Illustration of Santa in a red suit sitting in an armchair as a small child shows him a paper list beside a lit fireplace (Downtown Holiday Festival)
Christmas Markets

Downtown Holiday Festival

Visitors can watch live performances on the City Square Stage, including local choirs and dance showcases. Santa arrives by sleigh to help light the community tree, followed by photo opportunities at The Center for Parenting & Play. Guests can also enjoy sleigh rides, community booths, music, and cookie decorating at Reilly’s Bakery.

Fri, Dec 4, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Cookie decorating is free; sleigh rides are free.

Hours

Festival begins at 5 p.m.; entertainment 5–6:30 p.m.; Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m.; pictures with Santa and sleigh rides 6:30–8 p.m.

Neighborhood

Downtown Biddeford

Food & Drink

Free cookie decorating is offered at Reilly’s Bakery.

Parking

Street parking is free with posted time limits, and the downtown lots and Pearl Street Garage charge by the hour.

Accessibility

Drivers with a disability plaque get double the posted street parking time limits.

Location

Downtown Biddeford · Biddeford, ME 04005 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Head to Reilly's Bakery before the festival opens if your kids want to decorate cookies, since that session wraps up as the stage show begins.
  • Read the posted signs before you leave your car, because many downtown streets have two- or four-hour limits and the evening can run long.
  • Download the Premium Parking app if you're using a public lot or the Pearl Street Garage, so you can pay for and extend your time from your phone.
  • After the tree lighting, walk over to The Center for Parenting & Play on Adams Street for Santa photos, since they aren't taken on the stage.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outdoors in December, because the performances, tree lighting and sleigh rides all happen outside.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free cookie decorating at Reilly's Bakery in the afternoon before the festival starts.
  • Stage performances by the Academy of Dance's The Nutcracker, Andrea Wollstadt's Intermediate School Choir and Dynasty Dance Center.
  • Free sleigh rides and Santa photos follow the tree lighting.

Links & Contact

Run by Heart of Biddeford

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who performs on the City Square Stage?

This year's lineup includes the Academy of Dance's The Nutcracker, Andrea Wollstadt's Intermediate School Choir and Dynasty Dance Center.

How does Santa arrive?

Santa arrives by sleigh and helps light the community tree.

Where can kids get their picture taken with Santa?

Santa photos are at The Center for Parenting & Play, 11 Adams Street, after the tree lighting.

Is there anything for kids to do before the festival starts?

Yes. Kids can decorate cookies for free at Reilly's Bakery in the afternoon, before the festival begins.

Where should I park downtown?

Street parking anywhere in Biddeford is free, but many downtown streets have two- or four-hour limits. The public lots and the Pearl Street Parking Garage charge by the hour, and you pay at the kiosks or through the Premium Parking app.

Browse Christmas in Biddeford

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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