Many would argue that summer is the best time of year to visit Maine when the warm weather lets you enjoy the beaches and spend your time strolling the streets of the state’s many historic cities. But those who only come to Maine in summer are missing out on the winter wonderland that arrives later on.
Maine is particularly beautiful when it’s illuminated for the holiday season, but the state stays scenic all the way into February when Maine’s towns embrace Valentine’s Day vibes instead. Maine is just bursting with romantic towns. And beyond the romance, there’s even more winter fun to be had with traditions like pond hockey and ice harvesting.
Planning a trip to Maine in February? We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Maine in February to help you get started, from month-long festivals to winter sports fun. Stick to this list, and you’re bound to have a magnificent February in Maine!
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The 15 Best Things to do in Maine in February
1. Paint the Town Red in Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is often considered the most romantic town in New England, and they live up to that name every February, which is why it’s one of the best places to visit in Maine in February. Rather than just one day to spread the love, Kennebunkport celebrates Paint the Town Red all month long!
In addition to literally turning many of the local landmarks red for the month, you’ll also find many “red plate” and “red tag” specials going on throughout the town, like special romantic getaway packages at hotels, sales at Kennebunkport’s best shops, and romance-themed dining experiences.
There are also plenty of date-night activities being held throughout the month, like paint nights, candle-making classes, and live music.
2. Experience a Winter Wonderland in Biddeford
Biddeford is another of the best Maine destinations in February, thanks to its annual WinterFest, which arrives each February. Instead of huddling inside, away from the cold, embrace the weather and the Biddeford community by taking part in events like an adults-only sledding party and a poker crawl around Biddeford’s businesses.
You’ll also see live entertainment, taste your way around local restaurants, take pony rides, go ice skating, and much more.
3. Watch Racers Compete in Camden
In early February, Camden is home to the US National Toboggan Championships, one of the most unique things to do in Maine in February. At the Camden Snow Bowl, you can watch the only organized traditional wood toboggan race in the US and cheer on your favorite team during a weekend packed with family fun.
The name makes it seem like this event is rather serious, but don’t be fooled. These championship races are actually more of a winter festival, with the community gathered together to cheer on friends and share in some food and drinks to chase away the cold.
4. Enjoy the Flavors of Freeport
Flavors of Freeport has several events going on in February, which is why you’ll want to head to Freeport if you’re visiting Maine in February and are a proud foodie. During Fare & Ice, you’ll taste your way around Freeport restaurants during a grand tasting event.
It’s followed by a funky scene at an annual dance party with Motor Booty Affair. Then, enjoy the Frosty Frolic later in the month, where you can celebrate the state’s sea farmers and fishermen and dine on local food.
5. Cheer on the Players at the Pond Hockey Festival
Pond hockey is a beloved tradition and one of the best things to do in Maine in winter. Come out and celebrate like a local with the Pond Hockey Festival in Rangeley. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and a cozy blanket or two, and enjoy spending the weekend cheering on the teams.
6. See Spectacular Ice Carving in Belfast
Late February brings about one of the coolest things to do in Maine in February, literally! The Annual Belfast Ice Festival & State of Maine Ice Carving Championship sees some of the best ice carvers around creating masterpieces that you can explore as you wander through the downtown area.
Belfast makes this championship into a weekend-long festival, with more activities like horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, family-friendly crafts, ice skating, and more.
7. Join the 207 Day Scavenger Hunt
Taking its name from Portland’s area code, 207 Day sees people come together in one massive, virtual scavenger hunt. Get to know Portland with this fun activity that’s one of the best things to do in Maine in winter. Along the way, you’ll experience the many different sides of Portland, with new things to do for the hunt each year.
8. Go on a Brewery Tour of Maine’s Best
Portland is home to more than 25 breweries, with many more just a short drive away at locations throughout Maine. If you’re looking for what to do in Maine in winter, why not try taste-testing the state’s craft beer scene?
You could go on your own beer crawl of the best breweries in Portland, or you can let someone else, like Brews Cruise, handle the planning and transportation.
9. Go Cross-Country Skiing
While you’ll find downhill skiing in many places throughout Maine in February, cross-country skiing is a bit more inclusive and allows you to go sightseeing without having to worry about treacherous slopes.
Some of the best places for cross-country skiing include the carriage roads of Acadia National Park, Harris Farm in Dayton, and Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley.
10. Go Night Skiing
If you do want to do downhill skiing, why not do one of the coolest things to do in Maine in winter: night skiing? Not every place will let you ski under twinkling starlight, but several places in Maine offer this one-of-a-kind experience.
Some Maine destinations that offer night skiing include Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton and the Camden Snow Bowl.
11. Take Part in the Annual Ice Harvest
Enjoy experiencing a little piece of history? Head over to South Bristol, a little village that’s one of the best places to visit in Maine in February. During a select day in the month, the Thompson Ice House Harvesting Museum celebrates a tradition that dates back to 1826.
Volunteers gather together to harvest naturally-frozen ice just the way it was done back then. People come from all over to watch the harvest and take part in a one-of-a-kind historical reenactment.
If you happen to be around in July, come back for their Ice Cream Social, which sees that harvested ice turn into hand-cranked ice cream.
12. Marvel at the Beauty of Acadia National Park in Winter
Acadia National Park tends to reach its biggest crowd levels in summer, but winter is decidedly the off-season, making it one of the best places to be in Maine in winter if you want to find some tranquility.
Take a scenic drive through this winter wonderland, try your hand at snowshoeing on the carriage roads, or venture over to nearby Bar Harbor to warm up at the town’s shops and restaurants.
13. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
What better way to chase away the cold than by indulging in a spa day? For relaxing treatments with a spectacular view, visit Cape Neddick’s Cliff House. Or come back to Bar Harbor’s Bar Harbor Inn after a day of exploring Acadia National Park to warm up.
14. Ride Fat Bikes through the Snow
Think biking is just a summer activity? Think again! Fat bikes, which are a unique type of bike with thicker tires with more traction that can get through snow, allow you to bike all year long. Hopping on one is one of the coolest things to do in Maine in the winter.
Places where you can get and ride a fat bike include Carter’s X-Country Ski Center and The Bethel Resorts & Suites, both located in Bethel.
15. Heat Things up at an Ice Bar
The Ice Bar is an annual tradition at the Portland Harbor Hotel, which sees the bar turned into a magical winter wonderland during a big party each February with ice sculptures and specialty martinis gliding down ice luges. It’s one of the best places to be when visiting Maine in February.
Similarly, if you find yourself in Brunswick, head to The Brunswick Hotel for their own Ice Bar every February on their outdoor patio. With live music, ice sculptures, and their own specialty cocktails sliding down their ice luges, it’s one hot party despite the icy façade!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Maine in February. What’s your favorite February event in Maine? Let us know in the comments!
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