Think Christmas, and often it’s a Norman Rockwellish, New England-inspired image that comes to mind: fir trees, clapboard homes with smoke rising from chimneys, wreaths on doors, and, of course, a dusting of snow.
No question, New England does Christmas right. It may be the lowest of low seasons, the darkest days of the year, and the gloomiest of economic forecasts, but these three destinations sparkle with holiday cheer.
Dec. 5-7: Nantucket Noel, Nantucket Island, Mass. Mention islands, and most folks this time of year are thinking Bahamas, Barbados and Tortola — not Nantucket. But the Grey Lady shines during Nantucket Noel, when specially decorated and lighted trees line downtown streets, festive wreaths decorate doors, homes and shops are illuminated and festooned with ribbons and garland, and non-stop events highlight Christmas Stroll Weekend, Dec. 5-7. Greet the Clauses when they arrive via Coast Guard vessel, talk to the town’s Christmas Tree (yes, it will reply), shop craft fairs, enjoy street entertainment and concerts, nibble your way through the food tent, take a holiday house tour or guided walk, or just soak in the holiday spirit.
Dec. 5-14: Christmas Prelude, Kennebunkport, Maine. Think Kennebunkport, and likely the image of the Bush family’s estate comes to mind, augmented by crashing surf, lobster boats, and the cheek-by-jowl fishing shacks-turned-tony shops in the port; not Christmas Prelude. Like Nantucket Noel, Christmas Prelude exudes small-town charm, but with a Maine accent. Santa arrives by lobster boat (of course) and there are chowder suppers and a lobster bake. Like Nantucket, the events have wide appeal: trolley rides, road race, walking tours, live entertainers, children’s activities, workshops, and even a hat parade. Although Christmas Prelude officially runs from Dec. 5-14, the big-ticket events are packed into the first, and to a lesser extent, second weekend.
Dec. 13-14: New Hampshire’s Country Inns in the White Mountains Inn to Inn Christmas Cookie and Candy Tour, Mount Washington Valley, N.H. Hungry for seasonal cheer? Looking to sweeten a weekend? Look no further. Participants on this sugar-fueled tour nibble their way through 15 inns, picking up decorating ideas and recipe cards and viewing handmade gingerbread sculptures at each. Visit all 15, and receive a brass ornament to show for the effort (in addition to a full belly). And here’s a hint for skiers: Work up an appetite with morning runs at Attitash or Wildcat, which are usually open by early December.
I have three passions in life: Maine, traveling and skiing. Okay, four: chocolate. Maybe five, spa-ing (is there such a word?). I guess writing would be my sixth passion. And cheese, oh yeah, artisan-crafted and farmstead cheeses. Did I mention lobster? What can I say, I’m a passionate kinda gal. You can find more of my tips for traveling through Maine at: Maine Travel Maven. My three Moon Maine guidebooks are — Maine, Coastal Maine, and Acadia National Park. They are available at bookstores and online.
