MAINE, USA — Editor's note: The attached video was originally posted on Nov. 25, 2022.
It’s officially that awkward in-between holiday season: Halloween is over, Turkey Day has yet to arrive, and Christmas and Hanukkah are looming just around the corner. The question is, how do you enjoy the in-between and what winter events are a must see for you and your loved ones?
If you enjoy twinkle lights, hot cocoa, and wearing lots of layers, then some of these upcoming events in Maine might interest you.
First let’s talk about some of the state's quainter family lighting ceremonies and then we can expand into the holy "Son of a nutcracker," displays.
New Gloucester
For several years, Pineland Farms in New Gloucester has presented their holiday event “Light the Farm,” where they adorn their farm equipment with strands of holiday lights. Education Department Director Cathryn Anderson said last year they welcomed around 100 guests, despite extremely cold temperatures.
"This year we are hoping for a little warmer weather," Anderson said.
She said 300 folks have already pre-registered for the event happening on Nov. 30 at 4:15 p.m. Anderson said guests can make s’mores around cozy fire pits, sing carols, and visit with some friendly goats before farmers light two large decorated tractors.
For more information click here.
Bath
The city of Bath is known for its classic brick buildings, old-fashioned charm, and of course, its holiday celebrations. On Nov. 25 at 4 p.m., locals and visitors can take trolley rides through town, sing carols, eat cookies, and gather at Library Park for the city's tree lighting, inside an idyllic gazebo.
Inside the gazebo, kids can place their handmade ornaments on the tree. And don't worry, if your kiddos are anxious to talk to Santa, he and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance. Tell the little ones to get their lists ready and make sure to smile for a fun photo-op with the jolly North Pole native.
For more information, click here.
South Portland
South Portland Parks and Recreation Coordinator Jenna Martyn-Fisher said they expect nearly 400 attendees at this year’s tree lighting in Mill Creek Park.
“This event has a focus on light, hope, and community which is strongly reflected in the poetry that students will submit working on the theme of 'Light Humanity; Caring for one another' as well as the opportunity for attendees to support community groups while enjoying the holiday festivities,” Martyn-Fisher said.
For years, South Portland has gathered around one of southern Maine’s favorite outdoor skating ponds to light up the park. This year they will light up over 20 trees while members of the South Portland High School chorus lead the crowd in caroling. The Chamber of Commerce will also have horse-drawn carriage rides through town and photo opportunities with Santa.
In addition to purchasing cocoa, cider, and baked goods to benefit local school fundraisers, guests are also encouraged to bring food donations for the South Portland Food Pantry, and clothing donations for the Children's Closet at the First Congregational Church, Martyn-Fisher said.
The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. and include a speech from the mayor and a poetry reading by local students before the countdown to the tree lighting at 5:45 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Portland
If you grew up in or around Portland, you probably went to at least one of the tree-lighting ceremonies in Monument Square. Over the past couple of years, this event has grown bigger and better.
Marketing and Events Manager McKenzie Delisle said last year they had 5,000 folks turn up, which was a happy surprise since it was the city’s first “real ceremony since before the pandemic.”
Delisle said last year the tree lighting fell on the same day as the Soccer World Cup, prompting the use of a large screen for a viewing party in the square. She was happy to say the screen will be returning again this year for a "Boston Bruins Watch Party," and a "Disney Frozen Sing-A-Long" screening.
There is something for everyone at this event. Kiddos will be wowed by a visit from Disney princesses, and the whole family can enjoy an outdoor winter artisan market, and cups of delicious eggnog.
“It’s a chance for the community to come together and usher in the winter holiday season. We don’t just light the tree up either, we also turn on all of Portland’s Winter City Lights display. This year [all of them were] created by local artists Pandora Lacasse and Ashley Page, which add a really festive glow across the downtown and beyond!” Delisle said.
The Monument Square Tree Lighting celebration will kick off Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. and continue until 7 p.m. For more information, click here.
Boothbay
Okay holiday fans, for a mile-long walk through one of the biggest holiday light displays in the state, head to Boothbay for “Garden’s Aglow” at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. From Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, you can enjoy over 300 sculptures and structures encased with more than 750,000 LED lights.
Last year, USA Today ranked Boothbay’s display as the third-best botanical garden with holiday lights in the country.
Botanical Garden President Gretchen Ostherr said in 2022, the holiday garden display had 120,000 visitors—90,000 from New England and the rest from 48 different states and 15 different countries.
A display that takes 100 people and almost three months to create, she said this year they have added a handmade lighthouse sculpture as part of a larger seascape and are incorporating two of the beloved troll sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo, visitor favorites.
“The secret to keeping our light show exciting is that we design, hand-build, and manage the whole event. Like our garden beds in the spring through fall, we are constantly tweaking; from color choices to placement, each year is unique. So, if this is your first visit or an annual family outing, you will be just as amazed as you were coming for the first time,” Ostherr said.
For more information, click here.
Maine is a big state, so if one of these lighting events isn’t feasible, check out your local town websites to see what the holiday festivities are. And if lights aren’t your thing, don’t worry; there are too many craft fairs, holiday concerts, and cookie extravaganzas to count.
