Sparkle Celebration in Freeport

Tis the season of cheer, merriment…. and holiday shopping. Finding the perfect gift for everybody on your holiday list can be stressful and can put a damper on this should-be enjoyable time of year. Freeport is well-known for its world-class shopping outlets as well as being the home of the flagship L.L.Bean store. The town puts on the Sparkle Celebration each year to make sure your holiday shopping experience is as magical as it can be. It’s no wonder that MarthaStewart.com once named Freeport one of “The Most Charming Small Towns to Visit During the Christmas Season.”

Sparkle the Stealth Elf

From now until December 13, Sparkle the Stealth Elf will be roaming the streets of Freeport with pockets full of presents. If you have been on Santa’s nice list (wearing a mask and practicing social distancing), Sparkle may approach you and reward you with a gift certificate to a Freeport business. Each lucky shopper will be photographed with the gift card and Sparkle, and the pictures will be featured on Visit Freeport’s Facebook page. This year, there are over $3,000 worth of gift certificates up for grabs from L.L.Bean, Chilton Furniture, Maine Beer Company, Sherman’s Books, Island Treasure Toys, Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment, Ben & Jerry’s Freeport, Sperry, Mexicali Blues, Cotton Weeds Quilt Shop, GearME Outdoor Consignment, Jockey, Polo Ralph Lauren and Rustic Arrow.

Northern Lights with L.L.Bean.

In efforts to keep crowds small and socially distanced this year, L.L.Bean skipped out on the annual tree lighting ceremony. Instead, they decorated their entire campus, known as Discovery Park, with thousands of dazzling lights that can be enjoyed every evening from now until Christmas. Of course, festive music will be in the air, and dancing is encouraged. L.L.Bean has also turned Discovery Park into an interactive journey they are calling “Holidays Around the World,” where you can experience how other countries and cultures celebrate their most important holidays throughout the year. Stop at each trail marker and scan the codes with your phone to learn something new on this fun, engaging and educational walk.

There is so much to see and do at Discovery Park that L.L.Bean has installed heated benches all throughout their Northern Lights Display. These warm seats will keep you nice and toasty while you enjoy the light show and discover Holidays Around the World. When you have had your fill of the fun and are ready to head inside, you may notice something different about the flagship store. Since only a limited amount of people are allowed inside the store at a time, L.L.Bean has set up a twinkle light tunnel. This dazzling tunnel provides shelter from the weather, room to social distance, and a good dose of holiday magic to lift your spirits.

Decorating Contest

L.L.Bean isn’t the only store in Freeport participating in the festivities. Most of the shops and restaurants in the area take part in the annual decorating contest. The contest started December 4 and runs until Christmas Eve. Your only job is to stroll through Freeport and enjoy all the exciting and whimsical decorations. If you feel that any particular business went above and beyond, you can visit Facebook and vote for them to be the winner.

-Written By Stacy Oswald