It is Thanksgiving week, meaning Christmas season is just about here.

Growing up in the Mayfair neighborhood of Augusta, I was always excited about this time of year. People in my neighborhood would have their Christmas lights up by Thanksgiving weekend, for the most part.

These days, some places and towns are taking it to a whole new level.

In no particular order, here are some great spots, all within a short drive of Central Maine, to check out some beautiful displays of light in Maine.

 

Gardiner Parade of Lights, Downtown Gardiner

A great parade with floats of varying shapes and sizes. Each must be decorated in lights and onlookers are treated to a festive celebration of fun and excitement. There will be events going on throughout town both before and after the parade. For a complete list of happenings, go to the Gardiner Main Street Website.

Facebook/Gardiner Main Street
Facebook/Gardiner Main Street
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Facebook/Gardiner Main Street
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Facebook/ Gardiner Main Street
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Nubble Lighthouse York Maine

This might be a little bit of a road trip for some, but Nubble Lighthouse in York is like a post card that has come to life. Every year, Nubble Lighthouse puts on a great nightly display between 4pm and Midnight. The first lighting and celebration takes place the weekend following Thanksgiving. If you can't make the trip down to York, you can always check out the lighthouse webcam.

Nubble Lighthouse / Facebook
Nubble Lighthouse / Facebook
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nubble lighthouse
Facebook/Nubble Lighthouse
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LL Bean Northern Lights Celebration  Freeport, Maine

The holidays wouldn't be complete without a trip to LL Bean in Freeport. When I was younger, it was always an annual stop with friends on Christmas Eve Day for last minute shopping. Now it is also the home of the Northern Lights Celebration.This is happening right outside the Main Store and is beautiful. More information and updates on the Northern Lights Celebration can be found on the LL Bean website.

 

Facebook/LL Bean
Facebook/LL Bean
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Facebook/LL Bean
Facebook/LL Bean
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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 132 Botanical Gardens Dr, Boothbay, ME

In my opinion, this one is the best of the best in the state, if not New England. It is certainly the largest holiday light display in all of Maine. Just off of Route 27 in Boothbay, you will take a trip through 14 acres of gardens covered in no less than 360,000 lights. I went last year and have heard from friends it is even bigger and better this year. Definitely a must see. The Gardens are open Thursdays-Sundays through December 31st. More info can be found on their website.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens/Facebook
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens/Facebook
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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens/Facebook
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens/Facebook
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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens/Facebook
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens/Facebook
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Check out the 30 second video below of the Botanical Gardens to give you an idea of what to expect.

 

 

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