Step1
Make travel reservations for your Kennebunkport Christmas vacation. Located on the southern coast of Maine, Kennebunkport is accessible by car, bus or limousine. If you are flying, Portland International Jetport is only 30 minutes away. Boston's Logan airport and Manchester Airport in New Hampshire are each about 90 minutes from the heart of Kennebunkport. From Boston, you can also connect to the Amtrak Downeaster train into the town of Wells, which is only 10 minutes from Kennebunkport. You can find a variety of ground transportation options to Kennebunkport from both the Portland Jetport and the Wells train station.
Step2
Book lodging. There are many hotels, motels, cottages, inns and bed-and-breakfasts right in town and in neighboring towns. Make your reservations early so that you have plenty of rooms and rates to choose from. You might stay at a small inn or B&B for an especially homey and festive atmosphere, but there will be plenty of hospitality and holiday cheer wherever you stay. If you can find a room with a fireplace, Jacuzzi or preferably both, you will be that much warmer and cozier.
Step3
Attend Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude if you will be in town during early December. This festival is known colorful and creative decorations, caroling, tours of historic homes, art shows, holiday performances, chowderfests and trolley rides. Make sure to take a picture of the huge Christmas tree in Dock Square decorated with lobster buoys.
Step4
Go Christmas shopping in and around Kennebunkport. Take a side trip to Arundel to see the landscapes that inspired Kenneth Roberts' famous novel and to visit the town's many antique shops. You might find the perfect Christmas present or an accent for your own home. You may also want to visit the eclectic Old Port shops and boutiques in nearby Portland, wander the Maine Mall in South Portland or drive up to the original L.L. Bean store and many outlets of Freeport.
Step5
Visit Cape Porpoise to see a classic working harbor in wintertime. Only two miles from Kennebunkport, you can see fishermen and fisherwomen on their boats, take pictures of the Goat Island lighthouse, browse distinctive shops and galleries and eat some great chowder.
Step6
Bundle up for a seaside stroll. The temperate climate of the coast makes beach combing a year-round pleasure. Beautiful Goose Rocks Beach is a year-round favorite. Take some time to watch the colorful boats in the waters off Gooch's Beach or take the kids to the playground at Mother's Beach. If you want to bike, run or rollerblade by the sea, check out the miles of scenery at Middle Beach.
Step7
Get tickets for the Portland Symphony Orchestra's "Magic of Christmas" concert or the Portland Stage Company's production of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Kids of all ages love the traditional ballet "The Nutcracker" by the Maine State Ballet or the Portland Ballet Company's "A Victorian Nutcracker."
Step8
Snowshoe, ice skate, cross-country ski or go sledding for fun and exercise. You can't always count on a white Christmas, but odds are good that you will see some snow. There are a number of downhill ski areas within a few of Kennebunkport.
Step9
Warm up and celebrate with a great meal. Whether you are looking for hearty pub fare or world-class fine dining overlooking the Atlantic, you will find plenty of options in Kennebunkport. There are restaurants with menus, prices and atmospheres to suit any mood and any palate. You certainly won't find better or fresher seafood anywhere.
Step10
Have a wonderful and memorable "Down East" Christmas in Kennebunkport.
