Top 7 Reasons to Escape the Holidays for a Christmas in Camden, ME
As one of the most romantic coastal destinations in the US, and one of the prettiest towns on the east coast, Christmas in Camden, Maine, is nothing but magical. This holiday season, experience a one-of-a-kind vacation. Make your holiday celebration one to remember in this quaint coastal town. Our festive events and snowy rooftops make you feel like you stepped into a Christmas movie!
Browse our specially curated Camden Travel Guide with local insight from our friendly innkeepers at the Camden Maine Stay Inn to find out about all the local area attractions!
Experience the Magic of a Christmas in Camden, Maine
1. Attend the Annual Christmas by the Sea Festival in Camden, Maine
The Christmas by the Sea Festival is a weekend-long celebration that features discounted shopping and a variety of other Christmas events. Don’t miss out on a holiday-themed concert, the community tree lighting, and the parade, all in downtown Camden, Maine.
The parade features holiday-themed floats by individuals and businesses. This float follows along downtown Camden, Maine, and concludes at Harbour Park, where the tree-lighting ceremony takes place. Once at Camden Harbour Park, gather around the community Christmas tree in anticipation of the lighting!
Traditionally, Santa’s preferred method of transportation is via reindeer-drawn sleigh. In Camden, Santa arrives by boat! On Saturday morning, Santa sails into Rockport Harbour with his elves. Gather around to welcome him and take a photo!
Stay up to date with the festival’s annual dates on Facebook, where the organizers typically post all the event details a month before the festival.
2. Enjoy a Night Out at The Camden Opera House
Every holiday season, you can watch entertaining shows at the Camden Opera House. Built in 1894, this century-old building’s first show was the Boston Opera Company’s “Maritama” performance. And since then, has seen appearances from famous people like Mae West and Tallulah Bankhead, and many more.
Now they host a variety of events and productions throughout the year, including special shows for Christmas. Check out their Facebook page and website for their current schedule of events.
3. Have a Special Christmas Date Night at an Upscale Restaurant
Adding to Camden’s charm are restaurants like Natalie’s at Camden Harbor Inn where you can experience elegant dining overlooking the harbor. This east coast fine dining gem features award-winning chefs who helped Natalie’s receive several prestigious culinary awards. During the holiday season, enjoy menus specially prepared for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. See their website for a downloadable PDF of their delectable selections.
Rockland, ME, features elegant farm-to-table upscale dining at Primo’s Restaurant. Owner Chef Kelly offers a “full circle kitchen,” which means nothing is wasted at this farm. The pigs will happily devour your leftovers!
Enjoy specially prepared, sophisticated meals like Pan Roasted Halibut or Grilled NY Strip Steak paired with fresh garden vegetables. Pair your meal with a cocktail like their Garden Lavender Mule or a bourbon-infused Upper Manhattan. Visit their website to see their holiday schedule for Christmas and New Year’s Eve and to make a reservation.
4. Plan First-Class Outdoor Adventure at the Camden Snow Bowl
You can experience the finest seacoast area this holiday season at the Camden Snow Bowl. It is also the venue for the US Toboggan Championships! Take in stellar views of the ocean as you ski down first-class ski trails on Ragged Mountain. What a way to make your trip unforgettable!
The Camden Snow Bowl is just five miles from Penobscot Bay. Don’t miss out on other amazing winter adventures like fat biking and snowshoeing while you’re there!
5. Shop for Last-Minute Christmas Gifts in Our Unique Shops
Need to get some last-minute Christmas gifts? Don’t worry. There are plenty of great shopping boutiques in Camden! Spend the day with the family, popping in and out of gift shops, art galleries, coffeehouses, and local candy shops!
Uncle Willy’s in Camden is our favorite candy shop! Other great stops include Once A Tree, a unique gift shop with woodworks, jewelry, and pottery on display, and The Smiling Cow, a fun gift shop that dates back to 1940 and has something for everyone with its quirky souvenirs.
6. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay
See one of the most beautiful light displays in New England at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Every November through December the 14-acre gardens are opened to the public at night to stroll through nearly 750K LED Christmas and holiday lights!
Visit their website to get tickets in advance.
7. Experience the Midcoast Maine Art Scene
Farnsworth Art Museum has over 15,000 works from many great American artists. You can view their nationally recognized collection Wednesday – Monday in Rockland, ME. Depending on when you go, you might see exhibitions like the “Farnsworth Forward: The Collection” and “Andrew Wyeth: Islands in Maine.” They primarily focus on art from the 18th century to the present but prioritize Maine-related works. Visit their website for location and ticket information.
The Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland, ME, is an art gallery in the center of Rockland’s art scene, not far from Farnsworth Art Museum. They host contemporary artwork from around the world and promote education through multiple community programs like their program ArtLab, which encourages kids and adults to use their imaginations in classes and workshops.
Christmas in Camden, Maine, isn’t just your average winter holiday vacation. Our town values culture and community with great love and affection, which is felt most during the holiday season. Here you will get that real Christmas hometown magical feeling you had as a kid, making it a prime family holiday or romantic holiday vacation destination.
Stay in Our Cozy B&B This Christmas in Camden, Maine
This holiday season, consider staying in the Huse three-room suite, which occupies the entire third floor of the Inn. This suite is perfect for families looking to experience a cozy coastal Inn, but still have their own private space! Your family will have two bedrooms, a living room, and a private bathroom to spread out and enjoy.
We offer luxurious amenities with every guest room, like soft, comfortable bed linens, plush bathrobes, and small-batch chocolate treats from local chocolatiers. When your family needs a break from the winter chill, cozy up in your bathrobes, grab a book from your own personal library, and relax by the fireplace!
Christmas is the perfect time to book this suite, as you can take advantage of our low-season extended stay specials. Save 20% off our standard rate on a stay of 3 or more consecutive nights during our low season this December. Our concierge services are ready to help you plan all your vacation activities so you can have the best time in Camden this winter.
Check our availability to start planning your Christmas in Camden, Maine!