Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s in Seal Harbor
A kitchen built for big meals, room for 21, and a quiet village on Acadia’s south side.
A Kitchen for the Big Meal
Two sinks, a wall oven with a microwave above, a dishwasher and a walk-in pantry with a second refrigerator make a holiday dinner for a crowd manageable.
Two dining tables seat 10 and 6, and the kitchen bar seats 3 more, so 19 people can sit down to the same meal indoors. From late April through October, the deck’s outdoor table seats 8 more. A coffee bar with a Nespresso machine, a drip coffee maker and a wine fridge handles slow mornings and late evenings.
Room to Be Together, and Room to Get Away
Two living rooms on opposite ends of the main floor, each with a smart TV, plus a game room and gym downstairs.
In late fall and winter, the driveway is plowed, the propane fire table stays out on the deck, and the carriage roads are 0.2 miles away for a walk after dinner, or skiing and snowshoeing when there’s snow. See winter at the house.
The house is for your group staying together. Parties and events aren’t allowed.
Between Meals
The island is quiet over the holidays, and the walks are yours.
- From the house. Walk to Seal Harbor Beach or onto the carriage roads 0.2 miles away, and ski or snowshoe them when there’s snow.
- Scenic drives. Most of the Park Loop Road closes to cars from December 1, but Jordan Pond Road and the Ocean Drive section stay open.
- Village Holidays in Bar Harbor. In early December, Santa arrives on the Village Green, with cookie decorating and sleigh rides, and shops stay open late for Midnight Madness. Details at visitbarharbor.com.
- Rainy or cold. The game room, the gym and a movie on the large TV.
Planning the Big Meal
Plan to Cook
Many island restaurants close or keep short hours from late fall into spring, so most holiday groups cook at the house, or hire a local caterer.
The Kitchen
Two sinks, a wall oven with a microwave above, a dishwasher, and a walk-in pantry with a second refrigerator.
The Table
Seats for 19 indoors: dining tables for 10 and 6, plus three at the kitchen bar.
Shop on the Way In
Ellsworth, on the drive to the island, is the easiest place for a big grocery run before you arrive.
Questions
Are restaurants open over the holidays?
Many island restaurants close or keep short hours from late fall into spring, so most holiday groups cook at the house. Check each restaurant’s website for current hours.
What is there to do in December?
Bar Harbor’s Village Holidays and Midnight Madness in early December, walks or skiing on the carriage roads from the house, and scenic drives on Jordan Pond Road and Ocean Drive, which stay open after most of the Park Loop Road closes for the season.
Is the house available for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s?
Email us your dates and we’ll confirm availability and the price for your stay.
How many people can sit down to eat together?
19 indoors: the main dining table seats 10, a second table seats 6, and the kitchen bar seats 3. From late April through October, the outdoor dining table on the deck seats 8 more, for 27 in all.
Is the house good in winter?
Yes. It’s heated, the driveway is plowed, and the propane fire table stays out all year.
Plan Your Stay
See live availability and the full price, including fees and taxes, and book online.
Questions? Call or text Jen at 207-801-8661.
More Ways to Stay
SummerBeach days, harbor paddles, popovers at Jordan Pond House and fireworks over Frenchman Bay.
FallFall color on the carriage roads and long evenings at the fire table.
WinterPlowed driveway, a warm house, and carriage roads for skiing and snowshoeing when there’s snow.
SpringWaterfalls running with snowmelt, spring birds, and the Park Loop Road by bike before it opens to cars.- Multigenerational FamiliesRoom for three generations, with a main-floor suite and two bunk rooms.
Retreats for Teams and FriendsSix bedrooms, fast wifi, a gym and a game room for the evenings.