Camden’s 40th Christmas by the Sea

Celebrate Camden's 40th annual Christmas by the Sea, December 4-6, 2026, with a weekend of holiday traditions around Camden Harbor and downtown.

Festivities begin Friday evening with the holiday parade and tree lighting, when Santa makes his first appearance of the weekend. On Saturday morning, Santa arrives by boat in Camden Harbor. Other longtime favorites include Santa's reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, photos with Santa and Ellen the Elf, the Walk Through Bethlehem, craft fairs, and Christmas markets.

Enjoy festive downtown storefronts, holiday lights, and a distinctly coastal Maine Christmas made possible by local businesses, community organizations, and volunteers. Camden's holiday season also marks 60 years since the town's holiday star tradition began in 1966. The illuminated star now shines from Mount Battie, maintained by its own group of local volunteers.

Additional event details and schedule updates will be shared as plans are finalized. Follow Christmas by the Sea on Facebook at facebook.com/christmas.by.the.sea.camden.maine and Instagram at instagram.com/christmasbythesea_maine for updates.