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, nowhere is more festive than Kennebunkport. Every December, the seaside town transforms into a holiday wonderland seemingly straight out of a Hallmark movie.

From December 4th to December 14th, the city rings in the season with the Christmas Prelude, an annual tradition now in its 44th year. The festivities span 11 action-packed days and include events for all ages, including a lobster trap Christmas tree, candlelight caroling, and even a visit from Santa Claus, who trades in his standard sequence for a ride aboard.

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

See Christmas trees.

What’s more iconic than a Christmas tree made out of lobster traps? Stop by Cape Porpoise Square to see the spectacle. Kennebunk Port’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 winking trolley.

Every year, the Seaside Trolley Museum decorates its (warm) trolleys to take guests on a ride through the forest along the Heritage Railway. The rides, which last about 25-25 minutes, are from 5 to 7 and 12 to 14 between 9:30 am to 5 pm. Online ticket purchase is recommended.

Shop at the holiday market.

Looking to stock up on some gifts when you visit? Be sure to stop by the Merry Makers Market in Kennebunk from December 5th to the 15th to browse for handcrafted and hard-to-find gifts. Local shops like Daytrip Society, Bliss, Melange, and Seacraft sell amazing goods for even the coolest people on your list.

Take a quilting workshop.

If you’re looking for a great way to bring back the holiday cheer year after year, consider participating in a flower-making workshop. Snog Harbor Farm and Nathaniel Lord Mansion both offer classes. The latter—one of four historic properties that make up the Cannonbunk Port Captains Collection. There are also stocking stuffers and gingerbread house making sessions, among other seasonal events.

Lift your spirits at the holiday-themed bar.

During the holiday season, some of Kennebunkport’s best bars and restaurants go through my transformation to celebrate. The Kennebunk Port Inn becomes a burly tinsel bar, decked floor-to-ceiling with Christmas ornaments, lights and garland. And no one does vacations quite like Bateson River. Every year, the Kennebunk Port Outpost becomes a winter wonderland with vintage blue prints, tinsel tinsel, and stockings galore. Can’t-miss cocktail tails include Sleightown in the city, made with snickerdoodle syrup, and We’re Mint in a peppery white chocolate delight.

where to stay

The White Barn Inn

One of the state’s most luxurious hotels and part of the Auberge Resorts collection, the White Barn Inn is cozy, romantic, and, in December, decorated with interior decor by Nathan Turner. With heated floors, gas fireplaces and large soaking tubs, the rooms here are the perfect place to warm up from the chilly winter weather.

Kennebunk Port Captain Collection

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