Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude

The Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude marks its 45th year December 3 to 13, 2026, with tree lightings, Santa arriving by lobster boat, candlelight caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, fireworks over the cove and a family street festival across Kennebunkport and Kennebunk. The Dock Square tree is lit on Friday, December 4 and again on Friday, December 11, with caroling from 5:30 p.m. and the lighting at 6. Other highlights include the Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree Lighting (Dec. 4, 7 p.m.), the Hat Parade through Dock Square (Dec. 5, 3 p.m.), Santa's lobster boat arrival at the Nonantum Resort (Dec. 6, 1 p.m.), the Prelude Family Street Festival (Dec. 11, from 4 p.m., with streets closed from Dock Square through Lower Village) followed by fireworks at 6:15, the Lighthouse Lighting at Mother's Beach (Dec. 12, 5 p.m.) and the Pooch Parade (Dec. 13, 11 a.m.). Most events are free; any charge is listed on the organizer's schedule. The Prelude is organized by the Kennebunkport Business Association, and shops in Dock Square, Ocean Avenue and Lower Village typically stay open until 8 p.m. or later on Prelude weekends.