Christmas in Caribou stands as an unrivaled winter spectacle, proudly holding the distinction of featuring more holiday lights, decorated trees, poles, and buildings than anywhere else in the entire region. As Aroostook County’s premier signature holiday festival, this multi-day, citywide celebration transforms downtown Caribou into a luminous winter wonderland that captures the ultimate magic of the season. The festival brings together friends, family, and travelers to experience an atmosphere saturated with small-town warmth and immense community pride. Serving as a grand multi-week homecoming, it represents the absolute pinnacle of holiday traditions in the North Woods, offering an enchanting seasonal escape that makes the long northern winters incredibly bright.
What elevates this legendary celebration to the apex of the New England holiday calendar is its sprawling, diverse lineup of activities designed for every age group. From free classic Christmas movies playing at the local theater and horse-drawn sleigh rides past historic storefronts to a massive citywide home and business decorating contest, the town is fully immersed in holiday spirit. The festival grounds feature a bustling Christmas market showcasing regional artisans and fresh holiday wreaths, alongside impactful charitable giving trees that unite the community in spreading seasonal kindness. From daytime youth activities like cookie decorating to exclusive, starlit evening squares featuring live ice carving, music, and local brews under the town's majestic lights, Christmas in Caribou delivers the definitive, must-see winter experience found nowhere else in the Northeast.
Caribou, Maine, is the most northeastern city in the United States and a cornerstone community in Aroostook County known for its strong agricultural roots, four-season recreation, and welcoming northern Maine character. In 2025, Caribou was voted USA Today’s 4th Favorite Winter Getaway Destination, reflecting its reputation for snowmobiling, winter festivals, and cold-weather adventure. The city offers direct access to some of the region’s best motorized recreation, including the ITS trail system and the Bangor & Aroostook Rail Trail, along with nearby access to the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge and the Fish River Chain of Lakes. Downtown Caribou features the Caribou Performing Arts Center, a local movie theater, and lively summer events like “Thursday on Sweden Street,” making it a year-round hub for Scandinavian and Wabanaki cultural influences, outdoor recreation, and community life in Aroostook County.
Aroostook County hosts a variety of vibrant events throughout the year. From the world-renowned Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race in winter to the lively Northern Maine Fair in summer, there's always something exciting happening. Other highlights include the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, Potato Blossom Festival, and the Scandinavian Houlton Arts and Crafts Fair. These events celebrate the region's culture, heritage, and natural beauty, offering unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Places to go, things to see and what to do—all neatly laid out. Begin your Aroostook adventure with the official travel guide to ensure the only surprises during your trip are the good ones.
Take us on your Aroostook adventure and mark new trails when you share #VisitAroostook on your shots and videos. No one explores quite like you!
