There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by cruising through the charming towns of Midcoast Maine and celebrating local holiday festivals. We’ve curated a list of top destinations perfect for making memories with family and friends this season.  As you travel through these delightful towns, make sure to use the Midcoast Buy Local Regional Directory to find great local businesses along the way. This interactive directory connects you with homegrown businesses that embody the unique character of Midcoast Maine. 

Start your adventure in Freeport, Maine, and make your way along the scenic Route 1 corridor, where twinkling lights, cozy shops, and festive cheer await in every town. As you travel the coast toward Thomaston, you’ll discover a trail of holiday happenings—from craft fairs and tree lightings to community gatherings and seasonal markets. .

Whether you’re fascinated by dazzling displays, eager to create holiday crafts with your kids, ready to check off your gift list, or simply looking to connect with your community, there’s something for everyone. Let the spirit of the season guide your journey! 

 

 

How to Be Prepared: Bundle Up Like a Mainer  

Before you dive into Maine’s holiday magic, layer up like a local—because jolly fun starts with staying warm.

• Thermal layers: Your secret weapon against the chill, it’s not just practical, it’s an art.
• Hand warmers: Tiny packs of joy tucked into your mittens!  (They even make some for your toes!)
• Hat and a scarf: A warm head and neck = winter victory (Trust us, you’ll never regret being too warm)
• Wool socks and waterproof boots: Whether it’s snow, slush or sleet, your feet deserve VIP treatment.

Jingle All the Way (Up Route 1) 

Freeport

• Sparkle Celebration Parade of Lights: December 5, 2025  | 6 pm – 7pm
  Kick off Freeport’s Sparkle Celebration with their dazzling parade of lights! Cheer on local businesses, community groups, and spirited individuals, as they light up the evening with festive floats and sparkling vehicles. Santa himself will also make an appearance; it truly isn’t something you want to miss!  

• Sparkle Stroll: December 11, 2025 | 12 pm – 6 pm
  Enjoy twinkling lights, cheery vibes, local deals, and holiday fun. Grab a passport, collect stamps, and you could win big —like a $100 Visit Freeport Gift Card or Amtrak Downeaster passes!  

• Sparkle Frosty Frolic: December 13, 2025 | 10 am – 4 pm
  Keep the good vibes going with the Sparkle Frosty Frolic! Gather your friends and family for a magical day filled with cozy bonfires, yummy bites from local food trucks, and unique gifts from talented local makers. This is the ultimate destination for winter fun! 

While visiting Freeport, be sure to stop by Wilbur’s of Maine, where you can indulge in rich, handcrafted, Maine sweets. They are perfect for stocking stuffers, Christmas gifts, or a delicious addition to your holiday spread. Visit their retail location for quick, efficient shopping or head to the Factory Store just down the road for the full experience, including a chocolate factory tour, loved by people of all ages!  

Brunswick 

• Christmas on Maine Street: December 5, 2025 | 12 pm – 9:30 pm
  Celebrate the season with a joyful community event featuring cookie decorating, carolers, a candy cane station, a living nativity, games, crafts, and more! Enjoy festive sweet treats like s’mores and donuts as you celebrate with family and friends! 

• Midcoast Tree Festival: 
  A “win-a-tree wonderland” featuring over 50 decorated trees, each decked out with at least $500 worth of gifts. Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to take home your favorite tree, and don’t miss the opportunity to win a stunning holiday wreath!
  Schedule: 
  Friday, November 21: 4 pm – 8pm
  Saturday, November 22: 10 am – 8 pm 
  Sunday, November 23: 10 am – 6 pm
  Friday, November 28: 10 am – 6 pm
  Saturday, November 29: 10 am – 8pm 
  Sunday, November 30: 10 am – 2 pm 

Bath 

• Old Fashioned Christmas: A multi-day celebration packed with festive charm and holiday spirit! Attend themed days such as Bright Night Bath, where shops stay open late, live music fills the air, and a trolley ride turns into a caroling adventure. Or, Downtown Day, where Santa and his merry crew make surprise appearances throughout town!
  Schedule:
  Tree Lighting at the Gazebo: Saturday, November 29 
  Bright Night Bath: Friday, December 5 
  Downtown Day : Saturday, December 13
  Paul Revere Bell Ringing : Wednesday, December 31  

Unwind after a day of activities with a visit to Mockingbird Bookshop. This cozy destination is a haven for book lovers. Every item is thoughtfully chosen or crafted with care, from sweet children’s stories and classic novels to heartfelt presents that will help brighten the season. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or searching for the perfect gift, Mockingbird Bookshop offers something special for everyone! 

Wiscasset 

• Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest: December 5 – December 7, 2025 | 10 am – Dark
  Offers a merry mix of small-town charm and seasonal fun! Take a stroll through local boutiques and galleries, visit Santa, enjoy free wagon rides, and enter fun raffles. Don’t miss the wreath display, cookie contest, and the dazzling light parade featuring the Heart ‘n Soul Quartet! 

Edgecomb 

• Eddy Artisan and Vendor Show: December 6, 2025 | 9 am – 3 pm
  Looking for authentic, heartfelt, and uniquely Maine? This is your go-to spot for meaningful holiday gifting! Discover one-of-a-kind treasures from over 40 local artists and find the perfect present for everyone on your list. 

Boothbay – A Sparkling Detour Worth the Drive
Step off the Route 1 path and into a charming little town, easily mistaken for a winter wonderland. Boothbay and Gardens Aglow offer a refreshing escape from the ordinary, a holiday detour that can only heal the soul. 

• Gardens Aglow: November 15, 2025 – January 3, 2026   | 4 pm – 9 pm
  Stroll through nearly one mile of illuminated pathways covered with over 750,000 LED lights, showcasing radiant displays inspired by Maine’s forests, shorelines, and meadows in a “Nature in Motion” theme! Don’t forget to snap a selfie or two with the whimsical trolls and lighted sculptures.  

Damariscotta 

• Villages of Light: November 29, 2025 | 11 am – Dark
  The ultimate way to sum up your Thanksgiving celebrations and kick off your Christmas ones. From 70+ lit Christmas trees and a garland draped bridge to Santas arrival, crafts at the library, and the magical Parade of Lights, it’s a holiday celebration for everyone! 

Rockland 

• The Festival of Lights:  Kick off the holiday season with a weekend full of sparkle and cheer! Greet Santa on his arrival, watch the lighting of the Christmas tree with a side of holiday music and refreshments, enjoy a cheer-filled parade, hang out with Santa in his workshop, and soak in the magic of the season.
  Schedule: 
  Friday, November 28: 12 pm – 6 pm
  Saturday, November 29: All day 
  Sunday, November 30: 7:30 am – 9:30 am 

 Also participate in: 
Early Bird Shopping: Saturday, November 8 | 7 am – 10 am
ROCKLocal and Win: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, December 21 (Weekly drawings) 

Don’t miss Puffins Nest when exploring downtown Rockland! This lovely little shop is filled with Maine themed and nautical inspired gifts and souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for pajamas for your kids, Christmas themed ornaments, or matching sweatshirts for the family, Puffins Nest truly has something for everyone.  

Feast like a Local: Must Try Maine Holiday Treats 
A growling stomach and a hangry mood can quickly dampen the holiday cheer. As you wander through Maine’s holiday celebrations, be sure not to miss these classic seasonal favorites:  

• Fudge: Rich, velvety, and handcrafted with love. The holiday season brings in many creative flavors!
• Needham’s: A dream come true for coconut and chocolate lovers. Blends creamy coconut, rich chocolate, and local charm in every bite.
• Maine Sea Salt Caramels: Buttery caramels handcrafted and flecked with local sea salt. 
• Whoopie Pies: A beloved holiday favorite made with two soft, chocolatey cake rounds and a creamy filling sandwiched in between.  

From Freeport to Thomaston, Midcoast Maine offers a sleigh-full of holiday magic just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa at a craft fair, singing carols on a trolley ride, or admiring lobster trap trees, each stop along Route 1 brings its own sparkle to the season. 

So, bundle up, hit the road, and make this year’s holiday memories merry, bright, and uniquely Maine. A Very Midcoast Christmas isn’t just a trip—it’s a tradition in the making. 

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Brought to you by your friends at Midcoast FCU:

This blog and free interactive directory map of regional businesses are underwritten and managed by Midcoast Federal Credit Union.  We are a full-service, not-for-profit financial cooperative, serving Midcoast Mainers since 1956.  We offer simple and effective financial services and education for the hardworking people and businesses in Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo Counties. We thank you for your interest in the wonderful region we call home.