Mon, 12/08/2025 - 6:25am

CANDI JONETH, News Contributor

CANDI JONETH/Boothbay Register

Hundreds lined Boothbay Harbor’s Whale Park Saturday, Dec. 6, for the arrival of Santa Claus and his entourage by boat. Trading reindeer for horsepower, Balmy Days Cruises delivered the festive characters aboard their 47-foot passenger-cruising vessel, Novelty. The air was chilly, the mood festive and a chorus of Christmas carols enlivened this signature holiday event.

Families lined up to sit on Santa’s lap before taking selfies under the pot buoy tree. Children of all ages and temperaments were represented in the crowd. Some shy, some overjoyed, some suspicious and some equipped with lists and ready to get down to business: Robots, puzzles, chemistry sets, Legos and karaoke machines were frequently requested. Some children were more altruistic, one wanted a new kitchen for his mother, another asked for a parking spot in town for his dad. One asked for a family trip to a corn maze, yet another asked for new lobster traps. Santa and Mrs. Claus considered each request thoroughly before winking and handing out candy canes.

Santa arrived by boat, but Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce (BHRCC) Executive Director Lisa Walby brought the fleet – 20 elves, a dozen more volunteers, each primed with expert advice and information for pulling off the annual event flawlessly. Warming stations provided relief from the cold, a reindeer ring toss game, hot cocoa, baked goods and arts and crafts projects for kids helped keep them entertained while waiting in line for Santa, an hour and a half at its longest point.

“This festival began as Harbor Lights 40 years ago and morphed into Boothbay Lights 10 years ago. This is my 30th year of working for the event, either as a volunteer or through the Chamber or in some fashion,” Walby said. “It’s about more than just bringing commerce to our town, it’s about community and bringing all of us together to celebrate the season.”

Stores were crowded, many shoulder-to-shoulder, as shoppers bought gifts and meals and posed at the many selfie stations arranged throughout the harbor. The trolley ran on schedule, transporting people between the harbor and Gardens Aglow. A complete schedule for the six-week festival, including more opportunities to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, can be found on the BHRCC and the Boothbay Register’s websites.