21 Best Things to Do in Maine During Christmas

Maine is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, and during Christmas, the state becomes even more enchanting. Picture snow-capped mountains, cozy seaside villages, and festive holiday lights transforming Maine into a winter wonderland. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the stunning coastal towns to the majestic mountains, Maine offers a memorable Christmas getaway filled with charm, warmth, and holiday spirit.

21 Best Things to Do in Maine During Christmas

Maine during Christmas is nothing short of magical. From charming coastal towns blanketed in snow to bustling Christmas markets and festive light displays, the Pine Tree State offers an unforgettable holiday experience. Whether you’re seeking cozy winter escapes, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities, Maine has it all.

Imagine walking through streets lined with twinkling lights, sipping hot cocoa by a roaring fire, or exploring Christmas villages where local artisans display their crafts. Maine’s natural beauty only enhances the season. With majestic lighthouses, snow-covered mountains, and seaside views, it’s the perfect backdrop for a festive getaway.

In this guide, you’ll discover 21 of the best things to do in Maine during Christmas. Each activity offers something special to make your holiday season unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to experience something new, Maine’s festive spirit will make your Christmas truly shine.

1. Visit the Portland Head Light

No trip to Maine during Christmas is complete without visiting the iconic Portland Head Light. Located in Fort Williams Park, this historic lighthouse, surrounded by a picturesque winter landscape, is a must-see. The snow-covered grounds, rugged coastline, and the lighthouse adorned with holiday decorations create the perfect setting for a winter adventure.

Highlights:

Enjoy breathtaking views of the lighthouse against a snowy backdrop.
Marvel at the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the cliffs.
Capture the beauty of Maine’s coastline with perfect winter photography spots.

2. Explore Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States, transforms into a serene winter escape during Christmas. The park offers an array of activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the park without the crowds.

Why Visit:

Explore snow-covered trails perfect for outdoor winter sports.
Take in the peaceful coastal views paired with stunning frozen landscapes.
Experience Acadia’s beauty without the busy summer crowds.

3. Take a Sleigh Ride in Jackman

For a quintessential Christmas experience, head to Jackman, a small town nestled in northern Maine. Here, you can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a winter wonderland of pine trees and snow-covered fields. This experience is perfect for families or couples looking for a cozy, nostalgic way to enjoy the holiday season.

Notable Features:

Ride through picturesque forests and snow-covered fields.
Experience the nostalgic charm of traditional sleigh rides.
Enjoy the peaceful sound of sleigh bells in the quiet winter air.

4. Attend the Christmas by the Sea Festival in Camden

Camden, a charming coastal town, hosts the annual Christmas by the Sea Festival, a holiday extravaganza that combines Maine’s seaside beauty with Christmas cheer. The streets come alive with festive lights, holiday markets, and parades, making it a perfect spot for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

Event Highlights:

Spectacular parades featuring floats and local performances.
Holiday markets offering handmade gifts and festive goods.
Street performers, carolers, and plenty of delicious food to enjoy.

5. Explore the Lights at L.L. Bean in Freeport

L.L. Bean in Freeport is a Maine institution and transforms into a holiday haven during Christmas. The flagship store is adorned with thousands of lights, including the iconic giant boot, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the state during the holidays.

Special Features:

Marvel at over 100,000 dazzling holiday lights.
See the famous L.L. Bean boot illuminated for photos.
Enjoy shopping in a festive atmosphere with special promotions.

6. Ice Skate on the Kennebec River

The Kennebec River in Augusta freezes over during the winter months, creating the perfect outdoor ice skating rink. Skating on the frozen river is a unique and exhilarating way to enjoy Maine’s winter beauty.

Why You’ll Love It:

Skate on natural ice with breathtaking views of Augusta’s historic landscape.
Experience the serenity of outdoor skating on the frozen river.
Perfect for a peaceful winter day with plenty of photo opportunities.

7. Visit the Christmas Tree at the State House

During the Christmas season, the Maine State House in Augusta becomes a festive focal point with its beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Visitors can admire the tree, which is adorned with hundreds of ornaments, and soak in the holiday atmosphere of the state capital.

Must-See Features:

A grand Christmas tree adorned with hundreds of sparkling ornaments.
Take family photos in front of the stunning tree in the heart of the State House.
Enjoy a peaceful holiday atmosphere in Maine’s political center.

8. Go Skiing at Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in the Northeast and offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Maine. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, the resort has slopes for all skill levels, and the festive decorations make it even more special during the Christmas season.

Reasons to Visit:

Over 160 trails with excellent snow coverage for skiing and snowboarding.
Stunning mountain views and cozy ski lodge vibes.
Après-ski options like hot chocolate and festive holiday parties.

9. Visit the Maine Mall for Holiday Shopping

For those looking for a more traditional holiday experience, the Maine Mall in South Portland is the perfect place to shop for gifts and enjoy the Christmas decorations. The mall is known for its extensive range of stores, from high-end retailers to local boutiques, all offering great holiday deals.

Shopping Highlights:

A variety of stores for all your holiday shopping needs.
Beautiful Christmas displays throughout the mall.
An indoor shopping experience to escape the winter chill.

10. Take a Christmas Cruise in Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor offers scenic Christmas cruises that take visitors around the harbor, showcasing homes and buildings decked out in dazzling holiday lights. These cruises are a magical way to celebrate Christmas while enjoying Maine’s coastal charm.

What Makes It Special:

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride with amazing holiday light displays.
See Maine’s coastline from a unique and festive perspective.
Sip on warm drinks while listening to holiday tunes as you cruise the harbor.

11. Visit the Snowman Festival in Bethel

Bethel’s Snowman Festival is an annual tradition where the entire town gets into the holiday spirit. With snowman-building contests, festive parades, and a variety of holiday events, this is the place to be for families looking for fun and laughter during Christmas.

Festival Features:

Snowman-building competitions for all ages.
A lively parade with holiday floats and street performances.
Local food vendors and holiday treats to enjoy.

12. Attend the Victorian Christmas Celebration in Wiscasset

Step back in time and experience a Victorian Christmas in Wiscasset. The town hosts a holiday celebration with horse-drawn carriage rides, Victorian carolers, and beautifully decorated historic buildings.

What’s in Store:

Horse-drawn carriage rides through charming, historic streets.
Performances by Victorian carolers and festive street decorations.
A nostalgic holiday atmosphere perfect for all ages.

13. Take a Winter Walk in the Coastal Towns

Maine’s coastal towns, such as Bar Harbor, Rockport, and Kennebunkport, offer beautiful walking paths during the winter months. These charming seaside towns are less crowded in the winter, allowing you to enjoy their beauty at a slower pace.

Highlights of the Walk:

Stroll through picturesque streets lined with local shops and holiday decorations.
Breathtaking views of the snow-covered coastline.
Peaceful moments perfect for reflection and photography.

14. Visit the Holiday Express at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a magical holiday train ride known as the Holiday Express. Decked out in Christmas lights, this historic train takes you through Maine’s winter landscape while entertaining you with holiday carols, festive decorations, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Magical Features:

A Christmas train ride complete with Santa and carolers.
Scenic views of Maine’s winter landscape from a cozy vintage train.
Holiday treats and festive music to make the experience even more special.

15. Explore the Christmas Markets in Portland

Portland’s Christmas markets are some of the best in the state, featuring handmade goods from local artisans, festive food, and live entertainment. It’s a great place to find unique gifts while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere.

Market Highlights:

Handmade gifts, crafts, and ornaments from local artisans.
Seasonal food and drinks like hot cider, gingerbread, and homemade fudge.
Live entertainment including performances and holiday-themed music.

16. Take a Scenic Drive on the Maine Coast

Maine’s coastline is stunning year-round, but during the winter, it transforms into a peaceful, snow-covered paradise. Take a scenic drive along Route 1 and enjoy the holiday spirit of the small towns, lighthouses, and seaside villages.

Scenic Drive Highlights:

Snow-covered lighthouses and charming coastal villages.
Stunning ocean views, especially from spots like Camden Hill State Park.
Peaceful, reflective moments as you explore the quiet winter beauty of the Maine coast.

17. Visit the Polar Express Train Ride in Bangor

The Polar Express train ride in Bangor is an iconic Christmas event that brings families together for a magical train ride to the North Pole. This event includes storytelling, carol singing, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Train Ride Features:

An immersive train ride complete with festive carolers and hot cocoa.
A magical experience with Santa delivering gifts to children.
A memorable holiday tradition for families with young children.

18. Attend the Maine Winter Sports Center Festival

The Maine Winter Sports Center in Caribou hosts an annual winter sports festival that celebrates everything from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing. This event is perfect for those looking to enjoy Maine’s winter activities and sports culture.

Festival Fun:

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowman-building contests.
A chance to participate in or watch local winter sports.
A lively celebration of Maine’s winter sports culture.

19. Visit the Christmas Festival at Boothbay Railway Village

For a delightful mix of trains, Christmas lights, and historical charm, visit the Boothbay Railway Village during the Christmas season. This family-friendly event showcases vintage trains decked out in festive lights, a Christmas village, and holiday-themed rides that transport visitors into a magical world of nostalgia.

Notable Features:

Take a ride on the antique train adorned with Christmas lights.
Explore the Christmas village with themed decorations and shops.
Enjoy a historical atmosphere combined with modern holiday fun for all ages.

20. Enjoy a Cozy Christmas Dinner in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, famous for its stunning coastal views and historic charm, offers an unforgettable Christmas dinner experience. Many local restaurants serve traditional holiday meals featuring Maine specialties like lobster, clam chowder, and wild game, all paired with the charm of cozy, fire-lit dining rooms.

Highlights:

Indulge in a Maine-inspired holiday feast with lobster, turkey, and more.
Dine in cozy, family-owned restaurants that feature stunning views of the snow-covered coast.
Experience the warmth of Maine’s hospitality as you celebrate the season with loved ones.

21. Experience a Candlelight Tour at Victoria Mansion

Victoria Mansion in Portland hosts an annual candlelight tour that transforms the historic mansion into a festive holiday display. The grand architecture is complemented by tasteful holiday decorations, making it the perfect venue for a holiday outing filled with history and charm.

What to Expect:

Take a guided tour through this beautifully restored Victorian mansion.
Admire the intricate details of the period furniture and holiday decorations.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere of the mansion lit by candlelight, perfect for a romantic or peaceful holiday experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best time to visit Maine during Christmas?

The best time to visit Maine during Christmas is from mid-December to New Year’s Eve, when the entire state is decorated with festive lights and offering Christmas-themed events and activities. The weather is cold and snowy, adding to the winter wonderland atmosphere.

2. Are there any outdoor activities in Maine during Christmas?

Yes! Maine offers a wide variety of outdoor activities during Christmas, including skiing at Sunday River, snowshoeing in Acadia National Park, and ice skating at Thompson’s Point. There’s something for everyone who loves winter sports.

3. Can you see Christmas lights in Maine?

Yes! Maine boasts some of the best holiday light displays, including those at the Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay and the Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport. The Christmas lights and holiday decorations add a magical touch to the state’s charming towns.

4. Is Maine a good destination for a winter holiday?

Absolutely! Whether you enjoy winter sports, cozying up by the fire, or exploring charming towns filled with holiday lights, Maine offers a perfect winter getaway. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from outdoor enthusiasts to those seeking holiday cheer.