Kennebunkport may be known for summer days by the coast, but winter brings a different pace to this Maine destination. Quieter beaches, seasonal dining, outdoor adventures and festive events make it a great time to experience the Kennebunks beyond peak season.
From November celebrations and December’s Christmas Prelude to Paint the Town Red in February and the beginning of Spring Into Summer in March, there are plenty of reasons to plan a winter visit.
Plan Your Winter Stay in Kennebunkport
Winter in Kennebunkport at a Glance
Winter in Kennebunkport stretches well beyond the holidays, with seasonal events and different reasons to visit from November into early spring.
|
Month |
Seasonal Highlights |
|
November |
Kennebunkport Hotel Week, Thanksgiving, quieter coastal stays and the start of the festive season |
|
December |
Christmas Prelude, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve |
|
January |
A quieter time for coastal walks, winter dining, spa days and outdoor activities |
|
February |
Paint the Town Red brings Valentine’s-inspired events and experiences throughout the month |
|
March |
Spring Into Summer begins as Kennebunkport starts looking ahead to the new season |
Experience Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport
December brings one of Kennebunkport’s most-loved traditions. The 45th Annual Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude takes place December 3–13, 2026, bringing tree lightings, parades, fireworks, seasonal dining and special events to the Kennebunks.
Some of the town-wide events to look out for include:
|
Event |
Date |
What to Expect |
|
December 4 & 11 |
Christmas caroling followed by the lighting of the tree in Dock Square |
|
|
December 5 |
A festive parade of holiday hats through Dock Square and Lower Village |
|
|
December 6 |
Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive by lobster boat |
|
|
December 11 |
A fireworks display over the Kennebunk River basin near Dock Square |
|
|
December 13 |
Dogs and their humans take to the streets in holiday attire |
Check the Christmas Prelude website before your visit for the latest schedule.
Christmas Prelude Events at Kennebunkport Resort Collection
Christmas Prelude also brings special events to restaurants and hotels across Kennebunkport Resort Collection. From wine tastings by the coast to seasonal cocktail classes, there are plenty of ways to build a little extra celebration into your stay.
|
Event |
Date & Time |
Where |
What to Expect |
|
December 4, 2–3:30pm |
Earth at Hidden Pond |
Full-bodied white wines paired with thoughtfully crafted seasonal canapés |
|
|
December 5, 2–3:30pm |
Earth at Hidden Pond |
Learn seasonal cocktail techniques, from infusions to garnishes and shrubs |
|
|
December 5, 2–3pm |
Ocean |
Sparkling, white and red wines paired with holiday-inspired canapés |
|
|
December 5 & 12, 12–9pm |
Rosella KPT |
Extended Saturday hours for sushi and seasonal dining during the festivities |
|
|
December 9, 4–7pm |
Cape Arundel Inn & Resort |
Mini spa treatments, skincare tips and a festive wellness experience |
|
|
December 12, 2–3:30pm |
Earth at Hidden Pond |
A hands-on seasonal cocktail class with the Earth team |
|
|
December 12, 2–3pm |
Ocean |
Hot Buttered Rum, Hot Toddies and Irish Coffee paired with seasonal bites |
|
|
December 19 |
The Burleigh |
Make festive cocktails, enjoy light bites and take home a recipe card |
The celebrations begin even earlier at The Burleigh, where Tinsel Bar opens November 18 with festive décor, seasonal cocktails and savory bites.
Kennebunkport Inn also hosts its Prelude Tent during Christmas Prelude, with an outdoor bar, live music and DJs on select dates.
Enjoy Dining Around the Collection
A winter trip to Kennebunkport is also a chance to linger over dinner somewhere warm. Several Kennebunkport restaurants remain part of the experience throughout the season, each offering a different setting and style of dining.
|
Restaurant |
Winter Dining Experience |
|
Elevated dinner fare overlooking Maine’s rocky coastline, with locally sourced seafood and seasonal menus |
|
|
A cozy tavern-style setting for local seafood, burgers, pub fare and creative cocktails in Dock Square |
|
|
Farm-to-table dining with seasonal ingredients, seafood, garden produce and crafted cocktails in a woodland setting |
|
|
Sustainable sushi, sashimi and seasonal dishes at the Grand Hotel in Lower Village |
|
|
Fresh Maine flavors and craft cocktails overlooking the Kennebunk River, just steps from Dock Square |
Explore Dock Square in Winter
Winter offers a quieter way to explore the heart of Kennebunkport. Spend time browsing local boutiques, galleries and shops around Dock Square before stopping somewhere warm for lunch or a drink.
During Christmas Prelude, the Dock Square becomes one of the centers of the celebration. Visit later in winter and you’ll find a slower pace that makes it easy to take your time exploring downtown.
Take a Winter Walk Along the Maine Coast
Bundle up and head toward the coast for a different perspective on Kennebunkport’s beaches.
Goose Rocks Beach is ideal for a long shoreline walk, while nearby Kennebunk’s Gooch’s Beach offers another opportunity to enjoy the open coast away from the busier summer season. Winter conditions can change quickly, so check the forecast and dress for the weather before heading out.
A drive along Ocean Avenue is another easy way to take in the coastline when the weather is better suited to sightseeing from the car.
Go Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing
When snow conditions cooperate, southern Maine offers plenty of opportunities to get outside.
Wells Reserve at Laudholm has seven miles of trails open year-round, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing possible when conditions allow. The trails are not groomed in winter, so check current conditions before heading out.
Harris Farm in nearby Dayton is another option for cross-country skiing when there is enough snow.
Go Ice Skating in Downtown Kennebunk
Head to the Waterhouse Center on Main Street in neighboring Kennebunk for a classic winter activity.
The open-sided pavilion hosts free ice skating during the winter, generally from late November through March when weather conditions allow. Visitors should bring their own skates, as rentals are not available.
Pair your time on the ice with a stroll through downtown Kennebunk or a warm lunch nearby.
Make Time for a Winter Spa Experience
Not every winter day needs to be spent outdoors.
Cape Arundel Inn & Resort’s Tree Spa Winter Pop-Up offers a relaxing way to slow down during your stay. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10AM–5PM, the seasonal spa experience includes rejuvenating facials and romantic couples’ massages in a calming setting with gentle nature sounds and aromatic scents.
During Christmas Prelude, the spa also hosts Festive Glow: Holiday Spa Night on December 9 from 4–7pm, with mini spa treatments, skincare tips and a festive wellness experience.
Where to Stay for Christmas Prelude
If Christmas Prelude is the reason for your winter trip, Kennebunkport Resort Collection highlights several properties for stays during the festivities.
|
Stay |
Why Stay Here for Christmas Prelude |
|
Cape Arundel Inn & Resort |
A quieter oceanfront setting with timeless coastal charm and a festive Christmas atmosphere, plus Ocean Restaurant on site and shuttle service offered on Fridays and Saturdays during Prelude |
|
Grand Hotel |
A stylish stay in Lower Villagel, close to Dock Square, with Rosella KPT on site |
|
Goose Rocks Beach House |
Spacious private residences steps from Goose Rocks Beach for a quieter coastal stay |
|
The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel |
A waterfront hotel just steps from Dock Square and the center of the celebrations |
|
Kennebunkport Inn |
Overlooks Dock Square at One Dock Square, putting you right at the center of the Christmas Prelude festivities, with The Bar at The Burleigh transformed into Tinsel Bar for the holiday |
|
Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club |
A riverfront base near Dock Square with private patios and views across the marina |
Explore Places to Stay in Kennebunkport
Save on a November Stay During Hotel Week
Planning a November getaway? Kennebunkport Hotel Week runs from November 1–15, 2026, with exclusive savings available across select Kennebunkport stays.
Guests can save up to 50% off the Standard Daily Rate, with the resort fee waived for eligible stays, making it a great time to experience the quieter side of Kennebunkport before the holiday season gets underway.
Bring Your Dog With the Prelude Paws Offer
Traveling with your dog? Yachtsman’s Prelude Paws offer is available for Christmas Prelude stays from December 3–13, 2026.
The offer waives the nightly pet fee, a $50 saving per night, for eligible stays based on availability. It also gives four-legged visitors a good excuse to stick around for the annual Pooch Parade on December 13.
Explore Christmas Prelude Stays & Offers
Turn Your Visit Into a Winter Getaway
Christmas Prelude may be one of the highlights of December, but Kennebunkport has plenty to offer throughout the winter. Coastal walks, seasonal dining, outdoor recreation and a quieter pace make it easy to build a relaxed few days around the Kennebunks.
Whether you want to stay close to Dock Square, wake up by the coast or make food and wellness part of your trip, explore the Collection to find the right base for your winter escape.
Plan Your Winter Stay in Kennebunkport
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kennebunkport worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter offers a quieter way to experience Kennebunkport, with coastal scenery, fewer peak-season crowds, seasonal dining and outdoor activities. December is particularly lively thanks to Christmas Prelude, while February brings Paint the Town Red, with seasonal events and Valentine’s-inspired experiences around town.
What is there to do in Kennebunkport in winter?
Things to do in Kennebunkport in winter include walking the beaches, exploring Dock Square, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, seasonal dining and attending winter events. December visitors can also experience Christmas Prelude and its tree lightings, parades, fireworks and special dining events.
What is Christmas in Kennebunkport like?
Christmas in Kennebunkport brings festive lights, decorated streets, seasonal dining and the annual Christmas Prelude celebration. Events include the Dock Square Tree Lighting, Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree, parades, fireworks, Santa arriving by lobster boat and special experiences at hotels and restaurants around town.
Is Kennebunkport worth visiting for Christmas?
Yes. A Kennebunkport Christmas getaway combines classic New England holiday traditions with coastal scenery, festive dining and Christmas Prelude events. Staying for a few days also gives you time to explore Dock Square, enjoy the restaurants and experience the quieter side of the coast between festivities.
Does it snow in Kennebunkport in winter?
Kennebunkport can receive snow throughout winter, although conditions vary during the season. If skiing or snowshoeing is part of your plans, check local snow and trail conditions shortly before your visit.
Are shops and restaurants open in Kennebunkport during winter?
Yes, there are shops and restaurants open during winter, although seasonal hours vary. Several Kennebunkport Resort Collection restaurants, including Ocean, Earth at Hidden Pond, Rosella KPT, The Boathouse and The Burleigh, operate year-round. Check individual opening hours before visiting.