Carrie Jones

Nov 17, 2025

The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Paradis Ace Hardware.

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NORTHEAST HARBOR—Long before Santa’s boots hit Main Street, families in Northeast Harbor know the holiday season has officially begun the moment the Maine Seacoast Mission’s Sunbeam rounds the bend into the harbor, Santa and Mrs. Claus waving from the bow.

That beloved moment is just one of many highlights returning Saturday, December 6, when the Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival fills the village with a full day of races, crafts, music, shopping, and community tradition.

The Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce hosts the festival, which has been gracing the town for more than 30 years. The Chamber says this year’s celebration promises “an unforgettable day of Christmas cheer,” with events planned from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Main Street and at the Northeast Harbor Marina. Festival support this year comes from The Asticou Hotel and the Chamber itself.

“We’re so excited to bring the community together for another year of holiday magic,” Chamber President Sue Spoelhof said in the event announcement. “This event truly offers something for everyone and is a perfect way to celebrate the joy of the holiday season.”

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A full slate of holiday activities

According to the Chamber’s release, highlights include:

• Neighborhood House Frosty’s 5K, with events for runners, walkers, and kids.
• Santa’s Workshop, where children can shop for family gifts with the help of a personal shopper. Admission is a canned good or small cash donation benefiting local food pantries.
• Just for Kids activities, including story time, card-making, Santa’s mailbox, and holiday craft workshops.
• Holiday shopping promotions and unique gifts from local merchants, offering sales, treats, and gifts as well as a pop-up market.
• An evening Italian-themed dinner and concert by Clusterfunk & Company, benefiting the Mount Desert Island High School Class of 2026 trip.

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A tradition woven into community life

While the events themselves draw crowds, Chamber Director Georgeann Snead said what keeps the festival thriving is the sense of continuity it brings.

“The Chamber has proudly hosted this Christmas Festival for decades, creating a festive way to spotlight our local businesses while giving families a joyful place to celebrate the season together,” Snead said. “So many adults who now bring their own children tell me that the Christmas Festival is one of the traditions they cherished most growing up.”

She said the moment families often talk about most—the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by sea—has lost none of its magic.

“There’s nothing like witnessing the excitement of the children gathered at the marina, eyes sweeping the harbor for that first glimpse of the Sunbeam as it glides into view—Mr. and Mrs. Claus waving from the bow, and a shimmer of holiday magic spilling across the shoreline,” Snead said.

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Santa’s Workshop: Cheer with purpose

Snead said Santa’s Workshop remains a crowd favorite each year.

“Children can shop for their families with the help of a personal shopper and leave with beautifully wrapped surprises in hand,” Snead sad. “Admission is simply a canned good or a small cash donation to support our local food pantries. This year, more than ever, those pantries need our help, making the workshop a true win-win for everyone involved.”

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Pop Up Market

The Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival’s Pop Up Market will fun Friday through Sunday, December 5-7. Merchants and craftmakers and artists will set up booths. On Saturday, December 6, there will be a cocoa bar set up as people come in and cast votes for their favorite gingerbread house. The results will be announced after Santa is done visiting Carter’s Real Estate down the street. There will be caroling inside and a fire pit outside for s’mores. The market, holiday singing, and gingerbread house contest is at FT Brown Hardware.

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A celebration made to bring people together

With kids’ crafts, bustling shops, returning traditions, and a nighttime concert to close the day, Snead said the Chamber hopes the festival continues to draw families together while shining a spotlight on Main Street.

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LINKS TO LEARN MORE

A full schedule of events is available at mtdesertchamber.org.

Maine Seacoast Mission.

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All photos: File photos, Bar Harbor Story.

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