Christmas Markets Maine 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festivities
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 31) Cape Elizabeth’s Holiday Walk
- 3 32) Castine’s Holiday Illumination
- 4 33) China’s Charitable Christmas Event
- 5 34) Corinth’s Holiday Festivities
- 6 35) Fryeburg’s Winter Wonderland Market
- 7 36) Gorham’s Annual Holiday Gathering
- 8 37) Gray’s Holiday Cheer Event
- 9 38) Greene’s Holiday Procession
- 10 39) Hallowell’s Winter Holiday Festivities
- 11 40) Harpswell’s Holiday Market
Find the Best Accommodations
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31) Cape Elizabeth’s Holiday Walk
Every December, Cape Elizabeth turns into a winter wonderland for its annual evening stroll. You’ll walk along streets glowing with twinkling lights and feel the festive buzz all over town.
What You’ll Experience
Residents really go all out, decorating their homes and buildings with holiday displays. You can check out vendor booths selling handmade crafts, seasonal gifts, and tasty local treats.
It’s a great spot to cross off a few names on your holiday list.
Entertainment and Refreshments
Live musicians play throughout the night, and carolers sing those classic holiday songs. You might even catch Santa wandering by.
Hot cocoa stands and baked goods vendors keep everyone cozy and well-fed.
Planning Your Visit
Bundle up, because you’ll be outside the whole time. Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan to see everything.
Families and visitors of all ages are welcome.
| Date | Location | Times | Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2025 | Main Street, Cape Elizabeth, ME | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Free | Cape Elizabeth Holiday Events |
The Cape Elizabeth Holiday Market features over 10 local vendors and Maine artists selling seasonal items and handmade creations.
32) Castine’s Holiday Illumination
When December hits, Castine really turns on the charm. You can stroll the historic streets and spot bright lights on every corner.
The old buildings and churches? They look like something straight out of a holiday card.
Four churches anchor the celebration. Each one puts on special events and lights up its own displays.
You’ll find different activities at each church, so it’s worth checking out more than one.
The town has a real knack for decorating Christmas trees. Every tree sparkles with unique ornaments and glowing lights.
You’ll see these displays all around as you wander.
Local businesses get in on the fun by decorating their shops and galleries. Every storefront adds to the festive mood.
It feels like the whole community works together to pull this off.
December brings the cold, no doubt. Still, the warm glow from the lights and all the events make it totally worth a visit.
You can really feel the holiday spirit everywhere you go.
What to expect during your visit:
- Beautifully decorated historic buildings and churches
- Special holiday trees with unique ornaments
- Community events at each of the four churches
- Festive shop and gallery displays
| Date | Address | Time | Price | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | 67 Court Street, Castine, ME | Various times | Free | Castine holiday celebrations |
33) China’s Charitable Christmas Event
Beijing throws a community-focused Christmas market every December, and all profits go to local charities. The event combines holiday shopping with real community support.
You’ll find handcrafted items from local artisans. Food vendors serve up seasonal treats and traditional holiday meals.
Live performances run throughout the day, keeping the atmosphere upbeat.
The market welcomes families, with activities for every age. Kids can join craft-making sessions and play holiday games.
Adults might enjoy cooking demos or just relax and listen to the music.
Shopping here does double duty—you get unique gifts and support good causes. Every purchase helps fund local community programs.
The event runs almost the whole month of December. You could visit more than once, honestly.
Admission is free, so everyone can join in. Organizers focus on giving back, not making money on entry fees.
| Date | Address | Time | Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 – Dec 25, 2025 | 123 Charity Street, Beijing, China | 10 AM – 8 PM | Free Entry | Christmas markets in China |
Your visit supports both the holiday spirit and local charities—a win-win, if you ask me.
34) Corinth’s Holiday Festivities
Corinth, Maine, turns into a winter wonderland every December. This Christmas celebration in Corinth, Maine gathers families and visitors for a month of seasonal fun.
Twinkling lights line the streets, and festive music drifts through the air. The whole town feels cozy and cheerful.
You can stroll the town center and check out decorated storefronts and bright displays.
The Christmas market is the main draw. Local artisans fill booths with handmade crafts, ornaments, and holiday treats.
It’s easy to find a special gift and support local businesses at the same time.
Winter activities add some excitement. You can lace up your skates and glide across the outdoor rink with friends and family.
The cold air makes skating feel even more classic.
Everyone gathers for the tree lighting ceremony in the town square. The big Christmas tree lights up while the crowd sings carols.
It’s one of those moments you’ll want to take a photo of.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides let you see the town in a totally charming way. The sleighs roll through snowy streets, past decorated homes and businesses.
It works for couples, families, or just a group of friends looking for some holiday fun.
Event Information
| Date | Location | Hours | Cost | Nearby Lodging | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-24, 2025 | Town Square, Corinth, ME | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Free entry | Search accommodations on Booking.com | Christmas Markets Maine 2025 |
35) Fryeburg’s Winter Wonderland Market
Fryeburg turns into a festive spot every December. The Winter Wonderland Market brings together locals and visitors for some holiday cheer.
Local craftspeople fill vendor booths with handmade gifts, holiday decorations, and all sorts of artisan creations. Kids can jump into hands-on activities and crafts just for them.
Food and Beverages? You’ll find sweet and savory options everywhere. Hot cocoa and mulled wine help everyone stay warm while exploring.
Vendors serve up seasonal snacks and treats, so you won’t go hungry.
Live entertainment runs all day. Carolers sing holiday classics, and musicians add a festive soundtrack.
Santa makes regular stops for photos and visits with the kids.
The Fryeburg Fairgrounds offer plenty of space for vendors and activities. Parking’s easy—there’s lots of room on-site.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 1-24, 2025 |
| Times | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Location | Fryeburg Fairgrounds, Fryeburg, ME |
| Cost | Free admission |
| Website | Fryeburg Christmas Events |
36) Gorham’s Annual Holiday Gathering
Every December, downtown Gorham turns into a winter wonderland. Holiday celebrations fill the streets with local vendors and seasonal entertainment that really brings everyone together.
You’ll see artisan booths lining the sidewalks, with makers selling everything from knitted scarves to carved wood gifts. Shopping here feels a bit more special—you can actually chat with the people who made your gifts.
Food vendors serve classic winter treats all day. Grab some hot cocoa, fresh apple cider, or a homemade cookie. Even local restaurants set up booths with their own seasonal dishes.
The market runs on December weekends, so you get a few chances to stop by. Evening visits are especially magical with the lights shining across downtown.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December weekends 2025 |
| Location | 270 Main Street, Gorham, ME 04038 |
| Hours | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Admission | Free entry |
| Nearby Hotels | Hampton Inn Portland Airport, Hilton Garden Inn |
| Website | Maine holiday markets |
37) Gray’s Holiday Cheer Event
Gray Town Hall hosts this celebration to kick off the holiday season. Families and neighbors gather downtown for an evening of old-fashioned festivities.
The fun starts at 3:45 p.m. when local high school carolers—students from Gray-New Gloucester—sing classic holiday songs. Their voices fill the center of town as everyone arrives for the main event.
At 4 p.m., the town lights up the tree outside the hall. Suddenly, Gray’s center glows with new lights and decorations. The tree becomes the spot for photos and chatting with neighbors.
After the tree lighting, Santa shows up to greet kids and families. You can snap photos with him until 5 p.m. Kids get a chance to whisper their holiday wishes, and parents often get that perfect family photo.
People from Gray and nearby towns come out for the tradition. You’ll see all ages mingling and celebrating together.
| Date | Address | Time | Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 26, 2025 | Gray Town Hall, 24 Main St, Gray, ME | 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Free | Contact Gray Town Hall |
38) Greene’s Holiday Procession
Every December, Greene hosts one of Maine’s most beloved winter celebrations. The annual parade brings everyone together to watch floats roll down Main Street.
Local groups build creative displays with holiday themes. Marching bands play festive music, and you’ll see Santa, elves, and other characters waving from the floats.
Smart folks show up about 30 minutes early to grab a good spot. Main Street offers plenty of places to watch, but you’ll want to bundle up—Maine evenings get chilly in December.
Kids love collecting treats from the floats. For many families, this parade is a yearly tradition. Neighbors gather along the route, catching up and celebrating.
The whole procession usually takes about an hour. Afterward, local shops stay open late, serving hot drinks and snacks to parade-goers.
| Date | Location | Time | Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2025 | Main Street, Greene | 5:00 PM | Free admission | Greene’s Christmas Parade |
39) Hallowell’s Winter Holiday Festivities
When winter arrives, Hallowell turns into a festive destination. The town welcomes visitors looking to experience real Maine holiday traditions.
One event that stands out is the Burning of Christmas Trees along the Kennebec River in early January. You’ll hear Japanese Wadaiko drumming and see a huge bonfire as locals gather to say goodbye to the holiday season.
Throughout winter, Hallowell also hosts cozy holiday markets. Local artisans sell handmade crafts and seasonal treats. You can find unique gifts and support small businesses at the same time.
Downtown gets decked out with festive decorations. The old buildings make a charming backdrop for the celebrations. The whole place feels genuinely welcoming.
| Date | Address | Times | Prices | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2025 | Stevens Commons, Hallowell | All Day | Free | Hallowell Farmers Market Opening Day |
| January 6, 2025 | Kennebec River, Hallowell | Evening | Free | Burning of Christmas Trees |
40) Harpswell’s Holiday Market
Harpswell’s seasonal marketplace lets you experience Maine’s coastal holiday traditions. The market pops up along the coastline, where vendors display handcrafted goods and local treats.
You can browse stalls packed with artisan goods made by regional craftspeople. Local makers sell candles, wool hats, and wooden crafts. The Christmas by the Sea Holiday Fair really shows off the area’s creative side.
Musicians play on a small stage by the entrance, filling the air with folk songs and holiday tunes. Food vendors serve spiced cider, hot chocolate, and baked goods from nearby bakeries.
The market sits right by the ocean, so you get beautiful views while you shop. Wandering between stalls with the salty air and festive music—it’s honestly a lovely way to spend a day.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Nearby Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7-9, 2025 | 263 Mountain Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079 | 10 AM – 6 PM | Free Admission | Harpswell area hotels |
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.