Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude 2021 will be Dec 2-12, Prelude’s 40th anniversary!
In its 39th year, Kennebunkport’s 2020 Prelude was a little more peaceful than norm, Dec 3- 13. Prelude had to“pivot” this year, with social-distancing and many events virtual, versus the big crowds of the past for tree-lighting, parades and shopping. Both the Prelude Hat Parade and Pooch Parade went virtual this year, sign up to see and be seen!
“Christmas Prelude is different this year, with an emphasis on keeping everyone safe,” said Kennebunkport Business Association President Paul Humphrey of Mornings in Paris.
But Prelude lovers, have no fear, its not a Bah Humbug year. Neither the Grinch, nor Covid, can steal away Kennebunkport’s cheer! There’s still plenty to celebrate, aside from the virtual event you can watch from home, see the complete Christmas Prelude Schedule of Events. Here are our favorite new & improved events for this extraordinary 2020 year.
“The Holiday Trail of Lights” is new, and kicks off Christmas with a friendly competition between homes and businesses to “out-decorate” each other, all to benefit our community not-for-profits, in a socially distant but festive way. Kennebunkport and Kennebunk businesses and residents, two separate categories, enter the competition then submit a $25 entry fee which benefits their selected favorite not-for-profit or community organization. Download your Trail of Lights map www.trailoflightsme.com to follow in your car for your self -guided tour December 1-28, then vote for your favorites online in categories like most festive, over the top, Hallmark-worthy, for $5 a vote. 100% of the funds go to worthy local organizations and Grand Prize Winners will receive an extra $500 for their selected charity. We love fun, festive fundraising!
Jingle Bell Alley sounds fun, right?! The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant is offering private, heated outdoor dining option on “Jingle Bell Alley” in life-sized, cozy gingerbread houses, decorated with icicles and Christmas trees, available to rent and enjoy holiday cocktails and food. Reserve your Gingerbread house starting December 4, which can accommodate up to 4 people. Nearby at Kennebunkport Inn, is Christmas Lane with a beautifully decorated patio and deck filled with festive activities, socially distant cocktails and private dining options.
Walk the Community Labyrinth is a wonderful new event at Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. Created stone by stone by volunteers during this year, the labyrinth sits in a beautiful woodland setting and will be gently illuminated from dusk each evening during Prelude. Make your KCT reservation for social distancing and a serene magical tour.
Passport to Prelude is a perennial art lovers self-guided tour, this year its anytime Dec. 3-12, so browse away! Get your “passports” at participating galleries or the Chamber of Commerce Kiosk, 1 Chase Hill Road. To win a prize, get your “Prelude Passport” stamped at 4 of the 7 participating art galleries: Chris Becker Photo, KW Contemporary Art, Maine Art Hill, Mast Cove Gallery, Morph, Sue Rioux Kaleidoscopes, and Wendy Webster Good Art. Passports must be returned to the Chamber kiosk by 3 p.m. Dec. 12 to be entered into a drawing for prizes.
Shop Locally Outside – thanks to Old Vines!
Old Vines Outdoor Prelude Christmas Market annually gathers the very best of the Kennebunks’ local businesses, craftspeople, and artists. This year, instead of one large tent, Maine market stalls will be smaller, with individual tents, side by side, creating a safe, open-air experience for our guests. Old Vines will also have live music throughout the holidays, go to Old Vines Wine Bar for hours and details.
Visit the North Pole, in KPT! Yes, there is still a Santa Claus this year… so drive your child through The Nonantum’s North Pole, bring letters to Santa (be sure to include your return address!) and Santa’s elves will be sure Santa gets these letters, and your child will receive a gingerbread house making kit. Donations will be requested for the Nonantum’s chosen non-profit. Reservations required online in advance.
Dine in an IGLOO! How “cool”! The Breawater Inn & Spa has pop up igloos for private dining at Stripers Waterfront on their spectacular riverfront setting. Each igloo is festively decorated and has its own fireplace. How very merry! Reserve yours for a perfectly romantic special holiday evening by calling 207-967-3118. Stripers is still hosting happy hours and Sunday Brunch too! Cheers!
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, in the heart of town at The Boathouse Waterfront, at a charming inn like Captain Fairfileld, on the River with a sea view at Breakwater Inn & Spa, 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 2020
