For most people, the end of the year is busy, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wrapping up gifts for family at home and projects for the boss at work make it seem like there is no time for anything else. This is exactly when a vacation to recharge is most needed and coming to Maine during this time of year is a great choice. There are several experiences that aren't available when most people vacation in the summer.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay between late November and early January hosts Gardens Aglow holiday lightscape throughout the property. 650,000 LED lights are arranged in the gardens for Christmas as part of the larger Boothbay Lights holiday celebration across the Midcoast region, including tree lightings, fireworks, and boat parades. Like last year, the Gardens Aglow will be a driving tour only but that won’t keep you from enjoying acres upon acres of every imaginable color lighting the sky with Christmas cheer.
Most towns decorate a Christmas tree in their town center. Some opt for nautical themes instead of the traditional pine or spruce tree. Rockland, know for its annual Lobster Festival in the summer, trims a unique "tree" formed out of lobster traps. It's on display at the fairgrounds in downtown Rockland, where there are many great restaurants open year-round. You can see it lit-up after the Annual Festival of Lights.
If you're in the Sebago Lake region, then be sure to stop by High View Farm in Harrison for a winter sleigh ride. It's a working family farm that has something happening year-round. While you're there, be sure to visit their farm store.
If you make your way into Portland, there are many different Christmas activities, but be sure book a ride on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad's Polar Express.
Finally, book your stay with Maine Cottage Keepers directly using discount code XMAS_2021 and get 10% off until the end of the Christmas season on January 6.