Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, now in year 43 – Dec 5 – 15, 2024, is such a magical time of year in Maine. Prelude is bustling and busy, encompassing 11 days of events – spanning the first two weekends of December. As the seaside towns of Kennebunkport, Kennebunk and Cape Porpoise transform to a winter postcard of Christmas spirit, its impossible to partake in all the holiday happenings! See the typical Christmas Prelude schedule and Christmas Prelude Photos from years past.
Here are a few of our favorite Christmas Prelude Events:
Prelude Christmas Gala at White Columns – Thursday Dec 5 at 6-9pm
Sip festive cocktails at the beautiful 1853 Kennebunkport Historical Society mansion, formerly The Nott House. This elegant party is your opportunity to tour the magnificent Greek revival home, decorated for the holidays. The Bush First Family Exhibit is open to browse as well, with a wonderful display of the President and former First Lady Barbara Bush’s family photos from Walkers Point to the White House. The gift shop at White Columns is fantastic too. Tickets on sale benefit the Kennebunkport Historical Society.
Christmas Prelude Tree Lighting in Dock Square – Friday Dec 6, 5:30
The Dock Square Tree lighting is the quintessential kick off to Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport. Dock Square fills with revelers, small to tall, for caroling and the old-home-town countdown to tree lighting. It’s like Who Ville in Maine, with no scrooges in sight. Head for drinks at Old Vines Wine Bar immediately thereafter – it’s a big night for this small seaside town.
Friday Dec 13 a 2nd weekend Tree Lighting occurs, along with a Family Street Festival of entertainment, and the 13th annual Christmas Fireworks Display at 6:15 following the Tree Lighting
Live Music at Old Vines, throughout Prelude at Old Vines Wine Bar
Annual Holiday Craft Fairs throughout Kennebunkport and Kennebunk
Maine crafts people sell art, jewelry, knits, wreaths, boughs, ornaments, trees and centerpieces to complete your Christmas shopping list and your holiday décor.
19th Annual Hat Parade – Saturday Dec 7, 3pm
For over a decade, a parade proceeds thru Dock Square of decadent, ridiculous, Christmas themed hats led by the Patriot Fife & Drum Duo. Prizes are award to kids and silly adults for the best decorated and themed hats.
Candlelight Caroling at the Franciscan Monastery – Saturday, Dec 7, 6:30pm
The first Saturday of Prelude is a beautiful solemn scene of singing and remembrance of the true spirit of the Christmas holiday by led the Franciscan monks at St Anthony’s Monastery, sponsored by the White Barn Inn.
Breakfast with Mrs. Claus Sunday, Dec 8, 8-11am Santa gets all the credit, but Mrs Claus and her elves host a lovely breakfast buffet for the kids and parents at The Nonantum Resort. Enjoy a fabulous buffet with friends from the North Pole and get a photo with St Nick’s wife.
Santa Arrives by Lobster Boat – Sunday, Dec 8, 12:30-12:45pm
See Santa come down the Kennebunk River and arrives at Nonantum Marina, in style, in a Lobster Boat with his elves and favorite Christmas crustaceans.
Historic Mansion Tours of White Columns
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family. The house tours include 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
Reindeer and Mrs Claus at Kennebunk Outfitters
Mrs. Claus and Santa’s reindeer are here from the North Pole! Enjoy fireside hot cocoa and live music. Kennebunk Outfitters, 51 Western Ave
Annual Fire and Ice at Nonantum – Friday & Saturday, Dec 13 & 14
Nonantum Resort on the Kennebunk River hosts the “coolest party” for Prelude with outdoor bonfires, ice carving and ice bars serving drinks, food and music. This year its Motor Booty Affair Friday and Jim Ciampi Band Saturday. Dress warm and chill by the riverside. Tickets are required, $100. This event sells out – both nights.
Christmas Prelude Fireworks – Friday – Dec 13,
Christmas Prelude Fireworks over the Cove light up the sky following the Street Festival and 5:30 Tree Lighting in Dock Square.
Annual Prelude Pooch Parade – Sunday, Dec 15, 11am
A bunch of lucky local dogs and their proud owners parade through Dock Square in this annual Prelude Pooch Parade down Ocean Ave through Dock Square in Christmas costumes. Refreshments and pet treats for sale at the After-Paw’ty (get it?!).
Whatever your favorite Christmas Prelude events, be #shore to make a weekend or midweek stay out of your time in Kennebunkport – to shop, sip cocktails, stroll Dock Square, visit the beach and be merry. See our Kennebunkport Maine hotels for Prelude lodging, and our favorite places to dine in Kennebunk.
Photos and Content Copyright KennebunkportMaineLodging.com 2024
