Maine Winter Events & Festivals
Discover how Mainers celebrate the cold with unique winter festivals, from the National Toboggan Championships to festive holiday preludes.
In Maine, winter isn’t something to be endured—it’s a season to be celebrated. When the temperatures drop and the snow flies, Mainers don’t hibernate; they throw on extra layers and head outside for some of the state’s most unique and spirited events. From a costumed toboggan race onto a frozen lake to one of the world’s most spectacular holiday light displays, Maine’s winter calendar is packed with warmth and community.
Holiday Magic (November & December)
Christmas Prelude (Early December, Kennebunkport) Regularly voted one of the best Christmas towns in America, Kennebunkport transforms into a Hallmark movie set. The festivities span two weekends and include the lighting of the “Lobster Trap Tree,” Santa arriving by lobster boat, caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, and fireworks. Tip: Make dinner reservations months in advance; the town is packed.
Gardens Aglow (November–December, Boothbay Harbor) The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens hosts the largest light display in New England. Over 750,000 LED lights wrap trees, illuminate sculptures, and create a magical walking tour through the gardens. It’s a breathtaking visual experience that has become a new family tradition for thousands. Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance for specific time slots.
Sparkle Celebration (Early December, Freeport) Home to L.L.Bean, Freeport glows during the holidays. The “Sparkle” festival features a Parade of Lights, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and the famous Talking Christmas Tree. L.L.Bean’s campus is decked out with a massive tree, ice skating rink, and heated yurts.
Festival of Lights (Late November, Rockland) The highlight is the arrival of Captain Santa by Coast Guard vessel and the lighting of the famous Lobster Trap Tree—a tower of 150+ traps adorned with buoys and lights.
The Heart of Winter (January & February)
U.S. National Toboggan Championships (Early February, Camden) The crown jewel of Maine’s winter quirkiness. Located at the Camden Snow Bowl, this event sees hundreds of teams (often in elaborate costumes) racing down a 400-foot icing wooden chute at speeds up to 40 mph, shooting out onto the frozen Hosmer Pond. It’s loud, fast, and incredibly fun to watch. Don’t miss: The costume parade and the “Chili Challenge.”
Somerset SnowFest (February, Skowhegan) This celebration of winter sports features the Northeast’s premier equestrian skijoring competition—where horses pull skiers over jumps and through slalom courses. It’s a high-speed, high-energy spectacle. The festival also includes an ice fishing derby, box sled races, and winter camping workshops.
Moosehead Lake Togue Derby (Late January, Greenville) One of the largest ice fishing events in New England. Anglers compete for cash prizes on Maine’s biggest lake. It’s a celebration of ice fishing culture, with shanty towns springing up on the ice and a festive atmosphere in Greenville.
Carnaval ME (February, Portland) A relatively new addition, this festival on Portland’s Eastern Promenade celebrates winter with ice sculptures, local food bites, craft brews, and live music. It brings a party vibe to the snowy waterfront.
Belfast Ice Festival (Late February) When the winter feels long, Belfast breaks the monotony with ice sculptures carved throughout downtown, carriage rides, and a “State of Maine” chili cook-off.
Unique Maine Winter Traditions
Ice Harvesting Demonstrations (Thompson Ice House, South Bristol) Step back in time to see how ice was harvested before refrigeration. The Thompson Ice House Museum holds an annual harvest (usually in February) where volunteers use antique tools to cut huge blocks of ice from the pond and store them in the sawdust-insulated ice house. It’s a fascinating living history event.
Polar Bear Dips (New Year’s Day, Statewide) From Old Orchard Beach to Portland’s East End Beach, brave (or crazy) souls ring in the New Year by charging into the freezing Atlantic. It’s a shocking, invigorating way to start the year—usually followed immediately by hot cocoa and warm blankets.
Tips for Enjoying Winter Events
- Dress for success: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Wear layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base (no cotton!), add a fleece or wool mid-layer, and finish with a windproof/waterproof shell. Insulated boots and good wool socks are non-negotiable.
- Check conditions: Many events (like the Toboggan Nationals or Ice Harvesting) depend on ice and snow conditions. Check event websites or Facebook pages for last-minute updates.
- Book ahead: While not as busy as August, hotels in towns like Camden and Kennebunkport fill up fast during their signature festival weekends.
- Embrace the early sunset: It gets dark by 4:30 PM in December. Plan your outdoor activities for the morning and early afternoon, and enjoy the holiday lights or cozy pubs in the evening.