Christmas Lights 2024-2025 in Maine

Christmas in New England is truly magical, and Maine shines brightest during this festive season. The streets of downtown Portland and historic Freeport are transformed into winter wonderlands, with twinkling lights reflecting off freshly fallen snow. Along the waterfront, illuminated ship parades add a unique coastal charm, while festive decorations adorn every corner. Whether strolling through picturesque towns or watching the lights dance on the harbor, Christmas in Maine offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and holiday spirit.

Monument Square Tree Lighting, Portland (Saturday, November 23, 2024)

The Monument Square tree lighting is the annual Portland tradition that kicks off the city's Christmas season. The celebration features live entertainment and a Santa Claus appearance. Bundle up in warm clothes and enjoy dazzling Christmas lights in downtown Portland. Try some complimentary eggnog, take a family picture in Photo Frame created by SubZero Ice Carvings, and watch amazing ice-carving demos. Take a horse & wagon ride through the historic downtown, try holiday treats from The Marshmallow Cart, and warm up in the warming hut or Portland Public Library‘s cozy atrium.

Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay (November 16–December 31, 2024)

As the night falls on Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Gardens Aglow transforms the grounds into a magical winter wonderland with over 750,000 LED lights. This year marks the 10th anniversary of one of New England’s largest light displays. Visitors can explore a one-mile illuminated path, which features sculptures and festive elements like glowing mushrooms, shooting stars, and the Gardens’ beloved trolls, Roskva and Lilja. Guests can also enjoy hot food and beverages at the Café and are encouraged to explore Boothbay Harbor before or after their visit.

Early bird pricing is available for visits between November 16 and 27, with adult tickets at $19 and family passes at $48. Standard tickets starting November 29 are $21 for adults and $54 for families. The Gardenshop offers holiday gifts, both onsite and online, with all sales supporting the Gardens’ mission.

Gardiner Parade of Lights on Water Street (Saturday, December 7, 2024)

Parade of Lights on Water Street is a premier holiday event in Gardiner, Maine. The favorite family event has a different theme every year and kicks off with Small Business Saturday, when local stores have open houses with various activities and refreshments. The Lighting Saturday starts with a festival at Johnson Hall Park. There is live entertainment, hot cocoa, a bake sale, and Christmas caroling. Children can meet Santa Claus in the Gardiner City Hall Council Room from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Parade of Lights begins at 4:30 pm and travels along Water Street from Winter Street to Waterfront Park.

Sparkle Weekend in Freeport (December 6–15, 2024)

Sparkle Celebration is one of Maine's most beloved holiday festivals. Kicking off with the Sparkle Parade of Lights at 6 pm, the parade travels down Main Street, ending with Santa bringing the iconic Talking Christmas Tree to life. The festivities continue throughout the week, offering a range of free, family-friendly activities, including visits with Santa, carriage rides, Christmas movie screenings, and a tuba Christmas concert. The festival also features the Sparkle Frosty Frolic with food trucks, fire pits, holiday tunes, and gifts. Shoppers can enjoy the Sparkle Stroll, featuring special deals, door prizes, and giveaways from the Stealth Elf.

L.L. Bean Northern Lights Celebration, Freeport (2024 dates TBA)

The L.L. Bean Northern Lights Celebration holds one of the most popular Christmas festivals in Maine, taking place at its flagship campus in Freeport. With thousands of twinkling lights and visits with Santa and his reindeer, the festival has fun activities for all ages. Illuminated forested trails feature over 600 evergreens and one giant Christmas tree. Kids love Santa’s post-and-beam workshop where they can share their holiday wishes. Warm-up in a festive 30-foot (9-m) yurt and enjoy the famous Model Train Village. Marvel Freeport's dazzling Christmas lights while enjoying the free horse-drawn wagon rides that depart from the flagship store on Main Street.

Lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse, Cape Neddick, York (Saturday, November 30, 2024)

If you want to see a classic American lighthouse, head to Cape Neddick in York, Maine. Nubble Lighthouse dates back to 1879 and is a New England icon. The 41-foot (12-m) structure sends light 88 feet (27 m) above sea level. The lighthouse now serves as a bed-and-breakfast. During the holidays, it also features a beautiful Christmas light display. Nubble Lighthouse is an excellent spot for writing, painting, photographing, meditating, and other activities that require solitude and beautiful views.

The Portland Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (December 5-22, Select Nights)

The Portland Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights is one of Maine's most famous holiday events, with thousands of spectators watching the Portland waterfront's annual spectacular. A great option to watch the parade is booking a cruise with Casco Bay Lines. Many specialty and music cruises serve food, wine, and champagne to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. If you have no intention to board a boat or a ferry, the large parade of illuminated boats is perfectly visible from the Maine State Pier.