It is about the memories that are created this time of year. Christmas in Maine is a special time for those who live here and for those that visit. There is a magic in the air for the month of December and a host of events that cover the state from Caribou to York and everything in between . These festivals range from the celebration of the ear muff to watching Santa arriving on a fire truck. There is something for everyone and every age.
The Candy Cane Train for Kids and Adults in Mid Coast Maine.
All aboard! For kids nothing beats the experience of a train ride through mid coast Maine with a visit from Santa and his elves. The Candy Cane Train fits this bill for family fun and adventure. The train leaves Bath Train Station on Dec 10 or 11 and there are four family trains that travel to Wiscasset and back for 90 minutes of fun and adventure. Cookies and Hot Chocolate are served during the ride. Departure times are 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Tickets are $17.00 and all proceeds benefit Tri-County Literacy. For more information call (207) 443-6384 to purchase tickets call (800) 838-3006.
Farmington Maine Chester Greenwood Day.
For the history buff in you there is Chester Greenwood Day in Farmington. In 1873 at the age of 15 Chester Greenwood came up with the idea of the earmuff while ice skating. The original earmuff was tufts of fur between loops of wire. In 1977 the State of Maine declared December 21 to be Chester Greenwood Day. Farmington continues to celebrate this day on the first Saturday of December every year (December 3 for 2011) with a parade and other seasonal activities. The parade starts at 11 am downtown Farmington a Chili and Gingerbread House contest following the parade. Other events that happen through out the day include a display of vintage Greenwood items at the Farmington Historical Society and the annual dip into the cold waters of Clearwater Lake by the Polar Bear Club – burrrrrrr. For more information and times contact (207) 778-4215.
Two weekends of celebration in Ogunquit Maine.
In Southern Maine there is the 25 th Christmas by the Sea Celebration in Ogunquit. This celebration lasts for two weekends and has something for everyone appealing to both adults and young at heart. Events over the two weekends include a Family scavenger Hunt, a cookie walk, Ice Skating party, theater, concerts and hay rides as a sampling of the family events available. For those that are older there are wine tasting events scattered through out both weekends. Intermingle a wandering minstrel singing traditional songs to set the mood for your experience. The kids can see Santa arriving by fire engine (December 10 at 9:30 am – come early though) and have a chance to visit with him. Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea is something you will remember for years to come. Event days are December 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 th . Visit the www.visitOgunquit.org web site or call the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce at (207) 646-2939 for more information and times.
Christmas Celebration in Southwest Harbor December 9 th .
Located on Somes Sound on Mount Desert Island is the sleepy town of Southwest Harbor. A quaint downtown consisting of eateries, galleries and great shops Southwest Harbor transports you back to a life that is more simple and mellow. On December 9th that changes as the town gets ready for the arrival of Santa Claus. The celebration begins with the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree around 5:30 pm and is followed by by a bonfire. Tractor rides and a Holiday craft fair help round out the day of fun. It is Santa’s visit though where the magic really starts to happen for the town and the children! There will be photo opportunities for the kids with Santa and refreshments will be available. For more information contact Harbor House at (207) 244-3713.
Whether you are looking for a few hours to get into the spirit of the season or a few days Maine has something to fit your need. The memories you and yours will have from these celebrations will last a life time as you experience life in Maine the way it should be.
A link to all events listed (source – MaineInfo.com):
http://www.maine.info/events/festivals/december.php