An old fashioned Christmas in downtown Bath, Maine!
This is the historic downtown Bath, Maine's most cherished event of the year. An Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath is the height of tradition and charm.
Starting the week of Thanksgiving, poke into any of our downtown shops to grab our Old Fashioned Christmas Brochure, which will hold all the secrets of the season, including your chance to vote in our Neighborhood Decorating Contest and Shop Window Decorating Contest. You will also see a calendar of events, including concerts, family activities, and fairs, from all around Bath.
Our Red Magic Letter Boxes appear the week of Thanksgiving, ready to take letters to Santa and to seniors in assisted living. Build the warmest memories of a kind shopkeeper, great shopping finds, and enchanting performances in historic downtown Bath. This year, our Red Letter Boxes will be located in front of Loyal Biscuit and next to Bath Printing Company, on either end of Front Street.
Saturday after Thanksgiving – Santa’s Arrival at Library Park (Washington Street)
Santa will arrive at the gazebo, where we will welcome the holiday season with caroling with the Nor’easters Barbershop Chorus, and cookies will be available for munching. Santa and Mrs. Claus will ceremoniously light the Community Tree (generously donated by Jorgensen Landscaping). Photo opportunities with Santa will be available after the tree lighting.
Take the Trolley Caroling!
Starting at 4:00 pm and running until 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with stops every half hour. First-come, first-served. No tickets necessary. From early December to Christmas Eve.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath 2025
Saturday, November 29th, 2025 Tree Lighting at the Gazebo (starts at 3:00pm @ Library Park)
Sing along with the Amethyst Carolers while waiting for Santa & Mrs. Claus to arrive and light the Community Tree! Take the “Jingle Bell Walk” up to City Hall, where you can visit with Santa inside the auditorium. Photos will be available by soggy dog designs. Happy Horse Farm will be on-site for pats. Interact with Woodland Wonderland Characters, Owl, Bear, Squirrel, and new this year - Elk & Raccoon! Main Street Bath Volunteers will provide cocoa and cookies by donation while you wait.
Friday, December 5th, 2025 Bright Night Bath (4-8pm in Downtown, Bath)
Evening Holiday Shopping with all shops staying open until 8:00 pm! Our most festive day of the year- can’t miss! Enjoy Live Music from Una Voce Chamber Choir and the Salvation Army Brass Band! Interact with Woodland Holiday Characters, look for Owl, Bear, Squirrel, Fox, Elk & Raccoon! Hop on the Trolley for the First Night of Trolley Caroling! Pick up at the Bus Stop on Front Street. First-come, first-served from 4 pm to 8 pm. No Tickets Required!
Saturday, December 13th, 2025 (10 am - 1 pm) Downtown Day
Watch for Santa and his crew touring downtown in an ATV posse! They will rumble through and make various stops between 11 and 12:00 pm. Visit the Happy Horse Farm “Reindeer” next to Brackett’s Market, 10:00-1:00 pm. Chewonki presents “Mammals of Maine” at the City Hall auditorium. 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. 40 Free Tickets to each show. First Come, First Serve! Interact with Woodland Holiday Characters, look for Owl, Bear, Squirrel, Fox, Elk & Raccoon!
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 Paul Revere Bell Ringing
When: 11:45 am to 12:15 pm @ the corner of Front & Centre next to Hallett's Clock.
Meet at Front & Centre Street, next to Hallett’s Clock, for a Community Gathering! Lyrics for “12 Days of Bath Christmas” will be provided. This is a fun traditional song! The City Council Chair will read the Proclamation. The Bath’s Citizen of the Year rings the Paul Revere Bell atop City Hall twelve times at noon. Together we will sing “Auld Lang Syne” to welcome in the New Year! Great for littles who can’t stay awake until midnight.
PLUS: The Return of the Squirrel Scavenger Hunt — the popular multi-week activity!
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