With Ogunquit, Maine just a few miles to the south the seasons festivities were enhanced just 4 years later with the addition of Christmas by The Sea on the second weekend in December 1986.  The quaint village set along the rocky Maine coast was deemed Beautiful Place by the Sea for the spectacular views which inspired so many artists over the years.  Once an artist colony there’s no wonder as to why Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea festival incorporates creativity with crafting workshops and the Annual Art Sale.There are so many reasons why Southern Maine’s holiday festivities have become an Annual Tradition bringing visitors from all over the country year after year.  In Kennebunkport the Christmas Prelude Event has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America as well as the #2 Christmas Town in America attesting that the historic village has perfected the art of celebrating the season since the festival was born on the first weekend in December 1982.

December is a month full of Holiday Fun and with so many great events it can be hard to choose which is why we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Maine Christmas Festival Events You Can’t Miss so you can plan out your winter visit to Maine!

Kennebunkport Tree Lighting Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square officially begins the season. Join in Christmas caroling with the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir.

Hat Parade A parade of holiday hats for children and adults led by the Patriot Fife and Drum Duo. Show off your handmade or store bought creations. All hat wearers welcome! Gather at the town parking lot behind Dock Square by 2:45pm. Parade through Dock Square and over the bridge to Best of Everything where prizes will be awarded for various creative categories.

White Christmas at the Music Hall Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, these showbiz buddies follow two beautiful singing sisters to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. The dazzling score features well-known standards including “Sisters”, “Count Your Blessing Instead of Sheep”, “Happy Holidays” and the perennial favorite, “White Christmas.”.

Visit Santa at the Ogunquit Firehouse upstairs at the Ogunquit Fire Station on School Street.  Be sure to arrive early to see Santa arrive by fire engine!  Have your photo take with Santa and then head over to the Ogunquit Camera shop to pick up your holiday picture!

Taste the Season Local dining establishments join together in this charitable event at the Dunaway Center in Ogunquit.  Taste a variety of foods including lots of Maine Chowder and some Beer & Wine.  Drop off canned goods for the local food pantry and enjoy!

Ogunquit Ocean Rescue Polar Plunge head down to Ogunquit Beach to support Toys for Tots and cheer on the daring Ogunquit Ocean Rescuers as they brave the wintry elements.

Five O Patio Party join in the fun on Shore Road in Ogunquit enjoy lunch on the patio and watch the Christmas Parade during the holiday party!  t Beach bonfire while you wait for the fireworks display.

Contrary to Christmas in July!  Watch the Fireworks on Ogunquit Beach in December.