CAMDEN — This coming weekend, Santa will make his annual appearance in Camden, joining the festivities starting Friday night at Christmas By the Sea. The local holiday tradition has continued for over 30 years, always the real Santa. Area children have grown up with this Santa Clause, and he has said that this event is one of his favorite small-town celebrations.

Parade-goers will spot Santa Clause riding through the downtown at the Christmas By the Sea parade, starting at 6 p.m. Many colorful floats and vehicles will be featured, and shops will be open late. Santa will be the honorary Master of Ceremonies at the Harbor Park Christmas Tree lighting following the parade.

On Saturday morning, children may want to visit Santa at Rockport Marine starting at 9:30 a.m., where he will arrive by boat. This is an opportunity for young ones to whisper their Christmas wishes to Santa and have their pictures taken with him.

Santa cruises from Rockport to Camden Harbor to arrive by water at noon, visiting with children at the Camden Public Library shortly thereafter for Santa’s Story Hour. Photos begin at the Library at 1 p.m. Families may also enjoy decorating cookies at 16 Bay View Hotel starting at 10:30 the same morning.

Santa travels to Lincolnville on Saturday afternoon, arriving at the Beach by fire engine at 4:30, Saturday afternoon. The traditional bonfire on the beach will be lit at 3 p.m. The event is followed by a sandwich supper and photos at Lincolnville’s School House Museum.

Later in the evening, from 7 to 9 p.m., a Christmas Social takes place at the Lincolnville Community Center. Admission is free with a donation of a non-perishable item to benefit the local food pantry.

This year, the Camden Area Business Group is hosting Christmas By the Sea. The full schedule of events can be found at the CABG website: www.camdenmaineexperience.com under the Events tab.

Brochures listing the detailed schedule of community events will be available at the Chamber of Commerce on the Public Landing and will be distributed at downtown businesses.

Those wishing to participate in the Christmas By the Sea parade should register through the Camden Town Office.

Valued sponsors of this year’s Christmas By the Sea in addition to The Camden Area Business Group include Camden National Bank, Bay View Collection, Lincolnville Communications Inc., O’Hara Corporation, Union Farm Equipment, First National Bank, Camden Coast Real Estate, Viking Lumber and Mark Haskall.

Stay abreast of all the weekend’s events by visiting the Camden Maine Experience website: camdenmaineexperience.com/ content/events/christmas_by_ the_sea_schedule.