Looking for some fun and adventure this winter in Maine? January brings tons of ways for people of all ages to “go outside and play!” Ice fishing derbies, winterfests, snowfests, fireworks, parades, ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and more! Check out the list below for starters, then visit our online calendar for the complete list!
Starting New Year’s Day 2016:
JANUARY 1st: Ring in the New Year in a refrehsing Atlantic Ocean kind of way with a Penguin Plunge in Boothbay or a Lobster Dip in Old Orchard Beach. After that head to one of the four state parks for a Maine State Parks First Day Hike!
JANUARY 4th – 8th: Sunday River hosts College Week, jam packed with parties and events galore. Red Bull Frozen Rush returns, and enjoy four holiday-themed days including Fourth of July, Cinco de Mayo, Saint Paddy’s Day, and Halloween. Each day features different entertainment and events. The entertainment isn’t just limited to college students, but if you are one, you will definitely get better deals!
JANUARY 11th – 15th: Sugarloaf Children’s Festival Week and Sunday River Children’s Festival Week both offer tons of activities for the kids including kid’s programs, family events, fireworks and many more outdoor activities.
JANUARY 16th: Winterfest Scarborough offers tons of competitive events including a snow shoe obstacle course, slalom skate, speed skate, ice cube hunt, snow sculpture contest and more!
JANUARY 17th: Take-it-Outside Winter Family Fun Days at Lake St. George State Park Youth Ice Fishing Derby is hosted by the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Kids can learn how to fish with all equipment and bait provided, a BBQ lunch, hot cocoa and a warming hut.
JANUARY 21st – 23rd: Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Snodeo brings tons of winter fun with a radar run, demo rides, poker run, marshmallow roast, scenic helicopter flights, and tons of activities for kids and parents. The events end on Saturday with a snowmobile parage with Monty the Moose and a fireworks display to follow.
JANUARY 23rd: Take-it-Outside Winter Family Fun Days at Cobscook Bay State Park hosted by the Bureau of Parks and Lands offers cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, tote sled rides, nature walks, horse drawn sleigh rides, lunch and a warming station.
JANUARY 23rd – 24th: The Down East Mushers Bowl Sled Dog Races and Skijoring Race Event brings out the canine athletes and their drivers for this exciting event hosted by the Down East Sled Dog Club. A warming hut, soups and baked goods will be on site for spectators.
JANUARY 29th – 30th: WinterFest 2016 South Portland takes place at many different locations throughout the city and offers fun for all ages.
JANUARY 29th – 31st: Auburn Winter Festival takes place across the city and includes ice sculptures, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile rides, snowshoeing, ice skating, a torchlight parade, music and more.
JANUARY 30th: The Annual Camden Winterfest 2016 brings a close to January and kicks off February in this week long celebration with ice carving, snow sculptures, a polar plunge, concerts, celebrations, a parade, fireworks and more.
There are many more things going on that the highlights listed here. Visit our calendar often for newly added events, festivals and activities going on in your neck of the woods!