Christmas by the Coast: Kennebunkport Edition

Hannah Truman
Dec 23, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Sep 2

A Festive Winter Stroll Through Kennebunkport

Winter in Maine may be quiet, but we found the perfect way to embrace the season’s charm. With Kennebunkport decked out in its festive finest, a stroll through town was just the thing to lift our spirits and soak up some holiday magic.

Tips for Visiting Kennebunkport at Christmas

Bundle Up: Coastal Maine winters are chilly and windy, so layer up with a warm coat, hat, and gloves.
Plan Around Prelude: Kennebunkport’s “Christmas Prelude” festival (early December) is the town’s biggest holiday event, featuring tree lightings, parades, and festive markets.
Arrive Early: Parking in Dock Square fills up quickly during holiday events—get there early to snag a spot.
Shop Local: Many boutiques and galleries offer unique, Maine-made holiday gifts.
Warm Up With a Treat: Pop into local cafés or bakeries for cocoa or chowder to warm your hands between strolls.
Capture the Lights: Bring a camera or phone with night mode to capture the twinkling decorations after dark.

View the Lobster Tree at Dock Square

In the middle of the square stands a tall Christmas tree topped and decorated all over with lobsters. The shops are lined with lights and wreaths hang from almost every building.

Creative Restaurant Seating

Several restaurants around Kennebunkport offer heated outdoor seating. We saw igloos, gondolas, and gingerbread houses. Although this experience looks great, you will need to reserve seating ahead of time (more than a week in advance) because these spots will be all booked up!

Additional Photo Ops

Next to the Boathouse Restaurant is a bridge wrapped in a light tunnel, a perfect place for some Instagram-worthy shots! Also, you can find plenty of holiday decorations like Santa's sleigh and the North Pole mailbox around the town.

Warm Up with Festive Drinks

Of course, our trip wouldn't be complete without a coffee. We grabbed a hot drink from the Mornings in Paris cafe before heading out. I went with a sweet combination of white chocolate and berries called the "Snow Berry Latte" from the holiday drink menu. Yum!