This post is sponsored by Destination Kennebunkport.
The first two weeks of December are a special time in Kennebunkport, Maine. This year, we joined the fun for the 42nd Annual Christmas Prelude. Every single day of the week this charming coastal town and its local businesses host special events and activities for all to enjoy to welcome the holiday season. The weekends are extra special with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square, the Hat Parade, and Santa’s Arrival by Lobster Boat. There’s no need to fret if you missed the first weekend of celebrations. The second weekend of Prelude you can enjoy another Tree Lighting Ceremony, Street Performers, and a Firework Display. The local restaurants and businesses are transformed into a holiday wonderland as the volunteer elves have been busy decorating the town.
If there was an equivalent to Whoville on earth, this would be it. Everyone is dressed up in funny holiday hats, costumes, light-up necklaces and more. The mood is joyful and it’s such a great time for all ages to enjoy. The shops are bustling and filled to the brim with gifts to buy. The restaurants provide decked out interiors and exteriors with live music and DJ’s perform at night providing a lively atmosphere.
Everyday there’s several activities, craft fairs, crafting classes, and town sponsored events to pick from and participate in like wreath-making and holiday hat making. Our favorites included the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square, the Hat Parade, Santa’s Arrival by Lobster Boat and the Tree Lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree in Cape Porpoise.
This year we stayed at the Yachtsman Hotel which is right on the water and perfectly located to walk to all the Prelude fun in Dock Square. It’s a great place to stay for couples and also offers pet-friendly rooms. We stayed in a King Suite with a fireplace, king bed, marble bathroom, patio and Adirondack chairs to enjoy the water views. Your room includes Wi-Fi, a Keurig coffee maker, Malin + Goetz bath products, and spa robes and towels. A grab & go breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
Here are some images from our Prelude weekend in this quintessential coastal New England town…
Christmas Prelude Scenes Around Town
The Yachtsman Hotel
We loved our time in Kennebunkport for Christmas Prelude! Be sure to check out the Christmas Prelude website for a full itinerary of activities and events everyday!
We’d like to thank the Yachtsman Hotel and Kennebunkport Resort Collections for this partnership. All opinions and photography are mine.