1. Did you know you can watch the Lighting of the Nubble on any night?
While November 29th marks the first time the Christmas lights at Nubble Lighthouse turn on for the holiday season — coinciding with The Viewpoint’s 3rd annual Lighting of the Nubble party — did you know that you can watch the lighting on any night? Until the second week in January, the lights will sparkle on every night at dusk. For a front row seat, you can still book The Viewpoint with “The Autumn Edit” offer, which gets you a $35 spa gift card and $35 restaurant gift card when you book two or more nights for stays before the Winter Solstice.
2. Candlelight strolls and skating at Strawberry Banke
The historic Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire has quickly become one of our favorite spots for a classic holiday moment. They offer guided tours exploring three centuries of Thanksgiving throughout November (on the weekends — be sure to check their schedule and book ahead!). As we move into December, their iconic Candlelight Strolls and ice skating in the center of the historical village are some of the most beautiful, and photogenic, festivities of the season.
3. America’s most magical Christmas towns are nearby
From holiday shows, parades, and more during Portsmouth's award-winning Vintage Christmas celebrations, to Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude (December 4th to 14h), Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea (December 12th to 14th), and of course York's very own Festival of Lights (December 6th), it's no wonder national publications have named a number of towns on the seacoast among the most magical in the country. York is conveniently located in the middle of it all — 10 minutes north of Portsmouth, 10 minutes south of Ogunquit, and 25 minutse south of Kennebunkport. Take part in the buzz during the day, and retreat to your quiet coastal hideaway in the evening.
4. Cozy up at the Lulu’s Holiday Hideaway
Speaking of hideaways, every year at Lulu’s at The Nevada hotel on Long Sands Beach, the seacoast’s favorite tiki bar becomes one of the most festive places in town. They celebrate the nostalgia of “cheap” and cozy Christmas decorations, with craft hot (or cold!) cocktails. This year, their outdoor deck has added insulated curtains and a full heating system, so you can cozy-up while still looking out onto the ocean.
5. Relax at the sauna and spa.
This time of year can be chaotic, which is the perfect excuse for a spa day. At The Spa House by The Viewpoint, all massages 90 minutes or more, all body treatments, and all Spa Day packages currently come with access to The Baths on Mondays through Thursdays. Plus, there are seasonal treatments to get you into the holiday spirit: Like the dried tulsi and citrus foot soak.
6. Local gift shopping.
While anyone can order something on Amazon for a Christmas gift, we all know it’s the thought that counts. We do nearly all of our Christmas shopping locally, and even have some local finds for sale in-person. At The Nevada, you can find vintage clothing by Foraged Finds. They’ve upcycled each shirt by adding prints from paintings by one of our resident artists, Kyle Nelson. Some of our other favorites include: FOLK in Kittery, Pickwick’s Mercantile in Portsmouth, Seacoast Topicals (locally-sourced, organic CBD products!), and Slack Tide Sea Salt (which you can buy online!).