Santa Sunday at Sunday River
By Sebago Lake Lovin
How an $8 Santa suit became a holiday tradition.
Every December, something magical happens at Sunday River: hundreds of Santas descend on the mountain for a day of skiing, charity, and holiday chaos.
I finally made it this year — and it was everything I hoped for.
What Is Santa Sunday?
Santa Sunday is an annual event where anyone dressed as Santa gets to ski for a discounted rate, with proceeds benefiting local charities. It's been running for years, and it's become one of the most beloved traditions in Maine skiing.
A sea of red descends on Sunday River — Santa Sunday in full swing. — Photo: J. Coveney
The rules are simple: show up in a Santa suit, ski for the day, and embrace the holiday spirit. The more authentic your outfit, the better.
The $8 Santa Suit
I'll be honest — I procrastinated on getting a costume. The night before, I hit up a local thrift store and found an $8 Santa suit that was... acceptable.
Hat? Check. Jacket? Check. Pants that were slightly too short? Also check.
The $8 Santa suit held up — mostly. — Photo: J. Coveney
But here's the thing: it didn't matter. Once you're surrounded by 250 other Santas, all in various states of costume quality, you realize it's not about the outfit. It's about showing up.
The Experience
The day started with a massive group run. Imagine looking back from the chairlift and seeing a river of red flowing down the mountain. It's surreal.
The group run — hundreds of Santas carving down the mountain. — Photo: J. Coveney
Kids on the mountain were losing their minds. High fives everywhere. Photo requests from families. It was like being a celebrity, but in a red velvet suit that's slowly falling apart.
High fives all around — the kids couldn't get enough. — Photo: J. Coveney
The Chairlift Moments
Some of the best parts of the day happened on the chairlift. You'd end up riding with strangers — all dressed as Santa — and the conversations were priceless.
Chairlift conversations hit different when everyone's dressed as Santa. — Photo: J. Coveney
"How long have you been doing this?"
"This is year five for me. Never missed one."
"Where'd you get that beard?"
"Amazon. $12. Worth every penny."
The Crew
I went with a group of friends, and we made it a full day event. Skiing in the morning, lunch at the lodge (still in costume, obviously), and more runs in the afternoon.
The crew — ready for another run. — Photo: J. Coveney
By the end of the day, the suits were a little worse for wear, but the spirits were high.
Après-Ski, Santa Style
After the lifts closed, the party moved inside. Imagine a bar full of Santas, still in costume, recounting their best runs and worst wipeouts.
Après-ski with 250 of your closest Santa friends. — Photo: J. Coveney
It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Will I Be Back?
Absolutely. Santa Sunday is now a permanent fixture on my holiday calendar.
If you've ever thought about doing it, just do it. Get a cheap suit, grab some friends, and show up. You won't regret it.
See you on the slopes next December. 🎅⛷️