ROCKLAND - The weekend after Thanksgiving in Rockland is filled with a wide variety of holiday events, including the arrival of Santa Claus aboard a U.S. Coast Guard boat on Friday, Nov. 25, the lighting of the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree Friday evening, free horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa's workshop, the Parade of Lights on Saturday evening, Nov. 26, and a Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Sunday morning, Nov. 27.

Festival of Lights
Schedule of Events

Friday - Nov. 25
Noon — Santa Claus Arrives at Buoy Park
Santa Claus arrives by Coast Guard Boat at Buoy Park/Middle Pier greets the kids and parades to his workshop in Mildred Merrill Park near the Lobster Trap Tree.

12:30-3 p.m. —  Santa’s Workshop
Santa Claus is at his Workshop in Mildred Merrill Park (top of the hill in Harbor Park near the Lobster Trap Tree).

12:30-4 p.m. — Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
Pick up near Rustica, across from Rock City, for a ride around downtown. Sponsored by local businesses so everyone rides for free.

6 p.m. — Lobster Trap Tree Lighting
Santa arrives to Light the Trap Tree and greet the kids. Enjoy cocoa, cookies and holiday music under the tent.

Saturday - Nov. 26
10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Share the Wonder
Hosted by the Farnsworth Art Museum, enjoy free family activities and music.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Open House
Rockland Visitor Center will be open; hosted by the Penobscot Bay Area Chamber Chamber of Commerce.

Noon-3 p.m. — Santa’s Workshop
Santa Claus is at his workshop by the Lobster Trap Tree, greeting kids, or he could be out stretching his legs, strolling Main Street, so keep a lookout!

1-3 p.m. — Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
Pick up near Rustica across from Rock City for a ride around downtown. Sponsored by local businesses so everyone rides for free

1-4 p.m. — Holiday House Tour (Berry Manor Inn, LimeRock Inn, Granite Inn)
Each of these historic inns of Rockland will be decked out in holiday splendor as a fundraiser for the Rockland Library. $10 is the suggested donation.

6-8 p.m. — Festival of Lights Parade
Floats return to Main Street for viewing. Best viewing between Park and Summer streets on Main Street. Vote for The People's Choice Award by placing canned goods on your favorite float. All food will be donated to the Salvation Army. Awards given for the Most Lights, Best Spirit, Most Creative and Best Business floats will be chosen by the City Council. For Festival of Lights Parade Float information and application, email rocklanddowntown@gmail.com. Download a float application here.

Sunday - Nov. 27
8:30-10:30 a.m. — Breakfast with Santa Claus
Enjoy a festive family breakfast with Santa Claus. Hosted by Eclipse at The Tradewinds. Breakfast is $5 for adults, $2 for kids

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Open House
Rockland Visitor Center will be open; hosted by the Penobscot Bay Area Chamber Chamber of Commerce.

Related links:

• In Photos: 2015 Festival of Lights Parade

• Breakfast with Santa in Rockland