Christmas Prelude runs December 3 to 13, 2026 in Kennebunkport, Maine. Top nights: the Dock Square tree lighting (Fri Dec 4 and Fri Dec 11, 6pm) and fireworks (Fri Dec 11, 6:15pm). Park free at the Fire Station lot, 30 North St (5-minute walk), or pay $5/hour behind Dock Square. Free shuttles and the Intown Trolley run on the busiest days. Crowds are heavy, so arrive early.
Kennebunkport is a small harbor village in southern Maine, and every December it throws one of the best-loved holiday festivals in New England. There are tree lightings, a lobster trap tree, a hat parade, Santa arriving by lobster boat, carols and fireworks over the water.
It is popular, and the village is small. Parking and crowds are what make or break the day, especially with a wheelchair, scooter or walker.
The big events (2026)
| When | Event |
|---|---|
| Fri Dec 4, 5:30pm | Dock Square caroling, tree lighting at 6pm |
| Fri Dec 4, 7pm | Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree lighting |
| Sat Dec 5, 3pm | 21st Hat Parade, rain or shine (gather by 2:45pm) |
| Sat Dec 5, 6:30pm | Candlelight caroling, Franciscan Monastery, 28 Beach Ave, Kennebunk (no parking on site) |
| Sun Dec 6, 1pm | Santa arrives by lobster boat at the Nonantum Resort (free) |
| Fri Dec 11, 4pm | Family Street Festival; streets closed from Dock Square through Lower Village |
| Fri Dec 11, 5:30pm | Dock Square tree lighting at 6pm |
| Fri Dec 11, 6:15pm | 15th Christmas Fireworks, over the cove |
| Sun Dec 13, 11am | 16th Pooch Parade |
The full schedule is in the Christmas Prelude app.
Parking
Fire Station lot, 30 North St
FreeMunicipal lot about a 5-minute walk from Dock Square, or take the RideMaine shuttle.
Behind 11 Dock Square
$5/hourMunicipal lot behind Alisson's Restaurant, right in the centre. Fills early.
Quest Fitness, Kennebunk
$25/day2 Livewell Drive. Includes a shuttle ticket. Fri Dec 4 and 11, 3:30 to 10pm; Sat Dec 5 and 12, 10am to 8pm.
The Colony Hotel
$25/day140 Ocean Ave, with the Intown Trolley. Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6 and Sat Dec 12.
On-street parking is limited, and the Shipyard Shops and Village Marketplace lots are private and paid.
Free shuttles and trolley
- RideMaine free shuttle: Fri Dec 4, 4 to 8pm (Kennebunkport Consolidated School to Cape Porpoise). Sat Dec 5, 8am to 1pm, and Sat Dec 12, 8am to 2pm (North Street lot, the school and Cape Porpoise). Evening rides after 5pm are at normal rates; text 207-502-5067.
- Intown Trolley (free, hop on, hop off): The Colony to Dock Square and Lower Village. Sat Dec 5, 9am to 9pm; Sun Dec 6, 10am to 6:30pm; Sat Dec 12, 10am to 6:30pm.
A scooter that fits in your trunk
Our GoGo travel scooter breaks down into light pieces, so you can park at the free lot and roll into Dock Square instead of walking it. Pick it up in Hampton Beach on your way north.
Christmas Prelude with limited mobility
The organisers do not publish accessibility details, so plan conservatively:
- Daytime is easier. Santa's lobster boat arrival (Sun 1pm) and the Pooch Parade (Sun 11am) are calmer than the Friday night tree lightings.
- Arrive early for the Dec 11 fireworks. The streets close at 4pm for the Family Street Festival, and the crowd builds fast.
- Ask about shuttle boarding with a wheelchair or scooter before you rely on it.
- Expect cold, and maybe ice. Bring blankets and boots with grip.
Planning your visit
- Pick your day: Fri Dec 11 for the full show, Sun Dec 6 for a gentler visit.
- Park: early at the Fire Station lot, or book The Colony or Quest Fitness for an easy shuttle.
- Find a spot: settle near Dock Square well before the 6pm lighting.
- Warm up: plan a café or restaurant stop between events.
Christmas Prelude: FAQ
When is Christmas Prelude 2026?
December 3 to 13, 2026, in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk, Maine. It is the 45th year of the event.
When are the Christmas Prelude fireworks?
Friday, December 11, 2026 at 6:15pm, over the cove, after the Dock Square tree lighting at 6pm.
Where do you park for Christmas Prelude?
The free municipal lot by the Kennebunkport Fire Station, 30 North St, is a 5-minute walk to Dock Square. The lot behind 11 Dock Square is $5 per hour and fills early. Quest Fitness in Kennebunk and the Colony Hotel offer $25 all-day parking with shuttle or trolley access on main event days.
Is there a shuttle for Christmas Prelude?
Yes. RideMaine runs a free shuttle on December 4, 5 and 12 at set times, and a free Intown Trolley loops between The Colony and Dock Square on December 5, 6 and 12.
When does Santa arrive at Christmas Prelude?
By lobster boat, at the Nonantum Resort on Sunday, December 6 at 1pm. It is free.
Is Christmas Prelude wheelchair accessible?
The organisers do not publish accessibility information. Dock Square is the village centre and gets very crowded at tree lightings, so arrive early, park close, and consider quieter daytime events.
Keep planning
Sources
Checked November 11, 2026. Venues and towns change their rules; the official source always wins. Spot something out of date? Let us know.