🎄 Kennebunkport Hallmark Christmas Prelude Day Trip
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Step into one of New England’s most magical Christmas celebrations!
Join Fun 4 All Tours as we travel to the charming seaside village of Kennebunkport, Maine for the nationally acclaimed Christmas Prelude®—a festive tradition filled with holiday cheer, beautifully decorated streets, unique shopping, delicious food, and unforgettable seasonal events.
One of the highlights of our day is a private one-hour guided tour of Kennebunkport, where a local guide will share the town’s fascinating history, holiday traditions, and hidden gems before you enjoy the festivities at your own pace.
🚌 Travel Details
Saturday, December 5, 2026 • Kennebunkport, Maine
Departure:
- Plymouth Park & Ride (Exit 13): 8:00 AM
- Rockland Commuter Lot (Exit 35): 8:25 AM
Enjoy a comfortable ride with a quick rest stop at Kennebunk rest area, plus free water, snacks, and a holiday movie to set the mood 🎬
Arrival in Kennebunkport (~11:00 AM):
Private Guided Tour of Kennebunkport
Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy an exclusive one-hour guided tour with a local expert, giving you an insider’s look at this picturesque coastal town and its famous Christmas Prelude celebration.
Free Time to Experience Christmas Prelude
After the tour, you’ll have several hours to explore Kennebunkport however you’d like. Some of the day’s featured events include:
🎄 21st Annual Christmas Hat Parade (3:00 PM)
One of Prelude’s signature events! Watch hundreds of participants wearing imaginative, over-the-top Christmas hats as they parade through Dock Square. Stay afterward to see the winning creations announced.
🛍️ Holiday Craft & Artisan Fairs
- Artisan Holiday Fair (9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
- Holiday Craft Fair at Consolidated School (9:00 AM–3:00 PM)
- South Congregational Church Craft Fair (9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
🚋 Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides (9:30 AM–5:30 PM)
Hop aboard a festive trolley and enjoy the sights and decorations throughout town.
🏛️ White Columns Victorian Mansion Tours
- Daytime Tours (10:00 AM–3:00 PM)
- Candlelight Tours (4:00 PM–7:00 PM)
🍲 Chili & Chowder Luncheon (11:00 AM–2:00 PM)
🎅 Meet Mrs. Claus at Kennebunk Outfitters (2:30 PM–3:30 PM)
🍷 Prelude Wine Tasting at Maine & Vine (2:00 PM–4:30 PM) (21+)
You’ll also have plenty of time to browse Kennebunkport’s charming boutiques, enjoy lunch at one of the many cozy restaurants, sip hot chocolate or seasonal cocktails, admire the beautifully decorated storefronts, and soak in the festive holiday atmosphere that has made Christmas Prelude famous throughout New England.
Then sit back, relax, and enjoy a holiday movie on the ride home 🎬
Let Fun 4 All Tours take care of the driving while you enjoy one of the most beloved Christmas celebrations in New England. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, enjoying festive food and drinks, touring a historic mansion, or cheering on the famous Christmas Hat Parade, this is a holiday day trip you’ll remember for years to come!
💼 What’s Included
✔️ Round-trip motorcoach transportation
✔️ Bottled water & snacks
✔️ Holiday movie on the bus
✔️ Suggested itineraries + planning help
✔️ On-call support throughout the day
✔️ Stress-free experience—just show up and enjoy!
❌ Not Included
Meals or shopping
💛 Perfect for: friends, couples, moms & daughters, families with teens, or anyone who wants a fun, festive day without the stress of driving into the city.
Tips for Visiting Kennebunkport at Christmas
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Bundle Up: Coastal Maine winters are chilly and windy, so layer up with a warm coat, hat, and gloves.
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Plan Around Prelude: Kennebunkport’s “Christmas Prelude” festival (early December) is the town’s biggest holiday event, featuring tree lightings, parades, and festive markets.
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Arrive Early: Parking in Dock Square fills up quickly during holiday events—get there early to snag a spot.
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Shop Local: Many boutiques and galleries offer unique, Maine-made holiday gifts.
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Warm Up With a Treat: Pop into local cafés or bakeries for cocoa or chowder to warm your hands between strolls.
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Capture the Lights: Bring a camera or phone with night mode to capture the twinkling decorations after dark.
View the Lobster Tree at Dock Square
In the middle of the square stands a tall Christmas tree topped and decorated all over with lobsters. The shops are lined with lights and wreaths hang from almost every building.
Creative Restaurant Seating
Several restaurants around Kennebunkport offer heated outdoor seating. We saw igloos, gondolas, and gingerbread houses. Although this experience looks great, you will need to reserve seating ahead of time (more than a week in advance) because these spots will be all booked up!
Additional Photo Opportunities
Next to the Boathouse Restaurant is a bridge wrapped in a light tunnel, a perfect place for some Instagram-worthy shots! Also, you can find plenty of holiday decorations like Santa’s sleigh and the North Pole mailbox around the town.
Warm Up with Festive Drinks
Of course, our trip wouldn’t be complete without a coffee. We grabbed a hot drink from the Mornings in Paris cafe before heading out. I went with a sweet combination of white chocolate and berries called the “Snow Berry Latte” from the holiday drink menu. Yum!
