Festive Lights and Cozy Nights in the MidCoast!

Holidays truly come alive in the MidCoast. As the nights grow cold and the stars shine brighter, the villages and towns bustle with festive energy and holiday activities. With winter on the horizon, there’s no better time to explore the MidCoast. Cozy up by a crackling fireplace with a glass of wine or warm apple cider, do some early holiday shopping, or take part in our many special events! (Photo above: Festival of Lights in Rockland, courtesy of MainStreetMaine.org)

 

 

Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest – Wiscasset

December 1–3

Wiscasset is known for its beautiful and festive wreaths on display throughout the waterfront village. Visitors to the local shops, galleries, and restaurants can vote for the People’s Choice favorite wreath, and soon after Marketfest, the wreaths are donated to Toys for Tot’s families. The historic Nickels-Sortwell House, opens its doors to visitors to glimpse another era decorated with seasonal florals. The landmark barn next door will be open for a pop-up Holiday Gift Shop with artisan wares, foods, and unique gifts.

 

 

Christmas by the Sea – Camden

December 6–8

Camden kicks off the holiday season with Christmas by the Sea during the first weekend of December. This year will be the 38^th annual town-wide event that draws visitors throughout the region. On Friday evening, a traditional holiday parade will slowly go through downtown Camden with colorful floats and carolers, leading to a tree lighting at Harbor Park. There will be carriage rides, holiday music, local crafts for holiday gifts, and a visit from Santa.

 

 

The Festival of Lights – Rockland

Events run through December

Rockland’s annual Festival of Lights begins with Santa arriving on a Coast Guard boat at the public landing. The lighting of the towering 40-foot Lobster Trap Tree follows that. There are hayrides in town day and night, and dozens of lighted floats will parade slowly down Main Street. To put in a good word with Santa, join him for breakfast at the Chowder House on Sunday morning.

 

 

Gardens Aglow – Boothbay

Nov. 16–Dec. 31

The largest and most spectacular holiday lighting event in New England is from mid-November through New Year’s Eve at Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Hanging 750,000 LED lights woven through 14 acres of winter garden areas takes months. Celebrating its 10^th year, Gardens Aglow will always have new lighting surprises and designs to enchant everyone who visits. Tickets to Gardens Aglow are available online now, so plan your visit soon before the magic ends on January 1.

 

 

Santa’s Snowbird Express – Unity

Weekends Nov. 29–Dec. 22

Bring the kids to Unity for an hour-long ride with Santa on the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. This is an enchanting experience for children as the train departs at 212 Depot Street station. Santa will be onboard and visit each child to hear their holiday wishes. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa’s toy bag. And, of course, hot chocolate, candy canes, and cookies will be served, too. The Snowbird Express runs through December 22 – book your train adventure soon!

 

 

Holiday on the Harbor – Belfast

Dec. 14

Belfast, with its ornate brick buildings and sea-captains houses, is considered so beautiful that it’s a nationally designated Maine Street Town. As the holidays approach, downtown is transformed with beautiful decorations and lights. Holiday on the Harbor includes a tree lighting on November 30, horse-drawn wagon rides, live carolers, fun activities for the kids, hot chocolate, and more. Belfast has it all for getting into the holiday spirit: great restaurants, a hip brewery, art galleries, renowned bookshops, and Belfast’s working waterfront.

 

 

MidCoast Tree Festival – Brunswick

Nov. 23–Dec. 1

To help support needed community organizations, volunteers from across the MidCoast decorate dozens of beautiful Christmas trees to be raffled off to the public. Each tree has gifts donated by MidCoast businesses and organizations valued at more than $500. The trees are displayed in the historic St. John’s Parish in downtown Brunswick. Starting in mid-November, see the creative work of so many volunteers, and maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll win a colorful tree to bring home.

 

 

Old Fashioned Christmas – Bath

Nov. 30–Dec. 31

Harmonize for the holidays with cheerful melodies on the trolley during Bath’s Old Fashioned Christmas. Bundle up your friends and family for some Trolley Caroling, and sing out loud as you wind through the streets of Bath. Passengers are picked up at City Hall on Front Street every 30 minutes. All you need are free tickets available in advance or on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket booth next to City Hall. The town’s festivities don’t end until the annual Paul Revere Bell Ringing at City Hall on New Year’s Eve.

 

 

Boothbay Lights – Boothbay

Events run through December

Few coastal towns are as busy during the holidays as Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor. Unique shopping, dining, celebrating, and outdoor events happen daily. Kids love riding on the North Pole Express at the Boothbay Railway Village Museum. The Gingerbread Spectacular at the historic Opera House is one of the happiest places during the season. Along the harbor, boats and shops are adorned with colorful lights. It’s a perfect setting for a relaxing holiday stroll.

 

 

Holiday Sunday Stroll – Rockland

December 8

Rockland’s busy Main Street will be closed to vehicles and open to pedestrians for a leisurely and festive stroll. There will be caroling, Santa photos, S’mores toasting, bake sales, hot cocoa and cider, holiday shopping, and great food in the town’s popular cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants.

 

When you’re ready to start thinking about holiday shopping, find ideas for gifts (or for yourself!) in the MidCoast Style Guide, or consider an Antique Hunting Adventure in the MidCoast!