Spread the festive joy in Bangor! Our guide has all the top events and activities that make this season special. Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, our guide highlights the best of Bangor's holidays.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights, where twinkling displays illuminate the scenic waterfront, creating a delightful atmosphere. With an array of community activities and light exhibitions, this event captures the essence of the season. And definitely don't forget The Nutcracker, a captivating ballet that brings Tchaikovsky's timeless music to life on stage. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Bangor
- Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights (Boothbay Harbor)
- The Nutcracker
- Gardens Aglow (Boothbay Harbor)
- North Pole Express (Boothbay Railway Village)
- Cirque Dream: Holidaze
- Festival of Lights (Rockland)
- Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath (Bath)
- Bangor European Market
- Christmas by the Sea (Camden)
- Augusta Holiday Craft and Gift Fair (Augusta)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bangor Holiday Light Displays
Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Extensive light displays and festive activities.
Description:
Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights is a holiday celebration featuring extensive light displays, unique shops, and local dining options. The event includes Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, a Lighted Boat Parade, and various festive activities.
Where: Boothbay Harbor | More Info: Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights
Gardens Aglow
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display with nature-inspired sculptures.
Description:
Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features over 750,000 LED lights spread across 14 acres, including nature-inspired sculptures and themed areas. The event includes new walking routes and paths, making it a premier light show in New England.
Where: Boothbay Harbor | More Info: Gardens Aglow
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday parade with lighted floats and festive activities.
Description:
The Festival of Lights in Rockland, Maine, features a festive parade with lighted floats, Santa's arrival, and a tree lighting ceremony, celebrating the holiday season with community spirit.
Where: Rockland | More Info: Festival of Lights
Bangor Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bangor European Market
What to Expect:
Year-round market featuring international cuisine and local produce.
Description:
Bangor's European Market is a year-round gem located at Sunnyside Greenhouse, offering a diverse range of hot and cold foods, breads, baked goods, and gifts inspired by worldwide heritages. Local farmers sell seasonal produce, goat cheese, meat, venison, and pet treats.
Where: Bangor | More Info: Bangor European Market
35th Last Minute Christmas Arts & Craft Show
What to Expect:
Last-minute holiday shopping with local artisans.
Description:
The 35th Last Minute Christmas Arts & Craft Show in Augusta, Maine, offers a diverse array of handmade crafts and unique gifts from local artisans, perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.
Where: Bangor | More Info: 35th Last Minute Christmas Arts & Craft Show
Bangor Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans with diverse handcrafted products.
Description:
The Bangor Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show features a diverse array of artisans showcasing woodwork, painting, sculptures, fine arts, and photography. Visitors can explore a wide variety of handcrafted products in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Bangor | More Info: Bangor Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show
Bath Winter Vendor and Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique holiday gifts from local artisans.
Description:
The Bath Winter Vendor and Craft Fair on December 14, 2024, at the West Bath Fire Department, will feature a diverse array of local crafters and vendors selling unique holiday gifts.
Where: Bath | More Info: Bath Winter Vendor and Craft Fair
Auburn Christmas Makers Market
What to Expect:
Handmade crafts and unique gifts by local artisans.
Description:
Join us at the Auburn Christmas Makers Market for a delightful array of handmade crafts and unique gifts. Local artisans showcase their talents, offering a diverse selection of items perfect for the holiday season.
Where: Auburn | More Info: Auburn Christmas Makers Market
Augusta Holiday Craft and Gift Fair
What to Expect:
Unique, handmade gifts from local artisans.
Description:
The 35th Annual Last Minute Christmas Arts & Craft Fair at the Augusta Armory features talented artisans selling handmade gifts, including wood items, quilt work, knits, crochet, jams, jellies, dolls, and jewelry.
Where: Augusta | More Info: Augusta Holiday Craft and Gift Fair
Christmas in New England Arts and Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Largest craft show of the season with a unique selection of New England artisans.
Description:
The Christmas in New England Arts and Craft Fair at the Augusta Civic Center features over 130 booths showcasing unique, handmade crafts from local artists and craftsmen. This event is wheelchair accessible and offers a diverse selection of gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Augusta | More Info: Christmas in New England Arts and Craft Fair
Bangor Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cirque Dream: Holidaze
What to Expect:
Whimsical blend of Broadway and circus arts.
Description:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a dazzling family holiday spectacular featuring a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts. The event includes a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters, an original musical score with twists on holiday classics, and new sets and scenery. It is an ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.
Where: Bangor | More Info: Cirque Dream: Holidaze
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Live symphony orchestra performance with Robinson Ballet and Bangor Area Youth Choirs.
Description:
The Bangor Symphony Orchestra presents The Nutcracker, a holiday classic featuring the Robinson Ballet and Bangor Area Youth Choirs, conducted by Grammy-winning conductor Lucas Richman. This annual event showcases a live symphony orchestra with elaborate sets and costumes.
Where: Bangor | More Info: The Nutcracker
Bangor Other Holiday Activities
North Pole Express
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride to meet Santa in a festive setting.
Description:
Board historic trains at Boothbay Railway Village to meet Santa at the North Pole, enjoying winter scenery and festive activities.
Where: Boothbay Railway Village | More Info: North Pole Express
Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday activities in historic downtown Bath.
Description:
Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath features festive events like Santa's arrival, trolley caroling, and a community tree lighting ceremony. The event includes family activities, holiday concerts, and a neighborhood decorating contest. Red Magic Letter Boxes are available for children to write letters to Santa.
Where: Bath | More Info: Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath
Christmas by the Sea
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday festivities in a charming coastal town setting.
Description:
Christmas by the Sea is a festive celebration in Camden, Maine, featuring holiday decorations, local vendors, and community events.