It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. With five roundtrips daily, the Amtrak Downeaster is ready to transport you and your family to some of the region’s most anticipated holiday events. Taking the train provides you with the opportunity to be present with your family and friends. Take your hands off the wheel and don’t worry about finding that parking space.
Start new traditions. Embrace the old ones. Let the Downeaster be part of your holiday story. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite holiday events and markets happening in our station communities this season.
Brunswick, ME
11.25.23 Annual Tree Lighting with Santa & S’MORES
Take the train to Brunswick, ME and enjoy the feel of small-town holiday cheer. Beginning at 3:00pm, enjoy free hot cocoa, cookies, and horse-wagon rides. Santa and his helper Frosty will arrive and children can visit Santa in the town Gazebo. Watch Santa light the towns tree at 5:30pm. This yearly event is a wonderful way to create new traditions with your family and friends. Looking for more holiday fun? Enjoy free S’MORES at the Brunswick Hotel & Noble Kitchen and Bar at 6pm. Food & beverages will be available for purchase.
We have partnered with the Brunswick Hotel* to offer customers who book an overnight stay a discount! Use the code ‘DOWNEASTER’ when you book and receive 15% off.
Bundle up your little reindeer and take the family Northbound, to Brunswick, Maine! And enjoy what some call, a home away from home.
*Thank you to our partners at the Brunswick Hotel for their courtesy and consideration for our Downeaster passengers.
Freeport, ME
12.1.23 – 12.10.23 30th Annual Sparkle Celebration
2023 marks thirty years of Freeport’s Annual Sparkle Celebration! Coined one of Maine’s most anticipated holiday events, Sparkle Celebration is ten days of holly, jolly, dawned in mistletoe and sleigh bells, cheer.
Special events mark the calendar from December 1st – 10th. From wreath making to complimentary fudge tastings there is something for everyone. Signature events bring everyone together to the heart of Freeport. Enjoy the Parade of Lights on 12/1 at 6pm. Main St. will come alive as the towns’ talking tree is plugged in by Santa himself. Watch out for the Stealth Elf! Popping up from 12/2 – 12/10 Sparkle, one of Santa’s Elves will be on the loose handing out gift cards from local businesses! (They even have Downeaster tickets to giveaway!)
L.L. Bean has kicked off their Northern Lights Celebration and will feature a variety of events and festive photo ops everyone flocks to Freeport to see. A wonder for the eye and the heart. Your children’s imagination will run wild when they see their first reindeer! Our favorite installation? The Famous Model Train Set. Enjoy now through December 31st, 2023. Visit their schedule to learn more.
The Amtrak Downeaster is proud to be a Sponsor of the 2023 Sparkle Celebration.
Portland, ME
Our Portland station is located at Thompson’s Point where you are just steps away from Brick South. Home to Maker’s Market at The Point. A curated collection of artisans, local farms, and creators that tell the story of Maine through their craft. Shop for unique gifts and pack stockings with gifts that support small businesses in Maine. On Select Sundays from 10am-3pm. Holiday shopping just got really sweet. Entry to the event is free!
12.6.23 Merry a Tasting Event by Maine Spirits
Maine Spirits is back with Merry! Portland’s newest tasting event. Also taking place at Thompson’s Point and located in the Halo at the Point Building. Join us on December 6th at 5pm for a ticketed tasting event. (21+) Learn how to craft your own holiday beverage with your favorite spirit. Consider yourself a mixologist? Try new brands and elevate your punch bowl this holiday season.
Our friends at Maine Spirits are giving you $10 off your ticket with the code ‘Downeast’ – cheers!
The Amtrak Downeaster is proud to promote the safe consumption of alcohol and encourages everyone to seek alternate forms of transportation when a designated driver is not identified within your party.
Boston, MA
If you have not experienced Boston’s Winter festival scene, this is one day trip you won’t want to skip this season.
Board the Amtrak Downeaster to Boston and make your way to SoWa Winter Festival. Starting on November 25th, 2023. Over 100 local vendors, selling the best in hand crafted and specialty arts, food, gifts and more. Enjoy two floors of shopping and entertainment. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the festival, enjoy food trucks and the bar and beer garden, open for libations. Get your camera ready! This festival is one of bright twinkling lights and wonder as the holiday spirit lights up the SoWa Power Station building. Built in 1891 as the world’s largest power generation plant, it produced enough electricity to run the West End Street Railway. Tickets are $10. Cash and cards are accepted. Visit their website for a complete schedule and list of vendors and special events.
Want to make this an overnight trip? Book with our friends at Downeaster Travel Packages.
