Sugarloaf Tree Lighting Festival 2025 | Santa Arrival, Fireworks & Holiday Market
- Gerry Caron
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Sugarloaf Tree Lighting Festival 2025 – A Magic-Filled Holiday Kickoff in Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Get ready to step into the holiday spirit at one of Maine’s most magical winter celebrations—the Sugarloaf Tree Lighting Festival 2025, returning on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Hosted at the iconic Beach & Base Lodge at Sugarloaf Mountain, this beloved event blends festive family fun, live entertainment, artisan shopping, Santa’s grand arrival, and a spectacular mountain-side fireworks finale.
Perfect for families, couples on cozy winter getaways, and Sugarloafers celebrating the start of vacation week, this all-day celebration packs the mountain with holiday charm, warm treats, sparkling lights, and vibrant community spirit.
⭐ Why You Should Visit Sugarloaf’s Tree Lighting Festival
This is not your average tree lighting—it's a full winter holiday experience. Visitors get:
✨ A full artisan holiday market
🎅 A magical Santa arrival + family photo opportunities
🎶 Live holiday music on The Beach
🤹 Juggling shows & stunt performances
🎄 A heartwarming tree lighting ceremony
🎆 Fireworks over Sugarloaf Mountain
🎸 Evening concert & après fun at the Widowmaker
Whether you're skiing into the weekend or coming just for the festival, Sugarloaf transforms into a festive wonderland perfect for making unforgettable holiday memories.
🎄 Full Event Schedule — Saturday, December 13, 2025
10 AM – 5 PM | Sugarloaf Holiday Artisans Market
Location: Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel (2nd Floor – Carrabassett, Flagstaff & Caribou Rooms)Presented by UpCountry Artists, this artisan market features 15+ makers offering handcrafted textiles, jewelry, ceramics, paintings, woodcrafts, and more. A perfect stop for Maine-made holiday gifts.
3:30–5:30 PM | Holiday Music on The Beach
Warm up with festive classics and live music at the heart of the mountain village.
4–5:30 PM | Live Juggling & Stunts
High-energy entertainment by Jason Tardy keeps the crowd amazed and laughing.
4:00 PM | Santa’s Arrival
Here comes Santa! Look for him arriving in signature Sugarloaf style—perfect for kids and families.
4:15–5:30 PM | Photos with Santa (Maple Room)
Bring your wish list!Note: Bring your own camera—no professional photographer this year.
5:45 PM | Tree Lighting Ceremony
Gather at The Beach for a beautiful moment as the holiday tree comes to life with sparkling lights.
6:00 PM | Fireworks Over the Mountain
Don’t miss one of the most magical Sugarloaf traditions—fireworks bursting over the slopes.
6:15–9 PM | Live Music: Dyer & The Daydreamers – Widowmaker Pub
Après fun continues into the night.21+ after 9 PM.
🎁 Sunday, December 14, 2025 — Artisan Market Continues
10 AM – 2 PM
The UpCountry Artists Holiday Market extends into Sunday for additional shopping opportunities.
🎨 About UpCountry Artists
UpCountry Artists—a long-standing nonprofit based in Kingfield—supports emerging and established artists through education, exhibitions, scholarships, and the beloved Sugarloaf Art Show.They raise scholarship funds for local students pursuing careers in the arts.
More info: https://upcountryartists.com
📍 Event Location & Contact Information
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
5092 Access RoadCarrabassett Valley, ME 04947
Phone: (800) THE-LOAF
💡 Tips for Visiting Sugarloaf Tree Lighting Festival
Arrive early for the artisan market—popular items sell fast.
Bring your own camera for Santa photos.
Dress warmly—most events take place outdoors on The Beach.
Stay for fireworks; they’re spectacular against the mountain backdrop.
Pair your visit with skiing, holiday shopping, or a cozy dinner at the on-mountain restaurants.
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Rockwood Maine Lodging • Moosehead Lake Cabin Rentals
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway dual access for trailers, boats, ATVs, & snowmobiles
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Perfect home base for skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and wildlife watching
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in Moose River, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
This beloved event blends festive family fun, live entertainment, artisan shopping, Santa’s grand arrival, and a spectacular mountain-side fireworks finale.