The annual Christmas Prelude (December 4 – December 14) will soon see the town decked out in twinkling lights and greenery, with a buoy-decked Christmas tree at its center – like a Hallmark Christmas movie come to life! See www.christmasprelude.com for full schedule details.

The re-imagined Santa’s arrival by lobster boat is a traditional event that got bigger and better last year, with a move to the Nonantum Resort. It will be back at the inn this year. Also returning this year are the craft fairs Prelude is known for – the perfect places to find unique, hand-crafted gifts. Midweek merriment includes a Cookie Crawl, house tours of the beautifully decorated White Columns, a Merry Market at Maine Art Hill, cookie decorating, art classes and the return of the ever-popular Storybook Christmas for children.