Christmas Prelude FAQs
Where can we park?
Visit our dedicated parking page for the latest information on parking during Christmas Prelude. Parking Information
Where are the public bathrooms?
For Christmas Prelude 2024, 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
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.
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/join-the-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.
Is the area closed to traffic during the Prelude Family Street Festival?
Yes! Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, 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 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 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 do I join the Hat Parade?
All hat wearers welcome! To join, registration is required (registration opens on October 1, 2025): https://PreludeHatParade.eventbrite.com
We gather at the town parking lot behind Alisson’s Restaurant by 2:45 p.m.
Where can we see Santa arrive by Lobster Boat?
Join Santa on his annual pilgrimage up the Kennebunk River on Sunday, December 7, 2025 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.
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 (registration opens on October 1, 2025): https://PreludePoochParade.eventbrite.com
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!