Marvel at Holiday Lights in Maine

The days may grow shorter, but winter in Maine offers plenty of ways to brighten the night. Forest paths shimmer with illuminated sculptures, lighthouses twinkle with Christmas lights, and town squares fill with holiday events and good cheer. Make your spirits bright with these festive light displays throughout the state.

NyteWalk at Moon Lantern Forest

August 28, 2026–January 3, 2027
Lebanon
Step into a storybook forest where lanterns light the paths and music drifts through the trees. Enchanted tunnels, tiny elf villages and handcrafted scenes tout thousands of lights, bringing a whimsical world to life.

Winter Wonders at Sandy Hill Farm

November 13, 2026–February 28, 2027
Eliot
Follow a mile-long trail through 14 acres of glowing landscapes, interactive tunnels and larger-than-life creations. The farm’s artisan team builds most of the displays—from illuminated aircraft to a massive clipper ship—using metalwork, recycled materials and plenty of ingenuity.

Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

November 14, 2026–January 2, 2027
Boothbay
More than 750,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs transform the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens into a sparkling landscape of color and light. Look for two towering wooden trolls by artist Thomas Dambo as you follow illuminated paths through displays inspired by Maine’s natural world. This year’s theme celebrates the connections between people and place, from maple tapping and mushroom foraging to pollinators and life along the coast.

Maine Celebration of Lights

November 27–December 30, 2026
Cumberland
Enjoy the sparkle from the warmth of your car as the Cumberland County Fairgrounds becomes a dazzling drive-through light show. More than a million LED lights illuminate over a mile of roadway, with animated scenes, displays reaching 50 feet tall and a 300-foot multicolored tunnel. Gather your favorite passengers and settle in for a bright ride.

Christmas at Victoria Mansion

November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027
Portland
Victoria Mansion’s ornate interiors and romantic Victorian architecture provide a spectacular setting for holiday decorating. Local designers dress the historic rooms in elaborate seasonal displays, adding fresh layers of color, texture and sparkle to the mansion’s intricate woodwork and painted walls. Take your time exploring the details of this year’s theme, Santa’s Whimsical Workshop.

Christmas by the Sea

December 11–13, 2026
Ogunquit
Ogunquit fills a December weekend with seaside holiday cheer, from tree and bridge lightings to concerts, artisan craft shows and children’s activities. Catch the festive parade, warm up beside a bonfire and watch fireworks brighten the coastal sky. Visits with Santa round out a celebration with plenty for every generation to enjoy.

Christmas Prelude

December 3–13, 2026
Kennebunkport
With greenery draped around town and a towering Christmas tree anchoring Dock Square, Kennebunkport sets the scene for a classic coastal holiday. Christmas Prelude brings that scene to life with tree lightings, fireworks, a lively street festival and caroling at the Franciscan Monastery. Even Santa embraces the setting, arriving by lobster boat to greet the crowds.

Sparkle Celebration 

December 4–13, 2026
Freeport
Kicking off the festivities is the highly anticipated Parade of Lights and Santa’s arrival to awaken the town’s famous Talking Christmas Tree. This annual event continues all week with giveaways, shopping specials, seasonal treats and the Sparkle Frosty Frolic, featuring local artisans, food trucks, fire pits and music.

Holiday Light Parade

December 5, 2026
Presque Isle
Find a spot along Main Street as illuminated floats and creative holiday scenes bring a bright procession through downtown Presque Isle. The parade begins at 6 p.m., traveling from the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus to North Street Plaza. Bundle up and join the community for an evening of local artistry and festive small-town spirit.

Tree Lighting Festival at Sugarloaf

December 12–13, 2026
Carrabassett Valley
Celebrate the season at the foot of the mountain with warm treats, live music on the Beach and a visit from Santa alongside Sugarloaf’s Amos and friends. The annual tree lighting brings everyone together, while fireworks add sparkle overhead. It’s a cheerful way to cap a day in the mountains and welcome the holidays.