After the turkey, after the football – you know what’s next. No – not the crowds at the mall. It’s holiday festivals in Maine!

At our hotel, we have several favorite holiday festivals close to Ogunquit. You can visit with Santa – whether you’ve been naughty or nice, pick up a few gifts for friends and family with the shopping deals or just enjoy some holiday cheer!

Our Top Southern Maine Christmas Festivals

1. Sparkle Weekend in Freeport, ME. LL Bean, cocoa stops as you shop, a talking Christmas Tree, old fashion carriage rides and the Freeport Players Home Radio Hour. Of course, you’ll find fabulous deals at the Freeport Outlets for the holidays. .
2. Chrismas Prelude, Kennebunkport, ME. The famous open houses of the B&B and Inns of Kennebunk/Kennebunkport are beautiful – and yummy, with lots of homemade goodies. Historic walking and trolleys tours take you all around the village – but you’ll want to stop and enjoy the many art galleries and displays. With two tree lightings – Dock Square and the famous Lobster Trap Tree – complete with caroling and cocoa, you’ll find yourself humming Christmas tunes and grinning. F
3. Lighting of the Nubble, York Beach, ME. Cookies, hot chocolate and the kick off to Maine’s holiday festivals. Rumor has it, the sight of the Nubble Lighthouse with all it’s Christmas lights is one even Santa won’t miss – He makes a special appearance every year. There are great deals at the Meadowmere for this Saturday to enjoy this beautiful sight on November 28th.
4. Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea, Ogunquit, ME. This is our favorite of them all (of course, we are a little bias!). Staring with live carolers and the bonfire on the beach Friday, the weekend is packed with holiday fun. You can catch the carolers in the West Meadow Pub before seeing the hand bell choir and tree lighting on the way to the beach bonfire. With hay rides, story telling, Santa, silent auction, arts & crafts – it’s almost enough to make you miss the famous Chowder & Chocolate Fest! But we know you wouldn’t – it’s too delicious. Join us on our Christmas by the Sea getaway (it’s a pick by Gadling.com for New England holidays escapes) and enjoy!