We’ve got cold-weather events & festivities to keep you busy all winter long
WRITTEN BY JOANNA O’LEARY
When sweater (and boots and mittens and hats) season comes in Maine, it can be tempting to snuggle in for a long winter’s nap. However, there are ample reasons to be out and about, for festivals, sporting events, and celebrations for all ages and interests. Here are a few
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER – Boothbay Lights
Boothbay & Boothbay Harbor / Nov.-Dec. 2024
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Boothbay Lights season. This spectacular celebration comprises multiple happenings including but not limited to a fire truck and first responders parade, lighting displays at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, a boat parade, gingerbread house competition, spectacular fireworks, and the annual lighting of the giant “buoy tree.” Local vendors, artisans, and shops also host their own special activities and sales, making it convenient (and dare we say, even fun) to tackle holiday shopping in between events.
boothbayharbor.com/boothbay-lights
JANUARY – Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby
St. Agatha / Jan. 25-26, 2025
At the Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby participants are fishing for more than just compliments. The intense competition, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, welcomes anglers to try their hands — er, lines — for prizes in excess of $45,000 and a “significant” cash purse.
FEBRUARY – U.S. Toboggan Championships
Camden / Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025
When Groundhog Day comes around (again) what better way to mark the occasion than to attend the U.S. Toboggan Championships. The only formal contest of its kind in the United States, the championships are open to all ages and are not confined to Maine residents. (In 2007, legend has it that folks from Tennessee who had never seen snow before received second place!)
camdensnowbowl.com/toboggan-championships-2025
FEBRUARY – Moosestompers Weekend
Houlton / First weekend in February 2025
When the “Moose Is Loose,” it’s time to shake your caboose at Moosestompers Weekend. Enjoy 72 hours of family-friendly activities, ideal for young athletes looking to sharpen their skills in a range of sporting events such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, hockey, and ice fishing. But if you and your crew are more into snuggling than sweating it out, Moosestompers Weekend also provides many opportunities for relaxing in the form of a kids’ coloring contest, hay rides, free film screenings, bonfires, and, of course, free-flowing hot chocolate.
FEBRUARY – MARCH – Can-Am Sled Dog Races
Fort Kent / Feb. 28-March 3, 2025
Don’t get cold feet about heading north for some winter fun. At the Can-Am Sled Dog Races the dogs are literally barking—but out of excitement. This annual race series and Iditarod qualifier draws spectators from all over the world, eager to cheer on mushers and their powerful pooches as they sprint through slush across distances ranging from 30 to 250 miles. Races (all of which are free and open to the public) begin on Main Street and finish at Lonesome Pine ski lodge. Check the official website for more information including a map of viewing points for those on foot as well as snowmobilers.
APRIL – Reggae Fest
Sugarloaf / April 10-13, 2025
And when you’ve had it just about up to here with snow and ice, channel the tropics at Reggae Fest. The base of Sugarloaf Mountain becomes the home of four straight days of reggae music performances, DJ sets, and theme parties. Tickets increase in price closer to the Fest, so if you have your heart set on turning up the heat, purchase a pre-sale “Weekend Good Vibes” pass.