Top 10 Christmas Markets in Maine to Visit in 2025

Maine really comes alive during the holidays, and there are plenty of Christmas markets that reflect the Pine Tree State’s quirky charm. These markets let you experience Christmas in Maine by browsing local crafts, sampling seasonal treats, and soaking up small-town festivities.

Bring your family or a few friends to wander through decorated stalls and meet the people who actually make the stuff you’re buying. Maine’s holiday markets are a great way to connect with the community, discover unique gifts, and enjoy the region’s winter celebrations.

1) Portland Waterfront Holiday Market

The Portland Christmas Market takes over the Canopy Portland Waterfront in downtown Portland, Maine. This year, it’s happening on December 7th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Local vendors set up shop with handmade crafts, jewelry, and holiday snacks. Live music fills the air, making it a fun spot for shoppers and families just hanging out.

Salt Yard Cafe & Bar serves up food and drink specials, so grabbing a hot meal or a festive snack between booths is a breeze. They even wrap your gifts for free, which is always a bonus.

Admission won’t cost you a thing, so it’s a nice option if you’re hunting for a budget-friendly holiday outing.

If you’re up for even more holiday spirit, you can catch the Portland Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. Boats decked out in lights cruise the harbor, and honestly, it’s a sight you won’t forget.

Dates	Location	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 7, 2025	Canopy Portland Waterfront, Portland, ME	5:00 pm – 8:00 pm	Free Admission	Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront	Portland, ME Christmas Markets 2025

2) Kennebunkport Holiday Prelude

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude transforms this classic New England town into a bustling holiday hub. Streets burst with decorations, and shops turn into cozy stops for gifts and local finds.

The tree lighting in Dock Square opens the festivities, and honestly, it’s pretty magical.

Santa shows up by lobster boat—yes, really—which is just so Maine. During the festival, you can swing by Maine Art Hill’s Merry Market for unique, handcrafted goods.

Carolers gather near the Franciscan Monastery, and the Pooch Parade brings out dogs in costumes, which is always a crowd-pleaser.

Fireworks often cap off the evenings, lighting up the town. Food stands serve hot drinks and roasted chestnuts, making it easy to linger.

Locals and visitors really mix here, and you’ll feel the small-town spirit everywhere.

If you plan to stay overnight, book early because rooms disappear fast. Booking.com has a list of Kennebunkport hotels with lots of options.

Check out the full schedule at the official Christmas Prelude website.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay	Website
December 4 – December 14, 2025	Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME	Various Events	Free – $	See hotels near Kennebunkport	Christmas Prelude Kennebunkport

3) Boothbay Harbor Holiday Lights Celebration

Boothbay Harbor glows with colorful lights during the winter holidays. Local shops and restaurants stay open, and the whole town pitches in to create a community-focused event that’s perfect for families or anyone just wanting a festive night out.

You can wander through small boutiques for gifts or grab a meal at a local spot. The lighting of the town Christmas tree is a highlight every year.

Sometimes you’ll spot a live nativity scene, which families seem to love.

The big draw, though, is the Gardens Aglow light display at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. People call it one of the best Christmas light shows in the country, and honestly, they’re not wrong.

Walking through the gardens at night, you’ll see hundreds of thousands of lights in wild colors and patterns. Kids can join in crafts and story times, so there’s plenty for them to do.

Live music drifts through the streets, and you’ll catch holiday tunes as you explore. Folks in Boothbay Harbor are friendly, and a lot of visitors come back every year for these traditions.

Dates	Location Address	Starting Times	Gardens Aglow Admission	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
November – December 2025	Boothbay Harbor, Maine	4 p.m., 5:30, 6:30, 7:30	$19 adults, $10 children	Booking.com Boothbay Harbor	Learn more about Boothbay Lights

4) Bangor European Market

You’ll find the Bangor European Market in downtown Bangor, Maine, every Saturday. This market stands out with its lively vibe and mix of traditional and international foods—think fresh seafood, homemade breads, and even Greek and Mexican dishes.

Ingrid’s German Gift Shop hosts the market, so you get that real European touch. Vendors bring in meats, veggies, and handmade gifts all year, but during the holidays, they add Christmas ornaments and seasonal treats.

Families and visitors of all ages come by to shop for fresh ingredients or thoughtful gifts. The atmosphere is always friendly.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Nearby Accommodations	Website
Year-round, Saturdays	631 Stevens Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401	8:30 am – 12:30 pm	Free admission	Fairfield Inn Bangor	Bangor European Market

5) Old Port Winter Farmers’ Market

If you want to pick up fresh produce and local goods in Portland, the Old Port Winter Farmers’ Market is worth a stop. It runs every Saturday morning from December through mid-April.

More than 20 Maine farmers and artisans show up with vegetables, dairy, bread, and crafts. Everything’s fresh and made nearby.

The market sets up in the old Maine Girls’ Academy building at 631 Stevens Ave, which is nice because you’re inside if the weather turns bad. Sometimes, vendors even move outside if it’s sunny.

While you shop, you might catch live music from local performers. You can chat with the makers and farmers, and they’re usually happy to share how they grow or create their stuff.

There’s no entrance fee, and the market includes programs for people who need help buying food. Locals and tourists both shop here.

This market is also part of Portland’s Merry Madness holiday events, so expect a lively crowd.

Looking for a place to stay? Booking.com has you covered.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay	Website
Through mid-April 2025	631 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME	Saturdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Free	Nearby hotels	Old Port Winter Farmers’ Market info

6) Freeport Sparkle Celebration

The Freeport Sparkle Celebration brings a week of holiday events to Freeport, Maine. The fun kicks off with the Parade of Lights, and Santa arrives to light up the talking Christmas Tree on Main Street.

People in town get into the spirit, and lights go up everywhere—on the streets, on shop windows, honestly, it’s hard to miss. Holiday performances, local markets, and hands-on crafts fill the week.

Families hop on carriage rides down the decorated streets. Santa’s always ready for a photo, so don’t forget your camera.

Shops downtown open up with seasonal displays, perfect for browsing or last-minute gift shopping. Most events work for all ages, so it’s easy to bring the whole crew.

Whether you’re here for tradition or just want some holiday cheer, Freeport’s Sparkle Celebration makes it simple to join in.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
December 5-14, 2025	115 Main Street, Freeport, ME 04032	Varies by event	Free	Booking.com – Freeport Hotels	Official Sparkle Celebration website

7) Bath’s Festive Christmas on Main Street

At Bath’s Old-Fashioned Christmas, you’ll find a scene that feels straight out of a storybook. This event runs from early December right through Christmas Eve.

Main Street and Front Street glow with lights and shop windows decked out for the season. When Bright Night Bath rolls around, stores stay open late so you can wander and shop with a cup of cocoa in hand.

John Stenquist’s Fire Sculpture sits outside City Hall, and the Bath Elementary PTA helps families toast marshmallows there. The Kennebec River makes a pretty backdrop, adding to the old-school holiday vibe.

You’ll catch live concerts, performances, and community singalongs. Locals and visitors join in for that classic Maine Christmas feel.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Early Dec–Dec 24	Main Street, Bath, ME	Various times	Free–$25	Hampton Inn Bath (booking.com)	Bath Old-Fashioned Christmas official site

8) York Lights Celebration in Maine

Every December, York, Maine, throws the York Festival of Lights. Families and friends gather to watch the town shine, with decorated homes and music floating through the air.

The lighting ceremony at Nubble Lighthouse is a big deal—each year, it turns into a glowing symbol of the holidays. A lively parade of lights weaves through the center of York, spreading cheer from block to block.

Fireworks at Long Sands Beach light up the night sky, adding even more excitement. Folks meet up for food, photos, and just being together.

The festival even hosts a Christmas boat parade, which feels pretty fitting for a seaside town.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 4	York St, York, ME 03909	4:30 PM	Free	Hotels in York, ME	York Festival of Lights

It’s a tradition that locals and visitors look forward to every year.

9) Bar Harbor Holiday Market

When you step into the Bar Harbor Holiday Market, you’ll find a lively event packed with local crafts and treats. Vendors set up with handmade gifts, baked goods, and festive snacks.

You can grab hot chocolate and cookies while carolers sing nearby. Santa drops in to help light the town tree, and families gather for story readings and small activities.

This market is more than just shopping—it’s where neighbors and visitors meet up to soak in Bar Harbor’s winter spirit. The event really focuses on community and tradition.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Nearby Stays	Website
Dec 1, 2025	Downtown Bar Harbor	5:00 PM	Free Admission	Hotels in Bar Harbor	Bar Harbor Village Holidays

Dress in warm layers: Start with a thermal base, add a cozy sweater, and top with a windproof winter coat. Wear insulated boots, a hat, gloves, and a scarf—Maine’s Christmas markets can be chilly with snow or wind!

10) Augusta Holiday Craft and Gift Market

Key Information About the Fair

The Augusta Armory fills up with New England makers for this Christmas market. You can shop for handcrafted jewelry, art, and holiday decorations.

Local artists bring in unique items you honestly won’t find anywhere else. The vibe is lively but welcoming, so you can browse at your own pace.

Fresh baked goods and snacks pop up at many booths, which adds a festive touch. If you want a thoughtful gift, supporting local creators here feels easy.

The space is big and bright, so you won’t feel crowded. Arriving early helps you snag the best stuff before it’s gone.

Dates	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	More Information
December 20-21, 2025	179 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330	10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	$3/day	Hampton Inn Augusta	Augusta Last Minute Arts & Craft Show