The Five-Week Northern Lights Celebration Is One Of Maine’s Most Magical Holiday Events

Every season in Maine is fantastic, but winter is especially magical. From incredible cold-weather hikes to restaurants that are extra cozy when the temperatures dip, we think Vacationland might just be the best place to be after autumn. There are quite a few reasons to love winter here, but one of the highest on my list is Christmas. And, best of all, each year there are several events taking place throughout the state to help celebrate. From simply enjoying get-togethers with friends and family to taking part in special events hosted by local Maine towns, there are seemingly endless ways to get into the holiday spirit. We encourage you to explore all of them, but a Freeport Maine Christmas might just be our favorite.

There's a reason Mainers look forward to the Northern Lights event in Freeport every year! It's one of the most magical Christmas events in the state. It typically begins in mid-November and runs through the end of December. That's five beautiful weeks of holiday cheer while celebrating Christmas in Maine.

The fun kicks off at opening night on Friday, November 17, 4-8 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony at 6:45 p.m. The tree is located just outside the L.L. Bean Flagship Store.

Every year we would attend for a little spark of holiday joy and the light tunnel, Christmas trees, and illuminated decorations never disappointed.

The main tree isn't the only one with lights at this special celebration. Throughout the area just about every branch is covered in colors.

In years past they have featured all sorts of magical ways to enjoy Christmas. In our experience, one of the best additions was the ice skating rink.

Children and adults alike gathered together to partake in a bit of holiday magic.

Visitors can also enjoy "Holidays Around the World" where visitors are invited to scan codes to learn more about how holidays are celebrated all over the world.

Each day of the week offers another fun activity to enjoy. On Mondays be sure to bring your pet for a photo op with Santa. From Fridays to Sundays, you can visit with Santa and his reindeer in the Holiday Activity Barn. The other days of the week also offer fun events including crafts and even a curling demonstration.

From December 1st through 10th, Visit Freeport hosts the annual Sparkle Celebration which kicks off with a Parade of Lights down Main Street. Freeport is one of the best Christmas towns in Maine, so you'll definitely want to check this out.

If it gets chilly be sure to visit the Warming benches. It offers a place to meet with friends and enjoy a cozy respite from the cold. We were surprised just how warm these benches were offering a great place to sit and still enjoy the lights without having to retreat inside.

Every couple of years L.L. Bean switches things up a bit, in years past they have had a massive singing Christmas tree, a cozy igloo, and an ice rink. This year they will be adding curling to the list of revolving attractions and allow guests to partake in a unique sport they may have never tried before.

Those who love the whimsical parts of the holidays will appreciate the model train village inside the L.L. Bean store. It's set in a quintessential New England town allowing for even more imagination.

There are events taking place throughout the entirety of this beautiful event, but whatever you do be sure to visit Santa and his reindeer! They sit right outside and love little visitors.

There's so much more to experience during the Northern Lights festival, so you might want to visit a few times leading up to Christmas. But if you only have time for one weekend, be sure to make it there for the kick-off and lighting! It's an experience you won't forget.

Check out just how magical this place is by watching this Adventuring in the Moment video. We hope it inspires you to get outside and venture over to this enchanting attraction.

The Northern Lights Celebration takes place at the L.L. Bean Flagship store in Freeport from November 17th through December 31st, 2023. You can learn more about all the ways you can enjoy your time for those magical five weeks by visiting the Northern Lights Celebration website. You can also follow L.L. Bean on Facebook to keep up with the schedule of events or to simply start planning your visit.

After enjoying time in one of the best Christmas towns in Maine, be sure to make your way to Boothbay for Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit while being awed by over 650,000 lights. But, be sure to bundle up in something warm. This walk is beautiful, but can certainly get chilly if it's cold outside.