History of Christmas Prelude

Christmas Prelude was just a glimmer of an idea in the summer of 1982 when Kennebunkport merchants first discussed creating a holiday event to give back to the community. “We want to give the town a Christmas festival,” one organizer said of the group that would come to be known as the Kennebunkport Business Association. And so, that December, what was described as a “three-day extravaganza” filled with a tree lighting, chowder luncheon and carol singing took place. And so, Christmas Prelude was born. Over time, Prelude has changed to include two full weekends and nearly two full weeks, dozens of events and draws thousands of people from around the world. More importantly, it has helped to raise thousands of dollars for local nonprofits and supported its member businesses while staying true to its local roots. In 2018, it honored the passing of one of its biggest fans, President George H.W. Bush, by counting down from 41 at the tree lighting. And in 2020, most of the traditional events were held virtually, because of the still-active pandemic. Throughout the years, though, the KBA, through its Christmas Prelude, has honored its mission: to give back to the community and to share in the joy and magic of the Christmas community. As long as there are people to come together, to celebrate, there will always be a Christmas Prelude.

Who We Are:

The mission of the KBA (Kennebunkport Business Association) is to give back to the community and celebrate the joy and magic of the Christmas season through a timeless holiday experience that we organize, Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude.  Since the event’s inception in 1982, it’s grown from a 3-day celebration to a nearly 2-week festival that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world with its warmth and wonder.  The 100% volunteer association has remained committed to ensuring the festival continues to support local non-profits and local businesses while preserving its local roots.

If you have any questions, please drop us an email at ChristmasPrelude@gmail.com. We hope you will join us as the newest member of the KBA!

What We Are:

The Kennebunkport Business Association (KBA) is an all volunteer, non-profit organization of local merchants, restaurateurs, innkeepers and other tourist-related businesses which share the objectives of the KBA as stated in our by-laws. Membership is exclusive to businesses in Kennebunkport, Cape Porpoise and Kennebunk’s Lower Village. Our purpose is to work to make our villages pleasant and friendly places for all who visit and shop here. We share the common goal of promoting our area to both the tourist trade and the local residents while preserving the uniqueness of our very special New England community. Our most successful accomplishment is Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude™, the ten-day holiday celebration that spans the first two weekends of December. The festival – owned, created, produced and paid for entirely by the KBA through its membership support – enjoys national awareness and has been covered by various media outlets over the years. The first weekend of Prelude is not only the single busiest weekend of the year for most businesses, it presents the most viable means for local civic organizations to fundraise and, in doing so, helps build goodwill between local residents and the business community. KBA is actively involved in town services and issues regarding the betterment of the community and fulfilling the purposes of the organization. To that end, you will find KBA members on community committees and the Board of Selectmen, attending Selectmen, Planning Board, Budget Board and Town meetings and focusing on issues critical to KBA and its members (motor coach traffic, restrooms, parking lot fees, town lighting, land use ordinances, and other specific needs of the town). In contrast to the Chamber of Commerce, we specifically focus on the concerns of our three villages. You get to know your neighboring businesses on a personal level.

• Securing a marketing grant from the Maine Office of Tourism
• Working with the Chamber to grow our social media presence and create campaigns. In 2020, we had more than 1.5 million social media impressions!
• Increasing our email list more than 50% through text to sign-up and a pop-up on our website
• Creating “Midweek Magic” to increase visitors and revenue on weekdays
• Increasing press placements, with more than a dozen in 2020.
• And YOU can be a part of it all!

How To Join:

Contact any Board Member or EMAIL ChristmasPrelude@gmail.com if you would like more information or to join our organization. Annual Dues are $295 and include listing on christmasprelude.com, our Christmas Prelude app, and inclusion in our Prelude Schedule of Events (plus advertising and event sponsorship opportunities). Membership is limited to businesses in Kennebunkport, Cape Porpoise, and Lower Village Kennebunk.