CAMDEN — Downtown Camden was packed to the gills Friday evening as holiday cheer spilled into the street with an annual holiday parade, and tree-lighting at the head of the harbor.

Organized by the Camden Area Business Group, the 36th annual Christmas By the Sea weekend includes the arrival Santa Claus and Elf Ellen, who have participated in Christmas By the Sea weekend since the very beginning.

On Saturday at 9 a.m., Santa will arrive by boat at the Camden Public Landing, where he’ll have time to greet children before he heads to the Camden Snow Bowl for another official entrance and his traditional reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at 10 a.m. Photos with Santa and Elf Ellen will take place directly following story time, between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

On Saturday at 5 p.m., Santa will make an appearance at the Lincolnville Beach bonfire before retiring for the evening.

Throughout the weekend, area merchants will be open for holiday shopping, and a variety of festive events will be offered by individual businesses and organizations in Camden, Lincolnville and Rockport. Some of these events include horse and carriage rides, cookie decorating for all ages, the CBTS Storefront Treasure Hunt, a traditional Christmas Market, holiday craft fairs, Beltie Holiday, a Walk Through Bethlehem, several musical performances – including The Nutcracker, and so much more!

For all the details, see the Christmas By the Sea events brochure, which is available at the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce office (2 Public Landing) and also on the Christmas By the Sea Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/christmas.by.the.sea.camden.maine.

Wooden Alchemy of Camden is once again creating an ornament, featuring Curtis Island Lighthouse, to commemorate this year’s event. Ornaments will be for sale at the Chamber of Commerce office; the Camden Public Library (55 Main Street, Camden); and at Wooden Alchemy (19 Elm Street, Camden). The ornaments are $10 each. Ornament proceeds will benefit the Area Interfaith Outreach Fuel Assistance Program.