Bar Harbor Business Named One of the Most “Christmassy” Stores in the Country

A small Bar Harbor shop that celebrates Christmas 365 days a year is getting national attention for doing exactly what it’s always done — leaning hard into holiday cheer.

The Christmas Vacation Shop, located at 150 Main St. in the busy Downeast town that doubles as the gateway to Acadia National Park, has been named one of the most “Christmassy” stores in the country, according to Maine Biz. Also, for the record, it is not associated with the Chevy Chase movie titled Christmas Vacation, nor should it be.

The recognition comes from a survey of more than 3,000 shoppers conducted by financial media company MarketBeat, which asked respondents to name the best holiday-themed stores in every state. The Bar Harbor shop was Maine’s lone standout.

For owner Ellie Oczkowski, the nod is a meaningful one. She started the business more than two decades ago in a smaller Main Street location, building it slowly into a year-round destination for hand-crafted ornaments and one-of-a-kind gifts. Many of the items are made in-house, while others come from a small group of collaborating artists, creating what she describes as a shared creative community.

The 1,000-square-foot store employs five staff members and works with several outside artists, many of whom contribute Maine-themed designs you won’t find anywhere else. From lobsters to coastal scenes, the ornaments reflect both the season and the state.
Running a small business, especially one tied to tourism and seasonal swings, isn’t easy. Oczkowski has navigated staffing challenges, supply issues, and the realities of operating in a town that changes dramatically with the seasons. Starting the business in 2004 as a single parent added another layer to the journey.

Still, she says the joy outweighs the obstacles. Selling ornaments is part of it, but the real reward comes from creating something unique and sharing that creativity with visitors and locals alike.

Looking ahead, Oczkowski is optimistic about what the coming year will bring — and she plans to keep the Christmas lights on, no matter what month it is.