Picture a Hallmark Christmas movie coming to life: The festive lights, the greenery, the towering tree in the center of the square, the community coming together.
The good news is that the world doesn’t only exist in the movies: You can experience it in Kennebunkport each year during Christmas Prelude.
Tree lightings, Santa arriving by lobster boat, caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, a beautiful fireworks display, a lively street festival, and more are just some of the highlights of the 11-day event. So make Christmas part of your holiday traditions and watch the magic come alive!
.
December 4th – December 14th, 2025
As Prelude’s popularity has grown, so too has our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone who joins us, as well as preserving the charm and integrity of our beautiful Kennebunkport. This cherished event is a reflection of our community’s heart and spirit, and it’s up to all of us to keep that spirit alive for generations to come.
To continue this tradition while managing its growth responsibly, we ask for your support. Your donations will help us sustain and enhance Christmas Prelude, ensuring it remains a safe, welcoming, and enchanting experience for all. Together, we can keep the magic alive. Thank you for being part of the story!
Below is a listing of the most popular and featured events for your reference. Click above to view the complete list of over 160 events and to plan your visit.
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square officially begins the season. Join in Christmas caroling with the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir, followed by the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Savings.
Kennebunkport 's most original holiday decoration will be officially lit in Cape Porpoise Square. Join in the caroling with The Church on the Cape Choir. Refreshments will be served at Cape Porpoise Fire Station. Sponsored by KBA members farm + table, Cape Porpoise Kitchen, and Bradbury Brother’s Market.
Swing by to say hello to Mrs. Claus all the way from the North Pole! Cozy up for some fireside hot cocoa and soak up the sweet magic of Christmas in the Kennebunks at this idyllic Prelude event for children of all ages! Cost: FREE Location: Kennebunk Outfitters | 51 Western Ave, Kennebunk Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Outfitters
*RAIN OR SHINE* A parade of holiday hats for children and adults led by the Patriot Fife and Drum Duo. Show off your handmade or store-bought creations. All hat-wearers welcome! To join, gather at the town parking lot behind Alisson’s Restaurant by 2:45 p.m. Parade runs through Dock Square and over the bridge, and ends at the Washington Hose Company in Lower Village Kennebunk. FREE REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON! Sponsored by KBA member Best of Everything
Join us at the corner of Christensen Lane and Route 35 in Kennebunk for the lighting of the Lower Village Tree with carols by the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir. Following the lighting, enjoy the traditional stroll to the Franciscan Monastery.
Join the Franciscans at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on the grounds of St. Anthony's Monastery for the story of the birth of Jesus interspersed with Christmas songs by candlelight. Presented by St. Anthony's Monastery and the Secular Franciscan Order. No parking on property. Franciscan Monastery, 28 Beach Ave, Kennebunk. Sponsored by KBA member White Barn Inn.
Catch a glimpse of Santa as he travels up the river to land at The Nonantum Resort. For best viewing, gather on the sidewalk of the Mathew Lanigan Bridge in Dock Square (the river side, not the basin side) or shoreside up Ocean Avenue to The Nonantum Resort.
We welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Nonantum Resort for their arrival in Kennebunkport! They’ve taken the Polar Express straight from the North Pole and are thrilled to hop on over to the Nonantum Marina to greet us! During this family friendly event, you’ll get the opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, take a complimentary photo, create holiday crafts, and enjoy warm beverages (adult beverages too!). Free and open to the public. The Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue Kennebunkport. Sponsored by KBA member The Nonantum Resort.
Travel down a tree-lined, snowy road to a clearing, where smoke curls from the chimney of a rustic lodge. Inside, warm yourself by the fire with free cocoa from Mornings in Paris and sit with Santa as he reads you his favorite story, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.Downstairs, elves will help children make "gingerbread" houses to take home. There will be plenty of opportunities for holiday photos! The event is held at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, 57 Gravelly Brook Road, from 4-6 p.m. Sponsored by KBA Members Kennebunk Kennebunkport Arundel Chamber and Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. FREE Admission FMI: https://chamber.gokennebunks.com/events/details/gingerbread-house-making-event-with-santa-31117 Location: Kennebunkport Conservation Trust | 57 Gravelly Brook Rd, Kennebunkport
Strolling carolers, live music from Women of Note and Sir Don, the Heritage of America Band's Heritage Winds, Beau Dalleo, the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir, food vendors, ice carving, a life-size snow globe, and more will be featured at this family-friendly festival. Streets will be closed to traffic from Dock Square, Kennebunkport through Lower Village, Kennebunk. Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Savings.
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square officially begins the season. Join in Christmas caroling with the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir, followed by the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. Sponsored by KBA member Alisson’s Restaurant.
Enjoy our Prelude extravaganza that will take place in the cove and can be viewed from the Mathew Lanigan Bridge and surrounding areas. Dock Square, Kennebunkport. Sponsored by KBA members Kennebunkport Resort Collection, Portside Realty, KPT Luxury Properties, and Lark Hotels.
Why should the fun have to end after the fireworks? Hop on our free RideMaine shuttle on Ocean Avenue just around the corner from Dock Square and let it take you to our second take on the Street Festival! Follow the luminaries to more fun. Festival favorite Beau Dalleo will be playing outside the Coveside Market, which will have s'mores and a firepit outside and inside you'll find all sorts of food, beverages and more. Across the street, Dannah, Dannah for Men and the Chris Becker Gallery will be open for holiday buying and will have a firepit, marshmallows and other treats. The Gallery will also be doing photo shoots, so you can remember this night! Stripers Tavern at the Breakwater will be open for cocktails and the Truckin' Pizza food truck will be on the lawn offering up heartier fare. Keep an eye out for living statue Deb Cram. She just might surprise you! And the Lobster Elves will be around, posing for photos during the second street festival.
Swing by to say hello to Mrs. Claus all the way from the North Pole! Cozy up for some fireside hot cocoa and soak up the sweet magic of Christmas in the Kennebunks at this idyllic Prelude event for children of all ages! Cost: FREE Location: Kennebunk Outfitters | 51 Western Ave, Kennebunk Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Outfitters
Bring your pooch wearing their favorite holiday attire! The parade starts at Consolidated School (School Street, Kennebunkport), down Maine Street, through Dock Square, and onto Ocean Avenue. All decorated dogs and their humans are welcome to join in - meet at Consolidated School by 10:45 a.m.. Dogs must be leashed for the duration of the parade route. Location: Consolidated School | 25 School Street, Kennebunkport Sponsored by KBA member The Black Dog.
Meet Santa at Cape Porpoise Kitchen, Cape Porpoise Square. Photos for children of all ages. Hot chocolate, cookies and treats for the kids. Cape Porpoise Kitchen, 1 Mills Rd, Kennebunkport. Sponsored by KBA member Cape Porpoise Kitchen.
