Quality of life is a priority in Midcoast Maine, and winter weather has little impact on our ability to enjoy friends, family and neighborly get-togethers. If you are new to the area or thinking about buying a home here, we’d like to share some of our favorite upcoming winter festivals. We hope to see you there with a hot beverage and a warm smile.
Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Running through Dec. 31, Gardens Aglow has become a Midcoast Maine tradition over the last decade. Upwards of 780,000 community members have flocked to Boothbay to experience Midcoast Maine’s spectacular light show. You can anticipate a pair of trolls, an enchanted forest with dazzling mushrooms and shooting stars, and many other attractions across 300 acres. The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce has organized shuttles running from Boothbay Harbor Town Office on Friday and Saturdays to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens at 105 Botanical Gardens Drive in Boothbay. Visit MaineGardens.org for more information.
Christmas By the Sea
Held in Camden, Rockport and Lincolnville Dec. 6-8, Christmas By the Sea has a wide variety of events for children and adults. The festivities include a Holiday Variety Show, Horse and Carriage Rides, and a Tree Lighting with Carols, among others. Santa is expected to arrive by boat on Saturday. The traditional “Nutcracker” ballet will be performed and a showing of the “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” movie. Wreath-making, strolls, concerts and much more are scheduled. Visit the Christmas By the Sea Facebook page for times and locations.
Samoset Resort’s Glacier Ice Bar
Overlooking Penobscot Bay in Rockport, Samoset Resort once again hosts its extravagant Glacier Ice Bar Jan. 17–18 and Jan. 24-25, featuring 50,000 pounds of ice on its 230-acre grounds. The scene includes polar bear ice sculptures, luges and frozen lounge chairs. The resort offers no-cost entrance for overnight guests, which includes a signature drink, dessert and delicious all-day food menu. Stay comfy by the fire pits and toast marshmallows. Event hours: Fridays from 4 to 10 pm; Saturdays from noon to 10 pm. Visit Opal Collection for more information.
U.S. National Toboggan Championship
The U.S. National Toboggan Championships were organized in 1991, and the race of traditional wooden toboggans may be the only event of its kind in the world. Held Jan. 31 through Feb. 2, this year’s extravaganza will take place at Camden’s Snow Bowl, 20 Barnestown Road in Camden on a 400-foot wooden chute that dates back to 1936. The competition is open to all, as long as the toboggan meets competitive guidelines, and they register before Nov. 15. When you’re not witnessing toboggan racing at its finest, visitors can enjoy skiing and tubing, or take lessons. For more information, visit Camden Snow Bowl.
North Pole Express at Boothbay Railway Village
The classic train ride is held at Boothbay Railway Village Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15. The Museum also houses an Antique Automobile Exhibit, a Model Railroad and a variety of restoration projects. Visit Railway Village for more information.
Top Places to Ski in Midcoast Maine
It’s no secret that Midcoast Maine is a veritable winter wonderland, and people from all over come here to go skiing. Check out some of our favorite Maine slopes and ski resorts on our blog post.
We hope you enjoy this year’s winter events as much as we will! If your visit has made you want to call Maine home, City + Harbor Real Estate can help! Call 207.542.0412 or 207.450.4514, or fill out the contact form on our website.