Winter Festivals in Maine
Snow, music, food, and firelight
Maine’s winter festivals bring the state’s snowy season to life with outdoor adventures, local food, live music, and timeless traditions. From mountain slopes to seaside towns, every weekend offers something new to explore.
Featured Winter Festivals in Maine
From January through early March, all across Maine, enjoy music, food, light shows, winter sports, and plenty of hot chocolate.
Electric Mountain Festival at Sugarloaf | Early January
Dance under the stars with live DJs, glowing lights, and mountain energy at this high-elevation winter celebration at Sugarloaf Resort.
Hot-Cocoa Sip-Off in Portland | Mid January
Local cafés and chocolatiers compete for the title of best cocoa in town for a deliciously sweet way to warm up a winter’s day.
Bay Chamber Jazz Ensemble Winter Concert in Camden | End of January
An intimate concert showcasing top Maine musicians and special guests performing jazz classics in a cozy, coastal setting.
Snodeo in Rangeley - Late January | Early February
Snowmobile lovers gather for racing, demos, parades, and fireworks at this signature Western Maine winter weekend.
Fire on the Mountain at Sugarloaf | Late January - Early February
A spectacular event featuring nighttime torchlight parades, bonfires, and fireworks over the snowy slopes.
U.S. National Toboggan Championships in Camden | Late January - Early February
Teams race vintage wooden toboggans down an icy chute for bragging rights and laughs for a beloved Maine tradition.
Banff Mountain Film Festival in Camden | Late January - Early February
Adventure-seekers flock to Camden for screenings of world-class films featuring mountain expeditions and extreme outdoor stories.
Paint the Town Red in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel | Early February
A month-long celebration of love with red lights, themed dinners, art walks, and Valentine’s charm along Maine’s southern coast.
Biddeford WinterFest in Biddeford | Early February
Family fun meets downtown spirit with sledding, outdoor games, crafts, and cozy community gatherings.
Rangeley Pond Hockey Festival in Rangeley | Early February
Teams hit the frozen lakes for fast-paced pond hockey action surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Maine Snowshoe Festival in Norway | Mid February
Explore Norway’s trails on snowshoes, enjoy bonfires, outdoor music, and guided treks under winter skies.
Somerset SnowFest in Skowhegan, Canaan, and Madison | Mid February
A celebration of winter sports with snow kayaking, ice fishing, and family-friendly fun across three towns.
Winter Carnival at Maine Audubon in Falmouth | Mid February
Nature lovers enjoy snowshoe walks, wildlife programs, and kid-friendly outdoor adventures at Maine Audubon’s annual winter day.
Thompson Ice House Ice Harvest in South Bristol | Mid February
Watch a living piece of history as volunteers cut and haul blocks of ice from Thompson Pond — a tradition dating back generations.
Belfast Ice Festival in Belfast | Mid to late February
Downtown Belfast sparkles with ice bars, sculptures, and live carving competitions in a festive coastal atmosphere.
Flavors of Freeport: Fare & Ice in Freeport | Mid to late February
Celebrate local chefs, craft brewers, and makers at this delicious winter food festival featuring live music and signature cocktails.
Bath Winterfest in Bath | Mid to late February
Enjoy comedy shows, live music, sword-fighting demos, and a lantern parade lighting up this historic shipbuilding town.
Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races in Fort Kent | Early March
Cheer on mushers and sled dog teams racing across the snowy trails of northern Maine in this world-renowned winter competition.
Planning Your Trip to Maine
Where to Stay - Portland, Freeport, Rangeley, Camden, and Kennebunkport all make great basecamps for exploring multiple festivals.
What to Bring - Warm layers, waterproof boots, mittens, and a thermos for hot cocoa!
Don’t Miss - Sunrise at Portland Head Light, sunset at Sugarloaf, and a toboggan run in Camden.
What to Expect at Maine’s Winter Festivals
Winter in Maine isn’t for hibernating. It’s for celebrating. Across the state, small towns and ski resorts turn snow and ice into art, competition, and community spirit. You’ll find ski and snowboard festivals filled with music and light shows, cozy cocoa competitions, ice-carving championships, and heritage events that honor Maine’s deep traditions. Bundle up, sip something warm, and join the locals for snowshoe treks, sled dog races, pond hockey tournaments, and fireside fun. Whether you’re exploring coastal towns or mountain villages, Maine’s winter festivals make cold weather something worth celebrating.