Maine Joins Michigan, New Hampshire and More as the Ultimate Winter Vacation Destination for 2025-2026 with Skiing, Festivals and Cozy Retreats

Published on December 7, 2025

Maine has firmly established itself as the premier winter vacation destination for 2025-2026, joining top states like Michigan and New Hampshire. The state’s unmatched offerings, from exhilarating skiing at renowned resorts like Sugarloaf to the festive charm of events such as Ogunquit’s “Christmas by the Sea,” make it a top choice for winter adventurers. Beyond the slopes and festivals, Maine offers cozy retreats with charming cabins and picturesque snow-covered landscapes, perfect for relaxation and winter exploration. With a perfect blend of outdoor excitement, festive cheer, and peaceful getaways, Maine is set to provide an unforgettable winter experience.

Winter brings its own special magic, offering the perfect excuse to embrace warmth and comfort. The season is made for cozy jackets, hearty meals, and the peaceful joy of curling up by the fire. But beyond these comforts, winter also offers thrilling adventures, from skiing trips to enchanting Christmas markets and the allure of mountain lodges. For those seeking the ultimate winter escape, Maine stands out as the top destination for 2025-2026, offering an unforgettable combination of skiing, festivals, and cozy retreats.

The study, conducted by the tarot reading site Tarotoo, considered snowfall levels, winter temperatures, the quality and number of Christmas markets, and ski resort options across the United States. The result? Maine claimed the top spot for its incredible winter offerings. The Pine Tree State boasts 26 Christmas markets, each with glowing reviews from visitors. One of the standout events is Ogunquit’s “Christmas by the Sea,” a yuletide festival that many call Maine’s hidden holiday gem. In addition to its festive markets, Maine shines in the skiing department, with 19 ski areas, including Sugarloaf Mountain, widely regarded as one of the best ski resorts on the East Coast. Maine also enjoys an average annual snowfall of 64.27 inches, more than any other state in the study.

Maine’s impressive score of 8.21 out of 10 put it just ahead of Michigan (8.19) and New Hampshire (8.17) in the rankings. But Maine’s appeal goes beyond snow-covered slopes and holiday festivals. The state offers a wide variety of winter activities, including cozy accommodations like log cabins, snowmobile-accessible yurts, and peaceful mountain retreats. Its pine-fringed trails are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while its frozen lakes provide ideal conditions for ice fishing.

Winter Activities in Maine

For winter sports enthusiasts, Maine is a haven. Sugarloaf, one of the state’s premier ski destinations, will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026. For a quieter experience, Bethel, nestled in Maine’s White Mountains, offers a charming escape between two major resorts. Just north of Bethel, Sunday River is a well-known resort with 139 trails across 884 acres, hosting events like a Santa Sunday ski session and Winterfest Weekend. If you’re seeking a more intimate, family-friendly experience, Mt. Abram, located southeast of Bethel, offers 45 trails and affordable ski passes—$42 per day or just $19.60 on Thursdays for Maine residents.

Beyond its world-class skiing, Maine boasts some of the most captivating Christmas festivals. Ogunquit’s “Christmas by the Sea” delights visitors with a tree-lighting ceremony, a gingerbread house competition, art exhibitions, and festive tea parties, all set against a charming, twinkling backdrop. In Kennebunkport, the Christmas Prelude rings in the New Year with joyful carolers, dazzling light displays, parades, fireworks, and a memorable arrival of Santa on a lobster boat.

Portland, the largest city in Maine, is perfect for family-friendly winter activities. One must-see experience is “The Polar Express” train ride, which immerses visitors in the world of the classic 1985 book and 2004 movie adaptation. The journey features hot chocolate, festive music, costumed performers, and the possibility of a visit from Santa himself. Nearby, Freeport hosts the Sparkle Celebration and the Parade of Lights, offering even more winter magic just a short drive from Portland.

Maine has emerged as the unrivaled winter vacation destination for 2025-2026, offering thrilling skiing at Sugarloaf, vibrant festivals like Ogunquit’s “Christmas by the Sea,” and cozy retreats perfect for winter getaways. With its perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, Maine stands out as the ultimate choice for a memorable winter escape.

Maine offers the ultimate winter experience, blending thrilling outdoor adventures, festive charm, and cozy retreats. From skiing at Sugarloaf to enjoying magical Christmas festivals like Ogunquit’s “Christmas by the Sea” and Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude, the state promises an unforgettable getaway. Whether you’re craving adventure on the slopes, immersing yourself in holiday cheer, or relaxing in a cozy cabin, Maine’s combination of natural beauty, world-class winter sports, and festive allure makes it the top choice for a winter escape in 2025-2026.