The Holidays are coming!
Don’t fight it. We mere humans are powerless against the kindness-engendering effects of Christmas. Besides, they once wrote a story about some old greedy dude who shirked holiday spirit for alone time and bottom line profits, and let me tell you, no one much liked him at all. So revel in the season, even if your way of reveling involves a bonfire, bar crawl, or cold-air sprint. We can all find something to get us into the spirit this December.
Nov 27-Dec 7: “This Wonderful Life”
Theater at Monmouth, Falmouth | $10-25 | theateratmonmouth.org
You’ve seen the movie – what, 100 times? It’s a seasonal staple. At Theater at Monmouth, actor Mike Anthony returns as George Bailey in a hilariously touching adaptation of the iconic holiday classic.
Nov 28-Jan 4: CHRISTMAS GALA AT VICTORIA MANSION
Victoria Mansion, Portland | $13-15 | victoriamansion.org
Your holiday decor is amazing. The tree decked with shiny bulbs, the faux snow on the windows, the stockings you thought about knitting yourself but realized you don’t know how to knit. You are truly a master of Christmas merry-making. But that Victoria Mansion, with its rooms of big trees and velvety red ribbon and garland and gold stars and ornaments made of oranges and cloves, it’s done pretty well for itself too. Christmas at Victoria Mansion kicks of on Friday, Nov. 28 and visitors can peruse the rooms decorated by local designers.
Press Herald file photo
Nov 29-Dec 7: The Nutcracker
Merrill Auditorium, Portland | $15-55 | mainestateballet.org
It’s tradition. And for good reason. The Nutcracker is a holiday staple in many households (I remember going to see this every year as a kid, and then returning again as an adult just to feel some of that Nutcracker magic). Performances continue through Dec 7.
Nov 28-Dec 24: A Christmas Carol
Portland Stage, Studio Theatre, Portland | $42 | portlandstage.org
This one has about everything you need in a Christmas play: Family, love, greed, generosity, ghosts(!) and Tiny Tim. Portland Stage promises great costumes and delightful music. Tickets are already selling out for some shows.
Portland Press Herald file photo by Gregory Rec.
Dec 2-14: Christmas Prelude
Kennebunkport | Many activities free | christmasprelude.com
You know those utopian-looking holiday cards depicting a New England Christmas with carriage rides, giant trees draped in white lights and cheery, rosey-cheeked townspeople sipping hot cocoa and peering into downtown shop windows? Prelude in Kennebunkport is kinda like that. Except the sleigh rides are really jaunts in an historic electric streetcar, one of the decorated trees is made out of lobster traps, and the hot cocoa might be a cocktail. There are craft fairs, chowder supper, string quartets, cookie contests, lobster baks, Christmas karaoke, and bonfires.
Dec 5-7: Art on the Hill SEA Holiday Art Sale
East End Community School, Portland | facebook.com
Over 80 local artists and an incredible weekend of holiday shopping! There’ll be something for everyone on your shopping list at this three-day event.
Dec 5-6: MECA Holiday Sale
Maine College of Art, Portland | 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 | www.meca.edu
Give the gift of original art. Find the perfect gift, crafts, and fine arts by MECA students, alumni, faculty and staff. Shop, connect with the arts, and buy local. Free admission.
Dec 5-14: “Greetings!”
L/A Community Little Theatre, Lewiston | $18 | www.laclt.com
Andy has a Catholic mother, a grumpy Catholic father and a developmentally impaired younger brother named Mickey. When he brings his Jewish atheist fiancé to meet the folks on Christmas Eve, his worst fears are realized. For those who still believe in the magic of Christmas, Greetings! is unpredictable in its heartwarming mix of spiritual themes.
Dec 6-7: Harbor Lights Festival
Boothbay Harbor | chamber.boothbayharbor.com
The annual festival includes a festival of trees, craft show, a lighted boat parade, Art in the Square, Lap Time with Santa, wagon rides, tree lighting, and a host of other holiday goings on.
Dec 4-31: Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath
Downtown Bath | visitbath.com
Hop in the trolley and ride through the streets of Bath to listen to the Friday night carolers Dec. 7, 14 and 21. The trolley ride is free – bring your own hot chocolate for the ride. There is a free gingerbread house building workshop on Dec. 7 and a huge antique show on Dec. 9. Starting Dec. 14, Bath storefronts will be decked in holiday splendor.
Heart of Biddeford graphic
Dec 5: Downtown Holiday Festival
Downtown Biddeford | Free | heartofbiddeford.org
Entertainment kicks off at 5 p.m. with Andrea Wollstadt’s Intermediate School Choir, selections from “Children’s Nutcracker Holiday Show.” At 5:45 p.m., Santa arrives in all his jolly glory to help light the tree with Mayor Casavant. Then get ready for a downtown treasure hunt, sleigh rides, s’mores, an ice carving show and more holiday than you can handle.
Dec 5: South Portland’s Holiday Fest
Mill Creek Park, South Portland | www.portlandregion.com
Now if this isn’t good old-fashioned fun, I don’t know what is. Eat pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, drink hot chocolate and sing along to Christmas carols. Once properly in the spirit, visit Santa at City Hall or go on a horse drawn carriage ride through the park. Then watch the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Now that’s some holiday.
Dec 5 & 6: Gardiner Days of Light
Downtown Gardiner | www.gardinermainstreet.org
While the Days of Light run all month in Gardiner with tree lightings, shopping specials and contests and a variety show, this weekend is extra bright. There’s a Holiday ArtWalk on Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. And on Saturday there are no less than five area craft fairs, horse drawn wagon rides and the Gardiner Parade of Lights, which takes place on Water Street at 4:30 p.m. Plenty of stuff for the kids all day, too.
Sparkle Weekend photo
Dec 5-7: Sparkle Weekend
Freeport | sparklecelebration.com
It’s a town-wide holiday celebration featuring a Talking Christmas Tree, a Parade of Lights, visits from Santa, dynamic light shows, and free horse-drawn carriage rides. Plus concerts, performances, parades, movies, and craft sales. And, oh yea, the shopping.
City Theater promotional poster
Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21: “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas”
City Theater, Biddeford | $20 | www.citytheater.org or 207-282-0849
It’s holiday time down in Armadillo Acres, north Florida’s permier mobile living community, and everyone is filled with warmth and beer. But when a feak bout of amnesia strikes Darlene, the trailer park Scrooge, neighborly love is put to the test. Ticket $20.
Press Herald file photo
Dec 6: Santacon
Various bars, Portland | Free to participate | www.facebook.com
Hundreds of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Rudolphs, Mistletoes, Christmas trees, Abominable Snowmen and Elves turn out for a festive bar crawl. This is the seventh year for Santacon in Portland and it just keeps getting bigger and more festive. And remember, you’re representing Santa out there, so be jolly, be generous and don’t drink too much.
Dec 6: A Very Merry Main Street
Main Street, Lisbon | www.positivechangelisbon.org
It’s an evening of horse-drawn carriage rides, musical performances, visits with Santa, prizes, and a sing-along. Many businesses will stay open late for shopping and you can kick things off early with caroling and treats. Festivities run 5 to 7 p.m.
Dec 7: Beat Santa 4 Miler
Starts and ends at The Captain’s Galley Restaurant, 168 Saco Road, Old Orchard Beach | Race only: $15 in advance, $25 day of. Race and buffet: $25 in advance, $35 day of | www.running4free.com
Which Santa is the mystery Santa? You won’t know until the race is over, but if you run faster than the mystery Santa, you’ll get $10 off your registration fee. There will be best costume awards, too, so bring it. At the post-race party at Captain’s Galley, give thanks to Santa and enjoy a buffet of scallop and bacon wraps, pasta, Italian meatballs, mac ‘n’ cheese, buffalo wings and more.
Dec 7: Freeport Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Starts at Mast Landing School, 20 Mollymauk St., Freeport | $30/$35 day of, $15 under 10, $15 day of | freeportjbr.kintera.org
You’re welcome to go all-out Santa for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Or elf it up. Or wait – run as a yeti! No matter what your inspiration, you’re encouraged to wear a holiday themed costume and run to raise fund for the Arthritis Foundation.
Dec 7: Celebrate the Season by the Sea
Old Orchard Beach | Free | www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com
Putting the “sea” in season, amiright?! This annual holiday event includes horse-drawn hay wagon and trolley rides, face painting, entertainment, hot chocolate and food. The Christmas tree will be lit in Memorial Park, but sadly, no parade this year. The event is 1 to 3 p.m.
Press Herald file photo
Dec 11: Merry Madness
Downtown Portland | $10 | www.portlandmaine.com
Those local shops you love stay open late for your winter shopping pleasure during the Portland Downtown District’s annual Merry Madness event. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. under the tent in Congress Square (adjacent to the Westin Harborview Hotel) with reception, food, wine, entertainment and raffles. Then shop away until 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the event or at the Portland Downtown District offices on Congress Street.
WPOR promo
Dec 11: WPOR’s Jingle Jam 2014
Androscoggin Bank Colisee, Lewiston | wpor.com
It’s a country Christmas during WPOR’s annual Jingle Jam featuring Big & Rich with Danielle Bradbery and Austin Webb. Tickets $21.75 to 47.75. Get tickets.
The Nonantum Resort photo
Dec 12 & 13: Fire & Ice Bar
The Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport | $25 | www.nonantumresort.com
Ice, bonfires, cocktails, music. Need we say more? OK, here’s more: Live music, handcrafted ice bars, martinis, local flavor from the area’s finest restaurants and vendors, dancing under the stars and an unparalleled bonfire. Last year there was even a baked potato bar and plenty of sticks and marshmallows for s’mores makin’. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets $25.
Winter Street Center graphic
Dec 12 & 13: Twisted Christmas
Winter Street Center, Bath | $12 at the door, cash or check | www.facebook.com
Leave the kids at home for this Christmas event. It’s naughty. Studio Theatre of Bath presents an offbeat evening of music and merriment, and, like we said, naughty. Show starts at 8 p.m. both nights.
Dec 12-14 & 17-20: Nutcracker Burlesque
St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland | $18 | www.vividmotion.org
The Nutcracker Burlesque takes the holiday tale and transforms it into something sultry and modern. Performed with a live band at the St. Lawrence Arts Center on Munjoy Hill in Portland, the show features a wide array of dance genres including ballet, disco, swing, and classic burlesque. The music is adapted from the Nutcracker Ballet to fit a keyboard, drum set, electric guitar, and bass. Tickets are $18 and always sell out fast. Get tickets: nutcrackerburlesque.brownpapertickets.com
Dec 12-14: “A Christmas Carol”
The Public Theater, Lewiston | $20, children 18 and under only $5 | www.thepublictheatre.org
Rediscover the magic of theater, when six actors and a fiddler bring Charles Dickens’ classic story to life in a way you’ve never imagined and will never forget. Performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14.
Boothbay Opera House, Dough Ball photo
Dec 13: The Dough Ball party
Boothbay Opera House, Boothbay | www.boothbayoperahouse.com
Sure, there will be dancing, music, and hors d’oeuvres. But it’s really about the gingerbread spectacular, don’t you think? The night is filled with food, holiday magic and music from Barney Balch and the Sheepscot Jazz. See what amazing edible creations have been concocted this year.
Dec 13: Santa Dash 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run and 1K Elf Shuffle
Starts and ends at Narragansett Point, Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk | $25 adults, $15 for 12 and under | seasidesantadash.com
The first 200 registrants get a free Santa suit to run in, which means you won’t have to panic over where to get the right costume. Instead, use that effort to pick up a small gift to be placed under the tree at Narragansett Point. Those toys will then be donated to Toys for Tots. Runners will get to walk, run or sprint along the beaches and roads of the Kennebunks. After party TBD.
Press Herald file photo
Dec 13: Boat Parade of Lights
Casco Bay, Portland | $10 for ferry ride | www.cascobaylines.com
The Annual Portland Harbor Boat Parade of Lights is the magical night of the year when watercraft gather together, draped in their holiday finest. The parade of well-lit boats is visible from the shoreline, and Maine State Pier is a fine place to gather and gawk. But you can also climb aboard a Casco Bay Lines ferry and watch it all from the water. (Tip: Smart folks board early to snap tables in the enclosed upper deck and uncork a few bottles of wine.) Boat leaves at 4:30 p.m., parade begins at 4:45 p.m. Free to watch from shore, $10 to watch from Casco Bay Lines ferry.
Dec 13, 14 & 17: The Victorian Nutcracker
Westbrook Performing Arts Center (Dec. 13 & 14) and Merrill Auditorium, Portland (Dec. 17) | Tickets $32-$38 at Westbrook Performing Arts Center and $20-$55 at Merrill Auditorium | www.portlandballet.org
Join Portland Ballet for a magical journey through Victorian Portland to the enchanted Kingdom of the Sweets! This classical Nutcracker story is set in beautiful Victorian Portland, with sets and costumes inspired by the Victoria Mansion.
PICNIC Portland promotional graphic
Dec 14: PICNIC Holiday Sale
Portland Company Complex, Portland | Free admission | www.picnicportland.com
Crafters and artists from the local indie DIY scene will be selling handmade products in a variety of materials. Shoppers fine art, as well as vintage goods. Admission is free. Shoppers and their little ones can get their photo taken with the Yeti, and enjoy delicious food. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission.
Brewer’s Dash promotional graphic
Dec 14: Portland Brewers’ 5K Holiday Dash
Eastern Prom, Portland | $30 | trails.org
Runners assemble on the Eastern Promenade Trail between Ocean Gateway and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. The course heads down the trail toward Back Cove and turns around at the intersection of the Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Bayside Trail & Loring Memorial Stairs. After party at Ri-Ra! $30 registration.
Dec 18, 19, 2 & 21: “A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol”
Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath | $10 | chocolatechurch.com
Imagine “A Christmas Carol” played by fairy tale characters. Scrooge is played by the Big Bad Wolf. There are the three little pigs, Mary had a little lamb, Cinderella, Humpty Dumpty and a host of familiar character. Except you’ve never seen them quite like this. Tickets $10
Dec 19: 3rd Annual Whisky Tasting
Parsons Education Center and Jefferds Tavern, Museums of Old York | $35/$30 members | www.oldyork.org
Learn about (and by that we mean sample) four types of single malt whisky with the help of whisky connoisseur Peter Blyberg. Bill Irish, professional chef and avid historical re-enactor, will also cook up some historic foods that should pair well with both the scotch and the fiddle tunes. Didn’t we mention the fiddle tunes?