We spent the weekend in Maine for Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude, and here are the things I would do again next year

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, Maine might be one of my favorite weekends of the entire year. It’s festive in the most charming way. The kind that lets you soak in the holiday spirit without the pressure of gift-buying or rushing around. We’ve been going the first weekend of December for a few years now, and at this point there are traditions we never skip… along with a few new things we’ve added to our rotation.

Here are the things I’ll absolutely keep on my must-do list for next year’s event — including a few ways we beat the crowds and our favorite stops along the way:

Snug Harbor Farm (pictured above)

Make this your first stop on the way into town. It’s such a fun place to wander, and the greenery, plants, and festive displays always spark creativity. It sets the tone for the whole weekend.

Morning Walk Shanties

Park on that side of town and stroll through the little shanties, each decorated so beautifully. It feels like stepping into a holiday market scene. Grab a hot cocoa from the vintage roaming truck and take your time exploring.

Lunch at The Boathouse

Valet the car and put your name on the waitlist when they open, this place fills up quickly. It’s in the heart of town and packed with people dressed in their festive best. Expect a long wait, but use it as an excuse to shop around Dock Square. Or, if you’re lucky, snag an outdoor seat or a space on the covered deck.

The Burleigh in the Kennebunkport Inn

If you haven’t been, make the time to pop in. They open at 4:00, and the inside bar is beautifully decorated full of holiday ambiance. You can even get seats outside around fire pit and large outdoor fireplace. It gets busy, but it’s worth a peek.

Dinner at Wandby Landing

Always a standout. It’s exactly where you want to end the day…dimly lit, warm, cozy, inviting, and complete with a fireplace. The food is consistently great, and the atmosphere just feels right after being outside all day.

Consider Staying in Ogunquit

A little insider tip: prices are nearly half of what you’ll find in Kennebunkport this weekend, and it’s only a 20-minute drive. If you want a break from the crowds, Ogunquit offers the same cozy New England charm and makes for a peaceful retreat at the end of the night.