Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea
What better place to celebrate the Yuletide season than one of the Southern Maine Coast’s most beloved oceanfront getaways, our very own Ogunquit? Our hamlet marks the holiday with the ever-popular Christmas by the Sea, a weekend fete pretty much guaranteed to get you into the Noël spirit.
The Christmas by the Sea action goes down town-wide between December 9 and 11—with a jaunt up to Wells in order on Sunday afternoon for the Southern Maine Christmas Parade. Survey the complete schedule at the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce’s website, and read on for a taste of some of the highlights!
Opening Night
Christmas by the Sea opens on Friday evening with a concert by the local teen singing outfit Encore from 7 to 8 PM at the Ogunquit Baptist Church, followed by the Town Tree Lighting at 8:15 PM in Veterans Park—accompanied, naturally, by caroling and warm beverages.
Take Care of Christmas Shopping
Saturday and Sunday offer endless opportunities to indulge in a little holiday shopping at local Ogunquit businesses, from the Annual Arts & Crafts Show at the fire station from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday (which raises money for Ogunquit Fire Rescue) to bazaars and business open houses.
Varied Entertainment
Santa Claus will make himself available for pictures at the fire station from 9:30 to 11:30 AM on Saturday. (Word to the wise: Arrive early and you’ll be able to see his entrance by fire truck.) Veterans Park will be hosting hayrides both weekend days between 10 AM and 4 PM (for a $5 fee). Littler ones will have a blast at Holiday Story Hour on Saturday from 1 to 2 PM (downstairs at the Ogunquit Baptist Church), just as grownups are going to love the Saturday wine tastings from 2 to 5 PM at both Perkins & Perkins Wine & Cheese Shop and Village Food Market.
Saturday Night Spectacles
Saturday evening dazzles with a bonfire and fireworks at Main Beach, plus the option of live performances—from the Living Manger and choir concert at Ogunquit Baptist Church (6:30 PM and 7 PM, respectively) to the Kim Kuzma Holiday Show at the Front Porch from 8:30 to 10 PM.
The Polar Plunge
Among the Sunday highlights, meanwhile, is the Ogunquit Ocean Rescue Polar Plunge at Main Beach, during which Ogunquit Ocean Rescue Service members will go for a frigid dip in the Atlantic to muster up some donations for Toys for Tots.
Come stay with us at one of our conveniently situated (and mighty beautiful) Ogunquit hotels and cottage for Christmas by the Sea: We’d love to wish you happy holidays in person!