Coastal Maine Christmas: Kennebunkport & Ogunquit
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Many of Maine’s seaside communities host annual Christmas celebrations. Two of the most charming are held in the coastal communities of Kennebunkport and Ogunquit.
On weekends in December, many of the shops and restaurants in these villages reopen for the holiday season. Storefronts are decorated. There are twinkling lights, Santa sightings, and a more relaxed pace than during the busy summer season.
Kennebunkport hosts its well-known Christmas Prelude. Every year there are Christmas tree lighting celebrations, caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, and Santa sightings by boat or parade. Click here for a Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude schedule of annual events.
Equally fun, are the unplanned events. Holiday shopping in the village of Kennebunkport is always a highlight of the season. Ornaments and garland are strung along the streets and draped across the lobster boats in the harbor. A drive along Ocean Avenue / Shore Road to Walker’s point will take you past palatial hotels, yacht clubs, and the lovely St. Ann’s by the Sea Episcopal Church all decorated for the season.
A few miles down the coast, the town of Ogunquit offers its own down-east celebration. The festivities include a full schedule of tree lightings, crafts shows, and caroling programs. Click here for an Ogunquit Christmas by the Sea schedule of annual events.
Shops in Ogunquit and Perkins Cove ply shoppers with cider and snacks. With a hat and mittens, visitors walk along the Ogunquit-Wells beach and magnificent Marginal Way. In December, the sky and crystal-clear water compete for the most magnificent shades of blue. You can walk long stretches of the coast line without encountering a single other human being.
Bargains can be found in these locations on weekends between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Off-season rates make accommodations more affordable. Shopkeeper’s lower prices in an attempt to sell off the remainder of their inventory.
Whether you go for a day or a weekend, a drive along the Maine coast is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Safe travels, Laura and Randy
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