This Coastal Maine Town Transforms Into a Holiday Wonderland Every December—and It Has a Lobster Trap Christmas Tree

When it comes to celebrating the holidays in Maine, there’s nowhere more festive than Kennebunkport. Each December, the seaside town transforms into a holiday wonderland seemingly straight out of a Hallmark movie.

From December 4 through 14, the town rings in the season with Christmas Prelude, an annual tradition that’s now ushering in its 44th year. The festivities span 11 action-packed days and include events for all ages, including lighting the lobster trap Christmas tree, candlelight caroling, and even a visit from Santa Claus, who trades in his standard sleigh for an arrival aboard—what else—a lobster boat.

Hotels deck the halls with their holiday finest, bars and restaurants craft special seasonal menus, and the village’s shops and holiday markets are the perfect places to cross everyone’s gifts off your list.

See the Christmas trees.

What’s more iconically Maine than a Christmas tree crafted from lobster traps? Stop by Cape Porpoise Square to see the spectacle. Kennebunkport’s Dock Square and Kennebunk’s Lower Village also have sparkling trees that are sure to put you in the holiday mood.

Hop aboard a twinkling trolley.

Each year, the Seashore Trolley Museum decorates its (heated) trolleys to take guests on a ride along the heritage railroad through the woods. The rides, which last roughly 25 minutes, are held between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. from December 5 to 7 and 12 to 14. Purchasing tickets online is recommended.

Shop at a holiday market.

Looking to stock up on some gifts while you’re visiting? Be sure to stop by the Merry Makers Market in Kennebunk from December 5 to 15 to seek out handcrafted and hard-to-find presents. Local shops such as Daytrip Society, Bliss, Mélange, and Seacraft sell wonderful wares for even the pickiest people on your list.

Take a wreath-making workshop.

If you’re searching for the perfect way to bring back the holiday cheer year after year, consider partaking in a wreath-making workshop. Snug Harbor Farm and Nathaniel Lord Mansion both offer classes. The latter—one of the four historic properties that make up the Kennebunkport Captains Collection—also holds stocking-decorating and gingerbread house-making sessions, among other seasonal events.

Lift your spirits at a holiday-themed bar.

Throughout the holiday season, some of Kennebunkport’s best bars and restaurants undergo a merry makeover to celebrate. The Burleigh at Kennebunkport Inn becomes the Tinsel Bar, decked from floor to ceiling with Christmas ornaments, lights, and garlands. And no one does the holidays quite like Batson River. Each year, the Kennebunkport outpost becomes a winter wonderland with vintage blow molds, tons of tinsel, and stockings galore. Can’t-miss cocktails include Sleigh the Town, crafted with snickerdoodle syrup, and We’re Mint to Be, a peppermint white chocolate delight.

Where to Stay

White Barn Inn

One of the most luxe hotels in the state and part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, White Barn Inn is cozy, romantic, and, throughout December, donned with decor from interior decorator Nathan Turner. With heated floors, gas fireplaces, and large soaking tubs, the rooms here are the ideal place to warm up from the chilly winter weather.

Kennebunkport Captains Collection

For visitors wanting to dive into the historic nautical charm of Kennebunkport, look no further than the Kennebunkport Captains Collection. The four properties that make up this collection were constructed in the early 19th century and once belonged to the daughters of Captain Daniel Walker. Now under Lark Hotels, these houses are soaked in history. Guests can enjoy live music, heated igloo rentals, family crafts, a hot chocolate bar, and a gift market at Nathaniel Lord’s Carriage House.