Northern Lights
November 22 to December 29, 2024
Welcome to Maine’s most magical event, happening right in the heart of Freeport – filled with holiday wonders and winter activities that are sure to spread cheer to anyone near.
Our flagship store renovation is underway! While we won’t let it interrupt your Northern Lights experience, please be aware that there will be a little extra work happening behind all the twinkling lights this year.
We hope you found all the holiday cheer you needed at Northern Lights! This year’s celebration may be over, but there’s so much more to experience this season. Check out our other activities for more Maine winter fun.
Free Daily Activities
9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Holiday fun is always on the schedule
Curling Lanes
Discovery Park Stage
Go head-to-head with family and friends as you try out this fun winter sport, just a stone’s throw away from our store.
Famous Model Train Village
Camping Department
Peek through the window – or come inside the store – to take a magical trip through an idyllic New England village. See if you can spot the one special train headed for the North Pole! Courtesy of Maine3Railers.
“Holidays Around the World” Interactive Walk
Home Store Porch
Take an interactive journey around the world as you learn fun, interesting facts about how other countries and cultures celebrate the holidays.
Twinkle Light Tunnel
Main Street
Take a dazzling detour through a twinkle tunnel that will have you walking with wonder through thousands of festive lights.
Letters to Santa
Holiday Activity Barn
Santa loves getting letters from Northern Lights! Kids can place their holiday wishes in our big red mailbox and we’ll make sure they get to the North Pole.
The Big Snow Globe
Outside the Camping Atrium
Gather ‘round inside the big snow globe for an unforgettable photo op to enjoy now and for years to come. (Don’t forget to tag your memories with #BeanOutsider!)
Warming Benches
Brought to you by
We saved you a seat – and kept it warm! Head to one of our heated benches to keep toasty as you take a break from all the fun.
Mastercard and the circles design are trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated.
Festive Photo Ops
Throughout L.L.Bean Campus
Capture your memories on the side of the barn, at the wall mural near our snow globe, or in front of our giant holiday tree – then share them and see other pics with hashtag #BeanOutsider.
Free Weekly Activities
Wonder is waiting for you seven days a week
All activities below take place in the Holiday Activity Barn, unless otherwise noted.
Paws with Claus
Mondays, 4-7 p.m.
Bring your pet for a special sitting with Santa himself and take a festive pic.
Tea Towel Screen Printing
Tuesdays, 4-8 p.m.
Take home something special (that you made!) to remind you of your time at Northern Lights.
Bean Boot Lace Bar & Paracord Crafts
Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.
Wear your Bean Boots (or buy a pair) and customize them for free at our Lace Bar. Then, twist up a cool keepsake using survival paracord.
Holiday Crafts
Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.
Time to let your creativity shine! We’ll have a festive selection of holiday crafts and activities for you to enjoy each week.
Santa’s North Pole Puppies
Sat. & Sun., 1-4 p.m. | Through Dec. 22
Santa’s reindeer are stuck in the North Pole this year, so he’s bringing a team of adorable, adoptable rescue pups instead – thanks to his friends at Midcoast Humane in Brunswick, Maine.
Learn more in this important video message from Santa. Watch now
Find a wonderful pet for adoption today at Midcoast Humane.
Meet Santa
Through Dec. 22
Fridays, 4-8 p.m.
Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Experience the magic of jolly old St. Nick. Plus, the Hot Cocoa Camper is open – warm up with a FREE cup on us!
Curling Demonstrations
Sundays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Through Dec. 22
Discovery Park Stage
Watch experts as they put their skills on display. Then, you can give it a try!
Special Holiday Events
So many ways to celebrate the season
Northern Lights Opening Night & Tree Lighting
Friday, November 22, 4-8 p.m. | Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6:45 p.m.
The brightest night of the season is back!
- Celebrate the start of Northern Lights with Santa visits, free hot cocoa, outdoor photo ops, and so much more!
- Enjoy live holiday music from Julia Gagnon (American Idol) and The Fogcutters as you explore our winter wonderland.
- The countdown is on! Join our holiday emcees, Blake, Kelly, and Todd from Maine's Coast 93.1, at 6:45 p.m. as we flip the switch on thousands of festive lights.
L.L.Bean Home for the Holidays Event
Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join us for a unique holiday shopping experience! Our Home Store will be highlighting their favorite gift-giving ideas and holiday entertaining inspiration, along with fun activities, demos, and food samples. You’ll be sure to find something special for everyone on your list.
31st Annual Freeport Sparkle Celebration
December 6-15
Each year, Visit Freeport presents one of Maine’s most popular holiday celebrations. The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 6, with a Parade of Lights down Main Street, and continue all week with Santa visits, gift card giveaways with the Stealth Elf, the famous Talking Christmas Tree, and much more!
For more information: sparklecelebration.com
Our “KidNight” New Year’s Eve celebration is on hold this year as we continue work on our reimagined flagship store. We still hope you’ll celebrate with your family and friends. Check out our list of New Ways to Celebrate the New Year for ideas on how to create some wonderful kid-friendly New Year’s memories right at home!
Share your stories and smiles from Northern Lights with #BeanOutsider
