / Flickr
Will it happen this year?! We have our fingers crossed for a white Christmas!

10. Lace up your skates and hit that small pond in the woods.

slack12 / Flickr
But don't choose just any pond! Make sure the ice is thick enough. THEN, throw on some L.L. Bean winter-gear and head out!

11. Or, if you prefer something a little more legitimate - check out Thompson's Point Rink in Portland.

Thompson's Point Rink, 207 Thompsons Point, Portland, ME 04102, USA
Thompson's Point Rink/Facebook
There's even a distillery, brewery, and a place for dinner! Visit them at 10 Thompsons Point, Portland / 207-747-9399

Take a look at this video by @justinmaxwell2745:

12. Stroll around the Gardens Aglow wonderland at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, 105 Botanical Gdns Dr, Boothbay, ME 04537, USA
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens / Facebook
This is the largest holiday light display in all of Maine. Take a trip through 14 acres of gardens covered in no less than 750,000 lights. Stick around for dinner at the cafe which has a seasonal menu as well as live music. Head to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden's website for information and tickets.

13. Re-enact Annie C. Maguire's shipwreck near Cape Elizabeth's Portland Head Light.

sara hattie / Flickr
Just kidding. Don't do that. That's not a Christmas thing to do.

Maine at Christmas is special, wouldn’t you agree? We sure do! Doesn’t that just fill your Christmas in Maine with so many memorable things to do? When you are looking for a classic Christmastime filled with sparkling lights and a beautiful backdrop, make sure to walk around Portland during Christmastime.

Looking for gifts this holiday season? Check out our list of best gifts for the traveler in your life.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Christmas In Maine

Chris Dodge | November 03, 2022

How do I make my Christmas in Maine complete?

To make the most of your Christmas experience you will need to start preparing early because we have plenty to do to ring in the holiday season. We already got you kickstarted with some great ideas, but here are a few more suggestions for you:

 

Maine certainly is a magical place to spend Christmastime.

Related Articles

Explore Maine