Boothbay Lights and Gardens Aglow
Location: Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor
Region: Maine’s MidCoast and Islands
Activities: Holiday celebration, sightseeing, shopping, dining
Family Friendly
Dogs allowed but must be leashed in town
Bursting with quintessential seaside charm, this year’s Boothbay Lights holiday festival has events to delight the whole family.
Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens will be as spectacular as ever, as the event returns to a walk-through version that takes place from mid November to the end of December. Gardens Aglow lights up the Boothbay peninsula with over 500,000 LED lights bringing sparkling joy for the holidays.
An annual favorite (and free!) event in early December, head to the harbor for the Lighted Boat Parade as the decorated vessels make their way around the inner harbor for your viewing and so judges can make their favorite selection. After the boat parade, the inner harbor will be lit up with the holiday Sparkle Fireworks display for all to enjoy.
Don’t miss the Gingerbread Spectacular at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. Guests can enjoy the dozens of gingerbread creations, and admission is free.
There are several dining options, and many area restaurants offer a discount if you show your Gardens Aglow ticket!
While you are in the area enjoying the festivities, you can also check some items off your holiday shopping list from a variety of unique stores and shops like Janson’s Clothing, Mung Bean, Orne’s Candy Story and Sweet Bay.
Boothbay Harbor’s renowned lodging is plentiful, and many bed and breakfasts and inns have Boothbay Lights specials that include tickets to Gardens Aglow or special rates.
Mileage:
From Ellsworth: 96 miles
From Bangor: 90 miles
From Lewiston/Auburn: 50 miles
From Portland : 55 miles