Enjoy the magic of the holidays in Sanford with our detailed guide. Whether you're a local or a tourist, our guide helps you enjoy the festive fun in Sanford.
Popular Events: Experience the charm of the Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude, where quaint shops and twinkling lights come together to create a delightful holiday atmosphere. Another standout is Christmas by the Sea, featuring stunning coastlines and vibrant holiday markets that showcase local artisans. And the Biddeford’s Downtown Holiday Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering live music and festive activities for the whole family. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, see below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Sanford
- Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude (Kennebunkport)
- Christmas by the Sea (Ogunquit)
- Biddeford’s Downtown Holiday Festival (Biddeford)
- Saco Holiday Tree Lighting (Saco)
- Celebration by the Sea (Old Orchard Beach)
- North Pole Express (Boothbay Harbor)
- Festival of Lights, Rockland (Rockland)
- Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath (Bath)
See these and even more events listed below!
Sanford Holiday Light Displays
Saco Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Illumination of the city tree with thousands of twinkling lights.
Description:
The Saco Holiday Tree Lighting is a cherished annual tradition where the city tree is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights near the Transportation Center. The event features shopping, a live nativity scene, caroling, and story time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Saco | More Info: Saco Holiday Tree Lighting
Celebration by the Sea
What to Expect:
Free tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with a FREE tree lighting ceremony at Veteran's Memorial Park. Trees and the gazebo will be beautifully decked out in lights. Children can get their photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Old Orchard Beach | More Info: Celebration by the Sea
Sanford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Festival of Lights, Rockland
What to Expect:
Supports local homeless pets through craft sales.
Description:
The 44th Annual Festival of Lights Craft Show in Rockland features over 40 local artisans, crafters, and artists selling unique, handcrafted treasures. Proceeds support the Pope Memorial Humane Society, providing food, shelter, and medical care to local homeless pets.
Where: Rockland | More Info: Festival of Lights, Rockland
Sanford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Biddeford’s Downtown Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Special visit from Santa and dazzling tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
Join us in City Square for a holiday celebration featuring a special visit from Santa, a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, heartwarming Christmas carols, and enchanting holiday performances. Enjoy merry games and seasonal delights for the whole family.
Where: Biddeford | More Info: Biddeford’s Downtown Holiday Festival
Sanford Other Holiday Activities
Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival on a lobster boat.
Description:
Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude is a 12-day celebration featuring tree lightings, Santa's arrival on a lobster boat, caroling, and a lively street festival. The event showcases the town's rich history and festive spirit with numerous activities and events.
Where: Kennebunkport | More Info: Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude
Christmas by the Sea
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with local crafts and festive activities.
Description:
Ogunquit's Christmas by the Sea is a cherished holiday event featuring tree lightings, concerts, craft shows, children's activities, a parade, bonfire, fireworks, and Santa sightings.
Where: Ogunquit | More Info: Christmas by the Sea
North Pole Express
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride to meet Santa Claus.
Description:
Board the historic 1912 Freeport Station to write a letter to Santa before embarking on the North Pole Express. Ride in the classic passenger car, Little Red Caboose No. 551, built in 1904, through a winter wonderland forest. Meet Santa at Thorndike Station, where he will greet you personally. The event includes multiple activities and exhibits on the museum grounds.
Where: Boothbay Harbor | More Info: North Pole Express
Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday activities in a historic small-town setting.
Description:
Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath features festive events like Santa's arrival, trolley caroling, and holiday decorating contests, set amidst historic downtown Bath's charming shops and decorations.
Where: Bath | More Info: Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Rochester (14 miles)
- Biddeford (17 miles)
- Dover (17 miles)
- West Scarborough (21 miles)
- Portsmouth (25 miles)
- South Portland Gardens (27 miles)
- Portland (30 miles)
- South Portland (30 miles)
- East Concord (41 miles)
- Concord (42 miles)