2025 Maine Downtown Holiday Guide! The holiday season is one of the most magical times to explore Maine’s downtowns. From twinkling lights and bustling winter markets to festive parades, concerts, trolley rides, and community tree-lighting ceremonies, each Main Street comes alive with traditions that bring families, friends, and visitors together. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, planning a cheerful outing with the kids, or simply looking to soak in the charm of the season, these historic downtowns offer countless ways to celebrate.
Stroll along decorated storefronts, enjoy hot cocoa as carolers fill the air with music, meet Santa and local performers, and discover small shops filled with handmade goods and holiday treasures. Every downtown has its own personality, and each event reflects the heart of its community—warm, welcoming, and filled with seasonal spirit.
This guide highlights some of the top holiday happenings across Maine’s Main Street communities in 2025. Explore the listings by town, mark your calendars, and make new memories as you experience the joy of the season in Augusta, Bath, Belfast, Biddeford, Brunswick, Ellsworth, Gardiner, Saco, Skowhegan, and Westbrook. Let the holiday celebrations begin!
Augusta, Maine
Event: River of Trees Festival
Date: November 28–30, 2025
Time: Starts 10:00 a.m. on Nov 28; ends 2:00 p.m. on Nov 30
The annual Augusta Downtown Alliance “River of Trees” is a festive display of decorated trees downtown, kicking off the holiday season in Augusta. Visitors can stroll through downtown, see creations from local organizations, and enjoy the tree-lighting ceremony.
URL: https://mainstreetmaine.org/listing/river-of-trees-augusta-me/
Bath, Maine
Event: An Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath
Date & Time:
November 29, 2025, 3:00 p.m. (Community Tree Lighting)
December 5, 2025, 4:00–8:00 p.m. (Bright Night)
December 13, 2025 (Downtown Day)
December 31, 2025 (Paul Revere Bell Ringing)
Downtown Bath transforms into a charming holiday village with a tree-lighting ceremony, free trolley rides, caroling, and a full slate of family activities. The events are part of “Old Fashioned Christmas.”
URL: https://visitbath.com/old-fashioned-christmas
Belfast, Maine
Title: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Menorah Lighting
Date: November 29, 2025 (Tree Lighting)
Date: December 14, 2025 (Menorah Lighting)
Time: Around 4:30 p.m. at sunset – tree lighting
The downtown of Belfast gathers at Post Office Square for the annual tree lighting (November 29) and Menorah lighting (December 14). On November 29, the tree lighting ceremony includes Santa’s arrival, carols, and community cheer. Also included is the menorah-lighting ceremony as part of the downtown holiday program.
URL: https://ourtownbelfast.org/annual-holiday-tree-lighting/
Biddeford, Maine
Event: Biddeford Holiday Stroll
Date: From Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29) through New Year’s Eve
Time: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Promoted by Heart of Biddeford, kick off the holiday season with a festive stroll through our charming downtown and celebrate Small Business Saturday in the most joyful way! This family-friendly event brings together local businesses, community spirit, and seasonal cheer with special events and cocoa/cider throughout downtown on Small Business Saturday. Be sure to stop by Heart of Biddeford’s info booth at 205 Main Street to pick up downtown maps & info and your Holiday Stroll checklist! Bring the whole family, grab your friends, and enjoy a day of shopping, giving, and celebrating all that makes our community special. Shoppers are encouraged to use the Brightr Travel Holiday Stroll Passport (no app download needed!) to shop, dine, and explore Downtown Biddeford and Downtown Saco. Spend $10 or more at participating businesses and check in on the Passport to earn entries toward our Grand Prize: a night at The Lincoln Hotel with a Saco restaurant gift card and a bouquet from Stem & Vine! Register Now for the Holiday Stroll Passport!
URL: https://heartofbiddeford.org/event/holiday-stroll/
Event: Merry & Bright Night
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
**SANTA ARRIVES AT 6 PM!** Heart of Biddeford is thrilled to invite the community to this year’s Merry & Bright Night on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Adams Street in downtown Biddeford. Gather with friends and family to enjoy an evening of holiday performances, joyful activities, festive lights, delicious treats, and a special visit from live reindeer! Plus, don’t miss the Merry Makerfair holiday market, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. inside the former courthouse building at 25 Adams Street. Enjoy 50+ local vendors and unique, handmade gifts for everyone! We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the holidays in the heart of Biddeford! During the event, enjoy FREE parking in the Pearl Street Parking Garage (P4301) using promo code EVENT2025.
URL: https://heartofbiddeford.org/event/merry-and-bright-night/
Event: Illuminate the Night: Downtown Menorah Lighting
Date: Start on Sunday, December 14th, at sunset, and end on Monday, December 22nd, at sunset.
Time: Sunset
In 2025, Hanukkah will start on Sunday, December 14th, at sunset and will end on Monday, December 22nd, at sunset. Join Congregation Etz Chaim and Heart of Biddeford as we host a lighting of the Hanukkiah (Hanukkah Menorah) at 5:30 PM on the first night of Hanukkah. All are welcome to join us and enjoy some traditional sufganiyot (fried jelly doughnuts) as we celebrate the Festival of Lights and the themes of Hanukkah. The Hanukkiaah will be lit for 8 nights.
URL: https://heartofbiddeford.org/event/downtown-menorah-lighting/
Brunswick, Maine
Event: Brunswick Downtown Tree Lighting 2025
Date: November 29, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m.
The Brunswick Downtown Association invites families to the downtown Brunswick Mall for the annual tree-lighting. Santa arrives soon after, with an afternoon of wagon rides, choral performances, and holiday cheer in the heart of town.
URL: https://brunswickdowntown.org/annual-tree-lighting/
Event: Lemont Hall Holiday Market
Date: November 29, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Explore holiday shopping, food, live music, and seasonal fun in historic Lemont Hall (2 Pleasant St). Local vendors, crafts, and festive atmosphere help you find unique gifts and support Brunswick’s local makers.
URL: https://www.brunswickdowntown.org/event/lemont-hall-holiday-market/
Event: Christmas on Maine
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
A family-friendly evening along Maine Street featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, live caroling, hot cocoa & s’mores, donut decorating, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday shopping among window displays in downtown Brunswick.
URL: https://allevents.in/brunswick/christmas-on-maine-2025/200029159665358
Ellsworth, Maine
Event: Holiday MARKETPLACE
Date: November 28th-29th & December 5th-6th
Time: Friday (3:00 PM – 7:00 pm) & Saturday (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Downtown Ellsworth comes alive during the holidays, with lights twinkling, shop windows glowing, and neighbors out enjoying the season. The Holiday Marketplace at 16 State Street adds one more reason to linger a little longer downtown. For two festive weekends, the makerspace will be filled with Maine makers offering handmade goods and thoughtful gifts.
For more events: https://www.heartofellsworth.org/events
Event: Ellsworth Holiday Tree Lighting & Downtown Celebration
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: Evening (parade starts at 4:00 pm, tree lighting after the parade)
The City of Ellsworth Recreation Commission is pleased to announce the 45th Annual Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is Christmas in Whoville. Downtown Ellsworth lights up for the holiday season with a festive tree-lighting ceremony, a downtown holiday shopping passport program, carols, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A great kickoff event to enjoy Ellsworth’s vibrant Main Street. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 6th, and will kick off at 4:00 pm. The Annual City Tree Lighting will also take place on the same day, following the parade. The parade will be light-themed again this year. Parade participants are encouraged to deck out their floats/vehicles with Christmas lights and other light-up decorations and get creative! The parade line-up will begin at 3 pm at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School & in the parking lot behind the Mill Mall, off State Street. The parade will travel down State Street to School Street, across School Street, turn onto Main Street, travel to the lower light, and then back up State Street to the Middle School/Mill Mall area.
https://www.ellsworthmaine.gov/45th-annual-downtown-christmas-parade/
Gardiner, Maine
Event: Gardiner Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting & Market
Date: Late November 2025 (exact date TBD)
Time: Evening (typically 5:00 p.m.)
In Gardiner’s historic downtown district, the holiday season kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony followed by a winter market featuring local artisans, hot cocoa, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Event: Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, November 29th,
Time: 4:00-5:00 pm
The downtown Christmas tree, located in the park next to Johnson Hall, will be lit by the jolly old elf himself! The event begins with caroling, and then Santa will join the crowd and count down as he magically lights the tree for the season.
Event: Parade of Lights
Date: Saturday, December 6th, 2025
Time: 4:30 pm
Celebrate the holiday season in historic downtown Gardiner! The evening Parade of Lights begins at 4:30 pm and moves along Water Street from Winter Street to Waterfront Park. Gardiner Main Street invites organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, and individuals to join Gardiner’s Magical Holiday Village Parade of Lights!
Register here: https://form.jotform.com/252368414055153
Event: Johnson Hall Opera House’s 8th Annual Festival of Trees
Festival Dates & Times:
Thursday, Dec 4 – 12 PM to 8 PM
Friday, Dec 5 – 10 AM to 8 PM
Saturday, Dec 6 – 9 AM to 8 PM
Sunday, Dec 7 – 9 AM to 4 PM
Johnson Hall Opera House will be decking the halls, spreading holiday cheer, and making the beloved Festival of Trees sparkle! The 8th Annual Festival of Trees will continue a holiday tradition that guarantees to entertain you, meet your shopping needs, touch your heart, and offer a way to give back to Johnson Hall Opera House! Admission is free for everyone, so bring your family & friends to enjoy the beauty of the trees, buy a few tickets, bid on your favorites, and admire the newly renovated Opera House! Information: https://www.johnsonhall.org/festival-of-trees/
Friday, Dec 19, 2025:
Elf the Movie at Johnson Hall 6:00
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025:
Holiday Wagon Rides Around Downtown Pick up spot in the Arcade Parking Lot, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Visit with Santa at Alan Claude Gallery 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Puppet Show: The Christmas Story presented by Winter Street Baptist Church, 11:00 am at Johnson Hall. Opportunity for children to take home a craft after the show.
Motown Christmas with Pat Colwell & the Soul Sensations at Johnson Hall, 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025:
Final Lantern Making Workshop at Johnson Hall, 2:00 pm
Winter Solstice Parade 4:00 pm from Johnson Hall to the Waterfront ~ Bring your Lanterns! (no flames) At the Waterfront, fire pits, storytelling, s’mores, and more!
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025:
New Year’s Eve Spectacular at Johnson Hall 7:30 – 9:30 pm Tickets $25 at johnsonhall.org
For event updates and information, visit www.johnsonhall.org and their Facebook page
MANY MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS IN GARDINER AT: https://gardinermainstreet.org/holiday-events
Saco, Maine
Events: MAIN STREET MARKET – CRAFT SHOW
(Thornton Academy Linnell Gymnasium)
Date: November 30, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Shop and see one-of-a-kind treasures at our third-annual Main Street Market! You won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience the creativity of local artisans, makers, and crafters—and get a head start on your holiday shopping! This event brings together over 60 talented vendors and features something for everyone, from handcrafted soaps and jewelry to festive decor. New this year: you won’t want to miss the Kid Vendor section up on stage! Support Saco’s smallest makers and burgeoning entrepreneurs!
Event: Holiday Tree Lighting
(Saco Transportation Center)
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Join the downtown Saco community for their annual tree lighting ceremony at the Saco Transportation Center.
URL: https://sacomainstreet.org/event/holiday-tree-lighting/
Event: Holiday Festival & Parade of Lights
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The downtown Saco holiday tradition features an afternoon festival with storytime with Santa, caroling on Main Street, the annual “Festival of Trees” at the museum, and culminates in a dazzling Parade of Lights through the heart of downtown in the evening.
URL: https://sacomainstreet.org/event/holiday-festival-parade-of-lights/
Skowhegan, Maine
Event: Festival of Trees & Downtown Tree Lighting
Date: December 4–7, 2025
Time: Starts 12:00 p.m. on Dec 4 – ends 4:00 p.m. on Dec 7
The Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual “Festival of Trees” event in downtown Skowhegan, where decorated trees line the space for viewing and raffle. The downtown tree-lighting ceremony is part of the weekend’s festivities, bringing the community together for the holidays.
Event: 3rd Annual Makers Market
Date: November 22 & 23, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Local makers, artisans, and small-batch producers gather in downtown Skowhegan for this festive holiday market. It’s an ideal opportunity for gift shopping as vendors showcase handcrafted goods, seasonal décor, and unique Maine-made treasures. The event is part of the downtown holiday weekend and opens in time for early shoppers.
URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/841416118411465
Westbrook, Maine
Event: Westbrook Downtown Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 4:45–5:30 PM
Westbrook’s downtown celebrates the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony and a winter market featuring local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. The event is part of the downtown business district’s efforts to bring local holiday spirit to the community. Westbrook’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Join us on from 4:45–5:30 PM in Riverbank Park as we kick off the holiday season together. This festive tradition is hosted by the Westbrook–Gorham Chamber of Commerce and our new Westbrook Together Organization.
Event: Holiday Market at Westbrook Common
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 2 to 5 PM
The Holiday Market will be set up along the outside of Westbrook Common. Free s’mores kits, a fire pit will be at the center of the venue for marshmallow roasting. There will also be holiday music playing during the event.
URL: https://westbrookmaine.com/events
Event: Holiday Makers Market at Mast Landing‘s Westbrook Taproom
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
Time: 12-4 pm
Celebrating our local community and supporting our fellow makers. Join us at Mast Landing Westbrook to browse handmade creations from 14 talented, creative folks. Enjoy a beer while picking up gifts for your friends, family & maybe a little something for yourself!
