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here’s something wicked cozy and magical about the holidays up in Maine’s Aroostook County. Picture this: downtowns twinkling with giant Christmas trees in the town squares, shops lined with evergreen garlands and windows that sparkle, and the air filled with that unmistakable hush — until a surprise snowstorm drifts in, dusting everything with extra holiday glitter.
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With 2,300 miles of trails and 120″ of annual snowfall, winter here isn’t just a season — it’s the season that starts off Maine's best winter.
If your family is ready to start new holiday traditions — or rediscover old ones — a trip to the Crown of Maine is just the ticket. Here, you won’t be lost in the swirl of big-box stores or chain malls. Instead, you’ll find one-of-a-kind shops, local artisans, and real people who know how to celebrate. Think handmade ornaments, cozy boutiques, and downtowns that feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard — all while being backed by real snow and genuine small-town cheer.
Bundle up, load the car, and come north to explore: ride Molly the Trolley at the tree lighting in Presque Isle, shop at the Caribou Christmas Village, or enjoy the glow of the Festival of Trees in Fort Kent or Danforth. It’s a magic getaway that’s a little bit Hallmark, alot of Winter Wonderland, and a touch of nostalgia.
Holiday Events in Aroostook
Where to Stay & Soak in The County’s Warm Hospitality
After a day of parades, lights, and snowflake-dusted streets, there’s nothing better than heading to a cozy inn or motel where your hosts greet you with real warmth. In Aroostook , the places you stay don’t just give you a bed — they invite you stay with a warm smile and are happy for your visit. The innkeepers hang wreaths, share hot cocoa, and are a refuge from the all too common winter storms that are more common than we'd like to admit.
In this season we recommend staying at a hotel or motel right downtown so your close to the pubs, shops, and festive downtown lights. Wake up to fresh snow on your car, sip coffee while frost sparkles on the windows, and feel that deep, breathing-in-the-season calm you only get when you're somewhere special. Staying local means soaking in more than just the scenery — you’re living the Hallmark holiday, not just watching it from home alone on the couch.
Stocking Stuffers & Gifts Straight From The County
One of the best parts of a trip here? Bringing home little pieces of Aroostook to tuck into stockings, gift baskets, and share with friends. Think maple moose lollipops, ploye mix, hand-painted ornaments, Scandinavian Dala horses, scented candles, and beautifully illustrated postcards of snowy Main Streets. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill holiday gifts — they’re tokens of a place so near and dear to your heart. Visit just once and you’ll see, Aroostook is a place one may simply just be.
