I truly believe the best part of the holidays is in the anticipation. Decorating, shopping, attending Christmas festival and reminiscing on family gatherings of the past. One of the best gifts you can give yourself around the holidays is a Maine getaway, between Thanksgiving and Christmas… just slip away. I can think of no more festive place than Kennebunkport Maine just before the holidays. This delightful seaside town really decks the halls and does a magical pre-Christmas celebration, called Christmas Prelude each year, a tradition for over 40 years!
Visiting Kennebunkport in November and early December, you get to partake in the excitement of pre-holiday preparations. Shop the boutiques in Dock Square to find those perfect gifts without the hectic pace of the mall. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Kennebunkport’s best restaurants.
Staying in a romantic bed and breakfast in a suite with a fireplace and a four-poster bed will have you forgetting the hectic hubbub of the holidays. Or stay right on Kennebunk Beach at Seaside Inn and soak in the outdoor ocean view hot tub as part of your relaxing getaway after walking the quiet beach. Yes, you can still walk the beach, and stroll Ocean Ave which is remarkably peaceful after the summer people have gone.
If you are traveling with the kids, then The Nonantum Resort has fun events fall through Prelude for kids and parents, including cookie parties, holiday movies every night, and breakfast with Mrs Claus, plus for parents: a fantastic Fire and Ice outdoor ice bar and bonfire celebration. The Rhumb Line Resort is an affordable lodging property a short drive from downtown Kennebunkport with an indoor pool and hot tub, plus an outdoor hut, and kids 16 and under stay free with parents.
If the holidays typically stress you out, and you like a relaxed traditional inn, with a bountiful breakfast.
November is a great time to visit Kennebunkport to get a great deal on lodging, Thanksgiving is too. You can stay in town and let someone else do the cooking at one of our favorite local restaurants. Picture yourself on a riverfront balcony while the Chef is baking and basting in the kitchen for you.
Come the first two weeks of December, Kennebunkport comes to life with brilliant beautiful holiday decoration. Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude has been named the #2 Christmas Town in America by HGTV, and a “not to be missed holiday event’ by Yankee Magazine. See our schedule of events for a sample of all the fun festivities of Christmas Prelude December.
Some of the holiday highlights in Kennebunkport include Tree Lighting, caroling, craft fairs, shopping with treats, parades, fireworks and Santa arriving by lobster boat. Consider this your personal invitation to Kennebunkport’s Prelude, or even better come just before or after for the best lodging deals and you can still enjoy all the town’s beautiful decorations. This is a great way to make the most of your holiday season with a getaway to Maine.
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