40th Annual Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude – Dec 2-12, 2021.
“Christmas Prelude is back for its 40th year.
Prelude lovers, have no fear, its not a Bah Humbug year. Neither the Grinch, nor Covid, can steal away Kennebunkport’s cheer! There’s plenty to celebrate, see the complete Christmas Prelude Schedule of Events. Here are our favorite new & improved events for this extraordinary 2021 year.
“The Holiday Trail of Lights” for Christmas is 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 3-January 3, 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!
FIRE & ICE at Nonantum! A perennial favorite – outdoor bonfires, ice bars, bands and dancing, craft cocktails and Chef’s bits. Dec 10 & 11, choose between the Twilight event 3:30-6:30pm or the After Dark 7:30-10:30pm, tickets are $100 each, proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. See Nonantum Resort Web Site for Details
Prelude Opening Festival Friday Dec 3, 6-8 pm, along Western Avenue stretching from Beach Avenue in Kennebunk to Spring Street in Kennebunkport, a block-long family-friendly celebration featuring live music, street performers, fire eating shows, fire baton performances, food from local restaurants!
Prelude 40 Trees Trail to celebrate 40 years! Grab a map at Mornings in Paris to see the 40 decorated Christmas trees. Trees will be lit at once at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 10 for a special visual treat.
Walk the Labyrinth of Light is a wonderful new event at Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. Created stone by stone by volunteers, the labyrinth sits in a beautiful woodland setting and will be gently illuminated from dusk each evening during Prelude. See details at KCT for this perfect social distancing and serene tour.
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.
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 a charming inn like Kennebunkport Captain’s Collection, 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 2021
