There’s something truly enchanting about Midcoast Maine during the holidays. As the cold settles in and snow begins to blanket the picturesque towns, our region transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive charm, coastal beauty, and countless opportunities for seasonal fun. From twinkling lights and bustling holiday markets to cozy inns and unforgettable culinary experiences, Midcoast Maine offers the perfect backdrop for creating cherished holiday memories. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, this guide will inspire you to explore all the joy and magic this special season has to offer.

38th Annual Christmas by the Sea | Camden, Maine
December 6 - December 8
The Camden Area Business Group presents the 38th annual Christmas by the Sea-- is festive weekend promises an array of family-friendly activities, kicking off with the beloved holiday parade through downtown Camden on Friday evening. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy tree-lightings, holiday music, and performances, along with visits from Santa Claus. Stay updated on all the Christmas by the Sea happenings on Facebook and Instagram. 

Holiday Sunday Stroll | Rockland, Maine | December 8th
The Rockland Holiday Stroll is an afternoon of festive cheer and activities for all ages. Gather around cozy fire pits for s’mores and storytelling, get creative with ornament painting, and enjoy holiday shopping at the Rockland Makers Market and along Main Street. Chat fireside with Mayor Penny York, city councilors, and staff, and don’t miss a visit with Santa from 2-4 p.m. Capture a memorable photo with Newty’s iconic red truck or join the Ugly Sweater Selfie Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a gift certificate from a local business. Special shopping events include a delightful chocolate tasting at Winifred & Evalyn and a poetry reading at Arctic Tern Books. For a unique twist, join the fun of a (yarn) snowball fight in the middle of the street. The Holiday Sunday Stroll is the grand finale of the 2024 Sunday Stroll series, taking place on December 8 from noon to 4 p.m. 
Gardens Aglow | Boothbay, Maine | November 16 - December 31 
Perfect for all ages, Gardens Aglow offers a magical way to embrace the season’s beauty and create unforgettable holiday memories. Don’t forget to bundle up and bring your camera—this is a scene you’ll want to capture! Plan your visit and purchase tickets in advance, as this event often sells out. Wander through illuminated pathways, marvel at creative light displays, and soak in the festive ambiance. Step into a dazzling winter wonderland at Gardens Aglow, a beloved holiday tradition at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. From November 16 to December 31, this enchanting event transforms 14 acres of gardens into a breathtaking spectacle, featuring over 750,000 LED lights twinkling amidst the serene coastal landscape. 
 

 

Santa's Snowbird Express | Unity, Maine
Weekends Until December 22nd
The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad welcomes a very special visitor every November and December... you guessed it, Santa Clause! Santa will climb aboard the hour long train ride to greet families and listen to children's wishes! All riders will receive hot chocolate and cookies to warm them as the train glides along the track! Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, small gift for each child under 11. 

Woodland Wonderland | Old Fashioned Christmas | Bath, Maine | Through December 31
Celebrate the season with a delightful blend of tradition and cheer at Bath’s Old-Fashioned Christmas. One of the event’s highlights is Trolley Caroling, where you and your loved ones can bundle up and harmonize to festive melodies while riding through the charming streets of Bath. The magic doesn’t stop with the trolley! Explore the town’s scavenger hunts, admire festive storefront decorations, and enjoy a variety of seasonal activities that make Bath come alive with holiday spirit. The celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve with the cherished Paul Revere Bell Ringing at City Hall—a tradition that rings in the new year with community and joy. Whether you’re caroling, hunting for holiday treasures, or soaking in the festive ambiance, Bath’s Old-Fashioned Christmas promises a season full of memories and merriment for the whole family.