Activities and Events in Maine
December 2010

When is the best time to visit Maine? For many people it is during the summer. However, Christmas in Maine and the celebration of Hanukkah can be a magical time, made that much more exciting with the wonderful list of family activities and events in Maine, December 2010.

December weather in Maine is perfect for Santa's visit and tree lightings...

...along with the many Christmas parades, holiday festivals and concerts, crafts fairs and art shows - featuring Maine-made gifts and food, special shopping events, and the living Nativity displays, with real people and live animals.

What else is on the list of things to do in Maine at Christmas?

Certainly not to be missed are the dozens of dazzling Christmas light displays in Maine. From early December, through Christmas week and New Year's Eve celebrations, thousands of twinkling lights brighten winter skies across the state.

Christmas in Maine also means that Maine ski resorts are once again open for the season - offering wonderful holiday ski packages, and family entertainment! The holiday spirit is everywhere...

...and to encourage people to take a Maine Christmas vacation and enjoy the activities and events in Maine, December 2010, many hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, shops and restaurants, offer holiday discounts and other specials.

Read where other travelers say the best places to stay in Maine are...

...and find the best Maine hotel deals, while comparing prices on hotels in Maine, motels, inns and B&B's.

Do you sponsor a Maine event, or know of one to share?

If so, the form at the bottom of this page is for you! Use it for Activities and Events in Maine, December 2010, or any other time of year. Share other late fall activities, things to do in Maine in the winter, spring events, or summer outings.

Your event may already be included on the Great-Maine-Vacations.com Maine event calendar. If you see it and would like to update event information, please contact me and I will make the appropriate changes.

December Maine Event Calendar 2010

With all the things to do in Maine in December this list will continue to grow. Please check back periodically to see what current events have been added.

Very important...
Activities and events in Maine, December 2010 may not reflect schedule changes or cancellations. Before heading out, please confirm event dates and event locations.

Activities and Events in Maine, December 2010 are listed by event date. For maps and driving directions click on the Map links.

When: December through March (dependent on snow amounts)
Where: Harrison, Maine - Map
More information: High View Farm website

"High View Farm is owned and operated by the Winslow Family and was first settled in 1810 by their ancestors. It is a working farm with animals, including Belgian Draft Horses and Guernsey Dairy Cows. During the winter the farm offers Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides and Bonfire Packages, for a romantic experience or family fun."

"With an Old Fashioned journey and a slower way to travel it gives a way to create lasting memories."

When: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - Friday, December 31, 2010
Where: Freeport, Maine - Map
More information: L.L. Bean website, Events page

Join L.L. Bean for Christmas in Maine...

"...all season long in Freeport for exciting events and holiday fun. Enjoy free-valet parking, product demos, crafts for kids, horse drawn carriage rides and more. There's something to see and do every day through the new year."

When: Friday, November 26, 2010 - Friday, December 24, 2010
Where: Bethel, Maine - Map
More information: Bethel Maine Chamber of Commerce website, Country Christmas in Bethel page

"Small town atmosphere, lots of fun events -- Thanksgiving to Christmas. Local Craft & Wares Fair (Nov. 26), wagon rides through Bethel village, Taste of Bethel & Theme Wreath Auction (Dec. 4), open houses, shopping specials, Arrival of Santa & Christmas tree lighting, the Living Nativity (Dec. 19), all creating a fun country Christmas atmosphere!"

When: Thursday, December 2, 2010 (members only) - Saturday, December 4, 2010
Where: Camden, Maine - Map
More information: Merryspring Nature Center website

In addition to holiday greenery and books for the gardener or naturalist on your list, you will also find many other unique Maine gifts, including...

...delicious homemade jams, preserves and candy, compounded spice mixes, herbal sachets, paperwhites in their holiday best, supplies to make your own decorations, pet treats, botanical greeting cards. hand-crafted Della Robbia wreaths, decoupage boxes, seashell picture frames, ornaments, and much, much more.

More Activities and Events in Maine, December 2010...

When: Thursday, December 2, 2010 - Sunday, December 12, 2010
Where: Kennebunkport, Maine - Map
More information: Christmas Prelude website

The Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude was just voted "the #2 Christmas Town in America by HGTV!"

"The first Prelude included a tree lighting ceremony, a River Tree Arts concert, a chowder luncheon, candlelight caroling and Santa’s arrival by lobster boat. We now have three tree-lighting ceremonies – Dock Square in Kennebunkport, Lower Village of Kennebunk and the lobster trap tree in Cape Porpoise; about a dozen Art and Craft Fairs; approximately 12 venues serving either breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner; programs sponsored by the Historical Society; and 12 programs of music celebrating the season.'

'Santa still arrives by lobster boat escorted by two very special “lobster elves”. The Kennebunkport Business Association’s Christmas Prelude is now in its 26th year. For each of these years, business people have worked with the community to recreate the spirit and joy of the Christmas season."

When: Friday, December 3, 2010
Where: Bar Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website, Village Holidays and Midnight Madness Sale page

"5pm-midnight. Help us welcome Santa to Bar Harbor on the Village Green at 5pm. Plenty of activities for adults and children, including having pictures taken with Santa. The 10th Annual Midnight Madness Sale will be held from 8pm-midnight. There will be great discounts, music, food, drink and midnight raffles!"

When: Friday, December 3, 2010
Where: Southwest Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Southwest Harbor Tremont Chamber of Commerce website, Community Calendar page

"Santa Claus comes to town from 5-8 p.m. Lighting of the Christmas tree, bonfire, hayride and a special party at Harbor House Community Center to meet Santa Claus. Photos available. Community celebration runs through Christmas with shopping and much more. "

When: Friday, December 3, 2010 - Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Camden, Maine - Map
More information: Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce website, Christmas by the Sea page

Sponsored by the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce...

"A weekend celebration of the holiday season. Shopping, musical entertainment, a parade, a community tree-lighting ceremony, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. Holiday House Inn Tour. Holiday sales and dining specials. Photos and children's story hour with Santa (who arrives by boat!)"

More Activities and Events in Maine, December 2010...

When: Friday, December 3, 2010 - Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Freeport, Maine - Map
More information: Freeport Merchants Association website, Holiday page (2010 dates not posted, as of this writing)

"Free Hot Cocoa, Craft Fairs, Wally the Green Monster, Carriage rides, visits with Santa" and more.

When: Saturday, December 4, 2010
Where: Bethel, Maine - Map
More information: Bethel Chamber of Commerce website, Taste of Bethel and Wreath Silent Auction page

"Lots of delicious food! Beautiful wreaths to decorate your home or business!"

When: Saturday, December 4, 2010
Where: York Beach, Maine - Map
More information: Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce website, Events page

"See York Village come alive with lights & watch the annual Holiday Parade, fairs, caroling, Santa Claus, Church suppers and more."

When: Saturday, December 4, 2010
Where: Boothbay Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce website, Harbor Lights Festival page

"Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat, holiday craft fair, lighting of the town tree, holiday carols, live nativity, and spectacular boat parade."

More Activities and Events in Maine, December 2010...

When: Saturday, December 4, 2010 - Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: United Maine Craftsmen website

"Shop from 95 talented Maine Artisans who will be selling handcrafted Holiday Gifts. Free gift-wrapping and hourly door prize."

When: Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Newry, Maine - Map
More information: Sunday River website, Events Calendar page

"Come celebrate the arrival of winter and the upcoming holiday season while raising money for a good cause with our 11th Annual Santa Sunday. Dress in a full Santa costume and you can ski or ride for free. Pre-registration required. We will announce registration date in November."

When: Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Old Orchard Beach, Maine - Map
More information: Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce website, Activities and Events page

"Annual tree-lighting event with free horse-drawn haywagon rides, face painting, entertainment, hot chocolate and food. Frosty and Rudolph will be on hand. Bonfire and caroling on the Beach and holiday bazaar. Have your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive on a fire engine, making this a very special tradition and holiday event."

When: Friday, December 10, 2010 - Sunday, December 12, 2010
Where: Ogunquit, Maine - Map
More information: Ogunquit Maine Chamber of Commerce website, Christmas by the Sea Celebration page

A wonderful holiday weekend filled with...

Carolers, concerts, the Ogunquit tree lighting, hay rides, visits with Santa, arts and crafts show, holiday storytelling, a Christmas parade, homemade food and holiday family fun!

More Activities and Events in Maine, December 2010...

When: Saturday, December 11, 2010
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: United Maine Craftsmen website

"Because our Holiday Show has been so successful we added another show the following Saturday. Some of the same, but many different artisans will be exhibiting at this show so don't miss your chance to purchase that last minute special gift."

When: Saturday, December 11, 2010 - Sunday, December 12, 2010
Where: Bath, Maine - Map
More information: Candy Cane Train website

The Candy Cane Train departs from the Bath Train Station in Bath, Maine.

"Passengers meet Santa and his elves, listen to storytellers, sing songs and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies during the 90-minute round trip to Wiscasset and back to Bath."

When: Sunday, December 12, 2010
Where: Wells, Maine - Map
More information: Southern Maine Parade website

Beginning at the Wells Plaza parking lot and continuing north on U.S. Route 1 to the Wells Junior High School...

"This is the 26th year of the parade in Wells, Maine. Our theme for this year's parade is "Tropical Christmas." The parade will take place on Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 2:00 PM."

When: Friday, December 31, 2010
Where: Carrabassett Valley, Maine - Map
More information: Sugarloaf website, Christmas Vacation Week page

"Join us in the King Pine Ballroom as we kick off the Family New Years Party. Entertainment, Kid's Activities, and much more!"

When: Friday, December 31, 2010
Where: Bar Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website, Sponsorship Opportunities page

Spend New Year's Eve in Bar Harbor, Maine at a family event that includes hayrides, a bonfire, and many other events, during the afternoon and evening.

You may also be interested in:
Christmas in Maine
Christmas Tree Shop Maine
Christmas Wreaths From Maine
Maine Weather Forecast

Are you Planning Events in Maine?

...or know of one that should be shared? Just send me the details and I will be happy to include it in the appropriate section. You can send additions to Activities and Events in Maine, December 2010, other late fall events, winter activities, or things to do in the spring!

Hope you enjoyed Activities and Events in Maine, December 2010...