Posted in Maine November 27, 2016 by

It’s Not Christmas In Maine Until You Do These 13 Enchanting Things

Despite the fact that everyone seems to start a little early, the official start of Christmas season really seems to begin the day after Thanksgiving ends. But, there are a few things you need to accomplish before it’s truly Christmas here in Maine. Once you’ve done these things, consider yourself ready for the main event!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Watch your breath while singing Christmas carols in the cold Maine air.
David Lounsbury / Flickr
Try the Kennebunk Christmas Prelude for one of the most festive versions of this tradition.
2. Gaze up at Nubble's beautiful outline of lights.
Michelle Callahan / Flickr
While the actual lighting ceremony was Saturday, November 26th you can still check out the lights in all their glory every night.
3. Use a lobster as a Christmas decoration.
Frank Gruber / Flickr
If we weren't supposed to use Maine's favorite crustacean as a decoration at Christmas, would they be red and look so great with the green of a wreath or tree? Think about THAT.
4. Take in a performance of "The Nutcracker."
Roger Meike / Flickr
Or, more specifically...
5. ...See the Portland Ballet's unique "Victorian Nutcracker."
Portland Ballet in Maine / Facebook
This annual production recreates the interiors of Victoria Mansion and interprets Tchaikovsky’s score through the stories of Portland’s nineteenth-century families. See it December 7th, 18th and 23rd.
6. Participate in Santacon.
Jo T / Flickr
On December 3rd at 4pm, fine folks dressed as Santas will converge upon Portland. Then, they'll take over this city in a fairly annoying way and drink their way around the Old Port. But, don't get mad - join in! It's all in the name of a good cause - donations will be collected for Family Crisis Services.
7. Appreciate how much Mainers love to make things more "Maine."
Frank Gruber / Flickr
Check out the Christmas tree in Cape Porpoise for a great example!
8. Choose and retrieve your own Maine Christmas tree
smilla4 / Flickr
Thankfully, the Maine Christmas Tree Association makes sure you always have a place to do this. No fake trees around these parts!
9. See the glow of lights shining in the snow
Corey Templeton / Flickr
Will it happen this year?! We have our fingers crossed for a white Christmas!
10. Lace up your skates and hit that small pond in the woods
slack12 / Flickr
But don't choose just any pond! Make sure the ice is thick enough. THEN, throw on some L.L. Bean winter-gear and head out!
11. Or, if you prefer something a little more legitimate - check out The Rink at Thompson's Point in Portland
The Rink at Thompson's Point / Facebook
There's even a distillery, brewery and a place for dinner! Visit them at: 10 Thompsons Point, Portland / 207-747-9399
12. Stroll around the Gardens Aglow wonderland at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens / Facebook
This is the largest holiday light display in all of Maine. Take a trip through 14 acres of gardens covered in no less than 150,000 lights. Stick around for dinner at the cafe which has a seasonal menu as well as live music. Check it out Thursdays-Sundays, November 21st through December 31st Visit them at: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay / 207-633-8000
13. Re-enact Annie C. Maguire's shipwreck near Cape Elizabeth's Portland Head Light.
sara hattie / Flickr
Just kidding. Don't do that. That's not a Christmas thing to do.

Did you miss our favorite Christmas lights in Maine? Click here to read up on the 11 best displays!