Why, then, would hundreds of people brave the winter weather to visit when most of the area’s attractions are seasonal? For the annual Lighting of the Nubble and Festival of Lights, of course.
This year’s Lighting of the Nubble occurs Nov. 27 at 5 pm. Dress warmly and arrive early at Short Sands Beach, where you’ll find a free shuttle bus to the lighthouse. The event includes holiday music with local bands and choral groups, hot cocoa and treats and an appearance by Santa Claus, who will arrive by fire truck. At 6 pm, Santa will flip the switch to illuminate the historic Nubble and its outer buildings.
The Festival of Lights, occurring Dec. 1, is an all-day celebration with craft fairs, caroling, a parade (it starts around 4:30 pm), concerts, another appearance by the Jolly Old Elf, the Festival of Gingerbread Houses and more. The entire York Beach and York Village areas will be lit with Christmas lights — a spectacular sight for holiday lovers.
Planning to spend the weekend or full week between events? Stop in at these local galleries for quality exhibits: York Village Gallery (244 York St.) is open Wed.-Sat. from 10 am-4 pm and exhibits oil and watecolor paintings by various artists; York Library (15 Long Sands Rd.) is open Tues.-Thurs. from 10 am-8 pm, Fri. from 10 am-5 pm and Sat. 10 am-2 pm and exhibits paintings by Michael Palmer through November.
Depending on the weather — or your tolerance for it — you could venture out for a walk along The Cliff Walk or Fisherman’s Walk & Wiggly Bridge or hike up Mt. Agamenticus. The Cliff Walk is a narrow path climbing to views of York Harbor Beach. The Fisherman’s Walk offers views of lobster shacks, boats, piers and stately homes. Mt. Agamenticus offers panoramic views along the coast of Maine, across NH and down to Boston.
For lodging, go to www.visitmaine.net/yorklodging for a list of inns, bed and breakfasts and hotels. For breakfast and lunch, go to Stolen Menu Cafe (Village Shopping Plaza on Long Sands Rd.) or Rick’s All Seasons Restaurant (240 York St.). For dinner don’t miss the Lobster Barn (1000 Rte. 1).
Since you might miss many of the businesses that are closed for the winter season, plan to return in the summer for the extended York experience.