Christmas Prelude FAQs

Christmas Prelude Code of Conduct

To ensure a joyful, safe, and welcoming experience for all who live, work, and visit our community, we ask that attendees follow the guidelines below while enjoying Christmas Prelude:

Be Respectful of Our Community

  1. Please be mindful that Christmas Prelude takes place in the heart of an active residential and business community.
  2. Show consideration for those who live and work here year-round by keeping noise levels reasonable and treating public spaces with care.

Keep Our Town Clean

  1. Help us maintain the charm and beauty of our town by disposing of all trash, recyclables, and food waste in the designated bins provided throughout the area.
  2. If you don’t see a trash or recycling container nearby, please hold onto your items until you do—keeping our streets clean is everyone’s responsibility.

Parking & Traffic Courtesy

  1. Respect all posted parking signs, including time limits and restricted areas.
  2. Please do not block driveways, private property, or access points needed by emergency and service vehicles.
  3. Use designated parking areas whenever possible and follow instructions from event staff and traffic officers.

Alcohol & Public Consumption

  1. In accordance with town ordinances, open consumption of alcohol in public spaces is strictly prohibited.
  2. Santa—and the town—thank you for keeping our streets safe and family-friendly.

Be Kind, Be Patient

  1. Christmas Prelude is a beloved event that brings many people together. Lines may be longer, foot traffic slower, and space more limited—your patience and kindness help create the warm holiday atmosphere we all enjoy.
  2. Treat fellow attendees, volunteers, and staff with courtesy and respect.

Thank you for doing your part to help make Christmas Prelude a positive experience for residents, visitors, and our business community. Your cooperation ensures the event remains joyful, safe, and welcoming for all.

RAVE Emergency Alert Platform

Rave is an emergency alert platform that allows York County EMA and local municipalities to send time-sensitive safety notifications.

How it works:

  1. Text PRELUDE to 226787
  2. They would be opted in to text messages for the duration of the event
  3. To opt out, they can text LEAVE and be fully opted out

 

Where can we park?

Visit our dedicated parking page for the latest information on parking during Christmas Prelude. Parking Information

How do I add my Christmas Prelude event?

To add your special event to the Christmas Prelude schedule, please complete this Event Form.

Please note, your membership dues must be in good standing to be able to include your business name and information on our website, or promote your Prelude events online or in print.

Where are the public bathrooms?

For Christmas Prelude 2026, we have added 10 portable bathrooms throughout Lower Village Kennebunk, Dock Square Kennebunkport, and Cape Porpoise.

Dock Square Municipal Lot
Cape Porpoise Fire Station
North Street Fire Station
Washington Hose Company in Lower Village Kennebunk
Village Marketplace in Lower Village Kennebunk

Is the area closed to traffic during the Prelude Family Street Festival?

Yes! Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, from 3:30-7:00 pm (from Cooper’s Corner in Kennebunk through Dock Square). No vehicles will be allowed in or out of the area during those times.

How can my business or non-profit participate in Christmas Prelude?

Prelude events are exclusive to members of the Kennebunkport Business Association in Kennebunkport and Lower Village, Kennebunk. If you are interested in joining the KBA, please visit https://christmasprelude.com/about-kba/. Please note, your membership dues must be in good standing to be able to include your business name and information on our website, or promote your Prelude events online or in print.

If you are interested in volunteering your holiday entertainment, wish to volunteer to help decorate our town, or are a local non-profit organization and would like to find venue space, please contact us at christmasprelude@gmail.com.

Where is the best place to watch the Hat Parade?

The Hat Parade runs through Dock Square and over the bridge past the Best of Everything into Lower Village Kennebunk. The best places to watch are the monument area of Dock Square (and all sidewalks) as well as sidewalks leading across the bridge and through Lower Village, Kennebunk.

How late are the shops open?

Most Dock Square/Ocean Avenue/Lower Village shops are open until 8:00 pm or later on Prelude weekends.

Where can we see Santa arrive by Lobster Boat?

Join Santa on his annual pilgrimage up the Kennebunk River on Sunday, December 6, 2026, between 12:30-12:45 p.m., traveling up and down the river. Any place along the shore offers a great view, including the Mathew Lanigan Bridge in Dock Square (the river side, not the basin side). Santa does not travel under the bridge. Santa docks at the Nonantum Resort at 1pm for activities and fun for all ages! Free and open to the public.

How do I join the Hat Parade?

All hat wearers welcome! To join, registration is required and will open on October 15th. MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

We gather at the town parking lot behind Alisson’s Restaurant by 2:45 p.m.

Where is the best place to watch the Pooch Parade?

The parade travels from Consolidated School (School St.) right onto Maine Street past Graves Memorial Library, left into Dock Square and up Ocean Avenue. Any of the sidewalks in this area are great viewing/cheering spots!

How do I join the Pooch Parade?

All well-behaved pups welcome! To join, registration is required and will open on Oct 15 – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

The parade begins at Consolidated School in Kennebunkport. It is free to join! Just bring your decorated pooch before 10:45 a.m.

How do I participate in the Craft Fairs?

All Prelude Craft Fairs are individually run by different non-profit organizations. You will need to contact each organization/venue to inquire about table space.

Where is the best place to watch the Fireworks?

The fireworks are best viewed from the Mathew Lanigan Bridge in Dock Square, the South Congregational Green in Dock Square, or any area near the bridge in Lower Village.

Are the events free?

Most events are free! If there is a charge, it will be listed on the schedule.

Do events ever get cancelled in bad weather?

Rarely. Unless it is a major blizzard or safety issue, all events will run as scheduled. Should an event be postponed or cancelled, we will post on our official Christmas Prelude Facebook page!

What Winter activities and parks are in the area?

Kennebunkport offers many areas for hiking, biking, running, dog walking, snowshoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing, children’s parks, beaches, museums, historical tours, bird watching, a day at the spa, and so much more!