Southern Maine towns love to get decked out for the holidays in classic New England styles. For most, dressing up downtown includes a brightly lit Christmas tree in the center of downtown.
In fact, those tree lighting ceremonies are a big deal in York and Cumberland counties. Some are part of multi-day celebrations like Kennebunkport’s Prelude or simpler single-day festivals with parades. Others last just an hour or two. Virtually all, however, do more than just flip a switch. At the very least, attendees typically enjoy light refreshments, carolers and sometimes, if they are lucky, a visit from Santa himself.
Where to find tree lighting ceremonies in Southern Maine
Here is a round up of this year’s tree lighting ceremonies. Some might include a menorah lighting.
Biddeford
Biddeford is hosting its Merry and Bright Night including a tree lighting on December 6, 2024 beginning at 5:30 pm. The events take place at the City Square, adjacent to Town Hall on Adams Street.
Brunswick
Brunswick’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Saturday, November 30 on the Brunswick Mall at 5:30. But come earlier, because there are events at 3 pm — cookies and hot chocolate, horse-drawn rides — and everything culminates in the tree lighting at 5:30 pm.
Freeport
Freeport Sparkle runs from December 6-15, 2024 and is a jam-packed holiday festival. The tree lighting occurs at the end of the holiday parade, which starts at 6pm, on December 6.
Gorham
Gorham hosts a Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade on December 1, 2024 at the Gorham Municipal Center. Games begin at 3 pm. The parade starts at about 4:30 pm. The tree lighting takes place at about 5 pm.
The Kennebunks
There are multiple, different tree lightings in the Kennebunks.
Downtown Kennebunk is holding its tree-lighting ceremony from 5-8 pm on Saturday, November 30 at Rotary Park. This is the same date as Pajama Shopping Day on Small Business Saturday.
Kennebunkport’s tree lighting is part of Prelude and takes place at Dock Square on December 6 at 5:30 pm.
Cape Porpoise also has a tree lighting on December 6. It is at 7 pm.
In West Kennebunk the tree is located at the Dorothy Stevens Community Center at 80 Thompson Road. The ceremony is at 6 pm on December 7.
Ogunquit
Ogunquit actually hosts two tree lighting ceremonies. Both are on December 13, the first day of Christmas by the Sea.
From 4:30-7 pm enjoy the festivities around Rotary Park at Perkins Cove. After you’ve enjoyed the festivities there, head to Veterans Park on Beach Street for the lighting of the downtown tree at 8:15.
Portland
In Portland, there are watch parties, sing along events and an artisans fair in and around Monument Square (456 Congress Street) beginning at 1 pm on November 29. The tree gets lit at about 5 pm.
On December 6, the Portland Museum of Art hosts the lighting of its copper beech tree. The event takes place at 7 Congress Square. Festivities begin at 6. The lighting is at 6:30. The museum is open until 8 pm and admission is free.
Here are other times you can get free museum admission at PMA.
Scarborough
Scarborough is hosting an evening of events on Saturday, December 7, beginning at 5 pm with its tree lighting ceremony at 5:15.
South Portland
South Portland’s tree lighting takes place at Mill Creek Park on December 6. Festivities begin at 4:30. The tree lighting is at about 6 pm. Mill Creek Park is at 50 Hinckley Drive.
Standish
Standish hosts its annual tree lighting and Jingle Ball Bash on Sunday, December 8 from 5:30-6:30 pm. The actual lighting takes place at 5:20 pm. It is located at the Standish Municipal Center, 175 Northeast Road.
Westbrook
Light Up Westbrook hosts and annual tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 1 at 4:45 pm. The tree is at Riverbank Park, 677 Main Street.
York
Ok, so York doesn’t actually host a tree lighting. Instead they host a lighting of the lighthouse. What could be more Maine than that!
The Nubble lighting takes place during the days long Festival of Lights on November 30. Festivities begin at 12 pm.
Here’s a picture we took of the Nubble Lighthouse lit up for the holidays last year.
Upcoming Holiday and Christmas Events
Here are some upcoming holiday-related and Christmas events and celebrations in Southern Maine.
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