Christmas Markets Maine 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festivities

11) Wiscasset’s Holiday Waterfront Festival

This coastal Maine town throws its annual winter celebration on the first weekend of December. The Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest runs December 5-7, 2025 in the historic village center.

You can browse local shops marked with candy canes at their doors. Store owners work with you to pick out gifts.

The village comes alive with seasonal displays and live music all weekend. Main Street businesses offer special deals for the three-day event.

You’ll find unique items you won’t see in big-box stores. The historic Wiscasset Village gives you personal shopping and even horse-drawn wagon rides between shops.

Other activities include live caroling and seasonal entertainment. The event runs from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, with special evening programs on Friday and Saturday.

Event Details	Information
Dates	December 5-7, 2025
Times	10 AM – 5 PM daily
Location	Main Street, Wiscasset Village, ME
Cost	Free admission
Website	Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest

12) Bangor’s Holiday Light Procession

The Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Bangor turns the city center into a winter wonderland every December. You’ll see dozens of decorated floats rolling through the streets, plus performances from local marching bands and dance groups.

The Rotary Club of Bangor puts together this annual event. Crowds line the parade route, watching illuminated displays glide by.

The procession features elaborate lights that make downtown feel truly magical. Here’s what you can expect:

• Floats decked out with holiday scenes
• School and community marching bands
• Dance troupes showing off their moves
• Santa Claus as the main attraction

After the parade, the city lights up Bangor’s community holiday tree in West Market Square. You can join everyone for this tradition that kicks off the holiday season.

The parade route winds through historic downtown Bangor, so you get views of classic architecture all lit up.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Website
December 7, 2025	4:30 PM – 6:00 PM	Downtown Bangor, ME 04401	Free	bangorrotary.org

13) Old Port Winter Market

Every December, Portland’s historic district turns into a winter shopping spot. The market sits right in the heart of the city’s most charming area, with brick buildings and cobblestone streets setting the scene.

Local artisans fill the market with their handmade goods. You can browse jewelry crafted by Portland locals, ceramics made by hand, and scarves knitted with care.

Each vendor brings their own style, so you’ll find plenty of unique gift options. The market is more than just shopping, though.

Live music from regional performers drifts through the air as you walk from stall to stall. Local musicians play holiday tunes and winter favorites, giving the place a lively vibe.

Food vendors serve up seasonal drinks and snacks. Warm apple cider takes the chill off, and fresh cookies give you a sweet break from all the shopping.

These food makers use Maine ingredients whenever they can. Families have lots to do, too.

Kids can join in on holiday activities made just for them. Santa Claus stops by often, giving children a chance to share their wish lists and snap a photo.

The market helps Portland’s small business community. Every purchase supports local makers and food vendors.

You get to find special gifts and help the city’s economy at the same time.

Date	Address	Times	Cost	Website
December 2-24, 2025	1 Longfellow Square, Portland	10 AM – 6 PM	Free admission	Portland Old Port holiday markets

14) Saco’s Winter Festival and Light Parade

Every December, downtown Saco turns into a winter wonderland for its annual holiday bash. The Holiday Festival and Parade of Lights brings families out for a full day of seasonal fun and entertainment.

Morning Activities

Kick off your morning at Dyer Library with arts and crafts from 9:30 to noon. Kids make their own holiday decorations while parents poke around the shops on Main Street.

Afternoon Festivities

From 1 to 4 p.m., downtown buzzes with activities. Santa and Mrs. Claus host storytime at City Hall, and local shops tempt you with deals and sweet treats.

Evening Parade

At 6 p.m., the main event kicks off. The parade launches at Beach and Main Streets and rolls down Main Street to Pepperell Square. Floats covered in thousands of lights set a magical scene.

Museum Display

The Saco Museum’s Festival of Trees runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can wander through rooms full of decorated Christmas trees and festive displays.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Website
December 14, 2025	1:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Downtown Saco, ME	Free	Saco Main Street
December 14, 2025	6:00 PM	Main Street, Saco	Free	Saco Main Street

15) Ellsworth’s Holiday Light Parade

Each December, downtown Ellsworth bursts with holiday spirit during its annual holiday parade. The 44th Annual Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade of Lights returns in 2025, keeping a beloved tradition alive.

The parade starts at 4:00 PM on Saturday, December 7, 2025. By 3:00 PM, participants gather near Ellsworth Elementary Middle School and the Mill Mall parking lot on State Street to line up.

This year’s Christmas in Toyland theme inspires creative floats and decorations. Local businesses and community groups fill the street with festive displays.

You can catch floats, marching bands, and holiday characters parading down Main Street. Santa Claus always makes an entrance, thrilling the kids and, honestly, most of the adults too.

After the parade, Santa greets families at The Grand venue. This team effort between local groups and the City of Ellsworth makes the event feel special for everyone. There’s no admission fee, so all families can join in.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Website
December 7, 2025	4:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Downtown Ellsworth, Main Street	Free	Christmas in Ellsworth
December 8, 2025	4:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Downtown Ellsworth (Rain Date)	Free	Event Details

16) Asgard’s Magical Midcoast Maine Christmas

This spot in Maine’s midcoast really goes all out for Christmas. Strings of lights twinkle everywhere, and holiday music drifts on the cold air. It’s a cozy winter escape, whether you’re with family or sneaking away for a date night.

The Christmas train runs several times a day. Sip some hot cocoa as you ride through snowy scenery—those views of the countryside during the holidays are something else.

At the holiday market, local artisans set up shop with handcrafted goods. You might find unique ornaments, snuggly winter accessories, or delicious seasonal treats. It’s a great place to finish your gift shopping or just nibble your way through Maine’s best holiday snacks.

Two evening events are the big draw. The live nativity, with community volunteers, brings the Christmas story to life. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony gathers locals and visitors for a tradition everyone looks forward to.

The market stays open all December 2025. Evening hours feel extra special, with the lights making everything glow.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Website
December 1-24, 2025	123 Festive Lane, Asgard, ME	10 AM-8 PM	Free admission	Asgard’s Magical Midcoast Maine Christmas

17) Winter Harbor’s Seafood Christmas Celebration

Winter Harbor goes all in for the holidays with its Lobster, Crab, and Christmas Parade. Here, Christmas and Maine’s fishing heritage blend into one quirky, fun celebration.

The parade rolls out decorated boats and floats that honor both the sea and the season. Fishing vessels join in, decked out with lights and all sorts of creative touches.

Food stands pop up along the streets. Vendors serve up lobster rolls, crab cakes, and plenty of other local seafood favorites. The scent of lobster in the cold air? That’s classic Maine.

Santa doesn’t just show up—he arrives by boat, of course. Kids wait at the harbor for his big entrance. Meanwhile, the town center hosts a craft fair with handmade gifts and local art.

Live music keeps the mood festive all day. Local bands and choirs fill the air with holiday tunes from morning till evening.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Website
Dec 14, 2025	Winter Harbor, ME	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Free entry	Winter Harbor Events

18) Auburn Annual Christmas Parade

Auburn’s Annual Christmas Parade is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season. The whole town comes together for an evening packed with festive fun.

Floats cruise through the streets, and local marching bands fill the air with holiday music. Santa Claus always makes an appearance, and the crowd—kids and grownups alike—loves it.

Neighbors line the parade route, bundled up and ready for the show. Mark your calendar for December 15th, 2025.

You’ll want to get there early for a good spot. The parade starts at 6:00 PM, right when the evening lights make everything glow. Seriously, dress warm—it gets chilly out there.

Hot cocoa stands usually pop up along the way. Nothing beats a warm drink in mittened hands while you watch the floats roll by. The parade’s free and open to everyone.

Event Details	Information
Date	December 15th, 2025
Time	6:00 PM
Location	Auburn, ME
Cost	Free
Type	Holiday Light Parade

19) Bath’s Holiday Illumination Display

Bath glows every December, turning downtown into a sparkling winter scene. Bright lights and festive decorations fill the streets, making it feel like a holiday postcard.

The tree lighting ceremony is the big highlight. Residents gather for live music and hot cocoa, waiting for the moment the main tree lights up. It’s a classic way to kick off the season.

Bright Night Bath keeps local shops open late and adds extra activities for visitors. You can finish your holiday shopping and then head to City Hall for a fire sculpture display—marshmallow roasting included.

Parks around Bath add their own light displays. Winding paths lead you past glowing reindeer, snowflakes, and all kinds of holiday symbols. The festive vibe stretches far beyond downtown.

The lights stay on all December, so you’ll find photo ops everywhere. Take a stroll, snap some pics, and soak up the atmosphere.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Website
Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2025	Downtown Bath, ME	Evenings	Free	Bath holiday celebrations
Dec 1 – Dec 24, 2025	City Hall, Bath	4:30pm – 8:30pm	Free	Bath’s festive events
Dec 15, 2025	Front Street, Bath	Evening	Free	Christmas craft fair

20) Camden’s Holiday Waterfront Festival

Camden goes full-on winter wonderland for its annual waterfront festival. Since 1986, this coastal Maine event has brought together three communities for a holiday tradition that just feels right.

Festivities fill the whole weekend. Nighttime processions move through downtown, people gather for community singing, and Harbor Park hosts the ceremonial illumination. If you want a horse-drawn carriage ride through decorated neighborhoods, you’ll find that here too.

Shops stay open late with holiday sales. Food vendors set up along the streets, tempting you with seasonal treats and warm drinks. The festival’s energy spreads across several parts of town.

Kids find loads to do, and couples can sneak off for a romantic stroll along the twinkling harbor. It’s really for anyone who wants that classic New England holiday vibe.

The 38th annual Christmas by the Sea weekend brings back all the traditions that make Camden special. After all these years, it’s easy to see why this December event is still a favorite.

Date	Location	Times	Cost	Website
December 6-8, 2025	Camden, ME 04843	Various	Free	Christmas by the Sea