ROCKLAND — The annual Festival of Lights celebration in downtown Rockland is set to kick off on Thanksgiving weekend, 2023.

By the time Santa arrives via U.S. Coast Guard vessel at 12 p.m. on Friday the 24th, the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree will be up, and storefronts along Main Street will be decorated. 

Upon his arrival at the Middle Pier, Santa will be escorted by his biggest fans to the corner of Park and Main Streets, where he will officially declare Downtown Rockland “Open for The Holidays”, with a ribbon cutting. He’ll then retire to his workshop in Mildred Merrill Park, where he will greet children during the afternoon. Santa’s Workshop is provided by Shed City, and sponsored by GoNetspeed.

The 20th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration will occur later that evening on the 24th. Santa will be assisted by the lead sponsor for the Tree Lighting Celebration, Camden National Bank, and members of the community in flipping the candy cane switch at 6 p.m. Come down early and enjoy holiday music from The Huddled Masses Quartet starting at 5 p.m. with hot drinking chocolate provided by Bixby & Co., and coffee provided by Bixenta Coffee. 

Saturday, November 25, Santa will return to his workshop from Noon to 3 p.m., and downtown businesses will be open with special promotions for Small Business Saturday. The Friends of Rockland Public Library Festival of Lights Holiday Trees & Wreaths Silent Auction and Raffle will be taking place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rockland Public Library. 

Saturday night features the annual Parade Of Lights, beginning at 6 p.m. Floats sponsored by participating businesses, neighborhoods, and organizations will gather at the ferry terminal parking lot. The parade will begin at the ferry terminal and head south (wrong way on Main Street, ending at the Lobster Trap Tree. The lead sponsor for the Festival of Lights parade is First National Bank. If you would like to have a float in the parade you can go to www.rocklanddowntown.com and download the application or email david@rocklandmainstreet.org.

On Sunday, November 26, families will have an opportunity to have Breakfast With Santa at the Elks Lodge located at 210 Rankin Street from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Breakfast is $2 for children and $5 for adults. The breakfast is sponsored by Lone Pine Real Estate and B.O.G. Balanced Bookkeeping.

“If you’re looking to combine a fun night out with some holiday shopping then our 2nd annual Sip and Shop is the perfect event for you,” said Rockland Main Street, Inc., in a news release. “Grab some friends and come downtown on November 30 to enjoy a special holiday market, drink specials, and other holiday activities.”

The event kicks off at 3 p.m. with many participants extending hours till 8 p.m. This event is sponsored by Cates Real Estate and First National Wealth Management. 

On Saturday, December 9, the whole community is welcomed to the Steel House located at 639 Main St for the Rockland Community Hanukkah Party with Adas Yoshuron Synagogue, sponsored by Midcoast Realty Group. The party will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. and include festive food, drinks, and dancing. 

Rockland Main Street, Inc., is a nonprofit organization focused on the economic development of the Rockland downtown district.  

Major Sponsors include Brooks Trap Mill, GoNetspeed, First National Bank, and Loyal Biscuit Company.

FMI: rocklandmainstreet.org