As 2018 and the holidays wind to a close there are events going on to get you out of the house and enjoying the quiet time of year. First off, have to share: iHeartRADIO listed Boothbay’s Festival of Lights number ONE on its Ten Most Festive Christmas Towns in America list! Check it out at: www.iheart.com.

Get outdoors with the family hiking - or walking - one or more of the Boothbay Land Trust Preserves during daylight hours.Visit www.brlt.org.

Then from 4-9 it’s time for Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. This is the final week for this light display that draws visitors from near and far. The Gardens will be open daily through Dec. 31. Visit  https://shop.mainegardens.org for tickets.

What are you doing New Year’s Eve? Mallett Brothers fans will be heading for Port City Music Hall for an evening of dancing. Locally the Boat House Bistro will have karaoke, starting at 9:30  p.m. and dinner. For more goings on check the ads in the A&E section for details.

Coming up at the Opera House in January

Open Mic nights return the first Friday of each month. The first is Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. in the historic bar upstairs. Doors for sign-ups open at 6:30 p.m., mic opens at 7 p.m. Singers, songwriters, poets, readings – come present or come listen to your neighbors’ talents this winter. Free, but donations to support the Opera House are encouraged at the door.

Susanne Gerry, Seth Warner & the Old Souls concert on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Portland, Maine based Susanne Gerry and Seth Warner and the Old Souls will present their acclaimed complete live performance of Carole King’s 1971 record “Tapestry” tonight. The evening will open with other music of the time by this crowd- pleasing, uber-talented group of Maine musicians. Seth last appeared on stage at the Opera House as the leader of the band backing up the great Francine Reed. Please help us welcome him back to the stage this winter. Advance discounted tickets $15, regularly priced tickets $20 online and at the door.

Come Friday, Jan. 25 the Maine Songwriters live recording is from 5-6 p.m.featuring Robbie Simpson and Mike Krapovicky.  Door - and bar - open at 4:30 p.m. Free admission but donations welcome.

The Boneheads & the Holy Mackerels take the stage on Saturday, Jan. 26 for the annual midwinter gathering at 7:30 p.m. Always a hot night of music featuring Bob Colwell, Mark Stover, Steve Jones, Paul D’Allesio, Scott Elliot and Dicke “Do” on drums. Expect surprise guests as well on this night when almost anything can happen! Advance tickets $10 at the box office. Regular, online and at the door: $15.