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

61) Pembroke’s Holiday Celebration

Pembroke comes alive every December with one of Maine’s most welcoming winter celebrations. Over three days, downtown turns into a festive spot for locals and visitors.

You’ll find outdoor vendor booths with handcrafted goods. Local artisans sell pottery, woodwork, and textiles—great for holiday gifts. Live music happens all weekend on stages around the town center.

The festival sets up a temporary ice skating rink for everyone to enjoy. Kids can catch puppet shows or join craft workshops. Food vendors serve up hot cocoa, roasted chestnuts, and even Maine seafood.

Festival Activities:

• Outdoor ice skating rink
• Live musical performances
• Artisan craft vendors
• Children’s puppet theater
• Holiday craft workshops
• Local food vendors

The Christmas markets in Pembroke offer handmade crafts and local products. Music and entertainment keep the vibe lively all weekend.

Volunteers decorate the main streets with lights and seasonal displays. Families from all over Washington County come together for this annual tradition.

Event Details	Information
Dates	December 15-17, 2025
Location	Downtown Pembroke, ME
Hours	10 AM – 8 PM
Admission	Free
Nearby Lodging	Machias Motor Inn
Website	Christmas Festival Pembroke

Volunteers and local businesses make the whole festival happen. You can park for free in lots close to the main events.

62) Phippsburg’s Festive Holiday Market

Every holiday season, Phippsburg’s main street turns into a winter wonderland. Vendor booths line the street, twinkling with lights. The smell of holiday treats drifts through the chilly air.

Local artisans set up stalls with handmade crafts and gifts. You’ll see pottery, jewelry, and wooden items crafted by Maine locals. Food vendors serve hot cocoa, cookies, and other sweets to keep you cozy while you shop.

Entertainment Features:

• Live carolers throughout the day
• Local musicians playing holiday tunes
• Santa’s special booth for kids
• Hourly holiday storytelling sessions

The market stretches along historic main street, with old stone buildings and streetlights setting a cozy mood. Parking’s easy in nearby lots, and you can walk to every vendor.

Families love the laid-back vibe compared to bigger city markets. The smaller size means you can see it all without feeling rushed. Locals often swing by after work to grab dinner from the food stalls.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Website
Dec 1-24, 2025	Main Street, Phippsburg	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Free admission	Visit Phippsburg Maine

63) Pittsfield’s Winter Wonderland Festival

Downtown Pittsfield transforms into a festive destination for the Winter Wonderland Festival. Sparkling lights, food vendors, and live entertainment set a cheerful mood for everyone.

The skating rink is the big draw. You can skate to holiday music, with hot chocolate stands nearby for warming up.

Local artisans bring booths with handcrafted ornaments, winter accessories, and homemade preserves. These unique gifts stand out from what you’d find in stores.

Kids can visit Santa for photos and share their wish lists. Cookie decorating and craft tables keep the younger crowd busy all day.

The tree lighting ceremony lights up the town center in the evening. Families gather to watch, and a fireworks show wraps up the night.

The festival’s free for everyone, though you’ll need to pay for food and crafts. Downtown parking is available near the festival grounds.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Website
Dec 14, 2025	Pittsfield Town Center, ME	10 AM – 8 PM	Free Entry	Pittsfield’s Winter Wonderland

64) Pownal’s Holiday Market

Hill Top Farm hosts this cheerful holiday market every winter. The venue feels warm and welcoming, with local vendors showing off their work. You can browse handmade crafts and gift items while enjoying the Vermont countryside.

The market features tasty treats from local food vendors. Kids can join in special family activities. Live music plays throughout the day, adding to the festive mood.

Santa drops by to meet families. The community spirit really shines as visitors and vendors chat about their favorite traditions. Hill Top Farm keeps the event friendly and inviting.

If you’re looking for holiday shopping without big crowds, this market is ideal. Vendors focus on quality handmade items that make unique gifts. There’s plenty of parking, and it’s easy to get to.

The market runs on a regular schedule during the season. Free admission means families of all budgets can enjoy it.

Details	Information
Dates	June 15, 2025 – December 22, 2025
Times	10 am – 6 pm
Location	2970 Route 7, Pownal, VT
Cost	Free admission
Website	Hill Top Farm Christmas Market

65) Presque Isle’s Holiday Craft Fair

The Winter Craft Fair turns the Presque Isle Recreation Center into a festive shopping spot every December. Artisans from all over northern Maine gather to share their holiday creations.

You can browse handcrafted jewelry, knitted goods, and seasonal decorations. The fair features dozens of vendors selling everything from wooden toys to ceramics. Many of these items make great gifts for the holidays.

The event runs over a weekend in early December. Saturday has longer hours for shopping, while Sunday’s a bit more relaxed. Free admission makes it a budget-friendly activity for anyone in the area.

Families often spend hours exploring the booths. The recreation center offers plenty of space, so even busy times feel comfortable. Parking’s available on-site.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Website
December 6-7, 2025	24 Chapman Street, Presque Isle, ME	Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM Sunday: 9 AM – 2 PM	Free	Winter Craft Fair

66) Richmond’s Holiday Parade

The Richmond Christmas Parade is back for its 42nd year in 2025. Dominion Energy sponsors this much-loved event that kicks off the holiday season.

You can watch the parade on Saturday, December 6th, 2025. It starts at the Science Museum on West Broad Street and heads east to 7th Street, giving you lots of places to catch the action.

What You’ll See:

• Colorful holiday floats
• Local marching bands
• Community groups
• Santa’s special appearance

The parade creates a lively, festive mood as families line the sidewalks. Holiday music fills the air, and local organizations show off creative displays. Kids especially love waving to the floats and grabbing any treats tossed their way.

It’s smart to show up early for a good view. The streets get crowded fast with excited spectators. Bundle up—it can get cold in December! A cup of hot cocoa or coffee helps keep you warm while you enjoy the show.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Website
December 6, 2025	Science Museum, West Broad Street to 7th Street	10:00 AM	Free	richmond.com

67) Rockland’s Festival of Lights

Every winter, Rockland flips the switch and turns its downtown into a holiday destination. The whole thing kicks off Thanksgiving weekend and keeps the lights glowing through early December.

Santa shows up by Coast Guard boat at the public landing. It’s a nod to Rockland’s fishing roots, and honestly, it’s pretty cool to see. Right after, folks gather for the lighting of the towering 40-foot Lobster Trap Tree at Harbor Park.

People hand out hot cocoa and cookies during the ceremony. The Festival of Lights celebration happens Friday, November 29th, from 5 to 7 PM. The tree lights up at 6 pm sharp.

The Festival of Lights Parade sends dozens of glowing floats down Main Street. You can hop on a hayride, either during the day or at night. Local artists set up a craft show with handmade goods.

Event Details:

Dates	Location	Times	Cost	Website
Nov 29-Dec 1, 2025	Downtown Rockland, ME	Nov 29: 5-7 PM, Nov 30: 6-8 PM	Free admission	Rockland Downtown

Visitors pour in from all over New England. You can stroll Main Street and check out the decorated shops and holiday displays. That famous lobster trap tree stays lit all season.

68) Rumford’s Holiday Park Celebration

Rumford’s holiday gathering is one of those events people look forward to every winter. Families and friends show up to soak in the magic together.

You’ll walk under illuminated trees that turn the whole park into a glowing winter scene. The twinkling lights really make the place feel special. Local artisans and food vendors set up booths, so you can hunt for unique gifts and grab some treats.

Live musical performances fill the air with festive tunes. Kids get a kick out of meeting Santa in person and joining in on special activities. Everything happens right in the center of town, so it’s easy for everyone to join.

Detail	Information
Dates	December 2, 2025
Times	5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location	123 Holiday Lane, Rumford, ME
Cost	Free admission
Nearby Hotels	Check availability on Booking.com
Website	Holiday Events Rumford

69) Sanford’s Holiday Parade

Downtown Sanford turns into a winter wonderland for its annual parade. Families line the streets, waiting for the decorated floats to roll by.

Local groups and performers come together for the parade. Marching bands play holiday songs and dance teams bring energy to the crowd. Santa Claus waves from his float, greeting kids and adults as he passes.

Try to arrive early and stake out a spot along the parade route. Sidewalks fill up fast, so a little planning helps. Bring a warm jacket and maybe a thermos of something hot—December nights can be chilly.

Businesses and community groups join in with creative displays. You’ll spot festive floats and holiday decorations all along the procession. The event really brings everyone together, and people come from all around the region.

The parade winds through the historic downtown. Before or after, you can pop into local shops or grab a bite at a nearby restaurant.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Website
December 4, 2025	Downtown Sanford, ME	5:00 PM	Free	Sanford Christmas Parade

70) Scarborough’s Festival of Lights

Scarborough goes all out every December, turning the town into a sparkling winter wonderland. The annual light display brings in visitors from all over New England, each looking for a bit of holiday magic.

Start your adventure in the downtown area. Shops and restaurants string thousands of lights across their storefronts. Main Street basically turns into a glowing tunnel—perfect for an evening stroll.

But honestly, the residential displays might steal the show. Homeowners build wild scenes with animated figures and musical light shows. You’ll spot houses decked out with giant candy canes, inflatable snow globes, and even moving reindeer.

Town parks join the fun with themed installations that are just begging for a photo or two. Each park has its own vibe—some lean into nativity scenes, others go full winter wonderland with glowing trees and snowflakes.

The community center marks the end of the tour. It’s where you’ll find the biggest display in town. Families gather for free hot chocolate and live holiday music, and there are warming stations and restrooms if you need a break.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
Dec 1-31, 2025	6:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Various Locations, Scarborough	Free	Booking.com Scarborough Hotels	Scarborough Holiday Events

71) Skowhegan’s Holiday Parade

Skowhegan lights up for its annual holiday parade every December. Locals and businesses join forces for an evening packed with festive energy.

The floats and displays fill downtown with color and music. You can expect the Kora Drifters group to show up with something creative—people always talk about their entries. The parade travels down Water Street, where special lighting sets the mood for everyone watching.

This parade actually kicks off a bigger weekend of Grinch-themed activities. It’s not just a one-night thing; families often use it as the start of their holiday season.

Organizers add interactive touches, like QR code contests along the route. It’s a fun, modern spin on a classic parade. You can scan and take part in activities instead of just standing on the sidelines.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Website
December 6, 2025	Water Street, Skowhegan	6:00 PM	Free	SKOW-Whoville celebration

72) South Berwick’s Holiday Festival

South Berwick turns into a storybook town during its holiday festival. The center of town fills up with locals and visitors looking for a little seasonal cheer.

Booths line the streets with holiday gifts, ornaments, and tasty treats. Local craftspeople show off their handmade creations. You might find something you didn’t even know you needed.

Entertainment and Activities

Live music and singing groups fill the air with holiday tunes. The performances keep things lively as you wander through the festival.

Kids have their own set of activities. They can meet Santa and jump into games made just for them. Parents love it because there’s plenty to keep the little ones busy.

The South Berwick holiday celebration draws folks from nearby towns. The main streets shine with lights and creative displays.

Event Details	Information
Dates	December 6-8, 2025
Times	10 AM – 7 PM
Location	197 Main Street, South Berwick, ME 03908
Cost	Free admission
Nearby Lodging	Portsmouth hotels (15 minutes away)

73) South Portland’s Winter Holiday Celebration

South Portland throws its winter festival at the end of February. In 2025, it starts on February 29 and runs through the weekend. Local businesses and families come together for a few days of winter fun.

You can browse goods from area craft makers and food vendors. The festival brings in handmade jewelry, fresh baked items, and seasonal decorations. Some people shop for gifts, others just treat themselves.

Live music fills the air all weekend. Kids can jump into craft activities made just for them. There’s something for everyone, really.

The festival happens at the Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks. Admission is free, and there’s parking at the hotel.

Family activities include seasonal workshops and interactive displays. Local musicians play on stage during the busiest hours. Food vendors serve up hot drinks and winter snacks.

Date	Location	Hours	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
February 29-March 2, 2025	Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks, South Portland, ME	10 AM – 6 PM	Free admission	Portland area hotels	South Portland’s Winterfest

Crowds usually show up in the afternoon, especially families looking for something fun to do together.

74) Stockton Springs’ Coastal Holiday Festival

Stockton Springs goes coastal for its annual holiday celebration. The town center glows with lights along every street, giving the place a cozy winter vibe.

Local shops open up for visitors. You can check out handcrafted goods, winter wear, and festive decorations. Vendors serve up hot cocoa, baked treats, and seasonal snacks.

Family-friendly activities fill up the weekend. Carolers wander the streets singing classic songs. Families pile into horse-drawn sleighs for rides through the lights. The big community tree lighting pulls everyone together for a little holiday magic.

The holiday market buzzes with shoppers and locals. Booths offer crafts, artwork, and gift ideas—perfect for checking off your holiday list and supporting local makers.

You’ll notice the community spirit right away. Residents pitch in to help with the festival and make everyone feel at home.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
Dec 1-3, 2025	Fri: 5-9 PM, Sat: 10 AM-8 PM, Sun: 10 AM-4 PM	Stockton Springs Town Center	Free	Point Lookout Resort	Christmas events in Stockton Springs

75) Stonington’s Christmas Harbor Festival

Every December, the waterfront town of Stonington turns into a festive holiday spot. As you stroll along the harbor, you’ll spot boats decked out in twinkling lights, their reflections dancing across the water. The whole place feels a little magical, honestly—locals and visitors just soak up the season together.

Local craftspeople set up booths, and you can browse handmade ornaments, pottery, or cozy winter gear. The holiday marketplace showcases items from Maine artisans. If you want a unique gift with a bit of coastal flair, you’ll probably find it here.

Kids get to meet Santa down by the docks. Meanwhile, adults hang out and listen to live music. Food vendors serve up hot cider, fresh seafood, and all sorts of baked treats.

If you need to warm up, grab a cup of soup and watch the harbor bustle for a while.

The tree lighting ceremony kicks off at sunset and, honestly, it’s the best part of the evening. When the big evergreen lights up, people from all over the region join in singing carols. It’s a tradition that really brings everyone together.

The festival runs for most of December, so you’ve got plenty of chances to drop by. Christmas events in Stonington keep the holiday spirit going with different activities all month.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Website
Dec 1-24, 2025	Stonington Harbor, ME	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Free admission	Stonington’s Christmas Harbor Festival

Market Cancellations

Economic challenges and shifting trade policies might shut down some Christmas markets for the 2025 season. Vendors face rising costs that make joining these events tough.

Before you hit the road, check market websites to see if they’re still open. Some markets just can’t attract enough vendors to keep things lively.

If you spot outdated info about market schedules, reach out to organizers directly. Sometimes, markets call it quits at the last minute when they lose too many vendors.

It’s smart to have backup holiday plans in case your favorite market cancels. Smaller markets feel the squeeze from economic pressures much more than the big, established ones.