Maine Stories

MAINE - If you've never attended a holiday craft fair, a public supper or a parade of lighted fishing boats, you can do all three at holiday festivals in Maine. Here's a sampling of fun and festive events.

Country Christmas in Bethel happens Nov. 24 to Dec. 24 with a Jingle Bell Run, free horse-drawn wagon rides, lighting of the Christmas tree on the Bethel Common, museum and gallery open houses, shopping specials, craft fairs and fun outdoor activities for children.

The 30th anniversary of Christmas Prelude takes place Dec. 1-11 in Kennebunkport, Kennebunk and Cape Porpoise. Live music concerts, public breakfasts and suppers, an art and craft show, multiple Christmas fairs, evergreen and lobster trap tree lightings, guided tours of historic homes and villages, and a Christmas play are planned.

Snow-capped Mt. Katahdin is the backdrop for Millinocket's Christmas in Katahdin happening Dec. 2-3. Activities will include a Main Street parade, fireworks, a town Christmas party at the high school with food, music, games and activities for children, photos with Santa Claus, a bonfire, and specials at local shops and restaurants.

The 25th Annual Harbor Lights Festival takes over Boothbay Harbor Dec. 2-4. Don't miss the parade of lighted fishing boats and pleasure boats, along with horse-drawn wagon rides, a craft fair, lighting of the town Christmas tree, roving carolers, and a living nativity.

Snowmobile Touring
What's the quickest and most accessible way to scale a mountain, follow a river or get in some lake time during winter in Maine? On a snowmobile. More than 14,000 miles of marked and groomed trails await snowmobilers in every region of the state. Mountain ranges, iced-over lakes and ponds, and multi-purpose trails with beautiful vistas are all part of the trail network in Maine. Guide services and outfitters provide snowmobile rentals, guided touring trips and overnight packages with local accommodations.