Christmas Prelude In Kennebunkport Maine Holiday Magic

The charming coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine, is a haven for those seeking a quintessential New England Christmas experience. As the holiday season approaches, Kennebunkport transforms into a winter wonderland, filled with festive lights, decorations, and activities that evoke the spirit of Christmas past.

Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude, a beloved tradition that dates back to 1982, is a major draw for visitors from far and wide. This festive celebration, which typically takes place over two weekends in early December, is a masterclass in holiday cheer, featuring a wide range of events, activities, and attractions that cater to all ages and interests.

From the moment you arrive in Kennebunkport, you'll be immersed in the town's festive atmosphere, with beautifully decorated streets, shops, and homes that seem to spring straight from the pages of a Christmas fairy tale. The town's picturesque harbor, with its historic lobster boats and sailboats, is a particularly striking sight during the holiday season, with twinkling lights and festive decorations adding a touch of magic to the already-breathtaking scenery.

Christmas Prelude Events and Activities

Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude is a veritable feast of festive events and activities, designed to get you in the holiday spirit. Some of the highlights of the celebration include:

• The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: A traditional highlight of the Christmas Prelude, this ceremony marks the official start of the holiday season in Kennebunkport, with carolers, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
• The Holiday Parade: A fun and festive procession through the streets of Kennebunkport, featuring floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
• Visits with Santa: Throughout the Christmas Prelude, kids of all ages can visit with Santa Claus at various locations around town, including the Kennebunkport Village.
• Holiday Craft Fairs: A great opportunity to find unique and thoughtful gifts for friends and family, Kennebunkport's holiday craft fairs feature a wide range of local artisans and craftspeople selling everything from handmade jewelry to woodcarvings.

Shopping and Dining in Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is renowned for its charming shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and during the Christmas Prelude, the town's retail and culinary scene is in full swing. Some of the top shopping destinations in Kennebunkport include:

• The Kennebunkport Village: A picturesque shopping district featuring a range of unique boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores.
• Dock Square: A bustling hub of activity in the heart of Kennebunkport, Dock Square is home to a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
• Main Street: Kennebunkport's main thoroughfare is lined with a variety of shops, including antique stores, art galleries, and souvenir shops.

When it comes to dining, Kennebunkport has plenty to offer, with a range of top-notch restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to traditional New England cuisine. Some of the top dining destinations in Kennebunkport include:

• The White Barn Inn: A luxurious restaurant located in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn, serving up gourmet cuisine in an elegant setting.
• The Burleigh: A popular spot for breakfast and brunch, The Burleigh is known for its creative dishes and extensive cocktail menu.
• Alisson's Restaurant: A Kennebunkport institution, Alisson's has been serving up fresh seafood and traditional New England cuisine for over 40 years.

Christmas Prelude Accommodations

If you're planning to visit Kennebunkport for the Christmas Prelude, you'll need to book your accommodations well in advance, as the town's hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts tend to fill up quickly during the holiday season. Some of the top places to stay in Kennebunkport include:

• The White Barn Inn: This luxurious hotel features beautifully restored rooms and suites, as well as a range of amenities, including a fitness center and spa.
• The Kennebunkport Inn: A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Kennebunkport, The Kennebunkport Inn features comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar.
• The Maine Stay Inn: A beautifully restored bed-and-breakfast, The Maine Stay Inn features cozy rooms and a range of amenities, including a hot tub and sauna.

Getting to Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is located in southern Maine, approximately 90 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. The town is easily accessible by car, with several major highways passing through the area. If you're flying, the nearest airport is the Portland International Jetport, which offers connections to major hubs around the country.

Once you arrive in Kennebunkport, getting around is easy, with a range of transportation options available, including:

• The Kennebunkport Trolley: A fun and convenient way to get around town, the Kennebunkport Trolley offers narrated tours of the area.
• Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services: A range of taxi and ride-sharing services are available in Kennebunkport, including Uber and Lyft.
• Walking and Biking: Kennebunkport is a very walkable and bikeable town, with a range of scenic trails and bike paths available for exploration.

Insider Tips and Tricks

If you're planning to visit Kennebunkport for the Christmas Prelude, here are a few insider tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Book Your Accommodations Early: As mentioned earlier, Kennebunkport's hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts tend to fill up quickly during the holiday season, so be sure to book your accommodations well in advance.
• Plan Ahead: With so many events and activities taking place during the Christmas Prelude, it's a good idea to plan ahead and create a schedule to ensure you don't miss out on any of the fun.
• Dress Warmly: Kennebunkport can be quite chilly in December, so be sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking.
• Take Advantage of the Town's Free Parking: Kennebunkport offers free parking in several lots around town, making it easy to park and explore the area.

Conclusion

Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude is a truly magical experience that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit. With its picturesque scenery, charming shops and restaurants, and wide range of festive events and activities, Kennebunkport is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the best of New England's holiday season. So why not start planning your trip today and discover the magic of Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude for yourself?