It didn't look much like Christmas in Boothbay Harbor on Dec. 5, with clear sunny skies, 50 degree temperatures and a ground bare of snow.

But by the time Santa arrived by boat at the public dock with Mrs. Claus and their entourage of elves and helpers, it was beginning to feel like it.

The mood on the wharf at the public landing was one of excitememt and anticipation as throngs of children, with parents in tow, awaited Santa's arrival.

As the Novelty pulled up to the dock at precisely 1 p.m. there were chants of “Santa, Santa, Santa!” being heard throughout the waterfront area.

After disembarking, Santa and his crew made their way up the street to Sherman's Books & Stationery where Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted a long line of kids with their Christmas wish lists in hand.

Santa gave each child some lap time while he listened to their Christmas wishes. Some had long lists that were read seriously; some didn't need lists, but went into great detail about the gifts they were hoping for. They wanted to make sure Santa got it right. A few weren't sure what they wanted, and one boy reached up and gave Santa a hug, and said he didn't want anything. Just a hug.

Enjoy photos from Santa's arrival and lap time at Sherman's in the 2015 Harbor Lights photo album at www.boothbayregister.com.