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Christmas by the Sea 2026

Christmas by the Sea celebration brings the town of Ogunquit to life and to light with plenty of holiday cheer.

  • Event Dates

    From: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
    To: Sunday, December 13, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • Craft Fairs
    • Gay Parties
    • Tree Lighting
    • Santa Arriving
    • Candlelight Walk
    • Christmas Parade

Christmas by the Sea 2026

“Ogunquit” in Native American means “Beautiful Place by the Sea”, and at no time is that more true than during Christmas by the Sea.

  • Are you visiting for Christmas? Even though it is off-season, the event has grown in popularity over the past few years as it offers an authentic and unique Christmas Experience, so book your hotel early

Christmas in Ogunquit

  • Next Edition: Wednesday 9th December – Sunday 13th December, 2026. 
  • Christmas by the Sea celebration brings the town of Ogunquit to life and to light with plenty of holiday cheer. The charming inns and stores are decorated in holiday spirit, and events galore await holiday visitors.
  • The evening Tree Lighting, caroling, candlelight walk and live Manger are all magical holiday events that capture the true meaning of Christmas.
  • Stay at the Abalonia Inn, rated “Superb” by guests, complete with outdoor pool and hot tub set in a historic building just a short drive from the bars.

The Schedule

  • The second weekend in December each year, Ogunquit hosts a fantastic list of holiday events.
  • Friday night kicks off with Carolers and a Bell Choir Concert plus a cozy bonfire for revelers followed by the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 9pm at Veterans Park.
  • Saturday’s festivities include Hayrides, arts and craft fairs for eager holiday shoppers and Santa arriving at Perkins Cove. Shops, boutiques and art galleries offer shoppers a warm reception and a chance to accomplish their holiday gift list.
  • The Front Porch and Main Street host special Christmas themed gay parties and events throughout the weekend.
  • The Chowderfest and Chocolatefest allow local chefs to flaunt their delicious skills, while shoppers enjoy tasty treats.
  • Stay at the Black Boar Inn, a 5 star guest house set in an historic 1674 building with superb facilities, delicious breakfasts and charming decor.

The Christmas Parades & Fireworks

  • Ogunquit and Wells run their holiday parades during Christmas by the Sea weekend, and the timing is set so you can enjoy both.
  • Saturday – 3 pm to 4 pm – Ogunquit Christmas parade steps off at Perkins Cove, heads along Shore Road into town, and continues down to Main Beach.
  • Stop by Ogunquit Baptist Church for free cookies and cocoa along the way.
  • This is a weather-permitting event. Restrooms at the beach are limited, with an extra option at Jacobs Lot.
  • Shore Road gives the classic small-town parade feel, close to cafés and quick duck-ins for warmth.
  • Followed by Fireworks + bonfire missing: bonfire 4pm (Main Beach), fireworks 4:45pm shot from Main Beach parking lot.
  • Stay at The Trident Inn, Ogunquit´s newest boutique escape, an adults only hotel with charming features, great location and spacious rooms.

The Wells Parade

  • Wells sits just 4 miles north of Ogunquit, so it feels like a perfect two-parade day without any stress.
  • Sunday – 2pm – The parade begins at Wells plaza and ends at Wells Junior high.
  • For more insider tips, check out our gay guide to Ogunquit.

Recommended Hotels in Ogunquit

Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action,

Bourne,   Admiral's Inn   The Trellis House   Colonial Inn

Gay Map of Ogunquit

145 Shore Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907

Built in 1887, the Colonial Inn comprises four buildings and is within walking distance of many restaurants and shops along Shore Road. It features an outdoor pool with a hot tub and offers continental breakfast. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Cable TV and an en suite bathroom are offered in every room at The Colonial Inn. All rooms include a telephone with wake up call service for the convenience of the guests.

BOOK NOW

95 Main Street, Ogunquit, ME 03907, United States

Located off Main Street, this hotel is equidistance from the center of the town and the Ogunquit Playhouse, approximately 483 m.
All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, mini fridge and complimentary WiFi.

Guests will find a gym, a dry sauna and a guest laundry at the Admiral’s Inn Resort. Massage services are available by appointment.

BOOK NOW

10 Beachmere Pl, Ogunquit, ME 03907, United States

Located in Ogunquit, 500 m from Ogunquit Beach and 500 m from Marginal Way Walk, The Trellis House provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to a garden with a sun terrace.

The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, free toiletries and shower.

BOOK NOW

13 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit, ME 03907, United States

Offering garden views, Bourne Bed and Breakfast in Ogunquit offers accommodation, a shared lounge, a garden and a terrace. Both WiFi and private parking are available at the bed and breakfast free of charge.

Every unit features a private bathroom and bath or shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge.

BOOK NOW

Ogunquit, ME

Pineapple Cottage By The Sea features a patio and free WiFi. The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, a TV, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower.

BOOK NOW

Ogunquit, ME

Each unit comes with a sofa, a seating area, a TV with cable channels, a well-fitted kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A microwave, a fridge and oven are also provided, as well as a coffee machine.

BOOK NOW

Ogunquit, ME

The holiday home has 4 bedrooms, a TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a bath or shower. with free WiFi, air conditioning and a garden

BOOK NOW

Cape Neddick, York, ME

The holiday home has 4 bedrooms, a TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 3 bathrooms with a shower. Free WiFi, air conditioning and a garden

BOOK NOW

250 Main St Ogunquit, ME 03907

Popular English Style Pub Mixed gay and str8 

Website

195 Main Street Ogunquit, Maine

Late night party spot! with drag show and events

Facebook

9 Shore Rd Ogunquit, ME 03907

Celebrating over 35 years as a world-famous entertainment destination and award-winning restaurant! Located in the heart of beautiful downtown Ogunquit, The Front Porch offers an elegant bar+lounge

FACEBOOK

50 Shore Rd Ogunquit, ME 03907

Once in a while, a restaurant comes along that captures the essence of a place better than any other. Five-O defines a night out in Ogunquit. We are sophisticated with high style, always fun, our service is well-paced and our food is excellent.

FACEBOOK

Section G - Past the entrance and 200m after the Voleyball nets.

Recommended Hotels in Ogunquit By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Ogunquit that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars

Bourne Bed & Breakfast
3 Star – Central Location

Bourne Bed and Breakfast
Booking.com
  • 3 Star – Garden Views, Shared Lounge
  • Close to the gay district
  • Private bathroom, flat-screen TV
  • Offers garden views, shared lounge, garden, terrace, rooms with private bathrooms, and complimentary WiFi.

Admiral's Inn
3 Star Excellent Location

Admiral's Inn Resort
Booking.com
  • 3 Star – Near Town Center and Playhouse
  • Close to the gay district
  • Flat-screen TV, mini fridge
  • Equidistant from town center and Ogunquit Playhouse, with gym, sauna, guest laundry, and massage services.

The Trellis House
3 Star, Great Value

Booking.com
  • 3 Star – Near To Ogunquit Beach Front
  • Close to the gay district
  • WiFi, air conditioning, sun terrace
  • Located near Ogunquit Beach, offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, garden, and sun terrace.

Colonial Inn
3 Star, Location

Colonial Inn
Booking.com
  • 3 Star – Outdoor Swimming Pool, Hot Tub
  • Close to the gay district
  • Cable TV, en suite bathroom
  • Historic 1887 inn, walking distance to shops, outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, continental breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.

Video Of Christmas by the Sea

Ogunquit makes top five best Christmas towns in U.S.

Langham Boston Hotel

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