For many newcomers to Maine, Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport is often their first introduction to just how magical — and community-driven — the holiday season feels here. But this beloved festival didn’t begin as a major coastal celebration drawing visitors from across the world. Instead, it started with a simple idea in the summer of 1982: give something meaningful back to the community.
A Small Idea That Sparked a Timeless Tradition
More than four decades ago, local merchants gathered with the hope of creating a holiday event that would bring neighbors together, support small businesses, and celebrate the spirit of Kennebunkport. As one of the early organizers put it, “We want to give the town a Christmas festival.”
That December, the very first three-day holiday extravaganza came to life. It included:
- A community tree lighting
- A chowder luncheon
- Carol singing in Dock Square
It was humble, heartfelt, and a hit — and so, Christmas Prelude was born.
Growing Into a Coastal Holiday Icon
What began as a weekend event quickly expanded. Today, Christmas Prelude spans two full weekends and nearly two weeks of festivities, filling the town with:
- Craft fairs and artisan markets
- Fireworks reflecting off the winter harbor
- The iconic lobster trap tree
- Parades, trolley rides, and live music
- Holiday dining events and open houses
- Visits with Santa arriving by lobster boat
The celebration now attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe, often serving as the first winter tradition for families who have recently moved to Maine.
Community First — Every Year
Even as Prelude has grown, its mission has remained unchanged: give back to the community.The festival has helped raise thousands of dollars for local nonprofits, supported small businesses throughout the early-winter slowdown, and strengthened Kennebunkport’s sense of togetherness.
Christmas Prelude has also honored major moments in the town’s history. In 2018, after the passing of longtime Kennebunkport resident and former President George H. W. Bush, the community counted down from 41 during the tree lighting in his memory.
And in 2020, when the pandemic halted most in-person gatherings, the tradition continued virtually — ensuring that the spirit of Prelude carried on even in challenging times.
A Maine Holiday Celebration for Old and New Neighbors Alike
Today, whether you're a lifelong resident or a newcomer settling into the rhythms of coastal Maine, Christmas Prelude offers something rare:a chance to feel instantly connected — to the town, to its history, and to the people who make this place feel like home.
As long as the community continues to gather, give back, and celebrate, there will always be a Christmas Preludelighting up the heart of Kennebunkport.
If you're new to Maine, this is one tradition you won’t want to miss.