Winter in New England and during the holidays is always magical. If you’re spending Christmas in Maine, the Christmas Prelude is so unique to the charming Kennebunkport. It’s been quite a few years since I’ve visited Kennebunkport during one of the most magical times of the year, but this is updated for this year! Make sure to plan your visit around the Christmas Prelude, and also venture outside of Kennebunkport to see one of the most iconic lighthouses in the USA! Keep reading as this post shows you all the best things to see in Kennebunkport in winter!

The Best Things to See in Kennebunkport in Winter

Things to See in Kennebunkport during the Christmas Prelude

What is the Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport? This special event lasts eleven days and includes plenty of holiday activities including tree-lightings and fireworks. Even Country Living has rewarded it as one of the best destinations for a Christmas family vacation in the world! It really is a hallmark Christmas movie come to life!

1 Marvel at a Tree lighting

The Christmas Prelude has tree-lighting events including one at Dock Square, Cape Porpoise, and the Lower Village. You can find all the details about each tree-lighting at the Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude website.

2 Wave to Santa on a lobster boat

One of the best things to do in Kennebunkport with kids is see Santa and Mrs. Clause at the Nonantum Resort. This event is absolutely free to the public!

3 Enjoy the Pooch Parade

How unique is this! For the last fourteen years, Kennebunkport has been welcoming any furry friends and their humans. This parade goes down Main Street and through Dock Square to Ocean Avenue.

4 See the Christmas Fireworks

This fireworks display usually takes place in the cove and can be seen if you’re in downtown Kennebunkport. Make sure to check the Christmas Prelude website for details.

5 Enjoy Christmas candlelight caroling

No Christmas Prelude is complete without a few Christmas carols. You can find all the details here.

If you’re looking for all of the best ski resorts in New England, check out this comprehensive guide!

Is Kennebunkport worth visiting in Winter?

Winter Kennebunkport is worth visiting during the winter. Kennebunkport turns into the most charming town during the winter and the holidays. The Christmas Prelude is one of the best things to see in Kennebunkport and Maine in the winter, besides skiing or snowboarding of course! You’ll also be avoiding the summer crowds since it is a very popular spot in the summer!

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Best things to see in Downtown Kennebunkport

6 Visit the Tinsel Bar at the Burleigh Restaurant

Make sure to make a reservation for this festive restaurant. During the holiday season even before Thanksgiving it transforms into the most colorful form of Christmas cheer!

7 Dine in an Igloo with a Gondola bar

Even though these igloos usually don’t open until January, this is one of the best things to see in Kennebunkport in winter. These gondola bars are a tradition at the Kennebunkport Inn; because who doesn’t want to sip spiked hot cocoa in a festive red gondola?! Don’t worry the gondolas are heated in case it’s chilly, and they have a wonderful winter-themed food and drink menu. When we visited a few years ago my husband and I enjoyed crepes, poutine, and pierogis. They also sometimes offer outdoor activities, check out all the details on their website before visiting.

8 Shop at Seacraft Vintage

Seacraft Vintage is one of my favorite stores in Kennebunkport, especially during the holidays! You can find all things vintage with a coastal New England flair. You can visit the other village shops nearby, and I’ve left before with the most delicious gingerbread Christmas tree and a bottle of local wine.

9 Enjoy Coastal Lighthouse Village at the Boathouse

This is probably one of the best things to see in Kennebunkport in the winter, how often can you dine in a lighthouse? This coastal lighthouse village runs from December to March, and a reservation is required. What a perfect holiday activity for the family or one of the best things to do in Kennebunkport with kids!

10 Shop around Dock Square

Dock Square is the main area of downtown Kennebunkport off Main Street where you’ll find all the best shops. You’ll find everything from boutiques and galleries to the popular ‘Candyman’ Fudge factory. If you’re planning to attend the Christmas Prelude you’ll find the Dock Square Christmas tree lighting right in this area. The tree the town finds every year is always so beautiful!

11 Dine in a luxury fish shack at Batson River Brewery

One of the most unique things to do in Kennebunkport is dine in a festive fish shack. This brewery is a popular one in the town and is located right down the road from Dock Square. Make sure to enjoy all the festive window decor during the holidays. You’ll even find Santa’s truck (yes, not the sleigh) filled with presents! Don’t forget to make a reservation!

Best Kennebunkport Hotels

White Barn Inn $$$: If you’re looking for luxury in Kennebunkport, you’ll find it here. This is a four-star hotel with the quaintest New England decor and atmosphere. Their dining area really is something special, it looks straight out of a rustic barn dream. They even have rooms right on the water, and the loveliest outdoor area if you want to save this place for the summer!

Kennebunkport Inn $$: This location couldn’t be better as it’s right in downtown Kennebunkport. If you’re visiting for the Prelude or spending Christmas in Kennebunkport this location would be perfect for you. If you’re looking for one of the best things to see in Kennebunkport in winter then make sure to book your room and an après ski experience to dine in one of their gondolas!

Kennebunkport‘s Captains Collections $$: This bed and breakfast is extremely unique as it is one of the oldest buildings in Kennebunkport‘s historic district. Its location is also very close to downtown Kennebunkport.

Best things to see in Kennebunkport area

12 Book a reservation for Earth at Hidden Pond

This is one of my favorite restaurants in New England and certainly the most unique! This hidden gem is open all year round and even offers private dining, perfect for those holiday parties! Their menu changes seasonally, and even though I’ve only been during the summer I’m sure their winter menu is just as delightful!

13 Enjoy a Wreath making class at Sung Harbor Farm

This gem in Kennebunkport is so lovely. You can find all the winter greenery, seasonal ornaments, and much more at this adorable farm. You’ll find all this beautiful winter greenery and holiday decor in their barn that is completely decked out before the holidays. The last time we visited we picked up some of the most beautiful winter greenery for our Christmas table. It really is one of the most beautiful farms in New England and one of the best things to see in Kennebunkport.

14 One of the best things to see in Kennebunkport is Nubble Lighthouse

This is one of my favorite lighthouses in New England. If you’re visiting downtown Kennebunkport or spending Christmas in Kennebunkport you absolutely should not miss this spot. Depending on which way you’re headed out of town you may drive right past it! Even though it’s a popular spot in the summer, it’s just as beautiful in the winter covered under a blanket of snow.

15 Ride a Christmas Prelude trolley

One of the best things to do in Kennebunkport with kids in the winter is to ride the Christmas trolley. This isn’t any ordinary trolley, these trolleys are practically antique and will be all decked out for the holiday season if you’re visiting before Christmas. Make sure to arrive early or stay a little later to enjoy the museum. Make sure to reserve your tickets in advance on their website.

16 Drive to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

If you’re up for a drive, Maine’s botanical gardens aren’t too far of a drive from downtown Kennebunkport. They actually close for some of the winter months but offer an incredible ‘Gardens Aglow’ event for the holiday season.

17 Visit Ogunquit Beach

Kennebunkport is one of the best beach towns in New England, but this beach can be just as beautiful in the winter too. This beach is only around a twenty-minute drive from downtown Kennebunkport, located near Cape Porpoise.

18 Visit the nearby Cape Porpoise

Less than a ten-minute drive from downtown Kennebunkport is Cape Porpoise. Cape Porpoise is one of the best things to see in Kennebunkport, especially during the winter and holiday season. You’ll find a uniquely decorated lobster trap Christmas tree and a few other fabulous shops, perfect for all your holiday shopping. Keep reading below. complete with a carved lobster topper.

19 Find the Lobster trap Christmas tree

This is one of the most unique Christmas trees you’ll ever see! This tree is somewhat famous in Kennebunkport. There is an annual tree lighting as included in the Christmas Prelude.

20 Shop at Farm and Table

A New England red barn against a blanket of snow is one of the most magical scenes during winter. This charming shop specializes in handmade serving ware and kitchen accessories. Think of where Williams Sonoma meets Home Goods!

21 Have a gourmet sandwich at Cape Porpoise Kitchen

For gourmet sandwiches check out Cape Porpoise Kitchen. You can also try a lobster roll close by at the famous Langsford Road Lobster and Fish House.

22 Goat Island Lighthouse

If you’re in Cape Porpoise take a drive by this little lighthouse. Keep in mind it might not be open to visit during the winter months.

23 Take a drive to Portland Maine

One of the most popular cities in Maine is Portland. Here are a few of the other best towns in New England to visit!

What are the best things to do in Kennebunkport with kids?

If you’re visiting Kennebunkport at Christmas and looking for the best things to do I would recommend the Christmas Prelude Trolley and seeing Santa as listed above. Both of these events are through the Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude. Besides Ogunquit Beach there are plenty of others in the surrounding area, I also love using Google Maps! I have also heard Rockin Horse Farm offers horse-drawn carriage rides, but you would have to contact them for details!

What are the best things to do in Kennebunkport Maine in the fall?

Fall is one of the best seasons to visit New England, as it has some of the best fall foliage in the United States and the world! Many of the spots listed above are the best things to see in Kennebunkport during either winter or fall. My favorite however is to take a long walk around the surrounding neighborhoods of downtown Kennebunkport and admire the foliage.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in New England in the fall, this guide is just what you need. Otherwise, if you’ll be visiting Vermont as well here’s the ultimate guide to fall in Vermont

What are the most romantic things to do in Kennebunkport

One of the most romantic things to do in Kennebunkport is to stay at one of the lovely waterside resorts including White Barn Inn or the Hidden Pond Resort. Both of these have wonderful restaurants and plenty of privacy. You can also take a long walk on the beach at one of the many close by. This town really is such a great place for a romantic getaway!

Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:

Top New England Ski Resorts: A comprehensive guide skiing the Northeast!

Newport Rhode Island in the Winter: 25 Best Things to Do

Christmas Tree Farms in Mass: Where to cut your own and more!

14 Things to Do in New England in the Fall

New England: A Comprehensive Guide for the Spring season

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