Celebrate the season in Maine’s historic downtowns with illuminated parades, community tree lightings, local shopping, and holiday gatherings. Explore the announced events below and plan a festive visit to Augusta, Bath, Belfast, Biddeford, Brunswick, Ellsworth, Gardiner, Saco, Skowhegan, and Westbrook.
PLEASE NOTE: The following schedule was updated on November 2, 2026. We will add additional dates and activities as organizations announce them. Check event links before traveling for the latest times and possible weather updates.
Bath, Maine
“Old Fashioned Christmas” in Bath, Maine
Celebrate the holidays in historic downtown Bath with festive shopping, trolley caroling, Santa’s arrival, and community traditions. This year’s “Silver Bells” theme celebrates Main Street Bath’s 25th anniversary.
Santa’s Arrival & Jingle Bell Walk — November 28, 2026, from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m.
Gather at Library Park at 3:45 p.m. and pick up a silver jingle bell. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 4 p.m., followed by a Jingle Bell Walk through downtown to the Custom House lawn. Enjoy cookies, cocoa, entertainment, and visits with Santa, with photos by Soggy Dog Designs.
Bright Night Bath — December 11, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy an evening downtown with shops open until 8 p.m., live music and performances, free trolley caroling, and photos at the Silver Bells Bench. Hot cocoa and snacks will be available by donation.
Trolley Caroling — Fridays and Saturdays, 4–8 p.m.
Board at the City Bus Stop for a free ride through the historic residential neighborhoods surrounding downtown. Enjoy holiday lights and decorations while singing along with carols.
Magic Letter Boxes — November 23–December 18, 2026
Find the boxes in front of Island Treasure Toys and Loyal Biscuit. Drop off letters to Santa or holiday cards for residents of area senior homes.
Silver Squirrels Scavenger Hunt — Beginning December 4, 2026
Find six stuffed squirrels in downtown storefront windows. They move to new locations on December 11, offering two chances to participate. Pick up a tally form at Bath Savings, First Federal Savings & Loan, Island Treasure Toys, or Patten Free Library, then submit it through a Magic Letter Box. Correct entries enter a drawing for four $25 downtown gift certificates.
25 Days of Holiday Spirit — December 1–25, 2026
Follow @MainStreetBath on social media as a different downtown business is celebrated each day.
Paul Revere Bell Ringing — December 31, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Gather at Front and Centre, next to Hallet’s Clock, for the Spirit of Bath volunteer awards, a proclamation, and community singing. At noon, the Paul Revere Bell rings twelve times, followed by “Auld Lang Syne.”
For the latest schedule and details, visit https://visitbath.com/old-fashioned-christmas.
Check Main Street Bath’s holiday announcements
Belfast, Maine
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting (November 28, 2026)
Gather at Post Office Square, 1 Franklin Street from 4:30–5:30 p.m. for Our Town Belfast’s annual tree lighting.
For the latest information: https://ourtownbelfast.org/annual-holiday-tree-lighting/Tree-lighting details
Menorah Lighting (December 4, 2026)
Celebrate Hanukkah downtown! The annual Menorah Lighting will take place in Post Office Square at sundown during the first night of Hanukkah. The community celebrates with music and readings beginning at approximately 3:30 p.m.
For the latest information: https://ourtownbelfast.org/annual-menorah-lighting/
Early Bird Sale (December 5, 2026)
The Early Bird gets the deals: Annual downtown-wide sale in Belfast! Deep discounts and promotions* from retail shops and restaurants throughout Belfast. Always the first Saturday in December. Start your day at Downshift Coffee, which will open at 5:30 a.m. to fuel workers and shoppers alike.
For the latest information: https://ourtownbelfast.org/early-bird-sale/
Holiday on the Harbor (December 12, 2026)
Santa will be returning to the Belfast Boathouse (34 Commercial St.) on the waterfront in Belfast! Join us Saturday, December 12th from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm for this free family event! An event organized by the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Belfast to kick off the holiday season. For the latest information: https://belfastmaine.org/holiday-on-the-harbor/
Biddeford, Maine
Downtown Menorah Lighting — Friday, December 4, 2026, starts at sundown.
Join Congregation Etz Chaim and Heart of Biddeford at Lincoln and Main streets to celebrate the first night of Chanukah. The menorah lighting takes place between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m., with traditional sufganiyot—fried jelly doughnuts—and a welcoming community gathering. Event details
Merry & Bright Night — Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Celebrate in downtown Biddeford with holiday performances, seasonal activities, sparkling lights, and family fun. Heart of Biddeford will announce additional program details as the event approaches. Event details
Brunswick, Maine
Annual Tree Lighting — November 28, 2026
Celebrate on the Brunswick Town Mall on November 28, 3–6 p.m., with the tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. Activities include carriage rides, choir performances, refreshments, and family photos with the Clauses. For the latest information: Tree lighting
Holiday Window Decorating Contest — November 28–December 18, 2026
Explore decorated downtown storefronts during this year’s “Winter in Time!” window contest. Public voting runs from November 28 through December 18, with the Cocoa Crawl on December 18. For the latest information: Window contest and Cocoa Crawl
Routine Holiday Social — November 28, 2026, 4–8 p.m.
Visit Routine, 21 Stanwood Street, for local shopping, snacks, and festive refreshments. For the latest information: Holiday Social
Ellsworth, Maine
Many Hands Holiday Shop — November 24–December 24, 2026
Heart of Ellsworth’s Holiday Marketplace takes a new form this year with a month-long shop in the gallery at 16 State Street. Browse a curated selection of locally made gifts, with purchases supporting participating makers and Heart of Ellsworth.
Shop Hours: Thanksgiving week to Christmas
- Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM
For the latest information: https://www.heartofellsworth.org/holidayshop
Christmas Parade of Lights & Community Tree Lighting — December 5, 2026, 4 p.m.
Celebrate the season at Ellsworth’s 46th annual downtown Christmas Parade of Lights, themed “Gingerbread Dreams and Candy Cane Wishes.” Illuminated floats and community groups will travel along State Street, School Street, and Main Street. The Community Tree Lighting at City Hall follows immediately after the parade. Parade and tree-lighting details
Parade and tree-lighting announcement · Heart of Ellsworth events
Gardiner, Maine
Downtown Tree Lighting – Friday, December 4th
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.
Parade of Lights – Saturday, December 5th, 4:30pm
Celebrate the holiday season in historic downtown Gardiner! The evening Parade of Lights begins at 4:30pm 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!
Bah Humbug! A Christmas Story
A Christmas story at Johnson Hall Opera House on December 12 at 1 and 6 p.m., and December 13 at 2 p.m.
Gardiner holiday updates · Johnson Hall Opera House
Saco, Maine
Main Street Market on November 22 at Thornton Academy Linnell Gymnasium 9am-2pm
Come shop and see one-of-a-kind treasures at our fourth-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.
Don’t miss the Kid Vendor section up on stage! Support Saco’s smallest makers and burgeoning entrepreneurs!
Saco Bucks Saturday — November 28, 2026 pick up Saco Bucks 10am until supplies are gone – shop throughout the day
Support downtown businesses during Saco’s seasonal shopping event.
Biddeford Saco Holiday Stroll – November 28 – December 31 (partnership with HOB)
5:30 pm at the Saco Transportation Center.
Holiday Festival and Parade of Lights — Saturday, December 5, 2026
Enjoy a day of holiday festivities downtown beginning at 9:30 am with story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Saco City Hall, culminating in the illuminated parade along historic Main Street at 6 p.m. Additional festival details are forthcoming.
Skowhegan, Maine
Thanksgiving Turkey Trot — November 26, 2026
Join Skowhegan Outdoors on Thursday, November 26 for its inaugural Thanksgiving Day 5K. Sign-in opens at 8 a.m., and the race starts at 9 a.m. at 16 Island Avenue in Skowhegan. SOLD OUT!
Shop Small Week and Passport to Savings — November 28–December 5, 2026
Explore participating local businesses and seasonal offers.
SKOW-Whoville — December 4–5, 2026
Save the dates for downtown Skowhegan’s holiday celebration on Water Street. The detailed program and activity times are forthcoming.
Annual event schedule · Upcoming event details
Westbrook, Maine
Light Up Westbrook: Holiday Event Series
Westbrook transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland each year between Thanksgiving weekend and early January, with intricate light displays along Main Street that welcome visitors from near and far. Light Up Westbrook encourages visitors and neighbors to enjoy the season, shop local, and celebrate Westbrook as an annual holiday destination. Westbrook Winter Lights information
Dates for the annual tree-lighting ceremony and holiday markets will be added as announced.
For the latest information: https://www.downtownwestbrook.com/downtown-events/light-up-westbrook/
Dana Warp Mill Holiday Art Walk – December 5, 2026, 11am. – 4pm
The Dana Warp Mill is downtown Westbrook’s arts hub, home to over 50 artists, makers, and creatives. Each holiday season, the community comes together and opens its doors to the public for the holiday rush, allowing shoppers to explore over sixty small businesses offering unique, handmade gifts.
