Are you a sucker for holiday festivities? Do you make dozens of Christmas cookies and deck out your house in decorations? If this describes you, you’re in luck: Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude is the embodiment of your fantasies. Ten days worth of Christmas related activities whisks you from planet earth to holiday heaven—HGTV even voted Kennebunkport the #2 Christmas Town in America because of it! Let our team at Nonantum Resort guide you through the details of Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude, because there’s so much to be accounted for. You don’t want to miss this!
Signature Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude Events
Dozens of small events and activities populate the schedule throughout the festival. Think: workshops on how to write letters to Santa, playing Pin the Nose on Rudolph, and a Cookies and Cocktails class. While you could fill your days with these, make sure you hit the signature Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude events. Here’s the rundown.
1. Tree Lighting in Dock Square
Kick-off your Christmas season with the iconic tree lighting in Dock Square. The lighting of the giant tree follows Christmas carols sung by local school choirs. Let your holiday spirits soar as the lights illuminate the night.
2. Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree Lighting
While Christmas trees with classic ornaments and bulbs of all shapes and sizes are always gorgeous, we’ve also got another tree that’s more representative of our coastal culture in Maine. This tree in Cape Porpoise has actual lobster traps for decorations, for a tree you’ll only find while celebrating Christmas in Maine.
3. Hat Parade
If you’re feeling creative, join the Hat Parade. The most innovative people have figured out how to put gingerbread houses on their heads or make their own versions of snowmen and Santa to wear. Or, for your hat, make Candyland in an accessory, and you won’t be hungry as you march—as long as you use chocolate as the “glue” to hold it together.
4. Fire + Ice
Fire + Ice is our favorite part of Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude. Hosted at Nonantum, break out that little red dress for the night, and convince your partner to dress festively, too. Dance the night away to live music, festive drinks from the hand-carved ice bar, and of course, snacks.
5. ‘Twas a Night Before Christmas
After Santa’s arrival on a lobster boat, Father Christmas himself will read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas while you eat the classic Santa snack: cookies and milk. Dancer, Dasher, Prancer, and Vixen might even make an appearance if you keep an eye out for them.
6. Walk to Bethlehem
Just like the Bible story, locals dressed as Mary and Joseph seek shelter at three historic inns in Kennebunkport. After getting turned away each time, the couple – as well as the candlelight procession with them – finally find a manger where Bible readings, hymns, and carols are sung to celebrate.
7. Fireworks Display
You’ve heard of Christmas in July, but how about July in December? At Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude, you can see fireworks in the midst of holiday celebrations.
Christmas Prelude at Nonantum Resort
Besides Fire + Ice, you’ll find plenty of Christmas spirit at Nonantum Resort. We are the perfect place to stay for Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude because of our close proximity to all of the events, as well as our festive decorations and jolly attitudes. When it comes to Kennebunkport lodging, we are the best of the best—so visit us on our website or give us a call at 888-205-1555 for more information.