The Nonantum Resort
95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport Join us for a magical morning having breakfast and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Guests will have the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes with the big man himself, and even receive a complimentary commemorative photo to capture the moment. Breakfast will have live entertainment from Cover Stories featuring all your favorite holiday hits. The fun is boundless, the food is delightful, and the memories are sure to last a lifetime! Reservations are required.
Cost: $35/adult and $18/child
Call For Reservations - 207-967-4050
The Nonantum Resort
95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
https://www.nonantumresort.com/
Coffee Roasters of the Kennebunks
163 Port Road, Kennebunk Join us for our 2nd annual Craft Fair at the Coffee Roasters! Local handmade goods and gifts!
The Seashore Trolley Museum
195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport Come out to the Seashore Trolley Museum for a special winter treat! Ride in heated trolleys decked out in live holiday greens on our private heritage railroad, shop in the Museum Store, check out several exhibits and displays including the new model railroad building, and enjoy delicious hot chocolate! Only $14/person; children 2 and under that will be sitting on laps on the trolley ride are free. Santa will also be on campus during three event days–see below for times! Complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast around our outdoor fire pit are included in the price of admission.
This event will be held Friday-Sunday December 6-8 and 13-15. Our winter trolley rides are roughly 25 minutes in length and journey through our beautiful, wooded campus. You and your family/group are welcome to arrive before or stay after your ride to enjoy the museum’s outdoor exhibits and displays. The Museum will be open from 9:30AM-5:30PM. The last trolley ride departs from the Visitors Center at 5PM each day. Trolleys depart from our Visitors Center every 30 minutes (rides are not offered at 12PM or 12:30PM).
This event will be held rain, light snow or shine.
Santa will be on campus and available for photos during the following dates and times: Sunday, 12/8 from 3PM-5:30PM; and Friday-Sunday December 13-15 from 9:30AM-12PM and 1PM-5:30PM.
Our heritage railway is approximately 3 miles from downtown Kennebunkport and does not connect with downtown Kennebunkport. Our trolleys are the real deal and operate on a railroad, not paved roads — the “trolleys” that travel on the roads are imitation trolleys built to look like the trolleys that operated in the early 1900s, the original trolleys that we have preserved and now operate on our heritage railway.
Accessibility: Seashore Trolley Museum has a Mobilift to help guests with mobility challenges access our trolleys.
For questions, please email events@trolleymuseum.org (Katie) or call (207) 967-2800 x110 (Alissa).
Cost: $14 per person
Tickets: https://christmastrolley.eventbrite.com
Via Sophia by the Sea
27 Western Avenue, Kennebunk Experience a festive brunch at Via Sophia -- Back by popular demand just for Christmas Prelude! Enjoy elevated brunch classics with refreshing Italian cocktails to begin your Prelude morning.
First Weekend:
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Stop by The Shops at Morning Walk's Classic Christmas Cottages and add a personalized tribute ornament to our "Celebrate a Life" tree. Ornaments will be available for donation at all of the shops, with proceeds benefiting the Dempsey Foundation.
Cost: Donation
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Discover our curated 2024 holiday line of charms and leave with a custom charm bracelet. Select 5 of your favorites and we will assemble for you. A gift to you from us, save $15 per bracelet.
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
The Creative Soul
2 Christensen Lane, Kennebunk Join us in brightening the holiday season for seniors with our Kits of Kindness program! Each kit includes everything your little ones will need to create a heartfelt Christmas card for a senior. Kit includes: one blank card, a stamped envelope (addressed directly to a senior citizen at Atria, Kennebunk), crayons, and stickers for decorating. Pick up your kit at The Creative Soul during our open studio hours and let your child’s creativity shine as they send love and joy to a senior this holiday season. Together, we can make the holidays a little brighter for those in need of extra cheer! Check our website for the most up-to-date studio hours. FREE. While supplies last. Cards will be available for pick up during prelude only, December 5th – December 15th. To ensure the cards make it to the seniors before Christmas, they must be put in the mail no later than December 16th.
Prelude Hours:
Monday & Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday-Sunday – First session begins at 10am. 10am-4pm on Wednesday and Sunday, 10am-6pm on Thursdays, Fridays + Saturdays.
Cost: FREE (while supplies last)
Location: The Creative Soul | 2 Christensen Lane, Kennebunk
The Creative Soul
2 Christensen Lane, Kennebunk Drop by for open studio and choose from a variety of seasonal pottery, including ornaments, and create your own hand-painted holiday masterpiece. Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks while you paint in a cozy, creative atmosphere. Whether you’re making a unique keepsake or a special gift. If pottery isn’t your thing, don’t worry—we also offer other activities such as canvas painting, sea glass art and more! Your pottery piece gets finished with a gloss glaze. It dries quickly so you can TAKE YOUR PIECE HOME SAME DAY or come back the next day to pick it up if you prefer. Perfect for out-of-towners who cannot wait a week or two! Reservations are required but walk-ins are welcome if there is enough room. (Check website for the most up-to-date availability and hours.)
Prelude Open Studio Hours:
Monday & Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday-Sunday – First session begins at 10am. 10am-4pm on Wednesday and Sunday, 10am-6pm on Thursdays, Fridays + Saturdays.
Pricing: $10 per person studio fee (covers all your art materials, unlimited studio time & refreshments) + the price of which project you choose. Projects range from $5-$40.
Buy Tickets: https://www.thecreativesoulme.com/book-now
Location: The Creative Soul
2 Christensen Lane, Kennebunk
The Pilot House
2 Harbor Lane, Kennebunk 9th Annual Christmas Prelude Boat Rides on the F/V Nor’easter
Join Captain Mike and First Mate Shelley for a ride up and down the Kennebunk River on the F/V Nor’easter, an authentic Maine lobster boat owned and operated by local lobsterman, Captain Mike Perkins. Rides take place from 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday, both Prelude weekends.
Board the boat at either the Nonantum Resort on Ocean Ave. or behind the Pilot House restaurant in Dock Square. The boat stops at each location every 30 minutes. Ride as often as you wish! Pass is good all day. A boatload of fun for ALL ages. No advance reservations required or accepted, simply show up at the dock.
Cost: Still only $10- per person!
FMI: 207-450-1831. www.noreasterfishing.com
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Start your Sunday with a Holiday Mimosa as you stroll through our Christmas Village! Or warm up with a Mulled Wine or hot cider! Cozy beverages curated by Kennebunk's own Wine House on Main - the perfect stop for capping off your Prelude!
Free Admission, purchases extra
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
Studios on Maine Art Hill
5 Chase Hill Road, Kennebunk Snap a holiday pic to memorialize Christmas Prelude 2024! Plenty of fun props and signs for you to borrow. The photo booth is donation-based with all proceeds going to The Center. $10 suggested donation. The Center is a meeting place for 50+ adults to explore their interests through engaging programs, social connections, and to make a difference through volunteer opportunities that strengthen the community. (Holiday Photobooth is open daily during Prelude.)
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Location: Shows on Maine Art Hill
5 Chase Hill Rd, Kennebunk
https://www.maine-art.com/
Studios on Maine Art Hill
5 Chase Hill Road, Kennebunk Featuring Maine made fine art crafts from over a dozen artisans: jewelry, photography, glass, ornaments, woodworking, and more. PLUS special weekend programming including a photobooth, fundraisers, and free kids' arts & crafts. Enjoy our fire pit, refreshments, and general, cheery merriment! Open daily December 5-15, 10am-5pm
Maine Art Hill, 1 & 5 Chase Hill Rd, Kennebunk
https://www.maine-art.com/
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Enjoy portable family friendly scratch Soups, hearty Sandwiches & Party appetizer platters located in Cottage 7 inspired by Heat Miser and his cast of characters! NO Reservations needed.
Free Admission, purchases extra
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Capture your family memories with festive photo ops throughout The Shops at Morning Walk! Just look for the Photo Op Signs!
Free Admission
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Place your letters in our mailbox located on the porch of Cottage 3 and we will make sure they make their way up to the North Pole before Christmas!
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Experience a quintessential "Christmas in Maine" moment with a visit to Kennebunks' first LOBSTER BUOY CHRISTMAS "TREE"! This colorful "tree" made entirely from authentic salvaged lobster buoys & is perfect for creating coastal holiday photos & memories!
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
Dock Square, Kennebunkport 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, KennebunkportSponsored by KBA member The Black Dog.
Coffee Roasters of the Kennebunks
163 Port Road, Kennebunk Meet author Charles Elias who has written 4 children's books and will be here signing copies! Free to attend; books available for purchase.
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Discover a curated collection of Fine Art Small Works by various New England artists in Cottage 8! This show captures a diverse range of mediums & artistic styles at affordable prices perfect for starting your fine art collection, decorating or gifting!
Free Admission
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Come experience bold and vibrant flavors of Korean street food and Hawaiian comfort food. Try inventive yet approachable menu offerings to include Vegan options and a children’s menu by Barry Larry’s out of Portland!
Free Admission, purchases extra
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Roast a s'more over our warming fire! Pick up at Cottage 5.
Cost: $5 per kit, includes a holiday sticker.
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
River Tree Arts
35 Western Avenue, Kennebunk Give the gift of artwork from local painters this holiday season! We're selling works from faculty and local artists that have been featured in our micro-gallery shows over the past few years. This artwork is priced with holiday gift giving in mind and everything is 50% off. All proceeds from the sale benefit River Tree Arts. Gallery viewing hours are daily 12pm - 5pm, December 5 through December 14.
Cost: FREE
Location: River Tree Arts | 35 Western Ave, Kennebunk
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Join us at Cottage #1 to sample Hot Chocolate infused with nutty Chaga Mushroom! Free with purchase or $2 per sample while supplies last.
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.
Noble Goods
149 Port Road, Kennebunk We'll have two food and drink trucks in our parking lot: Barkeep (Bar Cart) will be there starting at noon and Caring Community Cuisine (formerly Mussette) will be presenting a loaded hot chocolate bar and grilled cheese paninis. While you're enjoying your drinks, get toasty by our cowboy cauldron and play some giant jenga or corn hole.
Location: Noble Goods | 149 Port Road, Kennebunk
White Columns
8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport Built in 1853, White Columns is one of the Kennebunkport Historical Society’s premier properties. Owned and loved by the same family for 130 years, the Victorian-era home has retained its old-world charm and still contains the home’s original furnishings.
Purchase your tour ticket online and redeem it at White Columns during any of our operating hours. Tours are available on the hour, and your ticket can be used at any time, with no need to reserve a specific date. Please note, that each tour is limited to 20-25 participants, and availability is first-come, first-served. To ensure your spot, we recommend arriving 15-20 minutes before your preferred tour time. Simply print your ticket and bring it with you when you visit! Tickets will also be available in the gift shop based on availability.
End of Season Sale in Gift Shop: 1-4PM on Sunday, December 15th ONLY.
Monday-Saturday, 10am-3pm
Sundays, 1-3pm
Cost: $20 per person
Tickets: https://kporths.com/2024-prelude/
Location: White Columns | 8 Maine St, Kennebunkport
Cape Porpoise Kitchen
1 Mills Road, Kennebunkport Local author Jennifer Commeau will be at CPK to read from her new Book, “INSIDE OF ME” - A beautifully illustrated book of places to visit and exciting things to do and see in Maine. Jen’s book takes you on a whirlwind tour of the great state of Maine.
Cost: Free to attend, books available for purchase.
Location: Cape Porpoise Kitchen | 1 Mills Rd, Kennebunkport
Rococo Dessert Bar
8 Western Avenue, Kennebunk Build your own custom Rococo S’mores and enjoy by the firepit. Hot chocolate, spiked mulled wine & cider. Individual & family-sized kits.
Fridays: 3-5pm
Saturdays + Sundays: 1-4pm
Cost: Kits start at $8 each
Location: The Rococo Dessert Bar | 8 Western Ave, Unit 5, Kennebunk.
Rococo Dessert Bar
8 Western Avenue, Kennebunk The Rococo Prelude Passports are available for pickup at the Rococo Dessert Bar and are available each day of Prelude. Once a participant completes the passport page (think scavenger hunt), they will get a stamp on the appropriate page. Stamps can be received at The Rococo Dessert Bar. Participants who complete the passport will win prizes. The event runs all 10 days of Prelude.
Weekdays 3-10PM, Weekends 1-10PM
Location: The Rococo Dessert Bar | 8 Western Ave, Unit 5, Kennebunk.
Cape Porpoise Square 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.
The Shops at Morning Walk
2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk Spend a relaxing afternoon around the fire while exploring all The Shops at Morning Walk offer! Located between Cottage #1 & Cottage #2. (Weather permitting)
Free Admission
Location: The Shops at Morning Walk, 2 Morning Walk Ln, Kennebunk.