⚓ Southern Maine coast
Visit Kennebunkport, ME
A quiet, cozy New England Christmas: candlelit Victorian mansions, heated lighthouse dining pods, fireside fish shacks and empty winter beaches.
Trip datesDec 22–265 days, Christmas week
Temperature20–40 °FLayers and waterproof boots
SignatureFish shacksFireside dinners at Batson River
SplurgeEarthAt Hidden Pond
Before you go
Kennebunkport after the Christmas Prelude
Quiet holiday magic
The Christmas Prelude runs Dec 3–13, 2026. By Christmas week the crowds are gone, but the town keeps its winter magic: heated dining experiences, quiet coastal walks and a more intimate atmosphere.
- 20–40 °F: dress in layers. A waterproof shell, warm hat and gloves and waterproof walking boots are essential.
- A car is essential: activities span Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Cape Porpoise, Arundel, Wells and Dayton (5–30 min each).
- Christmas Day is quiet: most restaurants close, so book your holiday dinners early (see Christmas dining).
Where to stay
Top winter picks
Stay on the river
Pick an inn within walking distance of Dock Square and Ocean Avenue, and let the hotel handle Christmas dinner: on Dec 25 it is the safest bet in town.
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The Nonantum Resort
95 Ocean Ave. Waterfront on the Kennebunk River, hosts many winter events. Ask about a Christmas Day dinner for guests when you book.
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White Barn Inn
Iconic barn dining room, the casual Little Barn, and a family-style Christmas Day dinner.
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Fly into Portland, Maine
Portland International Jetport (PWM) is about 35 minutes drive; Boston Logan is about 1 h 45 min.
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Getting around
A car is essential: activities span Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Cape Porpoise, Arundel, Wells and Dayton (5–30 min each). Hotels offer guest parking.
5-day itinerary
Dec 22–26, 2026: Christmas on the Maine coast
Day 1 · Arrival & coastal charm
Tue, Dec 22Morning
- Arrive and check in. Top winter picks: The Nonantum Resort (95 Ocean Ave, waterfront, hosts many winter events), White Barn Inn (iconic picture-window dining) or Rhumb Line Resort (mid-range, Admiral's Table restaurant).
- Breakfast at Boulangerie in Kennebunk (~15 min): homemade pastries, coffee and a warm interior to thaw out in.
Midday
- Walk Parson's Way along Ocean Ave: quiet, possibly snow-dusted and more atmospheric than summer.
- Browse the year-round galleries and shops around Dock Square.
- Lunch at Alisson's Restaurant (11 Dock Square): clam chowder and lobster rolls.
Afternoon
- Candlelight Victorian Mansion Tours at White Columns (8 Maine St): the 1853 Perkins family home decorated for Christmas. Tours on the hour, 4–7 pm, about $22 (kporthis.com).
- Goose Rocks Beach winter walk: dramatic, empty coastal views. Watch your footing near the water.
Evening
- Dinner at The Boathouse (21 Ocean Ave): in winter the deck becomes the Coastal Lighthouse Village, heated lighthouse-style dining pods for 4–8 guests. Book ahead.
- Or upscale: The Lost Fire (77 Pier Rd), Argentine-style wood-fired steakhouse. Book ahead.
- Dessert at Rococo Ice Cream.
Day 2 · Trolleys & traditions
Wed, Dec 23Morning
- Seashore Trolley Museum (195 Log Cabin Rd): heated heritage trolleys decked in holiday greens, about $14 per person with hot chocolate. Allow ~1.5 hours.
- Wreath-making workshop at Snug Harbor Farm (Kennebunk). Reserve ahead for select December dates.
Midday
- Lunch at Little Barn at White Barn Inn: lobster roll, Wagyu burger and a daily seasonal board.
Afternoon
- Cross-country ski or snowshoe: Harris Farm (Dayton, ~30 min, 40 km groomed trails and rentals), Laudholm Farm (Wells, ~15 min) or the local land trust trails in town.
- Horse-drawn sleigh ride at Rockin' Horse Stables (245 Arundel Rd): 30-minute rides with blankets and cocoa. Call ahead; requires snow.
Evening
- Dinner at Earth at Hidden Pond: the area's top farm-to-table dining room with vaulted ceilings and a huge fireplace. Book well in advance.
- Nightcap at The Pilot House (Lower Village, Kennebunk), the locals' favorite bar.
Day 3 · Christmas Eve, cozy & celebratory
Thu, Dec 24Morning
- Free ice skating at the Waterhouse Center (55 Main St, Kennebunk), a covered pavilion open Nov–Mar. Bring your own skates.
- Or Garden Street Bowl (1 Garden St, Kennebunk): bowling, arcade games and a gastropub.
Midday
- Lunch at Chez Rosa (Lower Village, Kennebunk): onion soup, cassoulet, crème brûlée. Small and romantic; book ahead.
- Or Wandby Landing: rustic Italian in a 19th-century farmhouse by the marsh.
Afternoon
- Last stroll through the Historic District for gifts: Daytrip Society for quirky home decor, Sea Love for custom scent blending.
- Christmas Eve services: check the Franciscan Monastery and South Congregational Church schedules.
Evening
- Christmas Eve dinner at Via Sophia by the Sea: scratch Italian and house-made pasta by a huge fireplace.
- Or Batson River Brewing & Distilling (Kennebunk): reserve a private winter fish shack for a fireside meal.
- Dessert at Boulangerie.
Day 4 · Christmas Day, rest & reflection
Fri, Dec 25Most restaurants close on Christmas Day. White Barn Inn, Little Barn and Ports of Italy are the main options; book ahead.
Morning
- Sleep in. A slow, restful morning is the point.
- Breakfast at your hotel. Most restaurants in town are closed today.
Midday
- Beach walk at Gooch's Beach or Mother's Beach, empty and peaceful in winter light.
- Or a quiet walk through the Historic District.
Afternoon
- Christmas Day lunch: check with your hotel; some inns and B&Bs serve a holiday lunch for guests.
Evening
- Christmas dinner at the White Barn Inn Restaurant: family-style, 5:30–9 pm, about $135 per guest. Reserve early.
- Or Little Barn at White Barn Inn, or Ports of Italy (Kennebunk) for a 4-course prix fixe.
Day 5 · Slow morning & departure
Sat, Dec 26Morning
- Breakfast at Mike's All-Day Breakfast or back to Boulangerie.
- A last walk along the river.
Midday
- Lunch at Lucky Star (45 Portland Rd), casual with great coffee.
- Or Pedro's, the area's beloved Mexican restaurant.
Afternoon
- On the way out: Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay (about 1.5–2 hours north) runs into early January. Book timed-entry tickets in advance.
- Depart.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dining
Where to eat on Dec 24 and Dec 25
Kennebunkport is a small town and holiday options are limited: most restaurants close on Christmas Day.
Quick notes
- White Barn Inn (main restaurant and Little Barn) is the best bet for dining on both days.
- Ports of Italy is the main independent restaurant open on both days.
- By Dec 24–25 many independent restaurants have closed for the season. Holiday hours shift year to year, so call a few days ahead to confirm and book.
🎄 Open Christmas Eve (Dec 24)
| Restaurant | Christmas Eve | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Boathouse Restaurant (Boathouse Waterfront Hotel) | 12–8 p.m. | Walk-in only |
| The Burleigh (Kennebunkport Inn) | 4–8 p.m., bar until 9 p.m. | |
| Ocean (Cape Arundel Inn & Resort) | 4–8 p.m. | Reservations |
| Academe (Kennebunk Inn) | 4–8 p.m. | À la carte |
| White Barn Inn Restaurant | 5:30–9 p.m. | Christmas Eve offering about $75 per person; call (207) 967-2321 |
| Ports of Italy (4 Western Ave, Kennebunk) | Open | 4-course prix fixe, about $45 per person |
⭐ Open Christmas Day (Dec 25)
| Restaurant | Christmas Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White Barn Inn Restaurant | 5:30–9 p.m. | Family-style Christmas menu, about $135 per guest; reservations via OpenTable or (207) 967-2321 |
| Little Barn (White Barn Inn) | 5:15–9 p.m. | Casual; call to confirm |
| Ports of Italy (4 Western Ave, Kennebunk) | Open | 4-course prix fixe, about $45 per person |
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Closed Christmas Day
The BoathouseThe BurleighOceanAcademePort Tavern
Practical tips
Kennebunkport in winter
Weather: 20–40 °F. Layers, waterproof shell, warm hat and gloves, comfortable walking boots.
Parking: The Dock Square lot fills early. Hotels offer guest parking.
Reservations: Book dinners 2–4 weeks ahead: Earth, The Lost Fire, Chez Rosa and Via Sophia fill fast. Batson River fish shacks need advance booking.
Christmas Day: Most restaurants close. White Barn Inn, Little Barn and Ports of Italy are the main options; book ahead.
Getting around: A car is essential. Activities are 5–30 minutes apart.
Budget: Winter lodging rates are much lower than summer; many B&Bs and inns offer 30–50% off.
Gallery
Kennebunkport, ME in pictures
Plan with Marina
Plan your Kennebunkport Christmas
Tell us your dates and we will reserve the inn, the dinners and the sleigh ride before they sell out.
Marina ParrishFounder & CEOEntertaining Economist LLCPhone: (315) 901-8616Legal@SkiandBeachHaus.com✈️ Wishing you an unforgettable adventure ✈️
Prices, hours and event dates change. Confirm with hotels, restaurants and venues before you travel.