Seasonal Light Displays in Southern Maine

Are you looking for something to help get you in the holiday spirit? There are a plethora of holiday light displays in southern Maine to keep you busy from now until the New Year. We’ll start in Eliot and work our way up the coast a bit.

Sandy Hill Farm Winter Wonders 2022- Eliot

This approximately hour-long, 1-mile walk-through light display traverses 14 acres of hardwood forest. The paths are conducive to strollers and wheelchairs that have all-terrain wheels. They have added food and drinks for purchase this year and porta-potties are available. It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Winter Wonders.

Nubble Light- York

While Nubble Light is a spectacle any time of the year, it is particularly enchanting during the holiday season. Lights are on from 4 pm until midnight now through New Year’s Day. As you enter or exit the parking area, a lighted lobster trap display is picturesque as well!

Perkins Cove and Downtown- Ogunquit

Christmas By the Sea kicks off on Friday, December 9th with a tree lighting in Perkins Cove at 6 pm and then another tree lighting at 8:15 in Veteran’s Park in the center of town. On Saturday the 10th, there will be a fireworks display at 4:30 on Main Beach. A walk or drive down Main Street and Shore Road to Perkins Cove is sure to put you in the holiday spirit anytime this month! For more information or a schedule of events visit Christmas by the Sea.

Norton Lights Christmas Wishes- Wells

What began as a holiday light competition between 2 brothers has turned into a yearly drive-by light display consisting of over 60,000 bulbs dancing to music! In 2009, the Nortons partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and began collecting donations to support Maine children. You can catch this light display thru the 25th nightly from 5-9 and until 10 on Fridays and Saturdays. Donations can be made on their website or dropped in the donation box at the end of their driveway. Visit  Norton Lights for more information or to make a donation.

Wells Harbor

Make a quick stop at Wells Harbor and peek at the buoy tree lit up on the dock. It is a picture-worthy stop!

Christmas Prelude- Kennebunkport

Prelude kicks off with its first tree lighting event on December 2nd. However, on December 9, there is a tree lighting ceremony in Dock Square at 5 pm followed by their 11th annual fireworks display at 6:15. If the activities and crowds of Prelude aren't your thing, take a stroll through downtown Kennebunkport any evening this holiday season and enjoy the beauty of the lights! For more information and a schedule of all the Prelude events, visit Christmas Prelude.

Portland Parade of Lights- Portland

On December 17 at 4:30, the Portland Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights sets sail. Watch from the Maine State Pier and all along the Portland Waterfront.

Botanical Gardens- Gardens Aglow- Boothbay

Though this location is not in southern Maine, the drive from just about anywhere is worth the trip! This awe-inspiring light display continues Thursdays through Sundays until December 31. Tickets must be purchased in advance for 4 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, or 7:30 pm. Fridays and Saturdays are very popular and sell out quickly. This wondrous light display boasts 750,000 led lights covering 14 acres. There’s even a troll! Hot chocolate, blueberry crisp, and other snacks are available for purchase.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Gardens Aglow.