Warm Up in the Maine Beaches
A new year is your invitation to visit the Maine Beaches region!
When winter really sets into Maine, it’s all about turning that icy chill into cozy vibes. Winter fun here is how you define it, really, and when you have insider authority like we’re about to dish here, you won’t wait to make it happen!
The Maine Beaches region has so many varied options for warm, cozy accommodations, and the very best dial up the charm to set the winter mood. Bonus: Most resorts, hotels and bed & breakfasts this time of year offer “off-season” rates and/or special packages with fireside and candlelit dinners. Most restaurants and eateries here, too, are open and serve up comforting menus and dining experiences with an intimate vibe.
If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, after you choose the accommodation that is right for your Maine Beaches escape, we’re here to fill your days and nights with winter fun. Some options to consider:
Light up the Night
Sandy Hill Farm in Eliot had such incredible turnout for their “Winter Wonders” holiday light show that they are extending the run this year through March. This is a magical mile-walk through more than 2 million lights creatively displayed, perfect for any and all ages and perfect for those beautiful Insta photos! Prepaid reservations are a must, as is your warm jacket and cutest hat! Tickets start at $18.
Ice Skating Fun
Winter in the Maine Beaches region means frozen lakes and ponds, perfect for ice skating. Always check ice conditions before you go, but here are some of our best bets for ice.
- Kennebunk Ice Skating Rink: The Waterhouse Center is a covered open-air rink offeringing free skating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. You need to bring your own skates. They even have a Zamboni that runs on the hour!
- Biddeford Ice Arena & Harold Alfond Forum at UNE: If you prefer indoor skating, these venues offer skate rentals, drinks, and even a pro shop at Biddeford Ice Arena. The Alfond Forum at the University of New England offers free skate sessions on select days, so check their schedule so check their schedule.
- West Brook Skating Rink: This volunteer-run rink on Pool Street in Biddeford is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weather and ice permitting). While skate rentals aren’t available, there are skates available to borrow, and the rink’s snack bar is open to keep you fueled for more skating.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing & Sledding
If you’re in the mood for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, southern Maine’s trails are ready for exploration. Here are two regarded options.
- Harris Farm in Dayton offers over 600 acres of trails, along with ski and snowshoe rentals. As long as there is snow, you can enjoy their groomed trails from 9 a.m. to dusk daily. They also offer fat-tire biking when there is enough snow pack. Their cozy lodge has large sunny windows and a wood stove.
- Laudholm Farm in Wells is a scenic spot for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The property offers miles of trails, including a sledding hill; admission is free and open to the public in the off-season.
Unique Skiing Experiences
For those seeking a one-of-a-kind skiing adventure, Powderhouse Ski Area in South Berwick is a volunteer-run hill open when snow conditions permit. It is open 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and 12 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The slope offers a 175-foot elevation (making it one of the smallest ski hills in the country) with a tow rope to the top and has three trails. It also offers a rustic lodge with a wood stove, plus snacks for sale. You’ll need to bring your own equipment, and parking is limited.
Ice Fishing
There is limited access to ponds for ice fishing in Southern Maine, but two options include Kennebunk Pond in Lyman, Roger’s Pond in Kennebunk, and Mousam Lake in Acton. Goodwin Mills Fire-Rescue offers its annual ice fishing derby on Kennebunk Pond on Feb. 16 and is open to the public. Remember, fishing requires a Maine license for everyone over 16. You can find more information on Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.
Sledding Fun
If you’re looking for a laid-back winter activity, sledding is a favorite pastime in southern Maine.
- There is a sledding hill and skating pond adjacent to Powderhouse Ski Area in South Berwick, and you should bring your own equipment.
- Laudholm Farm in Wells offers a sledding hill; admission is free and open to the public in the off-season. Bring your own sled!
- Biddeford’s Winterfest: The pop-up special sledding hill — for adults only by prepaid reservations — is among the highlights of the annual snow-inspired festival. For the kiddos, there is sledding on Adam Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and sleds are provided.
Special Winter Celebrations
In February, folks in Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Arundel, Biddeford and Saco Paint the Town Red. The month-long celebration of love offers a variety of ways to participate, from enjoying all the red lights and love-ly decorations around Dock Square, to cocktail classes, wellness offerings and romantic dining experiences and stay packages.
Biddeford’s Winterfest: This annual festival, this year Feb. 7-9, offers snow-inspired activities, food and fun for the family in downtown Biddeford, and among the highlights is a special pop-up sledding hill for adults.
Indoor Entertainment
Even if you prefer the warm and cozy indoors, we have you covered with a variety of entertainment on stage this time of year.
- Sanford Performing Arts Center: This state-of-the-art stage hosts a variety of regional and national acts, including music, theater and comedy. Winter shows include American Idol finalist Julia Gagnon on Jan. 18; comedienne Karen Morgan on Jan. 25; classical pianist Jeeyoon Kim on Feb. 2; “Broadway’s Next Hit Musical” on Feb. 8; and Celtic dancers/musicians in The Step Crew on March 1.
- City Theater in Biddeford: A great option for community entertainment, offering a range of performances for all ages. “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” runs March 14-30. Winterfest shows here include a Who tribute band on Feb. 7 comedian Juston McKinney returns for two shows on Feb. 8.
Cozy Winter Stays and Dining
There are many places you can go out for dinner, and then there are a few where you can really “go out” for dinner!
Launched in recent years and continuing to offer private dining, centered around the whole experience, Batson River Brewing & Distilling in Kennebunk offers its seasonal heated “fish shacks” by advance reservation for the ultimate dining experience (Batson’s location in Wells offers brewery tours at 4 p.m. Fridays, plus check out its vibey sister location in Biddeford at the Lincoln Hotel!)
The Boathouse Restaurant in nearby Kennebunkport offers its own outdoor dining, here in custom-built lighthouses for small groups. And the Cliff House in Cape Neddick offers dining in clear-walled Sea Globes on the cliff’s edge. There is also the annual Ice Bar at Nubb’s Lobster Shack at the Cliff House on Jan. 25, Feb. 22 and March 15, featuring an ice bar, ice carving demos, Maine oysters, and tasting flights from local brewers.
Wherever your travels take you across southern Maine, winter is a spectacular time of year to relax, explore, and repeat!. These options are but a few ways to embrace the chill, explore the outdoors, and then relax in the warmth of southern Maine’s welcoming accommodations and unique experiences.
For information on any of these ideas, or inspiration to make it your own, visit TheMaineBeaches.com.