A holiday tradition: Here's what's planned for Kennebunkport’s 41st Christmas Prelude

Special to Seacoastonline
·2 min read

KENNEBUNKPORT — The 41st annual Christmas Prelude will soon see the town decked out in lights and greenery and a return to the traditional Preludes of the past, with some fun new favorites.

Christmas Prelude takes place from Dec. 1-11. For a full schedule, visit www.christmasprelude.com.

“We are excited to be back!” said Kennebunkport Business Association President Ashley Padget of Alisson’s. “More than anything, I’m looking forward to the return of our traditional events like the Hat Parade and tree lightings, and a new twist to the Walk to Bethlehem and Santa’s arrival by lobster boat!”

The 41st annual Christmas Prelude will take place from Dec. 1-11. For a full schedule, visit www.christmasprelude.com.
The 41st annual Christmas Prelude will take place from Dec. 1-11. For a full schedule, visit www.christmasprelude.com.

Last year’s changed Hat Parade route is no more, and while there will be a Prelude Family Festival on the second Friday, it will wrap around traditional favorites like the Dock Square tree lighting and fireworks.

And the first Friday tree lighting will be back as the countdown begins at 41 this year.

The re-imagined arrival of Santa by lobster boat is another event planned to be bigger and better.

“We are super excited,” said the Nonantum’s Tina Gordon. “Santa’s getting on the boat after noon – he’ll go up and down river from 12:30-12:45 p.m., landing at the Nonantum at 1.”

Also returning this year are the craft fairs Prelude is known for – the perfect places to find unique, hand-crafted gifts.

Following its success in 2019, the Kennebunkport Business Association is also working to bring a little midweek magic back to Christmas Prelude.

“We are working hard to build midweek magic events for travelers looking to extend their stay, and locals hoping to enjoy a less hectic celebration!” says KBA President Ashley Padget.

Midweek merriment includes a Cookie Crawl, house tours of the beautifully decorated White Columns, a Merry Market at Maine Art Hill, cookie decorating, art classes and the return of the ever-popular Walk to Bethlehem on Dec. 7 and a Storybook Christmas for children on Dec. 8.

All of the events have been made possible through the support of local sponsors, including Kennebunk Savings, Kennebunk Outfitters, Alisson’s Restaurant, Best of Everything, White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport Resort Collection, H.B. Provisions, Batson River Brewing&Distilling, Squish KPT, Historic Inns of Kennebunkport and the Nonantum Resort.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Here's what's planned for Kennebunkport’s 41st Christmas Prelude