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

21) Damariscotta’s Holiday Parade

If you want a taste of Maine’s winter charm, check out Damariscotta’s holiday parade. The community lines up for the Villages of Light celebration every year.

The parade rolls down Main Street, where locals really go all out with their holiday decorations. Giant Christmas trees stand at both ends of the route.

You’ll spot floats decked out in lights, fire trucks, and people in costume from all sorts of local groups. It feels like the whole town gets involved.

Santa shows up in a horse-drawn sleigh and dancers plus elves usually follow him. The parade kicks off around 4:30 PM when it’s finally dark enough for the lights to really pop.

Mrs. Claus joins Santa for their big entrance, and honestly, it’s pretty adorable. Local vendors pop up along the sidewalk selling hot cocoa and sweet treats.

Live music drifts through the air, making the whole thing feel even more festive. Folks of all ages crowd the sidewalks, hoping to catch a glimpse as the parade passes.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Website
November 29, 2025	Main Street, Damariscotta	4:30 PM	Free	Villages of Light

22) Dexter’s Annual Tree Lighting and Parade

Dexter brings two classic holiday traditions together for one cozy night out. The Dexter Parks and Recreation Department puts this event together every December.

The parade starts at the Fire Station and winds through downtown. Floats covered in twinkling lights cruise past, and families gather along the sidewalks while kids dash out to grab candy.

Santa makes an appearance and sticks around for photos with anyone who wants one. The highlight comes when everyone gathers to light up the big tree in the town square.

That moment really feels like the start of the season in Dexter.

Family-Friendly Activities

Carolers stroll around singing holiday favorites. Neighbors catch up and share in the excitement.

Kids especially love meeting Santa and seeing all the glowing floats go by. When it’s time to light the tree, the crowd counts down together.

There’s usually a big cheer once the lights flip on.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Website
December 6, 2025	Dexter, ME 04930	6:30 PM	Free	Facebook Event

23) Dover-Foxcroft’s Holiday Artisan Showcase

Dover-Foxcroft hosts its SeDoMoCha Christmas Craft Fair every November, and it’s become a real local favorite. The event brings together local makers and holiday shoppers inside the school, so you can shop without freezing.

Dozens of vendors set up booths with handmade gifts and crafts. The fair takes place at Sedomocha School and draws a big crowd every year.

Seventy-six exhibitors usually show off their creations. You’ll find everything from holiday décor to artwork and unique pieces you just won’t see in regular stores.

The school setting feels relaxed and makes browsing easy. Food vendors are scattered around, so you can grab a snack or hot drink while you shop.

Supporting local artists here means you’ll find gifts with a story behind them. It’s a one-day event, so you’ve got to plan ahead if you want to get your holiday shopping started early.

Meeting the people who actually make the crafts is part of the fun. The Christmas markets in Dover Foxcroft give you a chance to pick up something handmade and special.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Nearby Accommodations	Website
November 23rd, 2025	9:00 AM – 3:00 PM	63 Harrison Avenue, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426	Free admission	Check Booking.com for Dover-Foxcroft hotels	SeDoMoCha Christmas Craft Fair

24) Eastport’s Winter Celebration

Eastport turns into a little winter wonderland every December. Downtown streets light up, and you can hear holiday music drifting out from the shops.

The Holiday Craft Fair brings in people from all over. Local artisans set up tables with handmade goods—think knitted hats, wood carvings, pottery, and more.

You’ll probably find a gift you didn’t even know you wanted, and you’ll feel good supporting local craftspeople. Artist Jim Riccio leads the Annual Holiday Lights Project with a team of volunteers.

They string up thousands of lights all over downtown. The glow makes those chilly evenings way more inviting.

You can wander the streets from late afternoon until early evening, and it’s honestly magical. The town packs the celebration with events.

You might catch a parade, a concert, or even spot Santa. Shops stay open late for holiday shopping, so you can browse at your own pace.

The Eastport Arts Center hosts its annual holiday market, too. You’ll find crafts, artwork, and food from local vendors, usually running from 10 AM to 3 PM on a Saturday in late November.

Event Details	Information
Dates	November 25 – December 31, 2025
Location	Downtown Eastport, ME
Hours	4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Admission	Free
Accommodation	Booking.com Eastport hotels
Website	Visit Eastport Chamber

25) Augusta’s Holiday Light Display

Every December, Augusta’s downtown glows with thousands of lights. The historic district transforms, and it’s almost impossible not to feel a little festive.

Water Street turns into the main spot for holiday strolls. Each shop puts its own spin on decorations, making the whole area feel cozy and bright.

The holiday tree lighting ceremony kicks off Augusta’s Christmas season. Families gather for music, hot drinks, and a big community celebration.

Carolers belt out traditional songs, and vendors serve up warm drinks. Santa always drops by during the tree lighting.

Kids line up to share their Christmas wishes, and the whole scene is pretty heartwarming. The lights stay up through December and into January, so you can visit pretty much any evening.

People come from all over central Maine to see the display. Local businesses join in, decorating their windows with creative scenes.

Each one tells a little story through lights and ornaments. The effort brings the whole downtown together.

Augusta’s 12 Days of Augusta celebration throws in extra events and shopping, too. There’s always something going on if you’re looking for holiday cheer.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Website
November 30, 2025	Water Street, Augusta, ME	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Free	Augusta Holiday Events

26) Blue Hill’s Winter Celebrations

Blue Hill turns into a cozy winter spot when the holidays roll around. The town hosts a bunch of events that show off its creative side and close-knit vibe.

You’ll find handmade gifts, live music, and a real sense of community. The holiday craft fair is a highlight, with local artists displaying everything from knit scarves to wooden ornaments.

It’s all made right here in Maine. You can pick up unique gifts and support the people who make them.

Live music and caroling fill the air, thanks to local performers. The music just makes it feel more welcoming.

Food vendors serve up seasonal snacks and hot drinks. It’s easy to spend a few hours shopping and sampling treats.

Blue Hill’s Christmas market sets up in the historic downtown. The backdrop is picture-perfect for a holiday stroll.

Vendors and attractions are all within walking distance, so you won’t miss anything.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Website
December 6, 2025	Main Street, Blue Hill, ME	10:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Free	Blue Hill Holiday Events

27) Brewer’s Holiday Tree Display

Brewer, Maine really turns up the holiday spirit with its tree display. The event features dozens of Christmas trees, each decorated by local groups, businesses, or schools.

You can wander through and check out all the different styles. Some trees go the traditional route, others get a little wild with their designs.

Community organizations spend weeks getting their trees ready. The event even includes a raffle, so you can buy tickets for a shot at taking your favorite tree home.

All the money raised goes to local charities. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Families find plenty to do besides looking at trees. There are craft tables for kids, food vendors selling treats, and live music playing all weekend.

The celebration lasts three days in early December. One admission fee covers the whole event, and kids under 12 get in free.

Event Details	Information
Dates	December 1-3, 2025
Location	123 Main Street, Brewer, ME
Hours	10 AM – 8 PM
Admission	$5 per person, Kids under 12 free
Nearby Hotels	Brewer area accommodations

28) York’s December Light Celebration

Every December, York turns into a winter wonderland. Locals and visitors gather for the annual light celebration, and the town just lights up with thousands of twinkling bulbs.

You’ll notice the streets look extra festive, thanks to all those decorations. The atmosphere feels a little magical, honestly.

The Festival of Lights Parade sits at the heart of the festivities. Decorated floats drift through downtown as local musicians play cheerful holiday tunes.

People of all ages line the route. The parade really brings the whole community together in a way that’s hard to describe until you see it.

Family Activities? You’ve got Santa posing for photos and kids getting creative at craft stations. Face painting adds even more fun for the little ones.

Local vendors set up booths with unique gifts and traditional treats. It’s a good place to find something you won’t see in big box stores.

The fun doesn’t end with the parade or the lights. You can wander through vendor stalls and maybe pick up a special present for someone.

Businesses in town join in, too. They offer holiday-themed items and plenty of seasonal snacks.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
December 7, 2025	4:30-6:00 PM	Downtown York, Maine	Free	Search York hotels on Booking.com	stepoutside.org

29) Brunswick’s Holiday Celebration Festival

Brunswick hosts one of Maine’s most beloved winter celebrations every December. This Christmas festival in Brunswick takes over the center of town and draws families from everywhere.

Local craftspeople fill the area with booths. You can browse warm knitted hats, wooden ornaments, and all sorts of handmade gifts.

You’ll probably find something you didn’t even know you needed.

Live entertainment keeps the festival lively. Carolers sing classic songs, and musicians play holiday favorites.

Santa pops in for photos with the kids, which always draws a crowd.

Kids can get their faces painted and jump into holiday-themed activities. Parents seem to love the friendly, safe vibe.

It’s a welcoming space for everyone, really.

Food vendors serve up winter treats—hot chocolate, cookies, and warm snacks. Good food and bright lights make the event stick in your memory.

Decorated trees and twinkling lights really set the holiday mood.

Detail	Information
Dates	December 14-16, 2025
Location	Town Square, Brunswick, ME
Hours	10 AM – 7 PM
Admission	Free Entry
Nearby Hotels	Hampton Inn & Suites Brunswick

30) Calais’ Festive Downtown Holiday March

In December, downtown Calais turns into a winter wonderland. You’ll see decorated floats rolling down the main streets while holiday music fills the air.

Local organizations and businesses spend weeks getting their displays ready for this annual event. Community groups come together to create something special.

Santa usually rides in on a festive float, waving to the crowds.

The parade moves through the heart of downtown. Twinkling lights and seasonal decorations line the route.

Families bundle up and gather along the sidewalks to watch.

Arrival Tips:

• Get there early for a good spot
• Bring something warm to drink and plenty of blankets
• Layer up—it’s December in Maine

The Calais Lioness Christmas Parade always happens on the first Friday of December. It’s a tradition that brings everyone together, locals and visitors alike.

If you’re looking for that genuine small-town Christmas vibe, this is the place. The parade is free and perfect for families.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Nearby Lodging	Website
December 5, 2025	6:00 PM	Downtown Calais, Maine	Free	Search Calais hotels on Booking.com	Visit Calais tourism website