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 weeks of festive events, there’s always something to enjoy! Explore unique shops, visit the giant pot buoy tree, and enjoy delicious local food.

The Boothbay Harbor Region is ready to help you create special holiday memories, whether for a day or a weekend.

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.

November 16-December 31, 2024 - Gardens Aglow

Thursdays-Sundays, plus select dates

Join in the celebration of ten dazzling years of Gardens Aglow! An annual tradition for many Maine and New England families, more than 780,000 visitors have experienced the magic of the region’s premier light show. In addition to two of our popular Trolls, you’ll find an enchanting forest with mushrooms and shooting stars. Beat the crowds and save by visiting during our Early Bird days before Thanksgiving.

Ride the Friday & Saturday Shuttle to Gardens Aglow

This year, the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is excited to provide shuttles from downtown Boothbay Harbor to the Gardens every Friday and Saturday night during Gardens Aglow! The shuttles run continuously from 3:45 to 9 p.m. from the Boothbay Harbor Town Office right to the doors of Gardens Aglow.

Nov. 16 - Nov. 27, Thursday-Sunday, plus select dates

Arrival times at 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Adults: $19, Seniors (65+) and Veterans: $17, Children (3-17): $10, Family (2 adult/2 children): $48 Child under 3: free

Member Adult: $15, Member Child: $8

Nov. 29 - Dec. 31, Thursday-Sunday, plus select dates

Arrival times at 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day)

Adults: $21, Seniors (65+) and Veterans: $18, Children (3-17): $12, Family (2 adult/2 children): $54, Child under 3: free

Member Adult: $17, Member Child: $9.50

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EARLY BIRD SALE & PJ Party – Shop Local!

November 23, 2024 - 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Get Ready for the Annual Early Bird Sale—PJs Welcome!

Yes, you read that right—shopping in your pajamas is highly encouraged! This beloved tradition takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving, and families and friends have made it a must-do weekend of fun in Boothbay Harbor.

Gather your friends, throw on your coziest robe, and score amazing deals at our Early Bird Sale. With many shops offering hourly discounts, the earlier you arrive, the bigger the savings! Of course–others have sales ALL DAY! Be sure to check the Boothbay Register for details of the discounts and deals of participating shops and stops.

You won’t want to miss out on the door prizes and exciting giveaways throughout the day!

From unique gifts and stylish clothing to handcrafted artisan goods and delicious treats, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list!

Lighted Fire Truck + First Responders Parade & CHILI COOK OFF!

November 23, 2024 4:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Cheer on Our First Responders in the Lighted Truck Parade! – APPLICATION FOR BEING IN THE PARADE HERE

We’ve moved this beloved event to the Saturday before Thanksgiving to allow even more participants and have opened it up to include all first responders! So, honk your horns and cheer as fire departments, EMS, and law enforcement from around the region parade through town in dazzling, decorated vehicles.

The Boothbay Fire Department will be back to defend its title, but this year the competition is fiercer than ever! Judges will decide who takes home the Dalmatian Cup, and winners from previous Windjammer Days and Lighted Boat Parades will help with the judging.

You can get in on the fun too! The People’s Choice Award is determined by your vote! Spectators both in person and watching live on Facebook can text their vote for the best lighted truck.

Parade starts at 4 p.m. at the Boothbay Fire Station, makes a stop at St. Andrews Village, then continues through town via Oak Street, turning left at the Library and down Townsend Avenue before ending at the Meadow Mall for the awards ceremony.

North Pole Express

On Saturdays and Sundays, November 30th through December 15th the Boothbay Railway Village Museum will be running the “North Pole Express!” Departures will run 8 times each day beginning at 10:45am. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will only be available for purchase online.

Start your trip inside historic 1912 Freeport Station (the main train station at the Museum) by writing your letter to Santa near 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 open-air “Little Red Caboose” No. 551, built in 1904. As you round the tracks, enjoy the winter wonderland of forest frosted with white snow (weather permitting, of course.)

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.

NOV 30 & DEC 1, DEC 7 & 8, DEC 14 & 15 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

Santa & Friends Arrive By Boat

Meet Santa & Friends – December 7, 2024 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Get ready for a magical afternoon! Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves, and more are excited to meet you in Boothbay Harbor!

For over 30 years, Balmy Days Cruises has brought Santa and his merry crew to Boothbay Harbor. Watch as the jolly team arrives by boat at the Town Landing in the Whale Park, then line up for photos with Santa at the Giant Pot Buoy Tree.

While you wait, warm up at Fisherman’s Wharf Inn, where you’ll find cozy stations and fun activities to enjoy.

Later, stick around for the Lighted Boat Parade at 6:45 PM in the inner harbor!

The Whale Park

30 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME

Annual Lighted Boat Parade

December 7, 2024 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Find Your Favorite Spot to Watch the Lighted Boat Parade & Sparkle Fireworks!

Whether you’re at The Whale Park, Fisherman’s Memorial, or the iconic 1901 Footbridge, these spots offer the perfect view of the festivities!

For an even more special experience, grab tickets to the exclusive “Boats, Lights & Bites – viewing & awards party at Mine Oyster Restaurant. 

The Lighted Boat Parade kicks off at 6:45 p.m., with Sparkle Fireworks lighting up the inner harbor shortly after. The parade route begins with boats entering from the west, traveling clockwise around the inner harbor, making their way to the east side for a special fleet blessing by local clergy, and then completing a second loop around the harbor.

Prepare to be amazed as the sky fills with dazzling lights, adding an unforgettable sparkle to the evening!

Don Campbell Band’s Christmas Show

December 7, 2024 - 7:00 pm

Don Campbell is an Award-Winning, Singer-Songwriter, actively performing throughout New England. Don’s original music earned him the Grand Prize at the True Value Country Showdown at the Grand ‘Ol Opry, he’s a 6-time winner of “Maine’s Best Singer-Songwriter” title, he was a Top 10 Finalist in the 2020 International Acoustic Music Awards, and was inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in 2021. Few performers embrace the holiday season more than Don – join us for a special concert of holiday classics, plus some of Don’s seasonal tunes like: The Snow At Arlington, Christmas Lights, and others, performed live in a festive setting decked-out in holiday style!  The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor will be the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night of music and cheer!  Bring your family and friends to celebrate the sounds of the season! Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss out on this magical evening! Advance discounted tickets are $25 and available directly from the box office at 207-633-5159. Regular tickets are $30.

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The Gingerbread Spectacular – begins Friday, December 13

The tradition continues this holiday season. Three days of confectionery magic with the display of dozens of gingerbread structures large and small from near and far! Castles, cabins, windmills, lighthouses and almost more than we can imagine. Mark you calendars now.

Friday, December 13 – open 1:00pm – 6:00 pm

Saturday, December 14 – open 10:00am – 4:00pm

Sunday, December 15 – open 11:00am – 3:00pm

Plan to stop by at least once during the 3 days of The Spectacular – December 13 -15, 2024.

Boothbay Harbor Opera House

86 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04568

Holiday Potluck & Carols

December 18, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Come settle into the beautifully decorated Opera House for a holiday potluck with neighbors and friends. Free event. Bring a main dish, side dish or salad to share and catch up with friends during the busy holiday season, or just soak in the seasonal atmosphere with trees and lights and wreaths aplenty. Following the potluck dinner stay for carols performed by pianist Kevin Kiley and his troupe of singing elves! This night is fun from beginning to end. Beverages available at the bar, please do not bring beverages into the Opera House. Doors open at 5:30, potluck dinner at 6 pm. Carols begin at 6:45 pm.

Winter Solstice Lantern Walk

December 20, 2024 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

With the shortest hours of daylight upon us, lanterns bring warmth and illumination to the darkness. Celebrate the winter solstice and the return to longer days with a self-guided lightly illuminated walk at Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm. Arrive anytime between 4 and 7 pm and follow the lanterns spaced along a 1/2 mile universal access trail encircling a freshwater pond, through field and forest, with moonlit views of a tidal cove. Bundle up and come enjoy nature from a new perspective. BRLT staff will be on-hand attending a firepit warming station and a hot beverage bar and look forward to seeing you.

This event is free and open to everyone.

Location: Oak Point Farm, 60 Samoset Rd. Boothbay Harbor

An Irish Christmas with John Doyle & Mick McAuley

December 20, 2024 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm 

Tickets Available from the Box Office NOW – 207-633-5159. 7:30PM. Advance $25, regular $30. An evening of stunning traditional Irish, British Isles, and original holiday music that will transport audiences to the quiet, small villages of rural Ireland through the songs, tunes, and stories most familiar to these two world-class artists.

Celebrated, award-winning Irish musicians John Doyle and Mick McAuley arrive on stage tonight to bring us some of the best of Irish Christmas traditions in song. These two are incredible musicians in any season, don’t miss the chance to hear them in the beautifully decorated Opera House this season. It will save you a trip to Dublin this winter! Advance tickets available directly from the box office beginning September 17.

Boothbay Harbor Opera House

86 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04568

An Evening with Ellis Paul

December 29, 2024 - 7:30 pm

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.

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Date: November 16-December 31, 2024

Location: Various locations in Boothbay Harbor, ME 

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