Freeport, Maine is Transforming Into a Winter Wonderland Destination You Won’t Want to Miss

Freeport, Maine

Freeport, Maine was recently named one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans for winter of 2021. In fact, it was the only United States destination on the list joining places like Naples, Italy, and Paris, France.

Freeport has always been a treasure along Maine's coast especially in the summer being home to the stunning Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, and the retail icon, L.L. Bean.

Between L.L. Bean and the efforts of the town, it's just as much of a destination in December as it is in July. Freeport knows how to do the holiday season and they do it quite well.

L.L. Bean Northern Lights

L.L. Bean is host to the annual season-long Northern Lights from November 22nd through December 31st. The L.L. Bean campus transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and a ton of fun.

Be sure to bring your skates for Ice Skating in Discovery Park or you can rent some for free daily from 9 am until 8 pm.

Outside of the Camping Atrium is the popular Life-Sized Snow Globe that's open from 9 am until 9 pm. Perfect for an Instagram shot that is sure to make your out-of-state friends jealous.

Be surrounded by the twinkling lights as you journey through their Twinkle Light Tunnel that leads you to Main Street and all of the other wonderful shops and eateries in the area.

The kids will love being able to write letters to Santa in L.L. Bean's Kid's Department and will get lost in the whimsy of the Model Train Village located in the Camping Department. Each Thursday you'll be able to meet Santa's reindeer! Yes, real reindeer in the fur! You'll find them in Puffin Park from 4 pm until 7 pm.

Every Friday from 4 pm until 8 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 6 pm indulge in a free hot cocoa bar.

For more details on these events and more, click here.

Freeport's 28th Annual Sparkle Celebration

Beginning December 3rd and going through December 12th is the ever-festive Sparkle Celebration. This event kicks off with the Sparkle Celebration Parade of Lights on December 3rd at 6 pm. Spectators line up along Main Street to see dozens of twinkling floats lead the big man, Santa Claus, himself into town so he can bring his magic and bring the Talking Tree to life.

As you are doing your last-minute Christmas shopping through December enjoy beautiful holiday displays in the windows for Freeport's annual Sparkle Celebration Holiday Decorating Contest and you can help pick the winner.

As you're shopping keep your eye out for the beloved Stealth Elf! The Elf will be hanging out along Main Street from December 4th through the 12th rewarding shoppers at random with gift cards to local businesses!

A trip to Freeport is absolutely a must this holiday season. Get the rundown of all the events here.