Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude

42nd Anniversary | Nov 30 - Dec 10, 2023

Kennebunkport is THE place to be during cold weather.

Named the #2 Christmas town in America by HGTV, Kennebunkport truly goes above and beyond for its visitors during the holiday season. With its charming hotels, restaurants, shops, and galleries open, this is a great place for a weekend winter getaway. Miles of nature trails provide the perfect place to snowshoe, x-country ski, or just enjoy the pristine beauty of a beautiful snowfall with a sleigh ride.

Jingle all the way to the 2024 Christmas Prelude! Mark your calendars from December 5-15, 2024 to book your hotel stay before rooms disappear faster than Santa up a chimney! 'Tis the season to plan ahead and be on the nice list for the festivities!

STAY

Celebrate the season, Christmas Prelude style. Choose from five unique experiences:

The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel

Cape Arundel Inn & Resort

Grand Hotel

Kennebunkport Inn

Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club

Christmas Prelude Hotel Reservations
DINE

Make your visit special with a Maine dining experience you won't forget...

The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant, "classic Maine” menu focused on fresh seafood and a sprinkling of Asian influences with a full Lobster Bar.

The Burleigh at Kennebunkport Inn is a cozy gastropub offering shareable small plates, hearty entrees, creative cocktails, local beers & wines. Diners will enjoy a unique takes on classic home-style fare.

Earth at Hidden Pond, “farm to fork” freshness — in addition to local meats and seafood, ingredients are used from onsite organic gardens to deliver simple, innovative fare that highlights the best of each season.

Ocean at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort, its three-course tasting menu showcases not only Maine-caught seafood, but the best of what is grown, raised and produced locally. Expect the familiar flavors of southern France and the Mediterranean with intriguing new twists.

Via Sophia by the Sea pairs classic Italian dishes and hand-made pastas with fresh Maine seafood and creative cocktails.

Rosella introduces authentic and sustainable sushi & sashimi amongst an intimate ambience. 

DINING IN KENNEBUNKPORT
PLAY

Fully embrace the Christmas spirit this season by experiencing the magic of the #2 Christmas Town in America! Join in on any or all of the occasion's special events:

Tree Lightings: Dock Square Tree, Lower Village Tree, and the Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap

Prelude Street Festival

Annual Hat Parade

Annual Fireworks Display over Kennebunk River basin

Candlelight Caroling at Franciscan Monastery

Santa Arrival's by Lobster Boat

The Burleigh Tinsel Bar & Live Music (sponsored by Boston Beer Co.)

Buddy's Bar at Rabbit Hole

Animal Welfare Society Fur Tree Fundraiser at Kennebunkport Inn. Learn More and Donate Here.

FULL CHRISTMAS PRELUDE SCHEDULE
TOYS FOR TOTS

Want to help make a child's Christmas special this year? Donate toys for our Toys for Tots drive at Kennebunkport Resort Collection Hotels this holiday season!

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Live Entertainment
Industry Night at the Rabbit Hole

DJ & Live Music at The Burleigh

DJ at the Rabbit Hole

DJ at The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel & Restaurant

Buddy's Bar at Rabbit Hole

SANTA’S COMING!! Welcome to the North Pole of Maine! We're thrilled to invite you to Buddy’s Bar at the Rabbit Hole, where we're celebrating the 20th anniversary of everyone's favorite Christmas movie, Elf! For the entire month of December, we're transforming our bar into a whimsical festive wonderland inspired by Buddy the Elf's adventures. Step into a magical world adorned by paper garland and snowflakes, twinkling lights, and candy-cane-striped decorations that Buddy himself helped us decorate with!

Indulge in the holiday spirit with a special menu of Elf-inspired cocktails, expertly crafted by our mixologists and inspired by Buddy’s favorite food groups. Capture the magic with our dedicated Elfie photo booth, where you can dress up in elf hats and pointy shoes for the perfect Elfie selfie. 

And of course, satisfy your taste buds with Buddy's famous "Four Main Elf Food Groups" – candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. Join us throughout December for a month-long celebration of Elf that will fill your heart with holiday cheer!

*Located underneath Via Sophia by the Sea*

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Tinsel Bar at The Burleigh

Step inside The Burleigh bar and be transported into a magic holiday experience at the Tinsel Bar! Be encompassed by the festive decorations and joyful spirit that will leave you filled with Christmas cheer. Stop by for seasonal cocktails, savory bites, and a holly jolly time! 

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Holiday Mixology Class at Earth

Join us in the event barn and learn how to prepare classic cocktails with our team of skilled bartenders. From infusing liquors with farm fresh ingredients from our gardens to dehydrating fruit wheels for garnish to making delicious shrubs, Earth at Hidden Pond’s cocktails are some of the best around! Includes four (4) cocktail tastings. Part of Hidden Pond's programming for Christmas Prelude!

More Information about Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Class is open to adults 21 years of age or older. Proper ID is required at door. We look forward to seeing you.

Purchase Tickets
Flavors of Burgundy Wine Dinner at Ocean

Savor the finest flavors of the season as our talented Chef crafts a delectable four-course menu that celebrates the harmony of Burgundy wines and the bounty of Maine's seafood. Each of the four courses will be thoughtfully paired with a selection of Burgundy varietals to enhance the flavors and elevate your dining experience during Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude.

More Information about Ocean at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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Class is open to adults 21 years of age or older. Proper ID is required at door. We look forward to seeing you.

Purchase Tickets
Wines in Winter at Earth

Join us at Earth at Hidden Pond as we celebrate Christmas Prelude where you'll experience the warm and savory flavors of winter paired with a variety of blends. Enjoy canapes and sip on the sweet tastes of the chilly season.

More Information about Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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Class is open to adults 21 years of age or older. Proper ID is required at door. We look forward to seeing you.

Purchase Tickets
Holiday Mixology Class at Earth

Join us in the event barn and learn how to prepare classic cocktails with our team of skilled bartenders. From infusing liquors with farm fresh ingredients from our gardens to dehydrating fruit wheels for garnish to making delicious shrubs, Earth at Hidden Pond’s cocktails are some of the best around! Includes four (4) cocktail tastings. Part of Hidden Pond's programming for Christmas Prelude!

More Information about Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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Class is open to adults 21 years of age or older. Proper ID is required at door. We look forward to seeing you.

Purchase Tickets
Tree Spa Winter Pop-Up

For the third annual year, the renowned Tree Spa at Hidden Pond is opening for the Winter season at the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort. This Winter Spa Pop-Up promises an unforgettable experience with exceptional relaxation and rejuvenation services. The spa provides an array of luxurious treatments that aim to soothe the mind, body, and soul.

Indulge in a range of massages, each expertly crafted to revive your inner tranquility, all enhanced by the exquisite blends of oils and lotions that make up Tree Spa’s distinct line.

Opens November 17, 2023, at the Cape Arundel Club House at 8 Old Fort Avenue, Kennebunkport 

Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

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