Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude’s Biggest Best Events Anually
Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, celebrating 44 magical years of family fun – Dec 4 – 14, 2025. Prelude is bustling and brilliant – spanning the first two weeks of December. As the seaside towns of Kennebunkport, Kennebunk and Cape Porpoise transform to a winter postcard of Christmas spirit, with so many magical 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:
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.
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Thurs. Dec 4, 6-9pm Christmas Prelude Gala at White Columns – The locals unofficial start to the 11-day holiday celebration.
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 with fun commemorative gifts for the entire family. Tickets on sale benefit the Kennebunkport Historical Society.
Fri. Dec 5, 5:30pm Christmas Tree Lighting in Dock Square –
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.
Annual Holiday Craft Fairs in 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. Hosted Prelude Weekends at local churches, community centers and Consolidated School.
Sat. Dec 6, 3pm 20th Annual Hat Parade –
For two decades now, 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.
Sat. Dec 6, 6:30pm Candlelight Caroling at the Franciscan Monastery –
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.
Sun., Dec 7, 7:30 -11am Breakfast with Mrs. Claus
Mrs Claus hosts a lovely breakfast buffet for the kids and parents at The Nonantum Resort. Enjoy a festive buffet with friends from the North Pole and get a photo with St Nick’s wife. Tickets at: The Nonantum Resort
Sun., Dec 7, 1 pm Santa Arrives by Lobster Boat –
Come see Santa arrive in town via a Lobster Boat with his elves and your favorite Christmas crustaceans. The lobster boat parades down the Kennebunk River and arrives at the Nonantum Resort Marina. Children will have an opportunity to meet Santa at The Nonantum and have a complimentary photo.
Dec 5 – 14, 10 am – 3 pm Victorian Era Mansion Tours of White Columns
White Columns is the 1853 Greek Revival home of the Perkins family, splendidly decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Tickets at the gift shop or at kporthis.com. White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. Candlelight Tours many evenings as well – times vary.
Sat Dec 6, 2:30 – 3:30pm Mrs Claus at Kennebunk Outfitters
Mrs. Claus is here from the North Pole! Enjoy fireside hot cocoa and the magic of Christmas. Kennebunk Outfitters, 51 Western Ave
Fri & Sat. Dec 12 & 13 15th Annual Fire and Ice at Nonantum – Nonantum Resort on the Kennebunk River hosts the “coolest party” for Prelude with outdoor bonfires, ice carving and frosty drinks, with live music. This year its Jim Ciampi Band Friday and Motor Booty Affair on Saturday night. Dress warm and chill by the riverside. This event is an annual sell out – both nights. Tickets available at: The Nonantum Resort
Fri – Dec 12, 5:30pm 2nd Weekend Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square.
Fri – Dec 12, 6:15pm Christmas Prelude Fireworks –
Christmas Prelude Fireworks over the Cove light up the sky following the Tree Lighting and Street Festival.
Sat 13, 2:30 – 3:30pm Mrs Claus at Kennebunk Outfitters
Mrs. Claus is from the North Pole! Enjoy fireside hot cocoa and the magic of Christmas. Kennebunk Outfitters, 51 Western Ave
Sunday, Dec 14, 11am Annual Prelude Pooch Parade
A bunch of lucky local dogs and their proud humans 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?!).
Enjoy Prelude VIP Experiences like reserved parking, VIP viewing for the fireworks at Batson River, be onboard the Lobster Boat with Santa, Lead the Hat Parade, and a Sea Spa Experience for six!
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.
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