43rd Annual Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude is scheduled for December 5-15, 2024
Christmas Prelude is among the Top Christmas celebrations in the country…
Prelude lovers, its now the 43rd year of holiday cheer! Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude is a four-decade long holiday tradition. See our sample Christmas Prelude Schedule of Events.
Here are a few favorite signature events at Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude, there are many more festive events in the world-renowned two-week holiday celebration.
FIRE & ICE at Nonantum is a perennial favorite – now in year 13, enjoy outdoor bonfires, ice bars, bands and dancing, creative food and drink. Dec 13 & 14 are the dates for your Fire & Ice experience. For tickets See Nonantum Resort Web Site for Details
Prelude Christmas Tree Lighting in Dock Square Friday Dec 6, 5:30-6:15 pm, officially begins the season. Join in Christmas caroling with the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir, followed by the lighting of the tree. Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Savings. Dock Square, Kennebunkport.
Illuminated Labyrinth is a wonderful event at Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. Created stone by stone by volunteers, the labyrinth sits in a beautiful woodland setting and is gently illuminated from dusk each evening during Prelude. See details at KCT for this perfectly pretty and serene scene.
Live Music at Old Vines!
Old Vines at Christmas Prelude is a great party. Old Vines will have live music throughout the holiday celebration, along with spirited craft cocktails and delicious bites, go to Old Vines Wine Bar for hours and details, and make your resies.
Prelude’s Hat Parade Dec 7 and the Pooch Parade Dec 14. We all love a parade, especially down delightful Dock Square. Both Prelude weekends feature fabulous Christmas parades, starting with the happening Prelude Hat Parade where groups get wild and wacky with their matching hats. Dock Square is never more festive. The Following weekend is the Prelude Pooch Parade where four leggers and their humans strut their mutts, swagger with their tail waggers in matching holiday attire. Its a hoot and a howl.
Prelude Gala at White Columns, Dec 5, 6 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy the beautifully decorated White Columns, the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. Hors d’oeuvres, live music, and festive beverages. Presented by the Kennebunkport Historical Society. $60 for members, $75 for non-members. Tickets are limited and sell out fast. For tickets call 207-967-2751 or visit kporths.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport.
Christmas Candlelight Caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, Dec 7 6:30 p.m.
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.
Breakfast with Mrs Claus and the Elves at Nonantum Resort, Sunday Dec 8 8 -11am, get tickets for this fun family feast at Nonantum Resort.
Prelude 2nd Weekend Fireworks in Dock Square, Dec 13, 4- 6:15
The 2nd weekend of Prelude Tree Lighting on Friday night, and Prelude’s annual Fireworks display over the back cove at 6:15. Streets will be closed to traffic from Dock Square, Kennebunkport.
For lodging during your holiday visit to Kennebunkport, to shop, enjoy, see the beautiful decorations, and dine, consider staying on the Beach at Seaside Inn, on the River with a sea view at Nonantum Resort or at the family friendly Rhumb Line Resort.
Happy Holidays! Be well, be safe, be merry! For lodging in The Kennebunks, see our Kennebunkport Lodging Guide and for dining suggestions see our Dining Guide.
Photos and Content Copyright KennebunkportMaineLodging.com
