Come celebrate the holidays in our sparkling towns by the sea!

Camden's premiere holiday celebration, Christmas by the Sea kicks off the holiday season during the first week of December with fun community events spanning along the Midcoast Maine region. Join us for holiday parades, caroling, shopping, dining, carriage rides, crafting, and a tree lighting in Harbor Park.

Schedule of Events

December 1, 2023

Noon: Lunchtime Holiday Variety Show

1 p.m.: Matt Mainster & Friends present a traditional holiday variety show
First Congregational Qiurch, 55 Elm St, Camden

4-6 p.m.: Holiday Crafts at Children's House
Make a personalized handprint gift with cider, hot cocoa then watch the parade.
Children's House, 58 Elm St. Camden

5-6 p.m.: Caroling at the Village Green
The Midcoast Community Chorus sings.
Corner of Elm and Chestnut streets, Camden

5-7 p.m.: "Cider Stop" with Cookies
First National Bank. 44 Elm St. Camden

6 p.m.: Christmas by the Sea Parade
Email [email protected] to enter your float in the parade.
Route I north, Union St to Atlantic Ave, Camden

6-8 p.m.: Open House-Cookies & Hot Cocoa
Camden National Bank, 2 Elm St. Camden

6:30 p.m.: Community Tree Lighting with Carols
Join Santa Claus and CHRHS singers for carols and the tree lighting. Camden Lions Club offers free cookies, hot cocoa and warm cider.
Harbor Park, Atlantic Avenue, Camden

6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.: Horse and Carriage Rides
Enjoy a leisurely tour of downtown Camden with Carlow Draft Horses.
Camden National Bank, 2 Elm St. Camden

6:30-8:30 p.m.: A Walk Through Bethlehem
Experience a Christmas historical story with dramatic readings, a live nativity, and more.
Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Camden

7-8 p.m.: Caroling with Fortissima
Acapella carolling by starlight.
Comer of Elm and Chestnut streets, Camden

December 2, 2023

8am-12pm: Holly Berry Fair
The Rockport Garden Club's holiday event celebrates local crafts, baked goods, greenery.
West Rockport Baptist Church, 545 Park St

9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Beltie Holiday
Free beltie ornament making kits.4-H Club bake sale, photo with a Belted Galloway calf.
Aldermere Farm, 20 Russell Ave, Rockport

9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Holiday Craft Fair
Midcoast artisans offer unique holiday items.
First Congregational Church, 55 Elm St, Camden

9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Guini Ridge Farm "Christmas Market"
Artisans. Build-a-Gnome. holiday entertainment.
Guini Ridge Farm, 310 Commercial St., Rockport

9 a.m.: Santa Arrives in Camden by Boat
Gather at the waterfront to welcome Santa Claus and Ellen Elf for a stroll downtown.
Public Landing, Camden.

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Christmas Crafts for Families
Ornaments and bird feeders craft workshop. Lincolnville Community Library, 208 Main St

12pm: Santa's Story Hour
Santa Claus reads "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with hot cocoa, sweets and time to ask important questions about the North Pole.
Camden Public Library, 55 Main St.

12:30pm-2pm: Photos with Santa Claus
Get those wish lists ready. Santa will be visiting with children for free photos after Story Hour.
Camden Public Library, 55 Main St

2pm: MOJO Holiday Show
Mondaynite Jazz Orchestra play favorites. John St Methodist Church, 98 John St, Camden

3pm: Nutcracker - Atlantic Ballet Company
Full-length version of this magical holiday production, buynutcrackertickets.com.
Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St

3:30pm: ELF movie and more
Movie starts at 4 p.m.: Register to attend: rockportoperahouse.org.
Rockport Opera House, 6 Central St, Rockport

4pm: Bonfire on Lincolnville Beach
Gather around the traditional bonfire on the shore of Penobscot Bay.
Route I, Lincolnville

4-5pm: Ringing in the Season - Handbell Concert
Holiday handbell concert. Free-will offering to benefit Camden Area District Nursing
First Congregational Church, 55 Elm St. Camden

4-6pm: Lincolnville Historical Society Open House
Stop in for hot drinks and festive snacks.
Linncolnville Historical Society, 33 Beach Road

4:30pm: Caroling & Tree Lighting with Santa
Lincolnville Fire Department delivers Santa Claus to the beach for the holiday fun.
Lincolnville Beach, Route I, lincolnville

5-7pm: A Walk Through Bethlehem
A travel back In time with a live nativity.
Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Camden

7-9pm: Cookies and Cocktails (21+ event)
Holiday cocktails with cookies to decorate.
16 Boy Wew Hotel, Camden

December 3, 2023

10 a.m.: Wreath Making for PAWS
Visitguiniridge.com for details.
Guini Ridge farm, 310 Commercial St, Rockport

1-2 p.m.: Family Cookie Decorating (free)
Music, cookies, frosting and candy decorations.
16 Bay View Hotel, Camden

2 p.m.: "Mount Battle's Christmas Star"
Holiday craft and book reading and signing with author Laurie Brooks Evans.
Camden Public Library, 55 Main St

3 p.m.: Nutcracker - Atlantic Ballet Company
Visit buynutcrackertickets.com. Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St.

7 p.m.: Anne Dodson and Friends Concert
Call 207-236-9576 for tickets.
first Congregational Church, 55 Elm St. Camden

Date: December 1-3, 2023

Location: Various Towns in Maine

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