Maine’s Ultimate 2025 Christmas Light Guide: Discover Hidden Sparkling Gems & Holiday Magic Displays You Can’t Miss!

Every year, Maine bursts into color with festive lights and creative decorations. Folks from all over the state pile into cars and head out to unique spots just to see thousands of twinkling lights and soak up the holiday magic.

I help travelers find the best places to see Christmas lights in Maine for 2025, so planning a memorable visit gets a whole lot easier. Whether you’re after family fun or just want to wander through winter beauty, you’ll find plenty of options to check out this holiday season.

1) Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

I like to visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for some of the state’s most famous holiday lights. You’ll find this huge botanical garden in Boothbay, spread across 250 acres of gardens, woods, and winding trails.

Each winter, the gardens transform into a massive outdoor light show that draws big crowds. The “Gardens Aglow” event usually runs from mid-November through December.

You’ll need timed tickets, so I always suggest buying online ahead of time. It’s cheaper and you won’t risk missing out. The lights kick on at dusk and stay lit until 9 p.m. on event nights.

Parking’s free, and there are even EV charging stations. The garden stays open rain or shine, but they do close on certain dates for maintenance.

Kids under three get in free. If you’re a member, you also get in for nothing, and there are discounts for seniors, students, and veterans. I’d book a place to stay in Boothbay Harbor if you want an easy trip.

Rating: 4.8 (6109 reviews)
Location: 105 Botanical Gdns Dr, Boothbay, ME 04537
Contact: (207) 633-8000
Website: Visit Website

Dates (2025)	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov–Dec (exact dates TBA)	Dusk–9 p.m. (Event nights)	105 Botanical Gdns Dr, Boothbay, ME 04537	Adults: $25 online, $29 in-person Seniors/Veterans: $21 online, $25 in-person Students (18+): $16 Children (3–17): $9 online, $13 in-person Under 3: Free	Boothbay Harbor Inns – Booking.com	mainegardens.org

2) The North Waterboro Pole Christmas Light Display

I checked out The North Waterboro Pole Christmas Light Display and honestly, it’s a family-friendly spot. The display covers a local neighborhood and draws in folks who like a simple, classic holiday look.

It’s easy to find and makes a convenient stop if you’re driving through. The lights are set up on private property, but you can see everything right from your car.

It’s a drive-by kind of experience, so you don’t need to bundle up or get out if you don’t want to. That’s perfect for families with little kids or anyone who just wants to stay cozy.

The street doesn’t get too busy, though you’ll see more cars than usual during December. No entrance fee, which is always nice.

If you want to avoid the busiest times, I’d show up a little earlier in the evening. You’ll find food and gas nearby since it’s close to other neighborhoods.

Rating: 5 (1 review)
Location: 74 Mayfair Way, North Waterboro, ME 04061

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December (TBA)	Evening	74 Mayfair Way, North Waterboro	Free	Local Hotels – Booking.com	N/A

3) Portland Head Light

I always tell people to visit Portland Head Light during the holidays. It’s probably Maine’s most famous lighthouse, perched on a rocky shore inside Fort Williams Park.

This place dates back to 1791 and still works as a lighthouse today. Most years, they hang big wreaths and string up lights for Christmas.

The open spaces and ocean views here just make everything feel festive and peaceful. I love walking along the paths for a great view of both the lighthouse and the Atlantic.

You’ll find a small museum and gift shop just steps away, packed with local maritime history and lighthouse-themed gifts. Parking’s free, but December crowds can get pretty big.

Rating: 4.8 (14,862 reviews)
Location: Portland Head Light on Google Maps
Contact: (207) 799-2661
Website: Visit Website

4) Bug Light Park

I like Bug Light Park for its wide-open views and unusual setting. The park sits right on the harbor in South Portland, so you get a nice look at the city skyline and the water.

The tiny lighthouse here, built in 1875, is a big local landmark and draws a crowd during the holidays. Every December, the lighthouse and the park light up with seasonal decorations.

You’ve got almost nine acres to wander, which makes it easy to walk around and soak in the lights. Locals come for holiday events or just to enjoy the night scene.

If you’re planning a visit, just know the park fills up around Christmas. Parking’s usually not a problem unless you come at the busiest times.

It gets pretty windy by the water, so I always bring an extra layer.

Rating: 4.7 (2266 reviews)
Location: Bug Light Park, South Portland, ME 04106
Contact: (207) 767-7670
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (booking.com)	Website
December 2025	Sunset-9pm	South Portland, ME 04106	Free	South Portland Hotels	http://www.southportland.org/

5) Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

I stop by Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse every year for its unique holiday vibe. The lighthouse stands at the end of a long, rocky breakwater in South Portland.

It’s the only caisson-style lighthouse in the U.S. you can actually walk out to. Built in 1897, this place has watched over Portland Harbor and Casco Bay for more than a century.

The history here draws in families and travelers from all over. During the holidays, volunteers decorate the lighthouse with festive lights.

You can take a tour for a small fee on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other Saturday from July through early winter. The volunteers from the Spring Point Ledge Light Trust always have stories to share, especially about the old fog bell.

Turns out, the bell connects back to Paul Revere’s foundry—kind of a cool bit of trivia.

Rating: 4.8 (641 reviews)
Location: Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland, Maine
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
July to early winter	11 am – 2 pm (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other Saturday)	2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106	$7 per person	Hotels near South Portland, ME on Booking.com	http://springpointledgelight.org/

6) Monmouth Lights

I made it out to Monmouth Lights in rural Maine last holiday season. A local landscape lighting expert designs this display, arranging lights around the property with real care each year.

The setting feels like a private home but with a pro’s touch. It really stands out in the area.

You can spot the display easily from the main road, and there’s parking nearby. The lights cover trees, bushes, and highlight all the unique features in the yard.

They usually keep the lights on every day from early December through the end of the holidays. Monmouth Lights doesn’t charge admission, so you can enjoy everything from your car or on foot.

Families like to stop for photos, and it’s got a calm, cozy vibe. If you’re into lighting design, you’ll find some neat ideas for creative outdoor decoration.

Location: 74 Warren Rd, Monmouth, ME 04259
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Early Dec – Late Dec	Dusk–10 PM	74 Warren Rd, Monmouth, ME	Free	Nearby hotels on Booking.com	http://monmouthlights.com/

7) Maine Celebration of Lights

I head to the Maine Celebration of Lights whenever I want a long drive-through route packed with over a million LED lights. Every winter in Cumberland, the event covers more than a mile of road.

Big animated scenes, a tunnel of shifting colors, and some giant 50-foot-tall structures line the way. I like that they sell tickets per vehicle, not per person—it just makes things simpler for families or groups.

Prices change depending on the day and your vehicle size. Weekends and holidays cost a bit more than weekdays.

I always pick my date, time, and car type online before I go. You can enjoy the whole show without leaving your car, which is honestly great—no standing outside in the cold or waiting in lines.

If you’re searching for a holiday outing where you can stay cozy, this one’s a solid choice.

Rating: 3.6 (20 reviews)
Location: Maine Celebration of Lights, Cumberland, ME
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov–Dec (Dates vary each year)	Evenings (select your time online)	197 Blanchard Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021	$20–$50 per vehicle	Hotels in Cumberland, ME	fiestashows.com

8) Seguin Island Light Station

I visit Seguin Island Light Station for the history and the views. The lighthouse stands on a tiny island off the Maine coast, dating all the way back to the early 1800s.

It’s actually one of Maine’s oldest working light stations. Getting there takes a boat ride from the mainland.

Once I set foot on the island, I find hiking trails and a couple of basic campsites. The small museum inside the keeper’s house adds a little extra, letting me peek into what lighthouse life was really like.

While it’s not your classic Christmas light display, there’s something special about it during the holidays. The beacon shines bright against the winter sky, and it just feels like a nod to coastal traditions from way back.

Rating: 5 (34 reviews)
Location: Seguin Island Light Station

9) Beans Corner Lights

I swing by Beans Corner Lights in Jay, Maine, if I’m around during the holidays. The display sits along Chesterville Road, so it’s hard to miss when you drive by.

It’s a local home with an impressive synchronized light show. The lights cover the whole property with cool patterns and designs.

Because it’s just a neighborhood display, there’s no fee to see it. You can watch from your car or take a walk along the sidewalk.

Parking’s available on nearby streets. I always go after sunset since that’s when the lights really pop.

People from nearby towns drop by, but it never feels too packed. It’s easy to get to and has this laid-back, friendly vibe.

Rating: 4.9 (10 reviews)
Location: 11 Chesterville Rd, Jay, ME 04239
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late November – December	Dusk to 10:00 PM (typical)	11 Chesterville Rd, Jay, ME 04239	Free	Jay, ME Hotels	Beans Corner Lights Facebook

10) Southworth Planetarium

I make my way to Southworth Planetarium every holiday season to catch their winter sky shows. December brings special programs about stars, planets, and solstice traditions.

These shows explain how different cultures celebrate and what the night sky looks like this time of year. I always buy my tickets online ahead of time, so I never have to wait at the door.

The planetarium sits on a university campus, so parking’s usually straightforward. It’s a nice spot for families or anyone who’s curious about astronomy.

If you want a private group show—maybe for a school, scouts, or a birthday—you just contact the staff and they’ll set it up. The experience is interactive and geared toward all ages.

I think they do a good job making tricky astronomy stuff feel simple, especially around the holidays.

Rating: 4.1 (48 reviews)
Location: 70 Falmouth St, Portland, ME 04103
Contact: (207) 780-4249
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December (varies)	Check website	70 Falmouth St, Portland, ME 04103	Varies by show	Booking.com – Portland Hotels	http://usm.maine.edu/planet

11) Norton Lights in wells me

I checked out Norton Lights in Wells, Maine, because I’d heard a lot about their holiday light shows. The Norton family runs the whole thing, and it actually started as a friendly competition back in 2008.

They’ve got more than 60,000 lights synced up to music—it’s a bright, lively show. Each year brings two main events.

In October, the Halloween show collects canned goods for the local food pantry. December’s Christmas show raises money for Make-A-Wish® Maine.

It’s not just the family, either—friends and the community pitch in. Every holiday season, thousands of people come to see the lights.

The display happens at a private home, so you just drive by to watch. Donations are totally voluntary, and everything goes to charity.

Rating: 5 (16 reviews)
Location: 213 Canterbury Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December (varies)	Evenings	213 Canterbury Rd, Wells, ME	Free, donations welcome	Auberge Wells Beach, Village by the Sea (from booking.com)	http://www.nortonlights.org/

12) Monument Square

Monument Square in Portland always feels like the heart of Maine’s holiday celebrations. In December, the plaza puts up a giant Christmas tree with lights and simple decorations.

Crowds gather for the tree lighting, sometimes with local musicians and even Santa. The area around the square is easy to walk.

I see people enjoying window displays, grabbing hot drinks, or shopping at small local stores. Public transport and parking are close by, so getting there isn’t a hassle.

Monument Square sits right in downtown Portland. There’s plenty of open space and room for photos with the displays.

Restaurants and hotels are just a short walk away.

Rating: 4.5 (592 reviews)
Location: 456 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Early Dec–Jan	Evenings	456 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101	Free	Hotels near Monument Square	N/A

13) Marshall Point Lighthouse & Museum

I stopped by Marshall Point Lighthouse & Museum during the holidays. The lighthouse sits on the Port Clyde coast and feels peaceful, even in the cold months.

Built in 1858, the white lighthouse has this simple, classic look. The museum in the keeper’s house only opens from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

During Christmas, the building stays closed, but the grounds are open all year from dawn to dusk. Even with the museum shut, the landscape and lighthouse are worth seeing.

The walkway to the lighthouse is closed right now because of storm damage. I made sure to follow the signs and didn’t step onto the damaged walkway.

You can find updates about repairs online, and there are ways to donate if you want to help restore the walkway. Around the holidays, the area usually gets a light touch of decorations, and people enjoy seeing the lighthouse dressed up from afar.

Rating: 4.8 (1336 reviews)
Location: Marshall Point Lighthouse & Museum
Contact: (207) 372-6450
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website Address
Grounds: Year-round. Museum: Memorial Day to Columbus Day	Dawn to dusk	Marshall Point Rd, Port Clyde, ME 04855	Free to visit grounds	Hotels near Port Clyde, ME	http://www.marshallpoint.org/

14) Schoodic Point

I stopped by Schoodic Point and honestly, it’s one of those peaceful corners of the Maine coast you just don’t forget. The spot sits right at the tip of the Schoodic Peninsula, tucked inside Acadia National Park.

If you’re into wild ocean views and those rugged granite rocks, you’ll probably love it here. It’s a good place for anyone who prefers scenery over crowds.

You won’t find a big Christmas lights festival or bustling holiday market at Schoodic Point. Still, plenty of folks—locals and visitors—come out just to soak up the natural winter beauty.

In December, the waves crash against the rocks in a way that makes everything feel a bit more dramatic. The sun sets early, and honestly, there’s a kind of calm that’s hard to describe.

If you’re looking for excitement, this isn’t really the place. But if quiet, outdoor winter scenes are your thing? You’ll feel right at home.

I did spot some small holiday decorations around nearby Winter Harbor. Some houses string up lights, and it gives the area a cozy vibe.

Don’t forget to pack warm clothes, though. The wind off the ocean can be biting, especially after dark.

You’ll find a few small inns and bed-and-breakfasts in Winter Harbor if you want to stay overnight.

Rating: 4.9 (910 reviews)
Location: Arey Cove Rd, Winter Harbor, ME 04693
Contact: (207) 288-3338
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Open year-round	Dawn to dusk	Arey Cove Rd, Winter Harbor, ME 04693	Free	Winter Harbor Lodging	http://www.nps.gov/index.htm