Updated Dec. 5, 2024.

Siblings Kelly, 6, left, and Luka, 5, Spiridakis, of Bath, play on Lilja – a giant wooden troll – during the annual preview of Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay on Thursday, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. For the past decade, the light show has attracted 780,000 visitors who went through a mile of pathways adorned by more than 750,000 high-efficiency LED lights – about 66 miles of lights if laid end-to-end. Volunteer Peter Wells, who calls himself a Troll Ambassador, said children are encouraged to “climb on, but not up” the sculpture. Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer

Through Dec. 31 Boothbay Lights

Various locations in Boothbay
The big draw is Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, but there are plenty of others things happening around town during the holiday season. There will be a lighted fire truck parade on Nov. 23, Santa’s arrival during a lighted boat parade on Dec. 7 and the Gingerbread Spectacular at Boothbay Opera House.

Through Dec. 29 Northern Lights: Unwrap the Wonder

L.L. Bean Flagship Campus in Freeport
Walk through the Twinkle Light Tunnel, take a photo in the Snow Globe or take in the lights from a warming bench.

Through Dec. 24 Country Christmas in Bethel

Various locations in Bethel
Events include free horse-drawn wagon rides, a Christmas fair & tea and Christmas at the Mason House.

Through Dec. 29 20th Annual Festival of Trees: Joy of the Holidays

Saco Museum, 371 Main St., Saco
You could win a tree, gift certificates, dinners, local crafts, local services and more.

Through Dec. 30 Maine Celebration of Lights

Cumberland Fairgrounds, 197 Blanchard Road
Drive a miles around the fairgrounds and be treated to 1 million LED lights.

Through 15 Christmas Prelude

Various locations in Kennebunkport
Tree lightings, Santa arriving by lobster boat, caroling, fireworks display, street festival and more.

Dec. 6 Copper Beech Tree Lighting

Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square
Festivities start at 6 p.m. with music and poems. Tree lighting at 6:30.

Dec. 6-7 SKOW-Whoville

Various locations in Skowhegan
Events include the kickoff parade on Friday and breakfast with Santa Saturday, plus free movie screenings and the Whovillage Stroll.

Dec. 6-8 Christmas by the Sea

Various locations in Camden
Expect a parade, tree lighting, holiday music and more.

Dec. 6-15 31st Annual Freeport Sparkles for the Holidays

Various locations in Freeport
Event kicks off with the Parade of Lights and includes a Sparkle Stroll shopping, Frosty Frolic with food trucks, music and a talking tree.

Dec. 7 Kittery Holiday Parade

Traip Academy to John Paul Jones park
Begins at 3 p.m.

Dec. 7 Madison Christmas Celebration

Various locations
Historical Society Pie Sale at 10 a.m., plus parade at 6 p.m., followed by tree lighting at 6:30 and meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 6:45.

Dec. 14 Norridgewock Stroll & Tree Lighting

Main Street
Includes a lighted tractor parade and runs from 1 to 5 p.m.