Mark your calendar for 2013

First Weekend: Dec. 6, 7, and 8

Second Weekend: Dec. 13, 14, and 15

Kennebunkport's 31st Annual
Christmas Prelude™

Presented by the Kennebunkport Business Association

*Parking & Shuttle Services Available*

This year we have the trolley on the first Saturday from the fire station parking lot to the stores up on Rt. 35 stopping at various location.

The Town Of Kennebunk is running a trolley from Main Street into Kennebunkport

HydiDrive will be running a shuttle from the Colony Hotel and River Club on Ocean Ave
Every 15-20 minutes.
9am - 10pm

Cost $2/pp each way (Suburban)
Cost $5/pp each way (Golf Cart Limo)

THURSDAY, NOV. 29

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Chamber Prelude Raffle. Win a two-night getaway stay in the Kennebunks at one of 10 participating inns and resorts. Tickets are $20 each and only 1,000 will be sold. Purchase your tickets at the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Arundel Chamber of Commerce at 17 Western Ave., or look for tables in Dock Square and downtown Kennebunk. The winning 10 tickets will be drawn Dec. 15 (winners need not be present). FMI: 207-967-0857.

4–6 p.m.: Prelude Release Party. Come to Fed's to kick off the Prelude festivities by welcoming its namesake: PRELUDE ALE! Live music, give-aways and snacks. Federal Jack's Brew Pub, 8 Western Ave., Lower Village.

5- 7 p.m.: Maine Women in the Arts Pre-Prelude Show Opening. Fine arts and crafts by MWA. Refreshments will be served. Masonic Lodge, corner of Temple and North streets.

5:30-7:30 p.m.: Christmas at White Columns. Champagne reception and preview of the third annual Treescapes at the festively decorated White Columns 1853 Nott House. Includes a gala reception, one complimentary ticket to White Columns and Historic Village Walking Tour. Prix fixe dinner at On the March Bistro optional. Reservations limited. $85 pp with dinner/$45 without dinner. Presented by The Kennebunkport Historical Society. 207-967-2751.

7 p.m.: Songs of the Season. A special cabaret concert with the area's best singers and performers. Wine and light refreshments. $5 pp to benefit River Tree Arts Scholarship Fund. River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village.

FRIDAY, NOV. 30

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Winter Warmers Open House. KBA Member, Cape Porpoise Kitchen will be serving samples of all your winter favorites - mulled cider, cookies, and hot chocolate. Cape Porpoise Square. For more information: 207-967-1150.

10 a.m.– 6 p.m.: Art Guild of the Kennebunks Prelude Show featuring original works of art from local artists, at "The Port" by Wendy Webster Good Fine Art, Union Square.

10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Prelude Show of Fine Arts and Crafts by Maine Women in the Arts. Featuring original works of art, fine crafts and prints. The Masonic Lodge, corner of Temple and North streets.

10 a.m.-8 p.m.: Annual Clothesline Art Show featuring pottery, jewelry, housewares and artwork, created by fine local artists and priced for gift giving. Refreshments. River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village.

10 a.m.-9 p.m.: Holiday Shopping. Sponsoring shops and galleries offer festive holiday refreshments throughout the weekend.

Noon–4 p.m.: Deck the Hall! Tour White Columns, the 1853 Nott House, with holiday decorations, historic costumes, trees, and wreaths while learning about 19th century Kennebunkport. Tours leave every 15 minutes. $10 pp. 8 Maine St. Presented by the Kennebunkport Historical Society.

1-3:30 p.m.: Historic Trolley Ride. Ride an historic electric streetcar through the Maine woods. Complimentary hot drinks and snacks available. Unique gifts found only in the museum store, open from noon to 4 p.m. $6 pp for trolley rides. The Seashore Trolley Museum , 195 Log Cabin Road (three miles north of Dock Square ). For more information: 207-967-2712, www.trolleymuseum.org.

1:30, 2 and 2:30 p.m.: Historic Village Walking Tour. Journey through downtown Kennebunkport and hear stories of its historic past while enjoying the holiday decorations. Tours begin at White Columns, 8 Maine St. Admission: $10. Presented by The Kennebunkport Historical Society.

4-5 p.m.: Hot Chocolate at the White Columns Carriage House. View the third annual Treescapes and warm yourself by a flaming brazier before the tree lighting ceremony in Dock Square. $5 pp. White Columns, 8 Maine St. Presented by the Kennebunkport Historical Society.

4-6:30 p.m.: Fish Chowder Supper. Homemade fish chowder with all the "fixins," American chop suey, biscuits, and hot fudge sundaes at the Wildwood Fire Station, Wildes District Road. Presented by Wildwood Ladies Auxiliary.

5:30 p.m.: Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square officially begins the season. Join in Christmas caroling with the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir, directed by Nathan Menifield. Sponsored by KBA member Kennebunk Savings.

6 p.m.: Live Nativity. Right after the tree lighting, join the South Church Youth as they present a Nativity Tableau complete with live animals. Front steps of South Congregational Church, Temple Street .

6–7:30 p.m.: Holiday House Party. Join us for eggnog and nibbles and enjoy the best view of the Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree Lighting. Ocean View Properties, Cape Porpoise Square .

6:30-7:30 p.m.: "Light Up the Tree." Before, during and after the Lobster Trap Tree lighting in Cape Porpoise, enjoy hot chocolate and mulled cider at KBA member Cape Porpoise Kitchen, Cape Porpoise Square, 207-967-1150.

7 p.m.: Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree Lighting. Kennebunkport 's most original holiday decoration will be officially lit in Cape Porpoise Square. Join in the caroling with the Church on the Cape Choir. Refreshments served at Cape Porpoise Fire Station compliments of KBA member Bradbury Bros. Market. Sponsored by the Kennebunkport Business Association.

7 p.m.: Bonfire. Warm yourself by the fire while singing Christmas carols and sipping hot chocolate behind Washington Hose Fire Company Station, Route 35, Lower Village. Presented by the Washington Hose Fire Co.

7:45 p.m.: The DaPonte String Quartet. This group has performed all over the world and was profiled by CBS Sunday Morning. $10 advanced sales/$15 at the door/under 18 free. Church on the Cape, Cape Porpoise Square.

9 p.m.-midnight: Christmas Karaoke & DJ. Sing along to your favorites at Alisson's Restaurant, Dock Square.

10 p.m.-close: Live Music at Federal Jack's Brew Pub, 8 Western Ave., Lower Village.

Festive holiday fare and entertainment throughout the evening at sponsoring inns and restaurants

SATURDAY, DEC. 1

7-10 a.m.: Blueberry Pancake Breakfast. Start the day with a full breakfast of blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes at the Washington Hose Fire Company, Route 35, Lower Village.

7 a.m.- 2 p.m.: Mothers Club Prelude Fair. Christmas decorations, handmade articles, animal gifts, and more. Washington Hose Fire Station (upstairs), Route 35, Lower Village. Presented by the Kennebunk Lower Village Mothers Club.

7:45 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.: Atlantic Hall Prelude Fair has a wide variety of crafts and collectibles by local artists, including photography, jewelry, quilts, antiques and oriental rugs PLUS a silent auction. Atlantic Hall, in the heart of historic Cape Porpoise Square.

8 a.m.-3 p.m.: American Legion Christmas Crafts Fair at the Legion Hall, 102 Main St., across from the Kennebunkport Police Station. Featuring a wide variety of crafts by Maine artisans, gift baskets, baked goods, raffles, silent auction, and more. Presented by the American Legion Kennebunkport Memorial Post #159.

9 a.m.-2 p.m.: 22nd Annual Christmas Fair featuring balsam wreaths, swags, and sprays with hand-tied bows, boxwood trees, decorative centerpieces, and an array of Christmas items at the Senior Center at Lower Village, 175 Port Road.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Holiday Crafts Fair at the Consolidated School, a tradition for almost 30 years. This fair features a wide variety of crafts by local artisans. School Street, Route 9 east. Presented by Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation. $1 donation to benefit area children.

9 a.m.-4 p.m.: "Mainely Unique" Annual Craft Fair at the Community House, Temple Street (opposite the Post Office). Presented by the Women's Association of South Congregational Church.

9 a.m.-6 p.m.: Annual Clothesline Art Show will feature pottery, jewelry, house wares, and artwork, created by fine local artists priced for gift giving. Refreshments. River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village.

9 a.m.-9 p.m.: Holiday Shopping. Sponsoring shops and galleries offer festive refreshments throughout the day.

10-11 a.m.: Christmas Card Workshop. Bring the entire family to this fun, hands-on event. River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village.

10 a.m.-noon: Photos with Frosty. Enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider or a variety of holiday cocktails. Stay warm at an outdoor fire pit. Don't forget a camera! Tia's Topside, 12 Western Ave., Lower Village.

10 a.m.-noon: Cookbook Signing. Michael Sanders, author of Fresh from Maine, will be signing his second edition cookbook of recipes and stories from the state's best chefs. Alongside Mike will be Joshua Mather with samplings from the delectable Joshua's Restaurant. Keys to the Kitchen, 155 Port Road, Rt. 35, Lower Village.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Hurlbutt's "Antiques Road Show." KBA member Hurlbutt Designs will feature its own version of "Antiques Road Show," hosting one of New England 's most reputable appraisers. Bring any one item to Hurlbutt Designs, 53 Western Ave., Lower Village. For just $10, you'll discover the value of your treasure. Mulled cider and cookies, of course.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Christmas Ornament Workshop. Create a one-of-a-kind knitted or crocheted ornament. Raffle prize is a hand-dyed shawlette. Ball and Skein, 155 Port Road, Rt. 35, Lower Village.

10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Christmas Fair and Chowder Luncheon. Lobster roll and chowder luncheon with homemade desserts. Take out or eat in. Cookie walk, bake sale, and greens. Luncheon begins at 11 a.m. First Congregational Church, corner of Arundel Road, North Street, and Log Cabin Road. Presented by the Ladies Society.

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Artisan's Market & Crafts. Sip Prelude cocktails while browsing among craft items. Bandaloop, 2 Dock Square.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Deck the Hall! Tour White Columns, the 1853 Nott House, with holiday decorations, historic costumes, trees, and wreaths while learning about 19th century Kennebunkport. Tours leave every 15 minutes. $10 pp. 8 Maine St. Presented by the Kennebunkport Historical Society.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Holiday Crafts Fair. A variety of offerings for gift giving.Village Baptist Church, 6 Maine St.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Christmas Tree Tour. Experience the holiday season in the homes of six local families, all featuring uniquely decorated trees by local artists and designers. Kick-off is at 10 a.m. at the Sugar Shack, Lower Village, where maps will be available throughout the day. $20 in advance, $25 on day of event. Houses will stay open until 5 p.m. for tours. Call 207-468-6321 or email treetourofthekennebunks@gmail.com. Presented by Kennebunk High School, Class of 2014.

10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Historic Trolley Ride. Ride an historic electric streetcar through the Maine woods. Complimentary hot drinks and snacks available. Unique gifts found only in the museum store, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $6 pp for trolley rides. The Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road (three miles north of Dock Square). For more information: 207-967-2712, www.trolleymuseum.org.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Chamber Prelude Raffle. Win a two-night getaway stay in the Kennebunks at one of 10 participating inns and resorts. Tickets are $20 each and only 1,000 will be sold. Purchase your tickets at the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Arundel Chamber of Commerce at 17 Western Ave., or look for tables in Dock Square and downtown Kennebunk. The winning 10 tickets will be drawn Dec. 15 (winners need not be present). FMI: 207-967-0857.

10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Prelude Show of Fine Arts and Crafts will feature original works of art, fine crafts and prints by the artists of Maine Women in the Arts. The Masonic Lodge at the corner of Temple and North streets.

10 a.m.-8 p.m.: Art Guild of the Kennebunks Prelude Show featuring original works of art from local artists. At "The Port" by Wendy Webster Good Fine Art, Union Square.

11 a.m.: Christmas Carolers perform at River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village. Refreshments served.

11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.: Historic Village Walking Tour. Journey through downtown Kennebunkport and hear stories of its historic past while enjoying the holiday decorations. Tours begin at White Columns, 8 Maine St. Admission: $10. Presented by The Kennebunkport Historical Society.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: The Wandering Christmas Minstrel. Dave Peloquin, with top hat, guitar, and a clear tenor voice will stroll through Dock Square and Lower Village shopping areas for your holiday entertainment. Sponsored by KBA and Port Watch.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Gingerbread House Making. Children and adults alike can build their own gingerbread house. Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Ave. Admission $2, free for children under 2. For reservations, call 207-967-4050. Sponsored by KBA member York County Coast Star.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Prelude Caricatures. Have a personalized caricature drawn by award-winning artist Steve Hrehovcik (a great gift idea), beer samplings by Maine's Allagash Brewing Co., and shop at eight individual, cottage-style galleries featuring photography, paintings, hand-crafted items, floral designs and more. The Galleries at Morning Walk, Rt. 35. Trolley service available from Dock Square.

11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Public Chili and Chowder Luncheon and light fare served downstairs at Community Center, across from South Congregational Church, Temple Street. Presented by the South Congregational Church.

11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Holiday Luncheon. Holiday entertainment and comfort food amongst all the holiday décor. Free Trolley service from Dock Square. Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Ave.

11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Lobster Stew and Award Winning Whoopie Pies and more. $5 per bowl. Presented by River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village.

11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Meet the Artist. Nationally known calendar artist Dana Heacock will sign 2013 Abacus Calendars. A selection of his artwork will be displayed in the gallery. Abacus Gallery, 2 Ocean Ave.

Noon-1 p.m.: Melodies and Memories, Barbershop Quartet. This nationally ranked singing group will perform Christmas favorites while they wander the festive streets. Sponsored by KBA members Flaherty Imports and The Whimsy Shop.

Noon–1 p.m.: Birch Bark Ornament Workshop. Make a Maine keepsake. All ages welcome. $5 pp to benefit River Tree Arts Kids program. River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village.

Noon-3 p.m. Outdoor Barbeque. The Edgewater Inn (former Green Heron) will be serving pulled pork sliders and hot apple cider roadside. Proceeds will go to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. Cost is $6 with $2 donated to benefit the local charity. 126 Ocean Ave. 207-967-3315. www.edgewaterinnmaine.com.

12:30 and 1:30 p.m.: Hat-Making Workshop. Don't get left out. Join the Prelude Hat Parade with your own unique creation. Refreshments. River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village.

1 p.m.: Christmas Carolers entertain at the RTA Gift Gallery. Refreshments. River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village.

1-3 p.m.: Opening Reception for the Second Annual Snug Harbor Farm Holiday Art Show. Food, wine, and merriment! Snug Harbor Farm along with River Tree Arts is hosting this wonderful art event. Proceeds to benefit KBA member River Tree Arts. 87 Western Ave., Rt. 9 south.

1 -7:30 p.m.: Holiday Wine Tasting. Stop by KBA member Down East Wine Imports for tastings of our favorite wines. Suggestions will be offered to compliment holiday meals. Taste wines in a variety of price ranges from all over the world for entertaining or gift giving. 13 Western Ave., Lower Village.

3 p.m.: Seventh Annual Hat Parade, a parade of holiday hats for children and adults led by the Patriot Fife and Drum Duo. Show off your handmade or store bought creations. All hat wearers welcome! Gather at the town parking lot behind Dock Square by 2:45. Parade through Dock Square and over the bridge to The Best of Everything where prizes will be awarded for various creative categories. Sponsored by KBA member The Best of Everything.

3:30-5 p.m.: The Patriot Fife and Drum Duo will stroll through the Dock Square and Lower Village shopping areas for your holiday entertainment. Sponsored by KBA members H.B. Provisions and Federal Jack's Restaurant and Brew Pub.

4:30- 9 p.m.: Firehouse Lobster Bake. Enjoy your choice of lobsters, steamers, hamburgers and hotdogs with the crew of the Washington Hose Fire Station, Route 35, Lower Village.

5:30 p.m.: Tree Lighting & Christmas Stroll at Lower Village. Join us at the corner of Christensen Lane and Route 35 for the lighting of the Lower Village Tree with carols by the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir, directed by Nathan Menifield. Following the lighting, enjoy the traditional stroll to the Franciscan Monastery. Sponsored by KBA member People's United Bank.

6:30 p.m.: Candlelight Caroling hosted by the Franciscan Monastery, Beach Avenue, Lower Village. Enjoy chestnuts roasted on an open fire at the gate of the Monastery. Sponsored by KBA member The White Barn Inn.

9 p.m.-midnight: Christmas Karaoke & DJ. Sing along to your favorites at Alisson's Restaurant, Dock Square .

10 p.m.-close: Live Music at Federal Jack's Brew Pub, 8 Western Ave., Lower Village.

Festive holiday fare and entertainment throughout the evening at sponsoring inns and restaurants

SUNDAY, DEC. 2

Sunday morning: religious services at local churches.

8-11 a.m.: Breakfast with Mrs. Claus and Elves at the Nonantum Resort. Bring your child for a special holiday breakfast hosted by our visitors from the North Pole. Souvenir photo included. Enjoy the extensive buffet with hot and cold items. Adults - $19, under 12 - $9. Reservations requested. The Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Ave., 207-967-4050.

9 a.m.-2 p.m.: American Legion Christmas Crafts Fair at the Legion Hall, 102 Main St., across from the Kennebunkport Police Station. Featuring a wide variety of crafts by Maine artisans, gift baskets, baked goods, raffles, silent auction, and more. Presented by the American Legion Kennebunkport Memorial Post #159.

10 a.m.–noon: Photos with Frosty. Enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider or a variety of holiday cocktails. Stay warm at the outdoor fire pit. Don't forget a camera! Tia's Topside, 12 Western Ave., Lower Village.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Annual Clothesline Art Show featuring pottery, jewelry, housewares, and artwork created by fine local artists, priced for gift giving. Refreshments. River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Lower Village.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Art Guild of the Kennebunks Prelude Show featuring original works of art from local artists. At "The Port" by Wendy Webster Good Fine Art, Union Square.

10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Holiday Shopping. Sponsoring shops and galleries offer festive refreshments throughout the day.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Prelude Show of Fine Arts and Crafts will feature original works of art, fine crafts and prints by members of Maine Women in the Arts. The Masonic Lodge on corner of Temple and North streets.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Children's Book Signings. Three local artists, Judith Hansen, Seashells in My Pocket, Melissa Pelletier, Wicket Good Activity Book Series, and Tony Viehmann, Shenanigans of Slim Pickens. Poofberry's, Coopers Corner, Lower Village.

1:30 p.m.: Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir. Enjoy the songs of the season sung by our own very talented KHS Chamber Choir while awaiting the "Big Guy's" arrival. Union Square, Ocean Avenue .

2 p.m.: Santa Arrives by Lobster Boat at Port Watch. After docking, follow Santa and his Lobster Elves through Dock Square to the Community House on Temple Street for photos courtesy of KBA member C. A. Smith Photography. (There may be a wait while all children and families have their special time with Santa.) Sponsored by KBA members Alano, Ltd. and Carrots & Company.

4:30 p.m.: VentiCordi Concert. Enjoy this winds and strings concert playing some classical and holiday favorites. Village Baptist Church, 6 Maine St. Sponsored by KBA member Turner Barker Insurance.

Festive holiday fare and entertainment throughout the evening at sponsoring inns and restaurants

Under the tent events: Look for our Christmas tent right over the bridge in Lower Village for ongoing entertainment, festivities, and refreshments throughout the weekend from carolers to quartets, donuts and coffee, chili, and chowder. For details, check our web site, christmasprelude.com. Sponsored by KBA member Shorelands Beach Cottages.

Next >

Kennebunkport's 31st AnnualChristmas Prelude™

THURSDAY, NOV. 29

FRIDAY, NOV. 30

SATURDAY, DEC. 1

SUNDAY, DEC. 2

Kennebunkport's 31st Annual
Christmas Prelude™