Boothbay Lights is a celebration of signature Holiday events in the Maine mid-coast towns of Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor! The towns sparkle with thousands of lights. Lodging, shopping and dining are open with plenty of fun things to do for the whole family.

With 6 sparkling weeks, there’s always something happening! Come early to explore our unique shops, visit the giant pot buoy tree, and savor something warm and wonderful at our local restaurants.

Whether you can just spend the day or enjoy a cozy weekend, The  Boothbay Harbor Region is open and ready to help you make wonderful Holiday memories.

The Boothbay Harbor region has exactly what you need to make this year one of the best yet!

Signature Events

CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF BOOTHBAY LIGHTS WITH OUR SIGNATURE EVENTS!

WE’VE GOT THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE TO FILL YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH MAGIC AND MEMORIES.

2023 Schedule of Events 

(Schedule subject to Change)

November  –  December   –  Giant Pot Buoy Tree – Visit on Pier 1 in Downtown Boothbay Harbor – Be sure to enter our Selfie Contest!

November 15 – The Great Gingerbread House Building Class 

Today marks the kick-off to the holiday season at the Opera House. Attend this free class and learn more about designing and constructing gingerbread houses and castles, cabins and more. December’s Gingerbread Spectacular brings together many of the region’s creative bakers, both young and old – and this class is your chance to get in on the fun and hilarious action – and perhaps create your own entry for the 2023 Gingerbread Spectacular! Free class with instructor Kevin Kiley – but you must register in advance – call the box office at 207-633-5159. Open to all ages and all talent levels. Attendees under age 10 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Class begins at 3 pm, doors open at 2:45 pm.

November 18-  Saturday Early Bird Sale*  Shop in your pajamas

November 25 – Small Business Saturday – Shop small all day!

November 25 –  Lighted Fire Truck Parade* – Cheer on your favorite!

Boothbay Common

1 Common Drive, Boothbay, Maine, 04537

Gather the family, and find a spot along the parade route to honk your horns and cheer on our amazing first responders! Local Fire departments pull out all the stops and decorate their engines to win the coveted Dalmation Cup. The Winners go on to judge the Lighted Boat Parade!  

Celebrity judges will determine the winner of the Dalmatian Cup. The People’s Choice award is a text to vote by the spectators both in person and from away who can watch it through our Facebook live streaming. TEXT TO VOTE: 207-350-5922

The parade begins at 4 pm from The Boothbay Firestation, swings into St Andrews Village to say hello, and then into town via Oak Street, turning left at the Library and down Townsend Avenue and then gathering (place TBD please check back for Details) for the awards ceremony. 

December 1 – Concert Peppino D’Agostino at the Opera House

A young Sicilian artist left Italy over 30 years ago, with the dream of “playing with the greatest guitarists”.  Peppino has achieved his dream and he’s now firmly planted in the “who’s who” of the guitar world. He emerged on the acoustic guitar scene in the early 80’s as a leading member of the second wave of the great fingerstylists that helped redefine the instrument in the ’90s. His remarkable technique, penchant for open tunings, and percussive effects are the basis of his unique compositional style which has been inspiring musicians and audiences alike for decades. Add to that his natural warmth, playfulness, and broad musical tastes and you have the recipe for what he calls “minestrone music”. He is one of Leo Kottke’s favorite players, and he’s one of ours. What a gift this holiday season! Advance discounted tickets, $25, available beginning June 1 from the box office. Regular tickets $30, online and day of show.

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December 2 – Concert Coig at the Opera House 

Novas Scotia’s Còig presents an evening of fiery Celtic holiday music, with lively instrumentals, stirring vocals and festive favourites from their Christmas albums, “Carols” and “Carols Too”. Celebrate the season in style with one of Atlantic Canada’s premiere Celtic supergroups as they take concert goers on a musical journey with their renditions of timeless Christmas classics, brimming instrumentals and high-energy original tunes. An exceptional show from start to finish, Còig brings various influences to their Celtic holiday mix ranging from Folk, Classical, to Swing, giving your favourite carols a fresh and original sound. The quartet features four accomplished multi-instrumentalists and award-winning musicians, Rachel Davis, Darren McMullen, and special guests Margie Beaton and Thierry Clouette.  Join us this December for this powerhouse from north of the border. Advance discounted tickets, $25. Regular tickets, $30, available online and day of show.

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December 1 & 2 –   Holiday Festival  Boothbay Region Garden Club at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church

Join us for one of the highlights of the Boothbay Harbor holiday season and get a head start on your holiday shopping!  At our annual Holiday Festival (formerly Festival of Trees), you will find unique, local, handcrafted gifts in FIVE distinct sections: Deck the Halls, Nature’s Gifts, Sweet Shop, Comfort and Joy, and Dinner’s Ready! Trees, Gift Baskets and Gift Certificates are available for sale.

Cash and Checks Only!

December 1 and 2; 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

St. Columba’s Church 32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor, ME, United States

December 2 – Historical Society Annual Holiday Treats – Open House

Holiday Open House. Our historic house will be decorated for the holidays and we’ll be welcoming the community for a warm, casual gathering. This is our chance to say thank you for your support throughout the year.

Boothbay Region Historical Society

72 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor, ME, United States,

December 2 – Saturday –  Santa Arrives, Lighted Boat Parade, Blessings of the Fleet, Fireworks*.

Santa Claus is coming to town–by boat! A sight that will warm your heart and bring a big smile to your face. For 30 years, families and friends have witnessed this unique and enchanting arrival of Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and even a jolly lobster aboard the Novelty. 

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Once Santa steps ashore, he will be making his way to the Giant Pot Bouy Tree where children can meet him, and share their Christmas wishes. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone is invited to join in this joyous celebration and create memories that will last a lifetime. Waiting families will have a chance to enjoy activities and warming stations.

The merry crew arrives at 3 PM at the public landing the Whale Park – You can visit with Mr & Mrs. Claus and a host of their friends at Pier One in Boothbay Harbor by the Giant Pot Buoy Tree.

Take photos and chat with Santa from 3:15 – 5:00 PM then grab a bite to eat, and do some holiday shopping while you wait for the Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks to begin!

This is an event you won’t want to miss, so gather your loved ones and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in true coastal style. Ho, ho, ho!

And don’t forget to enter our Giant Pot Buoy Selfie Contest!

The Whale Park

30 Commercial St,, Boothbay Harbor, ME, United States

December 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17 –North Pole Express * at the Boothbay Railway Village

Make sure your holiday plans include a ride on this magical adventure at the Boothbay Railway Village Museum  Start your trip inside the historic 1912 Freeport Station (the main train station at the Museum) by writing your letter to Santa by the warmth of the wood stove.

Train conductors will call “All Aboard” and everyone, young and old, will board the train to the North Pole. A special keepsake (that will help spark the magic leap to the North Pole) will be given to each child. Settle into a comfortable seat in the classic passenger car or our “Little Red Caboose” No. 551, built in 1904.

The train will carry you through the Village and arrive at the North Pole (Thorndike Station) where a special guest wearing a red suit with a jolly belly will jump aboard to greet you! Yes, Santa himself will attend! After meeting the “big guy” in person the train will whisk you back to the station where multiple opportunities await!

DEC 2 & 3 | DEC 9 & 10 | DEC 16 & 17 Train every 45 minutes | 10:45 am | 11:30 am | 12:15 pm | 1 pm | 1:45 pm | 2:30 pm  | 3:15 pm | 4:00 pm

Boothbay Railway Village

586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04537, United States

December 9 – Fused Glass Ornament Workshop at the Southport General Store and Gift Barn

Join us on Saturday, December 9th from 9-11am for a fused glass ornament workshop with Kathy Faass!

Come get into the holiday spirit by making your own glass ornaments! Add some sparkle to your tree or sunny window! Each student will choose and assemble 4 glass ornaments that artist & instructor Kathy Faass will take back to her kiln to fire for us after class. Pieces made in class will be ready to pick up by 12/16. (We can ship them to you if need be for $8 per student.)

Children accompanied by an adult are welcome! This is a beginner friendly class, no experience necessary!

Kathy Faass has been an artist, designer, and educator for 35 plus years. Kathy interned with Milton Glaser in NYC and currently teaches Online Graphic Design Classes for Rasmussen University. She is a member of the Boothbay Harbor Artisans showcasing her glass fusion art, and Teaches Art at Assisted Living facilities in Damariscotta. She resides in Edgecomb, ME with her husband, son and rescue animals.

If the class is sold out, you can email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist. Cancellations less than 48 hours in advance are non-refundable. For questions about this class, please email Annie or call The Barn at (207) 633-0402. The Southport General Store will be open for all your snack and beverage needs!

By entering an event or program of The Barn, you are entering an area where photography and video recording may occur. If you don't consent to having your photo taken during the event, please let us know beforehand. Photos will be used for marketing purposes.

Address: 443 Hendricks Hill Rd. Southport, ME 04573

December 9 – Concert Lunasa at the Opera House

Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honour of the Irish god Lugh, Lúnasa was formed in 1997 from members of some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade, an early review from Folk Roots magazine describing the band as an “Irish music dream team”. From the start, the band’s complex arrangements and unique sound reshaped the boundaries of traditional music and energized audiences the world over. Critical acclaim followed, The Irish Echo describing the band as the “the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet”; MOJO magazine named the band “the new gods of Irish music,” adding that “nobody since the Bothies has wielded such a thrilling rhythmic underlay.” Billboard raved that “anybody who listens can’t help but find them contagious.” Tonight these Irish stars bring the best of an Irish Christmas to the Opera House stage. Advance discounted tickets, $30, available beginning September 1. Regular tickets $35.

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December 15 – Gingerbread Spectacular * Opening night – at the Opera House

December 16 – 17 – Gingerbread Spectacular *- at the Opera House

The 2023 Gingerbread Spectacular opens on Friday, December 15 and runs through Sunday, December 17. Mark your calendars now and plan to visit the Opera House at least once during the Spectacular. Fantastic gingerbread house and castles and more, created by novice and professional bakers and those who truly just want to be a part of the fun! Prizes awarded in various categories including Most Spectacular, Best Traditional Gingerbread House Design, Most Hilarious, Best Representation of a Local Landmark, Best Holiday Spirit and more.  No tickets required.

Friday, December 15 – open 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday – open 11 am – 4:00 pm

Interested in creating an entry for this year’s Spectacular? Call the Opera House at 207-633-6855 for information.

December 20 – Carol Sing with Kevin Kiley & Friends at the Opera House 

Doors open at 5:30 for a community potluck dinner preceding an evening of holiday music with beloved local pianist Kevin Kiley and his troupe of vocalists. Music begins at 7 pm. No tickets are required, but please bring a potluck dinner dish to share with all.

December 29 – Ellis Paul & Friends at the Opera House

Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a seven-album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories. Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 22 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year and his 2019 album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year. His new album 55released in June 2023 touches on the necessity of gratitude in a difficult era of the pandemic and divided political stances on his own imprint, Rosella Records. As of this writing, the album is #4 on the FAI Folk-DJ chart.

Tonight Ellis will be joined by musicians Radoslav Lorkovic, a Croatian-born and classically trained folk and blues musician, known in particular for his flair on the piano and accordion and Don Conoscenti, an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist and Lauri MacAllister of the folk trio Red Molly.  

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Date: November 15-December 29, 2023

Location: Various locations in Boothbay Harbor, ME 

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