Activities and Events in Maine
November 2011

A November chill may be in the air, but never-the-less, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Maine this month. Awaiting you is a wonderful schedule of both indoor and outdoor activities and events in Maine, November 2011.

With Thanksgiving on November 24th, and Christmas Day and Hanukkah only a month later, everyone is anxious to kick of the Maine holiday season.

And they do, with...

...holiday craft shows, Christmas parades, tree decorating and tree lighting ceremonies, Santa Claus visits - by land AND by sea, and the holiday lighting of a famous southern Maine lighthouse...

...all accompanied by tasty seasonal foods and lively holiday music.

Adding a festive feel to the events, and a warming touch to the cool November weather, are the holiday lights and holiday cheer that begin to appear in Maine restaurants, shops, inns, hotels and motels.

This can be a good time of year to visit Maine ...

To coincide with the activities and events in Maine in November, many merchants offer holiday sales and specials and finding Maine hotel deals and discounts in November is usually very easy.

However, one thing to keep in mind, many Maine tourist attractions are seasonal and closed at this time of year. Be sure to check schedules ahead of time. On the other hand, skiers rejoice, as some ski resorts in Maine open in November!

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, November 2011, or any other time of year. Share Maine fall activities, or things to do in Maine in the winter, spring or summer.

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

November Maine Event Calendar 2011

With all the things to do in Maine in November, 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, November 2011 may not reflect schedule changes or cancellations. Before heading out, confirm event dates and event locations.

Activities and Events in Maine, November 2011 are listed by event date. For maps and driving directions click on the Map links.

When: Saturday, November 5, 2011
Where: Kittery, Maine - Map
More information: 207-439-0442 or saintraphaels@comcast.net

Held from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at 6 Whipple Road in Kittery, Maine, the Annual St. Raphael's Bazaar features...

...a variety of handcrafted goods, from the big and beautiful, to small and finely detailed goods, along with a stunning collection of gift and theme baskets.

Homemade food goods are always a big draw, and you might find anything from cookies and pies, to flavored oils, homemade jams and jellies, or horseradish sauce. And nearly new proves one’s trash is another’s treasures. A great selection of gently used items includes everything from holiday items to kitchen goods, to books, and videos.

There is face painting for the kids, and raffles that are of special interest to kids, and adults alike looking for a special gift for a child. Specialty Raffles will have everything from small appliances and tools to gift certificates for lobsters. Then there is our Grand Raffle; prizes this year: 1st: $750, 2nd: $375, 3rd: $250 gift certificate to the Kittery Trading Post.

When: Saturday, November 5, 2011 - Sunday, November 6, 2011
Where: Augusta, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Crafts Guild website

"Experience first hand the direct link between Maine's long history of fine handcrafted objects and its contemporary practitioners at the 15th Annual Crafts Show at the Museum, sponsored by the Maine Crafts Guild on November 5 & 6, 2011 at the Maine State Museum in the Capital Complex on State Street in Augusta.

Come meet 30 of Maine's finest craftspeople and begin your holiday shopping at this beautiful light-filled show of heirloom-quality work that will enrich anyone's home, body and soul."

When: Saturday, November 5, 2011 - Sunday, November 6, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen website

Since 1968 the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen have been "promoting quality craft shows for Maine Artisans".

Portland, Maine hotels...

When: Saturday, November 5, 2011 - Sunday, November 6, 2011
Where: Bangor, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Made website

23rd Annual Bangor Arts and Crafts Show... "Enjoy the Maine leaf color changes and stop by to enjoy all the wonderful handcrafted items that United Maine Craftsmen members have to offer! Free gift giveaway every hour."

More Activities and Events in Maine, November 2011...

When: Saturday, November 12, 2011
Where: Bar Harbor, Maine - Map
More information: Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website, Early Bird Pajama Sale and Bed Race page

Sales run from 6:00-9:00 AM. Set your alarm early and shop in your Pajamas for extra discounts. A bed and pajama parade will begin at the Village Green at 10:00 AM with the bed races immediately following on Cottage Street.

Bar Harbor, Maine hotels...

When: Saturday, November 12, 2011
Where: Kennebunk, Maine - Map
More information: School Around Us website

"The SAU Craft Fairs have an excellent reputation in Southern Maine that reflects the talents of the many artists and craftspeople involved in the fair. In an effort to maintain this reputation and to ensure a balance among the categories of artists and crafters, applicants are juried each year."

Kennebunkport, Maine bed and breakfasts...

When: Saturday, November 12, 2011 - Sunday, November 13, 2011
Where: Augusta, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Made website

The 30th Annual Augusta Arts and Crafts Show on Veteran's Day weekend will help you begin your Christmas shopping early with over 120 exhibitors will be selling handcrafted products.

More Activities and Events in Maine, November 2011...

When: Saturday, November 19, 2011 - Sunday, November 20, 2011
Where: Topsham, Maine - Map
More information: Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen website

Since 1968 the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen have been "promoting quality craft shows for Maine Artisans".

Discount Tickets for Maine Events (or events anywhere)...

Great discounts for Maine Black Bears and Portland Pirates games, and all kinds of concerts and other fun Maine things to do.

When: Friday, November 18, 2011 - Friday, December 31, 2011
Where: Freeport, Maine - Map
More information: L.L. Bean website, Events page

Join L.L. Bean at their flagship store in Freeport Maine for fun activities and product demonstrations, holiday crafts events for kids...

...a traditional Christmas tree, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers and entertainment, and much more...

...all in a wonderland of an "incredible display of lights". L.L. Bean will have things to do and see every day until New Year's.

Freeport, Maine hotels...

When: Friday, November 25, 2011
Where: Bethel, Maine - Map
More information: Bethel Maine Chamber of Commerce website, Local Crafts & Wares Fair page

This Bethel crafts fair is a perfect way to enjoy the day after Thanksgiving. Local craftsmen and artists will be on hand at the Bethel Inn Resort Conference Center with their handmade baskets, paintings, photography, knit items, handmade jewelry, jams, jellies pickles, soaps, lotions, quilted items, wooden ware products, and lots more.

Bethel, Maine hotels...

More Activities and Events in Maine, November 2011...

When: Friday, November 25, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Portland Downtown District website, Event Calendar page

On Black Friday, the city will be filled with many other fun events, including the Polar Express Train (see below), the opening of the Victoria Mansion Christmas Season, the start of Twelve Days of Christmas with local merchants join together to offer holiday specials, entertainment and raffles.

Portland, Maine bed and breakfasts...

When: Friday, November 25, 2011
Where: Waterville, Maine - Map
More information: Waterville Maine Street website

The Downtown Waterville, Maine holiday parade "has drawn thousands of families to Main Street for many years". Beginning at the North end of Main Street the parade makes its way to Castonguay Square where a tree lighting and Santa Claus' arrival at Kringleville will take place.

When: Friday, November 25, 2011 - Sunday, November 27, 2011
Where: Rockland, Maine - Map
More information: Rockland Main Street website, Festivals and Events page

In the past this popular Rockland, Maine holiday event has included...

...Santa arriving by Coast Guard boat at the Public Landing in Rockland, Historic Inns Holiday Open Houses, the Lobster Trap Tree Lighting Ceremony, Downtown Festival of Lights Parade, Family Pancake Breakfast with Santa, a Santa workshop, free horse-drawn carriage rides, a Santa's mailbox, holiday music and special events at the Farnsworth Art Museum.

The 2011 Rockland Festival of Lights promises to be much of the same!

Rockland, Maine bed and breakfasts...

When: Friday, November 25, 2011 - Friday, December 23, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum website

Children are encouraged to wear pajamas as they board a decorated train at Ocean Gateway Pier in Portland, Maine for a memorable mile and a half ride along Casco Bay, to Santa's home in the North Pole. Along the way enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, a reading of the Polar Express story, and carols.

"The Polar Express is a major fundraiser for the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum, contributing more than 20% of annual revenues. Thank you for your support!" Advance purchase tickets are available and suggested.

Portland, Maine bed and breakfasts...

More Activities and Events in Maine, November 2011...

When: Friday, November 25, 2011 - Sunday, November 27, 2011
Where: Brewer, Maine - Map
More information: Maine Made website

37th Annual Brewer Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show... "Especially for Christmas Shoppers! The long weekend is a perfect time to get out and shop before everything is gone. Free gift giveaway every hour."

When: Friday, November 25, 2011 - Friday, December 24, 2011
Where: Bethel, Maine - Map
More information: Bethel Maine Chamber of Commerce website, Country Christmas in Bethel page

From Thanksgiving to Christmas, Bethel, Maine will be in a holiday spirit. Events will include the Local Craft and Wares Fair, free horse drawn wagon rides, Christmas at the Mason House, a Living Nativity on Bethel Commons, breakfast with Santa, a Jingle Bell Run, a holiday tree lighting and other holiday events.

Hotels in Bethel, Maine...

When: Saturday, November 26, 2011
Where: Portland, Maine - Map
More information: Down East Ski Club website, Downeast Ski Sale page

"Over 10,000 pieces of ski equipment: boots, skis, snowboards, bindings, helmets, clothing and poles" await visitors at the Portland, Maine Ski Sale. What better way to prepare for the upcoming Maine ski season!

When: Saturday, November 26, 2011
Where: Cape Neddick Lighthouse, York Beach, Maine - Map
More information: The Nubble Light website

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving the Town of York, Maine kicks off the holiday season at Sohier Park, with a Lighting of the Nubble ceremony.

Hot chocolate and cookies, carolers and Santa...

...will be on hand as the Nubble Lighthouse tower and house are outlined with twinkling white lights.

You may also be interested in:
Christmas in Maine
Maine Calendars
Maine Tourist Attractions
Thanksgiving in Maine

Are you Planning Events in Maine for 2012?

...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, November 2011, other Maine fall activities, or Maine things to do in the winter, spring or summer!

Please note...

Great-Maine-Vacations.com does not post political events, including fundraisers. I may have a dedicated page for that purpose in the future, but in the interim, I do not have the resources to accommodate them. I appreciate your understanding.

More Activities and Events in Maine, November 2011 coming...