Bundle Up, Cuddle Up, and Get Cozy in the MidCoast

In the MidCoast, simple pleasures glow brighter in December’s winter light. Stroll quiet village streets, browse inviting shops, and watch lighthouses cast their solitary beams miles across the ocean. Retreat to a warm fireplace, spiced cider, and a winter-harvest feast, then make plans for a few holiday events.

 

 

Historic Lighthouses Lighting up Winter Skies

This season, our favorite lighthouse visits include:

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol (pictured above), one of the few towers in the state you can climb for a sweeping view.

 

 

Owls Head Lighthouse near Rockland, offering panoramic views of Penobscot Bay.

 

 

Marshall Point Lighthouse in Bristol, an iconic lighthouse connected to land by a boardwalk.

 

 

Winter Feasts for Starry Nights

There are many restaurant stars in the MidCoast; here are few to treat yourself to.

 

Long Grain in Camden serves dishes inspired by street food and dinners from many different countries throughout Asia.

 

 

Sammy’s Deluxe in Rockland is a very casual spot run by a chef who previously worked at Jean Georges and Gramercy Tavern. The menu showcases – in their own words – “the absurdity of riches of Midcoast Maine.”

 

 

18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill in Rockport, with its dark wood and high ceilings, evokes old-school Boston steakhouses where Chef Patrick Duffy once worked. The raw bar is a must-try.

 

 

Linden & Front, newly opened in Bath, offers a modern take on classic comfort foods. Every menu item is beautifully prepared, including savory plates, stews, salads, pasta, seafood, meats, and roasted farm vegetables.

 

 

Primo, Rockland, has long been the benchmark for farm-to-table dining in Maine. Led by award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, the menu changes daily, featuring fresh ingredients from their farm.

 

 

‘Tis the Season of Lights and Festivals

Here are a few of the MidCoast’s wonderful events:

 

Christmas by the Sea – Camden, Dec. 5-7

This popular weekend event includes a holiday parade, carriage rides, musical performances, carolers, and festive storefront displays throughout town. Santa’s boat arrival is followed by a tree-lighting ceremony at Harbor Park.

 

 

Boothbay Lights– Boothbay

Holiday shopping, celebrations, and outdoor events take place every day, including the Gingerbread Spectacular. Along the harbor, boats and shops are decorated with colorful lights. It’s an ideal setting for a relaxing holiday stroll.

 

 

Gardens Aglow – Boothbay

The largest holiday lighting event in New England is Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Over 750,000 LED lights are woven through 14 acres of winter garden areas. Tickets to Gardens Aglow are available online now.

 

 

Brunswick Downtown Association – Brunswick

Brunswick’s vibrant arts scene adds a festive touch to the holidays. Downtown is bustling with shopping, art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Thousands of holiday lights along Main Street reflect colorful hues on every block.

 

 

Santa Express – Unity

Take the kids to Unity for a one-hour ride with Santa on the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. Santa will be onboard to hear their holiday wishes and give a small gift from his toy bag. The Snowbird Express runs through December 21!

 

 

 

Trolley Christmas Caroling – Bath

Harmonize for the holidays with cheerful carols on the trolley during Bath’s Old Fashioned Christmas. Bundle up your friends and sing out loud as the trolley winds through the streets of Bath. Free tickets are available at the ticket booth next to City Hall.

 

This is the season to get to know the MidCoast’s talented and passionate makers—artisans, artists and creators. Shop small, support MidCoast artists and communities, and find truly unique gifts for friends and family, or for yourself!