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Updated: December 15, 2025

Christmas a year-round business for Bar Harbor store in national spotlight

Interior of Christmas Vacation Shop in Bar Harbor Photo / Courtesy of Ellie Oczkowski The Christmas Vacation Shop in Bar Harbor was recently recognized among the most "Christmassy" stores in the United States.
By Renee Cordes

A little shop in Bar Harbor that specializes in hand-crafted ornaments and all things Christmas  — no matter what the season  — has been recognized among the nation’s most “Christmassy” stores.

Located at 150 Main St. in the Downeast town that serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, the Christmas Vacation Shop was recognized for its holiday ambiance in a survey of 3,022 shoppers conducted by MarketBeat, a financial media company. 

Respondents were asked to name their favorites in every state for holiday vibes, and the Bar Harbor small-batch gift boutique emerged as Maine’s only contender.

For store owner Ellie Oczkowski, the spotlight comes more than 20 years after she started the business at a smaller location on the town's main drag. The store sells ornaments and unique gifts made at the store and off-site by a handful of artists.

"I am humbled by the accolade and so proud to be part of such a wonderful community of Christmas shops across the United States," Oczkowski said. “This accolade drives and inspires me to continue the creativity and offer more unique items and cater to our guests and customers."

'Community of creativity'

Ornaments
Photo / Courtesy of Ellie Oczkowski
Santa "Claws" for Christmas? These Maine-themed ornaments can be found at the Christmas Vacation Shop in Bar Harbor.

Oczkowski employs five staff members at the 1,000-square-foot store and said she collaborates with at least five outside artists in what she calls a "community of creativity.”

“Small business is very difficult,” marked by challenges from employment to seasonality, she said. “There are challenges to employment, supplies and seasonality.” In her case, starting a business in 2004 as a single parent "traversing entrepreneurship" added to the challenges, she noted.

Despite the difficulties, she said that running a Christmas shop year-round is fun.

"We not only sell the ornaments, but the creativity to design and make unique items is what drives and inspires us," she said. 

Bullish on business in 2026, she added that “it will be wonderful to see what the new year brings.”

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