Updated November 2026
If your family loves twinkling lights, glowing trails, and the kind of holiday magic that makes kids’ eyes go wide, Maine delivers in a big way. From coastal gardens to lantern-lit forests and drive-through wonderlands, here are four ticketed holiday light displays to explore during the 2026 season.
Whether you’re planning a woodland walk, a cozy drive in pajamas, or a special family night out, this guide will help you choose your next festive adventure.
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Gardens Aglow — Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
Dates: November 14, 2026–January 2, 2027
Schedule: Thursday–Sunday, plus select dates
Hours: 4–9 p.m.
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
A favorite Maine holiday tradition, Gardens Aglow transforms the gardens into a colorful outdoor walking experience. This year’s theme, “Gathered In Maine,” celebrates Maine’s landscapes, seasonal traditions, and connections to nature.
2026 Pricing
Ticket prices vary by date:
| Admission | Family Value | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | $20 | $24 | $28 |
| Seniors & Veterans | $18 | $22 | $26 |
| Children | $10 | $14 | $18 |
Members receive 20% off listed admission prices. Tickets must be purchased in advance; there are no on-site ticket sales.
Why Families Love It:
Colorful pathways, illuminated garden scenes, and hot cocoa stops make this a memorable evening together. The route is approximately one mile, and the gardens recommend allowing around two hours for your visit.
Planning a visit with kids? Read our Gardens Aglow family guide for firsthand tips on warm clothing, carrying little ones, and making the most of your evening.
Winter Wonders — Sandy Hill Farm (Eliot)
Season: Select dates from November 2026 into March 2027
Schedule & Entry Times: Check the dated ticket calendar before planning your visit
Winter Wonders takes families along an approximately one-mile trail through 14 acres of woodland, filled with glowing tunnels, illuminated sculptures, music, and imaginative scenes.
The 2026–2027 season brings new and reimagined displays, including creations designed and built right at the farm. Allow about an hour to explore at your own pace.
2026–2027 Pricing
- Value Nights: $18 per person
- Regular Nights: $21 per person
- Peak Nights: $24 per person
- Children ages 3 and younger: Free
Tickets are required for everyone ages 4 and older and must be purchased online in advance.
Why Families Love It:
There’s plenty to discover along the winding route, with opportunities to walk through illuminated displays and stop for photos. Warm cider donuts, hot chocolate, and other refreshments are available.
Stroller Note: The trail is compacted gravel with rolling terrain and some moderate elevation changes. Bring a stroller or wagon with rugged, all-terrain wheels; small-wheeled umbrella strollers are not recommended. Snow, slush, and wet conditions can affect the walk.
Moon Lantern Forest — NyteWalk (Lebanon)
Dates: Select dates August 28, 2026–January 3, 2027
Location: 43 Prospect Hill Road, Lebanon
Hours: Timed entry; check the ticket calendar for available dates and times
If your kids love fairy villages, hidden woodland homes, and glowing lanterns, Moon Lantern Forest offers a storybook-style adventure after dark.
This approximately one-mile forest walk blends fantasy scenes, playful Halloween touches, and Christmas lights. Look for enchanted tunnels, elf villages, glowing mushrooms, and handcrafted displays as music plays through the woods.
Ticket Information
Check the current ticket selection for 2026 admission prices and available ticket options. Tickets must be purchased online in advance; there are no sales at the entrance.
Why Families Love It:
The hidden details give curious kids plenty to search for, and a free interactive photo scavenger hunt adds another way to explore. The seasonal scenes are designed to be whimsical and non-scary, making this an option for families who enjoy a little fantasy mixed into their holiday outing.
Maine Celebration of Lights — Cumberland County Fairgrounds (Cumberland)
Dates: Select nights November 27–December 30, 2026
Hours: 5–9 p.m.; last admission at 8:15 p.m.
Location: 197 Blanchard Road, Cumberland
Stay warm in the car while traveling through more than a mile of roadway decorated with over one million LED lights. Animated scenes, towering displays, and a 300-foot multicolored light tunnel make this an easy holiday outing for families.
2026 Pricing
Tickets are priced per vehicle.
| Vehicle | Weekdays Online | Weekends & Holidays Online |
|---|---|---|
| Standard car | $22 | $25 |
| Limousine, 12–15 passenger van, or small bus | $40 | $50 |
- Standard car tickets at the gate: $30, when available
- Car Flex Pass: $30 online, valid for one visit on any available date and time during the season
- Fridays count as weekend dates; December 24 and 25 use holiday pricing.
- If a session sells out online, tickets will not be available at the gate.
Why Families Love It:
Everyone can enjoy the lights from the warmth of the car—especially welcome for little ones who tire easily on longer winter walks. Check the event calendar carefully, since the display is open on selected nights.
Tips for Planning Your Christmas Light Adventures
- Book popular dates early. Have a backup date in mind for busy weekends.
- Compare pricing tiers. Value nights can make a difference when buying tickets for the whole family.
- Follow your ticket’s arrival instructions. Leave time for parking and getting everyone bundled up.
- Dress for an outdoor winter walk. Warm layers, mittens, hats, and insulated boots with good traction help everyone enjoy the evening.
- Check stroller guidance. Gravel, hills, snow, and slush can make a carrier or all-terrain stroller helpful.
- Save tickets to your phone before leaving home. Keep an eye on organizer updates if the weather changes.
Dates, prices, and availability may change. Check the linked event websites before purchasing tickets or heading out.
More Holiday Fun Near the Sebago Lake Region
Looking for Santa visits, holiday trains, Christmas tree farms, or festive community events?
Browse Lake Region Kids Calendar for more ways to enjoy the season with your family.
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