Local Y Arts performers of all ages came together Dec. 19 and 20  to bring holiday cheer to the Lincoln Theater with two performances of their winter production of "A Very Merry Y Arts Christmas Spectacular."

The spirited local youth performed holiday favorites including "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," and "Silent Night." The show also included a reader's theater performance of "The Grinch" giving all of the youth a moment to shine.

"Wicked" - (PG; 2 hours, 40 minutes) -  Director Jon M. Chu’s (Crazy Rich Asians) epic musical fantasy film Wicked, is the untold story of the witches of Oz, staring Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

Lincoln County Television (LCTV) is your trusted homegrown community television station. As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to reflect on what makes LCTV so special. 

From amplifying local voices to showcasing events that matter most to you, we’re proud to serve as your window into the community. But we couldn’t do it without your support. That’s why we’re reaching out to you, our loyal viewers, during this season of giving. 

"Conclave" -  (PG; 2 hours) -  “Conclave” follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events -- selecting the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church. Playing Thursday, Dec. 26 at 2 and 7 p.m.;  Friday, Dec.

Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that he hopes “get under your skin and into your bloodstream.” On Saturday, Dec. 28, Maine native and national touring artist Ellis Paul arrives in Boothbay Harbor to help celebrate the 2024 season.

This year’s sweet and spicy Gingerbread Spectacular has come and gone and with it some very memorable creations to add to Spectacular history.

Eighteen of Pemaquid Art Gallery’s talented artists share their varied styles, mediums and views of the beauty in Maine landscape and wildlife at the Damariscotta River Grill. This comprehensive show opened Dec. 16 and will be on exhibit through April 28.

“Small Things Like These” - (PG-13; 1 hour, 37 minutes) – Set over Christmas takes place over Christmas in 1985, when devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) discovers startling secrets kept by the convent in his town, along with some shocking truths of his own. The film reveals truths about Ireland's Magdalene laundries -- horrific asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, ostensibly to reform "fallen young women." Adapted from the Booker Prize nominated novel by Claire Keegan. Final shows: Thursday, Dec.

Gingerbread Spectacular judges Sue Norton, Jen Correa, Lenore Imhof and Nicci Kimball awarded the following entries in this, the 18th annual event. Winners may claim prizes at the Opera House this weekend or in the week ahead.

MOST SPECTACULAR: "The Cuckold's Light" by Heather Malone and Joshua Paashaus

BEST TRADITIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE DESIGN: "Santa Has Arrived" by Terry and Ray Paetzold

MOST CREATIVE: "S'more Mushrooms, Please" - by Kat Treichel and Tashi Simpson

BEST HOLIDAY SPIRIT: "UTR CAOS" - by M.J. and Corinne Poitras

Gingerbread Spectacular judges Sue Norton, Jen Correa, Lenore Imhof and Nicci Kimball awarded the following entries in this, the 18th annual event. 

MOST SPECTACULAR: "The Cuckold's Light" by Heather Malone and Joshua Paashaus

BEST TRADITIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE DESIGN: "Santa Has Arrived" by Terry and Ray Paetzold

MOST CREATIVE: "S'more Mushrooms, Please" - by Kat Treichel and Tashi Simpson

BEST HOLIDAY SPIRIT: "UTR CAOS" - by M.J. and Corinne Poitras

BEST DESIGN INSPIRED BY A BOOK or FILM: "Charlie Bucket's House" by Susan Brackett and Bob Eisele

“Oh, your lines are good.” 

River Arts in Damariscotta is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for artists to kick off the new year and participate in an upcoming "Members’ Show." All current and new members are invited to submit one piece for this non-juried exhibition.

Deadline for entries is Saturday, Jan. 11 at 4 p.m. The show will run Jan. 14 through Feb. 22. There will be a gala opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Skidompha Strummers, ukulele ensemble of Skidompha Public Library, will play and sing a collection of familiar holiday songs in the library’s atrium on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m.

Everyone is invited to attend, and admission is free. 

Together, John Doyle and Mick McAuley have created a stunning collection of familiar carols, new original music and traditional tunes for this Christmas season. "This Christmas Time" is a musical recollection of the holidays, colored through and through with the traditional music of Ireland, familiar carols, and the creative genius of these two stellar artists. The album was released Dec. 5 and is already receiving high praise. It will be available for sale at their Celtic-rooted holiday concert at the Boothbay Harbor Opera House on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.  

Lincoln Theater is proud to present Exhibition On Screen: Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers, a captivating documentary that explores the genius and passion of Vincent Van Gogh, playing Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Directed by David Bickerstaff and produced by Phil Grabsky, the film offers a rare opportunity to dive into the pivotal period of Van Gogh’s life and art during his time in the south of France.

If you’ve already visited Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens this season, you’ve seen Jay JBONE Sawyer’s metal spheres, “Spiritual Influence” out and around the Visitor’s Center. This is the first time the series of 17 has been displayed anywhere but the artist’s studio in Warren. 

Novel Jazz is returning to the Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 7 to 9:30 p.m., its first winter solstice celebration! They will be playing an evening of jazz out of the Great American Songbook, but all tunes will be befitting the longest night of the year.