A New England Holiday Tradition: Kennebunkport’s 42nd Annual Christmas Prelude Begins Nov. 30

Traditional favorites return, along with exciting new ones and more Midweek Magic

KENNEBUNKPORT, ME – The 42nd annual Christmas Prelude (Nov. 30-Dec. 10) will soon see the town decked out in twinkling lights and greenery, with a buoy-decked Christmas tree at its center – like a Hallmark Christmas movie come to life! See www.christmasprelude.com for full schedule details.

“Each year Prelude gets better” says Kennebunkport Business Association President Ashley Padget of Alisson’s. “All of our traditional favorites return, like the caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, tree lightings, Hat Parade and more, and then are joined by even more magical events like the Lucky Pup Rescue Adopt-A-Tree Festival and a pre-tree lighting party at Bradbury Bros. on the first Friday.”

The re-imagined Santa’s arrival by lobster boat is a traditional event that got bigger and better last year, with a move to the Nonantum Resort. It will be back at the inn this year.

“We are super excited to have Santa return this year,” said the Nonantum’s Tina Gordon. “He’s getting on the boat 12:30 – he’ll go up and down river, landing at the Nonantum at 1, where the party will be underway!”

Also returning this year are the craft fairs Prelude is known for – the perfect places to find unique, hand-crafted gifts.

Following its success in 2019, the Kennebunkport Business Association is also working to bring a little
Midweek Magic back to Christmas Prelude.

“We are working hard to build Midweek Magic events for travelers looking to extend their stay, and
locals hoping to enjoy a less hectic celebration!” says KBA President Ashley Padget.

Midweek merriment includes a Cookie Crawl, house tours of the beautifully decorated White Columns, a Merry Market at Maine Art Hill, cookie decorating, art classes and the return of the ever-popular Storybook Christmas for children on Dec. 7.


Christmas Prelude has been brought to you for 42 magical years by the Kennebunkport Business Association, an all-volunteer group that works to plan the events all year long.
Contact: Laura Dolce 207-967-0857

 

Santa visits Christmas Prelude

Santa visits Christmas Prelude