Prelude Lodging: Rhumb Line Resort l Seaside Inn l Nonantum Resort
Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude – Dec 4 – 14, 2025
Kennebunkport’s “Christmas Prelude” is a wonderful seaside holiday celebration and the best way to kick off the Christmas season. Prelude in Kennebunkport is bright lights, bows and boughs, festive events and everyone coming together to celebrate this magical season.
Christmas Prelude began in 1982 and has become one of the most popular annual events in Kennebunkport. Visitors from all over the world take part in the Dock Square tree lighting, caroling, holiday shopping, craft fairs, parades, and the festive Kennebunkport holiday decor.
HGTV features the annual Kennebunkport celebration as the “#2 Christmas Town in America.” Kennebunkport is the perfect place to kick off your holiday season. Local lodging properties offer Prelude specials and package deals for an affordable getaway.
Kennebunkport’s 44th Annual Christmas Prelude is Dec 4 -14, 2025
Below is a sampling of a few of the signature festive events in Kennebunkport & Kennebunk
WALKING TOUR: Get the Ultimate from your Prelude with a Local Walking Tour – From Only $30 (SAVE with Special Code) Group Tours from $270 ($240 with Promo Code)
Experience the magic of Kennebunkport Prelude with a guided holiday walking tour through historic Dock Square, Ocean Avenue, and the storybook coastal streets that make Kennebunkport so special.
Click here for Tour details and Promo Code and Save
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
Gingerbread Decorating at Auntie’s, 10 am – 4 pm
Decorate gingerbread men, moose, reindeer and tiny houses with sweet toppings and Christmas cheer! We’ll be in heated tents outdoors with hot drinks available for purchase. First come, first served, fees apply. No reservations required. Auntie’s House Bakery & Chocolatier, 155 Port Road, Kennebunk.
Prelude Family Skate Night, 3:30-5:30 pm
Come skate under the lights to fun family tunes and free cocoa! Sponsored by the KKA Chamber and Town of Kennebunk. Waterhouse Center, 55 Main St., Kennebunk
Maine Women Artists Reception, 5 pm – 7 pm
Join us for our opening show reception offering a wide selection of original fine art pieces and unique handmade holiday crafts. We will have live music, as well as many of the artists in attendance. Masonic Lodge, 1 North Street, Kennebunkport
Prelude Piedmont Wine Dinner at Nonantum 6 – 9 pm with Piedmont celebrated wines paired with a six-course dinner, call The Nonantum Resort, for reservations, 207-967-4050, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
Magical Woods Walk 3 pm – 4:30 pm
Experience a magical walk at Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. $30 with cocoa, snacks and a bonfire following the guided walk. Children under 5 free. Kennebunkport Conservation Trust Emmons Preserve, 57 Gravelly Brook Rd, Kennebunkport.
Candlelight Christmas Party at White Columns, 6 pm – 9 pm
Enjoy the festively decorated White Columns, the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. Taste of Town hors d’oeuvres, live piano music, and one drink ticket. Presented by the Kennebunkport Historical Society. Tickets are limited and sell out fast. For tickets call 207-967-2751 or visit kporths.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025
Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Ride in heated trolleys decked out in live holiday greens on our private heritage railway, shop in the Museum Store, and enjoy delicious hot chocolate! Only $14/person; children 2 and under that will be sitting on laps on the trolley ride are free. Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport
Victorian Era Mansion Tours of White Columns, 10 am- 3pm
Docent led tours of the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. The tour includes history of Kennebunkport, its shipbuilding and maritime traditions, and the intriguing story of the family that inhabited the home. Kporths.com for tickets, $22 per person. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport
Artisan Holiday Fair, 12 – 5 pm
Local artisans, holiday handcrafted gifts, mulled cider bar. Spaulding Center for Active Living, 175 Port Road, Kennebunk
The Official Dock Square Historic Walking Tour, 2 – 3pm
Experience the history of Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, $25 per person, tickets sold in advance – purchase online here. White Columns, 8 Maine St, Kennebunkport.
Fireside Carols & S’mores, 3 pm – 5 pm.
Stop by Rococo Desert Bar patio for firepit, carolers, hot drinks and s’more for purchase inside. 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk
Hot Chocolate & Coffee, Bavaria Pretzels & Sweet Treats, 4 pm – 7:30 pm
Before, during and after the Dock Square Tree Lighting at Dock Square Coffee House, 18 Dock Square, Kennebunkport
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square, 5:30 pm – 6:30pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square officially begins the season. Join in Christmas caroling with the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir, followed by the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Savings. Dock Square, Kennebunkport
Prelude Tree Lighting Dinner, 5:30 – 9 pm at The Nonantum Resort
Join us for a celebratory buffet dinner! Our award-winning Chef has created a seasonal menu to match the magic of the season. Live music. Reservations are required, call 207-967-4050 The Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport,
Candlelight Victorian Era Mansion Tours at White Columns, 4- 7 pm
Enjoy seeing the house in light! White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family, elaborately decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Admission fee, tours hourly, tickets sold in advance. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport
Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree Lighting, 7 – 8 pm
Kennebunkport ‘s most original holiday decoration will be officially lit in Cape Porpoise Square. Join in the caroling with The Church on the Cape Choir. Refreshments served at Cape Porpoise Fire Station. Sponsored by KBA members and Bradbury Brothers. Cape Porpoise Square
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Kennebunkport Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Pancakes, sausage, donuts, coffee, juice, donations accepted to go to Mary’s Firemen for a Cure. 32 North Street, Kennebunkport
Artisan Holiday Fair at The Center, 9 am – 4 pm
Join us at The Center for our annual holiday fair! Shop handcrafted gifts, beautifully hand-decorated boxwood trees, all by local artisans. Spaulding Center for Active Living, 175 Port Road, Kennebunk
Holiday Craft Fair at Consolidated School, 9 am – 3 pm
A tradition for 30+ years, this fair fills the school with a variety of arts and crafts by local artisans. Presented by Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation. A donation is suggested to benefit the recreation scholarship fund. Consolidated School, 25 School Street, Kennebunkport
South Congregational Church Crafts Fair, 9 am – 4 pm
Quality Maine-made crafts at the Community House. South Congregational Church, 2 North Street, Kennebunkport
Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Ride in heated trolleys decked out in live holiday greens on our private heritage railway, shop in the Museum Store, and enjoy delicious hot chocolate! $14/person; children 2 and under free. Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport
Victorian Era Mansion Tours of White Columns, 10 am – 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. Tours run on the hour of the house and the Perkins family. Tickets at the gift shop or at kporthis.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport
Chili & Chowder Luncheon, 11 am – 2 pm
Chili, chowder, cornbread, and dessert, $5-10, at the South Congregational Church, 2 North Street, Kennebunkport
Mrs. Claus at Kennebunk Outfitters, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Swing by to say hello to Mrs. Claus all the way from the North Pole! Fireside s’mores and hot chocolate. Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Outfitters. Kennebunk Outfitters, 51 Western Avenue, Kennebunk
Maine & Vine Prelude Wine Tasting, 2 – 4:30 pm
Join us at Maine & Vine for a holiday wine tasting. $7 per person includes six tastes of wine and a souvenir Christmas Prelude wine glass to take home! Maine & Vine, 45 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
20th Annual Hat Parade, 3 pm
A parade of holiday hats for children and adults led by the Patriot Fife and Drum Duo. Show off your handmade or store-bought creations. All hat wearers welcome! To join, gather at the town parking lot behind Alisson’s Restaurant by 2:45 p.m. Parade runs through Dock Square and over the bridge to Best of Everything where prizes will be awarded for various creative categories. Sponsored by KBA member Best of Everything. Register at www.PreludeHatParade.eventbrite.com
Candlelight Victorian Era Mansion Tours at White Columns, 4- 7 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family, elaborately decorated for the Christmas season. Tickets in advance, $25 per person. Kennebunkport Historical Society, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport, 4-7pm Candlelight Tours
Christmas Candlelight Caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Join the Franciscans at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on the grounds of St. Anthony’s Monastery for the story of the birth of Jesus interspersed with Christmas songs by candlelight. Presented by St. Anthony’s Monastery and the Secular Franciscan Order. No parking on property. Sponsored by KBA member The White Barn Inn. Franciscan Monastery, 28 Beach Avenue, Kennebunk
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
Religious Services at Local Churches.
Breakfast with Mrs. Claus, 7:30 – 11 a.m. – The Nonantum Resort
A magical morning buffet breakfast and visiting with Mrs. Claus! Children can share their Christmas list and have photos with Mrs. Claus herself. Reservations at The Nonantum Resort, 207-967-4050, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Ride in heated trolleys decked out in live holiday greens on our private heritage railway, shop in the Museum Store, and enjoy delicious hot chocolate! Only $14/person; children 2 and under free. Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport
Christmas House Tours of White Columns, 1 pm – 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. The house tours run on the hour and talk of the history of Kennebunkport, the history of the house and the Perkins family. White Columns is elaborately decorated for the Christmas season and a not to be missed look at a Victorian Christmas. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport
Wave to Santa on the Lobster Boat, 12:30 pm – 12:45 pm on the Kennebunk River for best viewing, gather on the Mathew Lanigan Bridge in Dock Square, or shoreside on Ocean Avenue.
Santa arrives by Lobster Boat at Nonantum Resort, 1 – 2 pm
Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus, take a complimentary photo, create holiday crafts, and enjoy warm beverages (adult beverages too!). Free and open to the public. The Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue Kennebunkport.
The Official Dock Square Historic Walking Tour, 2-3pm
Experience the history of Kennebunkport’s Dock Square $25 per person, tickets sold in advance – purchase online here. White Columns, 8 Maine St, Kennebunkport.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
Victorian Era Mansion Tours of White Columns, 10 am – 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. Tours run on the hour of the house and the Perkins family. Tickets at the gift shop or at kporthis.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. 4-7pm Candlelight Tours
Shops at Morning Walk Christmas Story Village 10 am – 5 pm
Pop up shops in these studio cottages, Prelude charm making, photo ops, mail your letter to Santa. Morning Walk, Port Road, Kennebunk
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
Victorian Era Mansion Tours of White Columns, 10 am – 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. Tours run on the hour of the house and the Perkins family. Tickets at the gift shop or at kporthis.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. 4-7pm Candlelight Tours
Prelude Cookie Crawl, 11 am – 4 pm
Take a delicious tour through Dock Square and Lower Village while you collect cookies and vote for your favorite. Pick up your ticket & map at the Nonantum, and make your way around town gathering treats and shopping! $15 tickets at the Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
Victorian Era Mansion Tours of White Columns, 10 am – 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. Tours run on the hour of the house and the Perkins family. Tickets at the gift shop or at kporthis.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. 4-7 pm Candlelight Tours
Prelude Cookie Crawl, 11 am – 4 pm
Take a delicious tour through Dock Square and Lower Village while you collect cookies and vote for your favorite. Pick up your ticket & map at the Nonantum, and make your way around town gathering treats and shopping! $15 tickets at the Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
Gingerbread Workshop for Adults, 6 – 8pm
Make your own gingerbread house, sip cocktails, full kit is provided, upscale design elements (candy!), and complimentary signature holiday cocktail! Cost: $65 per adult, call 207-967-4050 for reservations at The Nonantum
Christmas Concert 5pm – 7pm – Concert with local musicians, $21 tickets, BYOB, Town House School, Kennebunkport Historical Society, 135 North Street, Kennebunkport
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
Victorian Era Mansion Tours of White Columns, 10 am – 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. Tours run on the hour of the house and the Perkins family. Tickets at the gift shop or at kporthis.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. 4-7pm Candlelight Tours
Prelude Cookie Crawl, 11 am – 4 pm
Take a delicious tour through Dock Square and Lower Village while you collect cookies and vote for your favorite.. Pick up your ticket & map at The Nonantum, and make your way around town gathering treats and shopping! $15 tickets at The Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
Santa’s Magic Trolley Ride, 1 – 4 pm
A festive trolley ride with Santa at the controls, with hot chocolate. Roast s’more after! $25 per person, children 2 and under free. Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport
Storybook Christmas, 4 – 6 pm
Travel down a tree-lined road to a clearing, where smoke curls from the chimney of a rustic lodge. Inside, join us for a magical evening as Santa Claus reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the children, elves lead children in making cookies. Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, 57 Gravelly Brook Road, Kennebunkport
Girl’s Night Out Wreath Decorating Workshop 6-8 pm
Relax, socialize, and create a wreath, all the necessary materials. This event is 21 & up (BYOB). Cost: $50 per person, reserve by December 5, kporths.com. Town House School, 135 North St, Kennebunkport
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Ride in heated trolleys decked out in live holiday greens on our private heritage railway, shop in the Museum Store, and enjoy delicious hot chocolate! $14/person, children 2 and under are free. Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport
Victorian Era Mansion Tours of White Columns, 10 am – 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family, in splendid holiday decorations. Tickets at the gift shop or at kporthis.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. 4-7pm Candlelight Tours
Prelude Family Street Festival, 4 pm – 6 pm
Strolling carolers, live music from Women of Note and Sir Don, food vendors, ice carvings, entertainers and more will be featured at this family-friendly festival. Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Savings. Streets will be closed to traffic from Dock Square, Kennebunkport through Lower Village, Kennebunk
Firepit, Spiked Hot Drinks & Holiday Portraits, 4 – 9 pm
Upper Ocean Ave Festival! $20 donation, 20% off everything! Chris Becker Photo, 127 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square, 5:30 – 6 pm
Join in Christmas caroling with Women of Note to begin the finale weekend of festivities as our Christmas Prelude continues, followed by viewing the annual Prelude fireworks display. Dock Square, Kennebunkport
14th Annual Christmas Fireworks Display, 6:15 – 7 pm
Enjoy our Prelude extravaganza that will take place in the cove and can be viewed from the Mathew Lanigan Bridge and surrounding areas.
Fire + Ice (Friday Night), 6 – 10pm.
15th Annual Fire & Ice is back for more chilling, thrilling fire & ice fun! Dazzling ice sculptures, live entertainment, frosty drinks and blazing bonfires! Hit the dancefloor for Jim Ciampi Band! Adults only, 21+. Tickets are required, and available at The Nonantum Resort 207-967-4050, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
Holiday Craft Fair at Consolidated School, 9 am – 3 pm
A tradition for 30+ years, this fair fills the school with a variety of arts and crafts by local artisans. Presented by Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation. A $2 donation is suggested to benefit the recreation scholarship fund. Consolidated School, 25 School Street, Kennebunkport
Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Ride in heated trolleys decked out in live holiday greens on our private heritage railway, shop in the Museum Store, and enjoy delicious hot chocolate! Only $14/person; children 2 are free. Santa will also be visiting. Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport
Victorian Era Mansion Tours of White Columns, 10 am – 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family, tours run on the hour of the decorated house. Tickets at the gift shop or at kporthis.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. 4-7pm Candlelight Tours
Kennebunkport Fire Station Chili Luncheon 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Serving chili and hot dogs, presented by the Kennebunkport Fire Department and Fire Companies. Proceeds go to Mary’s Firemen for a Cure. Kennebunkport Fire Station, 32 North Street, Kennebunkport
Make Your Own Gingerbread House, 10 am – 4 pm
A Prelude Favorite! Make your very own gingerbread house and have a jolly good time. All materials are provided. $10 per person donation to the 3 Towns, 1 Community Fund. Reservations are required, South Church Community House, 8 Temple Street, Kennebunkport
Victorian Era Mansion Tours at White Columns, 10 am- 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family, elaborately decorated for the Christmas season. $22 tickets. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport
Prelude Lunch, 11 am – 2 pm
Christmas Prelude luncheon at Nonantum. Festive cheer, live entertainment, call Nonantum 207-967-4050, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
Mrs. Claus at Kennebunk Outfitters, 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Swing by to say hello to Mrs. Claus all the way from the North Pole with fireside cocoa. Kennebunk Outfitters, 51 Western Avenue, Kennebunk
Alpine Afterglow Apres Ski Party at KW, 3 – 5 pm
A cozy après ski celebration, mountain-inspired food & drink. Dress in your best après ski, chance to win $250 KW gift certificate. KW Contemporary Art, 184 Port Road, Kennebunk
Fire + Ice The Nonantum Resort, Saturday, 6 – 10pm
15th Annual Fire & Ice continues to dazzle with ice sculptures, bonfires, frosty cocktails, and music by Motor Booty Affair! Adults only, 21+. Tickets required and available at The Nonantum Resort 207-967-4050, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
Religious Services at Local Churches.
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus, 8 – 2 pm – The Nonantum Resort
Make magical memories over holiday breakfast buffet and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Guests receive a complimentary commemorative photo. Live Christmas music. $40/adult, $20/children 12 and under, free for in-house guests! Reservations call 207-967-4050, The Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Ride in heated trolleys decked out in live holiday greens on our private heritage railway, shop in the Museum Store, and enjoy delicious hot chocolate and s’mores! $14/person, children 2 and under are free. Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport
15th Annual Pooch Parade, 11am
Dogs of all sizes and breeds dress in their favorite holiday attire and walk with their owners on this annual dog parade stroll! The parade starts at Consolidated School (School Street, Kennebunkport), down Maine Street, through Dock Square, and onto Ocean Avenue. All decorated dogs and their humans are welcome to join in – meet at Consolidated School by 10:45 a.m., 25 School Street, Kennebunkport. Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Outfitters.
Victorian Era Mansion Tours at White Columns, 1 pm- 3 pm
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family, elaborately decorated for the Christmas season. $22 tickets. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. Check out the End of Season sale in the Gift Shop!
Santa Arrives by Fire Engine, 2 – 3pm
Meet Santa at Cape Porpoise Kitchen, Cape Porpoise Square. Photos for children of all ages. Hot chocolate and cookies. Sponsored by KBA member, Cape Porpoise Kitchen. Cape Porpoise Square
Complimentary Gift Wrapping at The Shops at Morning Walk, 12-4 pm
Items purchased at Morning Walk are gift wrapped for free. Fee for other items. Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk, Kennebunk.
Save the Date for Christmas Prelude Dec 3 – 13 2026
For the complete schedule of events visit the Official Kennebunkport Business Association Schedule
Prelude Lodging: Rhumb Line Resort l Seaside Inn l Nonantum Resort
Christmas Prelude Photos l Christmas Prelude Hotels
Kennebunk & Kennebunkport Restaurants
