Where to Find That Holiday Glow
No matter what you celebrate this time of year, bringing light into the darkest days is a theme in many religions and winter routines. There is a special feeling that accompanies the sparkle of a string of lights or a flicker of a candle. Here we share some of the upcoming events in our communities to celebrate this winter tradition.
LL Bean Northern Lights
November 18-December 31
LL Bean is changing things up this year. They are creating a Discovery Forest surrounding a geodesic dome featuring the aurora borealis, instead of their usual musical Christmas tree. The lighting and kick off celebration starts tomorrow (November 18th) at 6:45. The fun doesn’t end there, as Bean continues the holiday happenings with a model train village daily, and horse drawn wagon rides, reindeer barn (real reindeer!) and visits with Santa on the weekends. The events will wrap up on new year’s eve with their annual kiddo fireworks display. Check out their hashtag #llbeanmoment to share the fun!
Once you've enjoyed the epic holiday cheer at LL Bean, there are plenty of other wonderful TREE LIGHTING EVENTS around the state:
Christmas in Rockland
November 25-27th
These festivities kick off when Santa arrives by Coast Guard escort! He’ll help light the tree after a busy afternoon. The following day there are events all around town leading up to the Festival of Lights parade. The weekend wraps up with a breakfast with Santa on the 27th. A full family weekend!
Lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse, York
November 26th 4:30-7p
What is more Maine than celebrating the holidays at a historic lighthouse? Cocoa, carolers and a visit from Santa round out this lighthouse lighting celebration!
Also in York on December 3rd at 4:30 is their Festival of Lights parade.
Christmas in Kennebunk
November 26th 5-9
Santa lights the tree while carolers sing! Opportunities to skate with Santa.
Tree Lighting and Fireworks Downtown Kennebunk
December 9th 5:30
Tree lighting and fireworks display at Dock's Square to kick off the holiday season in downtown Kennebunk.
Holiday Fest 2016 at Millcreek, South Portland
December 2nd 4:30-7pm
Horse drawn carriage rides, a visit with Santa and a tree lighting!
Old Fashioned Christmas, Bath
November 26th-December 31st
The lighting of the tree starts the festivities, but this town celebrates in such a way that you’ll be transported back to simpler times. One highlight is their red letter box, where children can post letters to Old Saint Nick.
Night Tree Event at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport
December 3rd 9a-2p
Get your tickets early for this family favorite! Admittedly, there’s no tree lighting here, but this sweet gathering follows the story of a family who feeds the forest animals by making special tree decorations. Each hour, beginning at 9am, the story is shared, then children can decorate a pinecone to bring into the forest on a short hike. A darling tradition to start with your young ones!
Light the Farm at Pineland, Gray
December 3rd 2-4:30p
Face painting, candle making, walking the winter spiral will all precede the annual lighting of Pineland Farm!
Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Botanical Gardens, Boothbay
November 18th-December 31st
A magnificent vision to behold as hundreds of thousands of holiday lights are strung amidst the beautiful gardens. Enjoy the sights as well as special food and drink at the cafe.
Festival of Lights Parade and Tree Lighting, Bangor
December 3rd 4:30p
This parade is sure to beam through the city, with over 70 entries set to dazzle with the theme "Holidays Around the World". At the end of the parade, the city will have its annual tree lighting.
Does your town have an annual holiday light display? We'd love to hear about it! Share in the comments.