Why Spend November and December in Bar Harbor?

Many think Bar Harbor is solely for summer, a place to stroll through a coastal seaside town and feast on fresh lobster brought to shore by hardworking fishermen. Yes, Bar Harbor is that, but it’s also a place where those who visit us during the late fall and winter months get to experience a different side of the island. 

Winter in Bar Harbor is one of the most picturesque times of the year as the ground slowly becomes covered in a blanket of glistening snow and icicles hang down from the pink granite cliffs along Sand Beach. Here are our most popular events and activities for this coming winter season: 

Early Bird Pajama Sale & Bed Races – It’s the perfect time to start your holiday shopping. Hop out of bed on Sat., November 11, and get special discounts if you wear your pajamas to our local shops in downtown Bar Harbor. Shop from 6–9 a.m., then take a break at 10 a.m. to cheer on teams at the annual bed and pajama parade and race. The parade starts at the Village Green and is followed by the 10th Annual Bed Races on Cottage Street. This unique and funny tradition is a race to see which team can roll a decorated bed on wheels down the street the fastest!

^{Photo credit Chris Popper/WDEA AM}

Once the snow starts to fall – Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on our 45 miles of carriage roads (32 of which are groomed depending on conditions) and on Acadia National Park’s unplowed roads for snowy views. Experienced snowshoers can head out on the park’s numerous hiking trails for more “off-road” adventures. Snowshoes and skis can be rented in Bar Harbor. 

Soar over snowy mountains – Get a glimpse of the snow-draped mountain summits in Acadia National Park from new heights aboard a scenic flight. Fly above places that can’t be seen from the ground and experience a whole new perspective of Mount Desert Island. The 35-minute tour shows views of three lighthouses and many islands, and no seats have restricted views because the plane is high winged. Advance reservations required.

For the experienced trekker – For winter enthusiasts looking for a thrilling adventure with guidance from those who know the ins and outs of Acadia National Park, guided adventures are the way to go. Feel comfortable scaling the winter ice alongside a registered Maine guide. Acadia Mountain Guides and Atlantic Climbing School are experienced in hiking trips and ice-climbing odysseys for real thrill-seekers. 

Start getting prepared for these winter festivals:

Grab your mittens and hats, it is time to get outside and have a beer with us at the fourth Annual Bar Harbor Winter Beer Fest on January 19, 2019! Come celebrate Downeast Maine’s craft beer scene outside at Atlantic Brewing Company. There will be warming stations to keep you toasty while you work your way through all the craft beer samples.

Get your blood and adrenaline pumping by joining in on the keg stacking relay and cornhole games. There will also be food and live music. For more information and a list of brewers, go to visitbarharbor.com.

The Acadia Winter Festival features a variety of outdoor activities and workshops to help guests find their new favorite winter hobbies.