And in the near future.

Dec 15, 2025

QUICK NOTE: We’ve moved the list of organizations and links to the bottom of this article. If you are receiving this via email, you may have to click through to see it all.

THINGS TO DO

It’s our weekly round-up, and we may have missed some things, so apologies! If you have something you’d like in here, please let us know.

Also, you may have to click through to see everything. There are so many things that this email is a bit long for a lot of inboxes.

We hope you have some great adventures this week!

To check out our news stories and briefs from the past week, click on the archive section, and you’ll see them in chronological order.

WHERE CAN YOU EAT?

You can check out the list of all the restaurants at our new site, ACADIA ADVENTURES.

The restaurants are here!

If you’re an owner/manager/employee of a restaurant that isn’t on the list yet, please let us know and we’ll get you there, but please be kind about it and know that any lack of mention is not intentional.

And, the list of all the restaurants currently open in the winter season (this changes a lot) is here, compiled by Jennifer DuBois Cough of First Express in Bar Harbor. We are using it with her permission and with many thanks to her for doing this.

Image showing a detailed menu and schedule for restaurants in Bar Harbor and surrounding areas, including hours of operation and services offered.

William’s on the Green (www.williamsonthegreenbarharbor.com) over at the Acadia Hotel is also open all year long! Open 3 p.m.- 11 p.m. (closed Tuesday and Wednesday).

Red Skye, which is not in the list, is another local restaurant, though it is closed for the winter, it is not closed for good! They’ll likely be placed on the master list soon.

ALL MONTH/ONGOING

DECEMBER—JAYNE DWYER

Promotional graphic for an exhibit by Jayne Dwyer featuring 'Paper Moon Jewelry' at the Southwest Harbor Public Library. The design includes colorful hand-sculpted artwork and information about the exhibit's dates in November and December.

DECEMBER — PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF ACADIA

A watercolor painting of a coastal scene featuring rocky cliffs and trees, with text overlay announcing the 'Plein Air Painters of Acadia' art exhibit at the Southwest Harbor Public Library from December 1 to 31, 2025, and details about a reception on December 11.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

DECEMBER 15 — HOLIDAY COOKIE PARTY!

Graphic promoting December events at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a holiday cookie party, a winter break movie matinee showing 'The Grinch', and a kids reading challenge.

LEGO CLUB!

Divine Play Yoga at the Neighborhood House

Mon/Wed; 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Cost: $15/class

with Mike Bouscaren

Monday events via the Bar Harbor Chamber:

Which Stitch?

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16

DECEMBER 16 — TEEN SPACE ACTIVITY AT THE NEH LIBRARY

A festive image featuring a clay snowman wearing a red hat and a striped scarf, with a Christmas tree and ornaments in the background, promoting a DIY clay snowman activity for teens on December 16, 2025.

DECEMBER 16 — TABLETOP TREES

A group of women holding their completed tabletop evergreen arrangements during a workshop at the Northeast Harbor Library.

CRANE FOLDING

STORY AND PLAY

PLAY-DOH PLAYTIME

THE WAY OF BEING

Move Free Run Club

BAR HARBOR—The runs take place every week of the year and meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte.

The Move Free Run Club (Acadia Chapter) meets every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte! Hope to meet more members of the community!

TWO SHOES LINE DANCING!

Promotional graphic for a new line dancing class titled 'Two Shoes Dance.' The class features Pop, Latin, Club, and Hip Hop styles, targeting adults. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 6:15 PM at Eden Baptist Church Parish Hall, starting October 1st. Registration details are included, with pricing options for monthly and drop-in attendance.

Tuesday events via the Chamber:

Baby and Toddler Time

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17

DECEMBER 17 – YOUTH CHESS CLUB

Promotional poster for the Youth Chess Club at Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring an illustrated chessboard, chess pieces, and event details.

DECEMBER 17 – 20 BAR HARBOR BIKE SHOP RENTALS ALL WINTER LONG

Bar Harbor Bike Shop is renting bikes to walk-ins Wednesday through Saturday from 10-4 this winter season. Hours are also posted on its website.

The shop also has Fat Tire Bikes to Rent with Stud Tires for this winter season which are a lot of fun when there’s snow and ice.

WEDNESDAYS THRU DECEMBER: ZUMBA AND TAI CHI

Promotional flyer for Zumba and Tai Chi classes at Mount Desert Island YMCA, featuring class schedules, pricing, and contact information.

WEDNESDAY BOOK CLUBS

Northeast Harbor Library

Love reading? Join us for Readers Unite! Reading Club. This will be an opportunity to read together, share books we love, and have quiet independent reading time. Grades 3 and up are welcome. Come every week, or pop in anytime! Link to register is here.

Somesville Library

SOUTHWEST HARBOR

A colorful graphic promoting storytime sessions for babies and families, featuring a caterpillar reading a book, an owl with books, a house under a rainbow, and snowdrop flowers, with details on timing.

GIRLS WHO CODE

GUIDED MEDITATION

CHRONICLES OF YARNIA

A person crocheting with a green yarn, holding a crochet hook, while seated comfortably with a smartphone nearby. Text overlay promotes the 'Chronicles of Yarnia: Fiber Arts Group' for tweens and teens, detailing meeting time and target audience.

BLOCK PARTY!

Baby Storytime at Southwest Harbor

10:00 a.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Stories, songs, rhymes, bubbles. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065.

Library hours 9-5, Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., 9-8 Wed., 9-1 Sat.

Divine Play Yoga at the Neighborhood House

Mon/Wed; 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Cost: $15/class

with Mike Bouscaren

Wednesday events via the Chamber:

None listed.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

DECEMBER 18 — RENEWAL CIRCLE

The Southwest Harbor Public Library invites community members to a calming and restorative Renewal Circle led by holistic educator Rebecca Brugman. The first session will take place on Thursday, December 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Library’s Clark Room. The series continues on four Thursdays in January — January 8, 15, 22, and 29 — as participants prepare to enter the New Year with intention and balance.

DECEMBER 18 —HCDC December General Meeting & Holiday Party

Hancock County Democrats ~ Holiday Party with Shenna Bellows

The Hancock County Democrats are holding their annual holiday party at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Ellsworth on December 18 at 6pm. Maine Secretary of State and Gubernatorial Candidate Shenna Bellows will be a guest speaker and there will be other surprise guests, along with music, mocktails, appetizers, and a silent auction. A $5.00 donation will be requested.

DETAILS: 6 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, 121 Bucksport Road, Ellsworth

STITCHES KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP!

A knitted piece with text overlay announcing 'Stitches Knitting Group Meets Thursdays 3-5'. Accompanied by knitting needles and a ball of yarn.

Stitches Knitting & Crochet Group meets on Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. at the Trenton Town Office. The town office is located at 59 Oak Point Road, Trenton, ME 04605. We will meet through mid-May, then take a break for the summer. All levels are welcome. Please join us. You don’t have to live in Trenton to come knit with us.

ADULT LINE DANCE CLASS

FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES

A figure drawing class in progress with participants sketching a model, showcasing different styles and techniques.

Thursday events via the Chamber:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

BIRDERS’ CAFE

Our hope is to bring together local and visiting bird watchers and lovers for a social event. Join us every other Friday morning from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Our museum shop will be open, offering a selection of baked goods from local cafes, restaurants, and caterers, along with coffee. Feel free to explore the trails as early as you like! After, relax in our courtyard and chat. The Oceanarium (museum and aquarium) opens at 9 AM.

FAMILY STORY TIME AT SOUTHWEST HARBOR

A colorful graphic promoting storytimes for babies and families, featuring a caterpillar reading a book, a house, flowers, and an owl with books. The schedule includes "Babies: Wednesdays at 10:00 am" and "Families: Fridays at 10:00 am".

10:00 a.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Interactive books, puppets, songs, movements, bubbles.

Library hours 9-5, Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., 9-8 Wed., 9-1 Sat.

Friday events via the Chamber:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

DECEMBER 20-24 TRENTON GRANGE CRAFT AND VENDOR MARKET

Promotional poster for the Trenton Grange Craft and Vendor Market featuring event details, including dates, location, and entry information, surrounded by festive decorations.

DECEMBER 20 — CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM!

A vintage display featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus figurines, with Santa holding a bag and Mrs. Claus holding a gift bag.

Once again the Southwest Harbor Historical Society will be open for Christmas at the Museum!

The dates are December 13, 14 and 20. Each day the society will be open from 1-4 p.m.!

Come visit us at the Manset Meetinghouse, home of the SWH Historical Society. Come enjoy the Christmas tree displays, nativity scenes, train sets and new exhibits! View our Christmas Memory Tree with the names reflected from donations. Smell the mulled cider, enjoyed with cookies! Hope to see you there!

CELEBRATE THE SOLSTICE AT THE JESUP!

Winter solstice celebration at the Jesup library, featuring people gathering outside a decorated building with festive lights and a snowy background.

You’re invited to an open house solstice party to celebrate the year and the start of winter. Join us for cider, music, crafts, snacks, and community. Drop in for some holiday cheer! The event is from 2-4 p.m.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!

Colorful announcement for a Saturday Story Time at the Northeast Harbor Library, featuring an illustrated book and clouds, with details about timing and attendance.

An advertisement for a 'Baby and Me Yoga' class, featuring a drawing of a mother and child engaged in yoga. The flyer includes class details, schedules, and instructor information.

PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP

Event poster for a Prayer Shawl Mission Team start-up in Bar Harbor, featuring images of people knitting and crocheting. The poster details the date, time, and location of the event, along with contact information.

Prayer Shawl Mission from 10 a.m. to noon at the church located at 29 Mount Desert Street.

The intention of the group is to create a flow of Prayer Shawls for distribution for those in need due to illness, loneliness, loss or in need of comfort and to create a sense of community with those who have a shared interest.

Supplies and instruction will be provided to those with skills for knitting and/or crocheting and for those with a desire to learn. For more information contact Pat by calling (203) 770-0063 or email: pgdizazzo@yahoo.com.

Saturday events via the Chamber:

None listed.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 21 – WINTER MARKET

Promotional poster for a Winter Market featuring a shopping tote filled with food items like bread and vegetables, with details about the event's location and timing.

DECEMBER 21 — FROGTOWN MOUNTAIN PUPPETEERS

A promotional poster for a free puppet show titled 'The Grinch' by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, featuring a green puppet wearing a Santa hat and holding a small dog puppet. It details the event date, Sunday, December 21st, at 4 PM, and mentions an opening dance recital by Two Shoes Dance.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 21-24 TRENTON GRANGE CRAFT AND VENDOR MARKET

Event flyer for the Trenton Grange Craft and Vendor Market, listing dates, times, location, and details on vendor participation, with a festive background of holiday decorations.

KIDS CHESS CLUB AT CHOCO-LATTE

Close-up of a chessboard with black and white pieces, featuring a white king and black pieces, alongside a caption stating 'Chess Clubs for Kids'.

Our chess club is great for beginners (at least know how the pieces move) and also intermediate level. All are welcome. We meet most Sundays from 4-5:30 p.m. at Choco-latte in Bar Harbor.

Move Free Run Club

BAR HARBOR—The runs take place every week of the year and meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte.

Sunday events via the Chamber:

Downeast Community Dance

FUTURE EVENTS!

DECEMBER 29 —WINTER BREAK MOVIE MATINEE

Graphic announcing December events at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, including a Holiday Cookie Party on December 15 and a Winter Break Matinee featuring "The Grinch" on December 29. It also promotes a Kids Reading Challenge for December.

2 p.m. Looking for something fun to do during winter break? Come by the library on Monday, December 29 for a 2:00pm showing of “The Grinch” (2018, PG). Enjoy popcorn, hot cocoa, and some fun winter crafts. Register for this event at www.swhplibrary.org

DECEMBER 31 — NEW YEAR’S EVE

Promotional graphic for a New Year's Eve party at Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor, featuring event details including live music, DJ, party favors, photo booth, and ticket pricing.

DECEMBER 31 — NEW YEAR’S EVE

Promotional image for a New Year's Eve celebration at Timberland Acres RV Park featuring the Bullseye band, dinner details, and event pricing.

JANUARY 1—TREMONT POLAR PLUNGE!

Please join the Tremont Fire Department crew on Back Beach in Bernard on New Year’s Day, promptly @ 10:00 AM for a refreshing plunge into Bass Harbor. Members of the public are encouraged to participate and spectators are always welcome too.
The location is 98 Lopaus Point Road. Limited Beachside parking spots are available
Weather permitting we will have a bonfire and provide hot chocolate.

Expect a short walk down the beach to the water’s edge, beach footwear is recommended.

Enter this event at own risk. Lifeguard will be onsite via Kayak or SUP.
In the event of a weather postponement, updates will be announced via this event page.

JANUARY 12 MDI Biological Laboratory’s Online Science Café

A medical scan image highlighting the brain's structure, accompanied by text announcing the MDI Biological Laboratory Online Science Cafe event scheduled for January 12, 2026.

Topic: Vascular Contributions to Age-Related Cognitive Decline

January 12, 2026, 5-6 p.m.

Online Only, Registration: https://mdibl.org/event/vascular-contributions-to-age-related-cognitive-decline/

ONGOING:

Promotional poster for Paradis Ace Hardware offering personal shopping services during the holiday season, featuring gift boxes and a Christmas tree illustration.

LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR EVENTS

THE ABBE!

For a list of Abbe events, click here.

ACADIA CHAMBER

For a list of Acadia Chamber events, click here.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

For a list of events at the park, you can visit the National Park Service’s calendar or Ranger Programs web pages.

ACADIA SENIOR COLLEGE

Acadia Senior College offers interesting talks, informative classes, lively discussions, field trips, retreats, and fun gatherings. For a list of its events, head here.

ACADIA TRAD FESTIVAL

Promotional image for the Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance, featuring musicians and dancers at the College of the Atlantic. Details include event dates, class offerings, and information about scholarships.

ARGOSY GALLERY

For the gallery’s newsletter and offerings, please visit www.argosygallery.com. In Bar Harbor at 6 Mt. Desert St.

ARTEMIS GALLERY

For a list of openings!

ARTWAVES CLASSES AND EVENTS

ArtWaves often has classes, a variety every week. For the updated selection, check out its website here.

BAR HARBOR CHAMBER

For Bar Harbor Chamber’s calendar, click here.

BOOM—BAROQUE ORCHESTRA OF MAINE

For a list of upcoming concerts, click here.

THE COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC

A list of events is here. Make sure to choose “open to the public” on the side bar.

THE CYGNET GALLERY

For a list of events, click through here.

DOWNEAST PILATES

FRIENDS OF ACADIA

For a full list of Friends of Acadia events, click through here.

EVENTS AT THE GILLEY

For a full list of Gilley events, click here.

THE FINBACK ALE HOUSE!

The Finback usually has local musicians, open mic nights and karaoke all summer long. Its Instagram is here. A typical line-up looks like the one below. Usually, the Finback updates its list on Tuesdays.

Chalkboard sign featuring weekly live music events, including details about the schedule and performances for each day of the week.

FOGTOWN (In Ellsworth, but by request)

Text showing weekly events at the Ellsworth Taproom, including details about open mic night, trivia night, and live music.

There is an open mic night Wednesday evenings, trivia nights on Thursday evenings and live music in the beer garden on Friday evenings.

The Ellsworth farmers market is also now held in the parking lot of Fogtown brewery Saturday mornings beginning at around nine.

Link to the website with all the events: https://www.fogtownbrewing.com/events

THE GALLERY AT SOMES SOUND

For a list of exhibitions and to find out more, click here.

THE GRAND THEATER (In Ellsworth, but by request)

For a list of Grand events, click here.

HARBOR HOUSE

For a full list of events, click here for programs, click here.

HEALTHY ACADIA EVENTS

For a list of events, click here.

HIDDEN BARN BOOKS IN BAR HARBOR

Hidden Barn Books is located in Bar Harbor behind Reel Pizza. For a list of events, click here.

JESUP EVENTS

For a full list of Jesup Memorial Library events, click through to its calendar here.

REOCCURING PROGRAMS:

Bar Harbor Scrabble Club

Connect with fellow word-lovers: all skill levels are welcome! Players are encouraged to bring their own boards, and some boards will also be provided. Scrabble Club meets on second and fourth Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Write On! Writing Group

Join the Write On! Writing Group for support in your craft. The Write On! writers meet Saturday mornings at 9:00am on Zoom. For more information, please contact the library at info@jesuplibrary.org.

Jesup Knitters’ Guild

Fiber artists of all skill levels are welcome to drop in and enjoy crafting and conversation with the Jesup Knitters’ Guild, Thursday evenings at 5:00pm!

LAND AND GARDEN PRESERVE

For a full list of Land and Garden Preserve events, click through here.

LOCAL SOLUTIONS

A colorful illustration of stylized houses and trees, featuring a gradient of orange, yellow, and green against a white background.

Are you a parent or guardian of an adult with developmental delays, ID/D or Autism? Would you like support?

We are a parent run support group. Join a community of parents and guardians helping each other with problem solving, understanding adult services, advocacy and policy awareness. Our group includes parents and guardians of high school age and older. Organized by Local Solutions. Meetings are at the rectory building of St. Savior’s Church in Bar Harbor at 4:30 every 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month.

MAINE GRANITE INDUSTRY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10 to 4 through October 31

The museum believes on hands-on learning. A list of programs is here.

MDI HIGH SCHOOL

A list of events is here.

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A list of events is here.

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND ADULT EDUCATION

A list of classes and events is here.

MDI YMCA

Events are here and the gym schedule is here. You can peruse its website for other schedules. The fitness schedule and youth programs are below.

Fitness schedule for Mount Desert Island YMCA from November 3 to December 21, displaying various classes and their timings.

Youth programs flyer for Mount Desert Island YMCA, detailing activities for various age groups including elementary school, middle school, and high school.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE SCHEDULE

The calendar is here.

THE NOR’EASTER POUND AND MARKET

Live music is in the air at The Nor’Easter Pound & Market!

Open Mic Thursdays 7-9 PM hosted by the one and only Dallas Hodgkins— bring your talent or just come enjoy the show!

Live Music Saturdays 7-9 PM featuring amazing local musicians bringing the coastal vibes to Northeast Harbor.

For more information, head over here.

NORTHEAST HARBOR LIBRARY

A list of events is here.

REEL PIZZA

To see what’s playing, click here.

SAFE HARBOR CLUB

22 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor

A list of all events are here.

Safe Harbor ALANO Club open Fridays-Saturday: 4 p.m.; Sundays-11 a.m.

Beginners AA, Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.

AA, Thursdays, 7 p.m.

ALANON, Sundays, 7 p.m.

SOMESVILLE LIBRARY

A list of events is here.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

A list of events is here.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR LIBRARY

A list of events is here.

VOLTA!

Volta, in Trenton, has a ton of things always going on. You can check that out here.

WENDELL GILLEY MUSEUM!

The museum is full of art and craft and exhibit. You can check out its events here.

QUICK NOTE

“Things To Do” is mostly curated by me looking for things happening in the upcoming week, which takes a lot of time and I truly do not know all that is going on.

If there’s something in the MDI region that you’d like me to mention, please let me know, because I’m definitely always missing some events every week.

If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here.

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