Santa Sunday Returns to Sunday River, ME, for Christmas Cheer and Fundraising Efforts This Sunday

Over 200 Santas to hit the slopes at Sunday River on December 5, 2021

With the holiday season fast approaching, another Sunday River favorite returns: Santa Sunday. This year, over 200 skiing and snowboarding Santas will take part in the Santa Sunday fundraiser on December 5, 2021, benefitting the River Fund Maine, a 501(c)3 organization with the mission of bringing the community together to uplift youth in the greater Bethel, Maine, region. Registration for Santa Sunday remains open through Saturday, December 4, and requires a $20 donation per person.

• Related: What’s New at Sunday River, ME for Winter 2021/22

On the day of the event, the suited-up Santas will arrive at Sunday River’s South Ridge Base Area to complete a required check-in between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM. During this time, their holiday costume is inspected – each skiing Saint Nick must be decked out in a red Santa hat with a white pompom, a red Santa jacket, red Santa pants, and a Santa beard.

After inspection, all Santas are given a free lift ticket to use the morning of the event, plus an additional free lift ticket to use in mid-December. A slopeside photo shoot takes place at 11:00 AM. Afterward, the Santas will board the South Ridge Express lift and ski down the Broadway trail for a parade of red, white, and beards. New this year, each Santa will carry a sleigh bell as they make their way down the ski trail.

“Considering the last nineteen months we’ve all had, I’m grateful that we can put this event on again and bring some holiday spirit to the slopes. And it’s all to benefit a cause that supports local youth meet their highest potential.”

– Greg Towle, Events Director at Sunday River