UPCOMING HOLIDAY EVENTS
This is what we know is happening, let us know if you know of more!
BAR HARBOR—There’s a plethora of holiday events coming up beginning this Friday with Acadia Community Theater’s “A Christmas Chaos,” a holiday craft fair, and Bar Harbor’s Village Holidays on the Village Green where Santa will read his favorite poem and bring merriment to all involved.
“There's a lot of reasons why it's called the most wonderful time of the year. The decorations, the events, the lights, the gatherings - all of it (and then some) are why so many of us look forward to the holidays all year long,” said Bar Harbor Chamber Board President, Bo Jennings.
Some local businesses like Side Street Cafe, which Jennings manages, are going all out decorating for the holidays.
“Since we are fortunate enough to have enough staff to be open until the New Year, we decided to go all out and decorate Side Street Cafe to the nines! Jena, Mac, Jasmine, Lexi, Rachelle, Harmony, Jocelyn, Kery, and Travis worked for two straight days to ensure everyone that walks through the doors are immersed in the holiday spirit,” he said.
Holidays aren’t just celebrated by businesses throughout MDI, but also by nonprofits, churches, families, friends, and others. For Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Everal Eaton, that’s part of what makes it special.
“The holidays are a great time of the year for us to come together and celebrate the closing of one year and the start of another year. Between the decorations, the gatherings, and the celebrations there is no shortage of events to participate in this holiday season,” Eaton said.
That’s why the Chamber in Bar Harbor (and the ones in Southwest and Mount Desert) work so hard to create yearly celebrations.
“Tomorrow (Friday, December 1) will be a special day that showcases what can be done when we all come together,” Eaton said. “Over twenty Bar Harbor businesses will be hosting deals tomorrow throughout the day for those looking to find the perfect gift for a loved one this holiday season.”
In Bar Harbor, Santa will visit the Village Green at 5 pm to help light the tree and read "Twas the Night Before Christmas” before heading to the MDI YMCA.
At the MDI YMCA, the YMCA, Summer Festival of the Arts, Hannaford, and the Jesup will be offering crafts and activities for the little ones while they each have an opportunity to visit with Santa.
“Events like this are only possible because of the tight-knit community that we have here in Bar Harbor. We invite everyone to come out, enjoy some hot chocolate, and partake in the day's activities while celebrating the holiday season with us,” Eaton said.
Jennings added, ”Businesses that are able to be open are excited to see everyone. The Chamber and its members are excited to welcome Santa on Friday, launching the holidays for many around the island. From hotel discounts, to menu specials, to retail offerings (and more), there's a lot of opportunities for locals and visitors alike to have a wonderful holiday season in Bar Harbor."
Events in Bar Harbor and throughout the island continue throughout the month of December and we’ll update this post and our weekly “On the Agenda,” which comes out on Mondays, as we learn of more events.
HOLIDAY EVENTS!
GET YOUR CHRISTMAS PLAY ON!
There will be two additional shows at the high school on Saturday, Dec 9, at 2 pm and 7 pm! This is not reflected in the above graphic.
GET YOUR WINTER CONCERTS ON!
The information for the high school’s winter concert is above. Conners-Emerson’s concert is December 7 at 6 p.m.
Students in grades 1-4 will be performing. Students in the 5-8 orchestra/band/choir will be performing
GET YOUR CHARITABLE CHRISTMAS (OF AWESOME) ON!
Join us for the 9th Annual Witham Family Hotels Charitable Christmas Saturday, December 9, from 10 AM - 2 PM.
Join us for kids holiday crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, write letters to Santa (and receive a response before Christmas!) photo booth, and don't forget...
to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and get a photo together!
The event is completely FREE, including all crafts, photos, food.
In exchange for attendance, we do ask that all able families bring a donation in lieu of entry fee. This can be either a:
new unwrapped toy for Maine Seacoast Mission’s Christmas Program. This local charity has been collecting gifts for in need families for over 100 years.
gently used coat for H.O.M.E. Inc who distributes warm clothing to folks in need in Hancock County.
We hope you and your family will join us for some holiday fun for a great cause!
Sponsored by the Witham Family Hotels
GET YOUR CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY SUPPER ON!
You are invited to a Christmas Community Supper on Sunday, December 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church Fellowship Hall (downstairs).
The supper will be a simple meal of soup, bread, dessert, and hot beverages. It will be on Sunday, December 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church located at 29 Mount Desert Street. There is no charge for this event, however any donations will be contributed to our Community Assistance Fund. All are welcome!
GET YOUR SOLSTICE ON!
GET YOUR VILLAGE HOLIDAY ON!
AND LOBSTER BUOY TREE ON!
SANTA COMES TO NORTHEAST HARBOR!
Join Maine Seacoast Mission during the Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival to make crafts, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to town.
At the Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 2, join the Mission for the following activities: - 2 to 3 p.m. for craft activities, face painting, and light refreshments at its offices at 6 Old Firehouse Lane. - 3:30 p.m. Watch the Mission’s flagship boat, the Sunbeam, deliver Santa and Mrs. Claus to Northeast Harbor’s marina. - 5 to 7 p.m. at 6 Old Firehouse Lane, the Mission's Christmas Open House will offer holiday cheer, light appetizers, and hot cider as well as crafting opportunities for kids.
GET YOUR CHILDREN’S BAZAAR ON!
The Children's Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:00 to 12:00 at the MDI YWCA.
This event is for children in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Tickets are required and can be requested by emailing abby@ywcamdi.org. Tickets cost $1.00.
GET YOUR CRAFT FAIR ON!
Island Arts Association Holiday Craft Fair, all day, Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center.
The Island Arts Association is holding a holiday craft fair at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center. For more information, visit www.islandartsassociation.com.
9 to 5, December 1 and December 2
GET YOUR HOLIDAY ART ON!
ARTWAVES CLASSES AND EVENTS
ArtWaves often has classes, a variety every week. For the updated selection, check out its website here.
Holiday Needle Felting Gnomes, Angels & More!
Needle felting is an easy and enjoyable way to create whimsical creations and serious art. In this workshop, we’ll focus on fun!
We’ll begin by making a cute little gnome or angel through which you’ll learn the basic techniques of shaping, adding color, features and textures, and finishing.
After that, you’ll have access to the huge stash of ArtWaves wool and will have time to create anything or anyone you desire with the instructor available for help and guidance. You are encouraged to bring a photo of something you’d like to make, and we’ll have several examples for inspiration. Or, just use your imagination!
All materials and tools will be provided and you’ll leave with at least two creations that you can proudly add to your holiday decor.
Saturday, December 2. 10 am—1 pm. Ages 12+
All levels
$45 members/$55 non members
Join Us https://artwavesmdi.org/join-us
CRITERION THEATRE
The theater’s website is here, and click for the latest updates.
THE NUTCRACKER
Robinson Ballet
Sunday, December 10th - 3:00PM
THE GRINCH
Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers
Sunday, December 17th - 4:00PM
Acadia Choral Society Holiday Concert, December 3, Bar Harbor
“We Sing the Great Mystery” Diverse settings of the medieval antiphon "O magnum mysterium", plus Christmas carols.
The Acadia Choral Society will present its annual program of holiday music, “We Sing the Great Mystery”, December 2 and 3. Under artistic director Daniel Pyle, and accompanied by Douglas Beck, the choir will present settings of the medieval antiphon "O magnum mysterium", ranging from Gregorian chant through to the 21st century. The program also includes Christmas carols from the Carols for Choirs series from King’s College, Cambridge University. The Acadia Choral Society invites the whole community to join them in welcoming the holiday season through the power of song. Tickets online or at the door.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, 41 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor
$20.00
GET YOUR HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE ON!
Seal Cove Auto Museum will host a festive Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 9 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Admission by donation.
GET YOUR CHILI COOKOFF ON!
