There is something about celebrating the winter holidays in a cold location. Maybe it is the winter breezes that make you yearn for a fireplace. Maybe it is snowflakes that bring back the nostalgia of Santa Claus. Maybe it is the cold temperatures that create the desire to snuggle closer during a season of love. Boothbay brings all of that and the promise of lots of holiday activities. The Five Gables Inn is closed for the season but we love our quaint town and want everyone to know about the exciting events happening in our area during the winter holidays.
Boothbay Winter Festival – November 19, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Local vendors, food trucks, and special events are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Skip the crowded big chain stores and purchase gifts at a European-style Christmas market. Leave the cooking to us and grab a dinner of oysters, cheesy pizza, and hot apple cider or whatever combination sounds good from the gathering of food trucks. For added convenience, you can place your food order online. Be sure to check the calendar for activities for the whole family including strolling carolers and a petting zoo. The second annual Lighted Fire Truck Parade will take place on Saturday, November 27 at 4 pm; don’t miss the friendly competition between firehouses. With the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas, the festival is open daily from 4-9 pm with extended hours of 12-9 pm on the weekends.
Gardens Aglow – November 20, 2021 – January 1, 2022
For the seventh year in a row, The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens will be full of illuminated holiday cheer. Nearly 650,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs are used to create the event. If all of those lights were lined up, they would span almost 60 miles. Prefer to stay warm? You are in luck. The entire experience is made to be enjoyed from the warmth of your vehicle. An added bonus to the driving tour is that you can create your own special playlist for the evening. Tickets are available for Thursday through Sunday each week with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve. Days are expanded to cover the entire week between Christmas and the New Year. The fun does not stop in the gardens. More than 50 homes and businesses join the fun with a lighting contest. Maps of those participating will be available and everyone can vote for their favorite on a text-to-vote platform.
Art in the Square – December 2, 2021 – February 6, 2022
Find a piece of art for your home while supporting artists and a scholarship fund. Most of the works of art are on 12’X12’ canvases and each piece sells for $125. Money from the sale goes to the artist, Boothbay Region Art Foundation overhead, and two scholarships for graduating seniors who want to study visual arts. The event is open every Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (January and February hours are available by appointment or chance).
Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks Display – December 4, 2021
Christmas lights take on an extra sparkle as they reflect off of the water. Settle in to your favorite spot along the harbor for the parade beginning at 6:45 pm. Boats will enter from the west and motor clockwise through the inner harbor. Participating boats compete for cash prizes for first, second, and third place so you are sure to see some extravagant and creative displays. Once the parade ends, the skies light up for a fireworks display at 7:30 pm.
North Pole Express – December 4-19, 2021
Do you believe in the magic of Christmas? The Boothbay Railway Village Museum has train rides to the North Pole (Thorndike Station). Along the way, riders are treated to a winter wonderland as they travel through the Village. Santa makes an appearance before everyone is whisked back to the historic 1912 Freeport Station. Weather permitting, the museum’s lower campus is also available for exploring. Eight rides are available every Saturday and Sunday starting at 10:45 am. This popular activity does sell out so advance tickets are highly recommended.
Annual Boothbay Christmas Dinner – December 25, 2021
The American Legion Hall is pleased to present a free holiday dinner. This is a fantastic opportunity to share a meal with the community. You can even bring your whole family. Be sure to reserve a spot by December 18.
