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Your Holly Jolly Guide to Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude {and Beyond}


A bicycle in the center of town with holiday lights
Join the festivities all around town during our annual Christmas Prelude.

Coastal Maine makes the most wonderful time of the year even more magical. If you’re looking to have the best holiday season ever, look no further than a Kennebunkport Christmas. Shop our one-of-a-kind Small Business Saturday or join the festivities all around town during our annual Christmas Prelude. Discover it all this Christmas season!


Everything You Need to Know About Celebrating a Kennebunkport Christmas

Let our Kennebunkport Christmas step up your holiday game. Discover our favorite Christmas Prelude events December 5 – 15 or visit early and shop Dock Square, Lower Village, and Downtown Kennebunk during Small Business Saturday. This year, the Prelude elves are adding a special focus on mid-week events so holiday revelers can enjoy the décor, festivities, and specials Sunday through Thursday, save money and avoid the weekend crowds! We have everything you need to know about the Yuletide season here in Coastal Maine. 


Must-See Events of Christmas Prelude

The 12 Beers of Prelude Tap Takeover

Kick-off the festivities with the 12 beers of Prelude. The Bissell Brothers and Hoof Hearted Brewing are taking over Alisson’s Restaurant with seasonal brews from around the globe. No tickets are needed for this mid-week event.


Christmas House Tours of White Columns

Tour the historic White Columns. The tour includes a detailed history of Kennebunkport, the history of the home, and a look into a traditional Victorian Christmas.


Prelude Trolley Rides

Ride through town on our festively decorated trolley. The heated streetcar is the most convenient way to make your way through all that Christmas Prelude has to offer. 


Tree Lighting Ceremony at Dock Square

It doesn’t get much better than the Dock Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join in the caroling, sip on hot cocoa, and gather around the town’s giant tree. Count down to first lighting of the season in the heart of Christmasville itself.


The “Chocolate Bar”

Throughout the week, Mornings in Paris will host hot chocolate decorations, cupcakes, and a cascading fountain of chocolate. Your sweet tooth will not want to miss out on this coffee shop creation! 


Christmas Cookie Crawl

Take a tour through the historic inns and unique boutique shops to taste the cookies of the town. Try them all and then tell us your favorites. All proceeds benefit the local fuel assistance program.


Candlelight Tours of the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport

Possibly our favorite event of all is the candlelight tours of the historic inns. Take a step back in time with this one-of-a-kind tour of Captain Lord Mansion, Captain Jefferds Inn, Maine Stay Inn, 1802 House, Waldo Emerson Inn, and our own, The Inn at English Meadows. We are so excited to show you a whole new side of our elegant inn. 


Small Business Saturday

You’ve never experienced holiday shopping like Kennebunkport does holiday shopping. Grab your girlfriends and hit the streets of Lower Kennebunk Village and Dock Square – in your pajamas. That’s right, don’t worry about fastening up your pre-turkey pants, stay in the comforts of your long johns, or go out in your most stylish Christmas-themed jammies. It’s an annual event you won’t want to miss. 


Hang Your Stocking at The Inn at English Meadows

After you’ve finished touring our picturesque Kennebunk Christmas, you’ll be ready to rest your feet. Hide away in the Carriage House Suite. The suite encompasses the entire third floor of the Carriage House and includes a queen-size bed, a cozy gas fireplace, a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and Nespresso coffee maker.


Enjoy a farm-to-table, gourmet breakfast each morning of your stay. Our intimate breakfast includes the freshest, seasonal ingredients from local vendors. Entree options may consist of anything from maple-stewed plums to goat cheese and garden chive slow-scrambled eggs. Our signature blend coffee is always served alongside. And don’t miss our delicious home-baked specialties every afternoon. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Inn at English Meadows!


There is so much more to explore!

Discover all there is to do in Kennebunkport, Maine.


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