Fall ... into the holidays!

"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…

Salt Bay Farm is a favorite local destination for sledding. The big hill behind the parking lot offers a long, fast descent to those with a taste for speed, while the gentler hill behind the farmhouse is just right for a milder ride.

On Saturdays in January and February, when snow cover and weather allow, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is hosting pop-up sledding parties at Salt Bay Farm from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Volunteers will have a campfire going and will serve hot cocoa, courtesy…

St. Philip's Choir and Bell Choir are presenting a Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall at 12 Hodge St. 

The carols and scripture readings are much the same as the first King's College Service of Nine Lessons and Carols performed on Christmas Eve 1918 after World War I. Although the choir will not…

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.

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"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…

"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…

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.

Much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob…

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.

The “Art at the Grill” opening evening is Thursday, Dec. 19. Celerate the holidays, meet the artists and buy a unique piece of art for a special peprson on your list. Join us for a special Prix Fixe three course menu that will be…

Sheepscot Community Church's Christmas Eve service is Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. In the true spirit of Christmas, please join us for our Christmas Eve service, led by Co-Pastors Rev. Char Corbett and Rev. Pamela Barz. There will be the story of the birth of the baby Jesus, special music, Christmas carols, and the always emotional lighting of individual candles, singing "Silent Night," and then leaving the church for home in silence. 

The “Church on the Common” invites neighbors from near and far to celebrate Christmas Eve with a candlelight service at First Congo. The 7 p.m. service will include special music by the choir.

Rev. David Myers’ sermon, "When Obstetrics Become Revelation,” will be followed by the lighting of the candles. The service will close with “Silent Night," a solo by Laura…

“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…

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" - (PG; 1 hour, 39 minutes) - The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully… and now they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) and based on Barbara Robinson’s beloved 1972 children’s book, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead…

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…

Our thanks to photographer Bob Bond of 40 Federal Studio in Wiscasset for these images from the weekend that was: Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest — music, the town tree-lighting, shopping and more in colorful holiday style. The annual event, a Wiscasset Creative Alliance program, ran Dec. 6-8. 

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…

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.

Poets and lovers filled his…

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. 

“I’m thrilled to have 'Spiritual Influence' displayed outside of Studio JBONE,” he said recently. "Some of my paintings are also on display in the Cafe there. It is very rewarding for me to…

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. 

This evening marks the last show of the band’s 20th year in which Novel Jazz has been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond). Collectively, they share over two…

During Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest over the weekend, a paper star workshop was held at Saint Philip's Episcopal Church in Wiscasset. Joelle Webber, owner of Mermaid Bindery in Westport Island, taught the class.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 12 Hodge St. in Wiscasset, Help Yourself Shelf (HYS) at St. Philip's Church will be holding its pre-Christmas pantry distribution. The early distribution will allow participants and volunteers alike more time to prepare for and enjoy their holidays.

Unlike for its Thanksgiving event, HYS will follow its usual procedure with anyone accessing the Pantry to first register in the Church parking lot, then to line up and wait for their turn…

"We Live In Time" -  (R; 1 hour, 48 minutes) - Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield) are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives. Through snapshots of their life together — falling for each other, building a home, becoming a family — a difficult truth is revealed that rocks its foundation. As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, they learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route…

"Conclave" - (PG; 2 hours) -  After the sudden death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is thrust into overseeing one of the Vatican's most secretive traditions: the election of a new Pope. Locked inside the sacred halls with the Church’s most powerful figures, Lawrence begins to uncover hidden truths left behind by the late Pope—truths that could unravel the very fabric of the Catholic Church. Conclave takes viewers behind closed…

On Saturday, Dec. 7, Wiscasset choral and band students will provide the music for the Annual Wiscasset Town Christmas Tree Lighting. This event takes place at First Congregational Church of Wiscasset at 4 p.m. Students will sing to welcome in the holiday season as well as Santa Claus who is sure to appear!

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Wiscasset Elementary School Chorus will perform for the Senior Center luncheon at Wiscasset Community Center at 11 a.m. On Thursday, Dec. 12, there will…

Hello Islanders: "The world is so wonderful that it deserves us to struggle." I can't quote an author, because that phrase is written on a box of pens we got from Amazon. It moved me though, and it sits in my office as a reminder. It is wonderful, isn't it?  

Dog Licensing: All dogs that live on Westport Island or visit for 10 days or longer must be licensed every year. Licensing for 2025 is now underway and the …

There may not have been any snow on the ground, but that doesn't mean there wasn’t holiday spirit in the air at Boothbay Railway Village Museum. The North Pole Express made its first appearance of the year this past weekend. Visitors enjoyed a scenic ride around the village in open-air or heated carts as they made a stop to visit Santa Claus. Children got to hand off their Christmas lists to the jolly old elf, before returning to the Village to enjoy hot chocolate and a scavenger hunt, among…

“The Boston Camerata—A Medieval Christmas: Hodie Christus Natus Est” - A power beyond words, elevating your heart with the music.” – Milwaukee Mag. Transcendent music for the season, featuring a superb all-female ensemble of voices and instruments. “A Medieval Christmas: Hodie Christus Natus Est” features songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads, sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon, interlaced…

Holiday gift shopping is a pleasurable experience during Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest weekend in the Village, from Dec. 6 through Dec. 8. A fine collection of unique shops offers a vast array of gift possibilities and the pop-up Holiday Gift Shop, in the historic Nickels-Sortwell House barn, is chock full of one-of-a-kind artisan-made items for sale.

In the shops, browsers will find home décor, useful items like handmade brooms, local and imported linens, finely crafted jewelry…

St. Cecilia Chamber Choir will present its popular annual "Lessons and Carols" Christmas concerts on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at Damariscotta Baptist Church, 4 Bristol Road, and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at Bowdoin College Chapel, 14 Campus Road S. in Brunswick. Linda Blanchard is St. Cecilia’s artistic director, assisted by organist Sean Fleming.

Advance tickets are strongly encouraged for these concerts. "You were as good as ever!" "The…

"Here" - (PG13; 1 hour, 44 minutes) - From the team behind Forrest Gump—director Robert Zemeckis, writer Eric Roth, and actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright—comes "Here," an original film that weaves together the lives of multiple families connected by one extraordinary place. Based on Richard McGuire’s acclaimed graphic novel, "Here" explores love, loss, laughter, and life across generations, capturing the universal essence of the human experience…

The Waldo Theatre, located at 916 Main St., Waldoboro, glides into the holiday season with a visual feast of artwork by painter and mixed media artist Pam Smilow in her latest show, “Seasons of Maine.”

The exhibition showcases a collection of large-scale painting and mixed media pieces on canvas and paper.  Smilow will cover the gallery walls with a celebration of Maine through selected works from her Floating House series and Talking Trees…

“Snow drops and cookies and cakes of white chocolate, bright shiny trees and mulled spices in goblets, Holiday trees and wreaths of pine branches, Fairy houses and bird feeders the size of small ranches ...These are a few of their holidaze things …” (sing to the tune of “My Favorite Things”)

'Tis the season to be merry, and the elves of Boothbay Region Garden Club have been getting ready for months. This creative…

The Nor’easters Barbershop Chorus is gearing up again to bring Christmas Spirit in the form of music to residents of assisted living, nursing homes, and even some hospitals.

They will sing traditional Christmas songs from Thanksgiving to Christmas to as many as four or five locations each week, from locations on Brunswick Landing to Damariscotta and Boothbay.

Usually they do concerts in tuxedos, but for this series, they will be dressed in red and green, with white accents -…

On Dec. 8, the second Sunday in Advent, the subject of Rev. David Myers’ sermon will be “The Genealogy of Jesus from Adam to Jesus” based on the first 18 chapters of the book of Matthew. The second candle on the Advent wreath, representing Joy, will be lit.  …

Saturday, Dec. 28 Mine Oyster is the place to be from 8 to 11 p.m. for the Holiday Jam featuring Hello Newman, a 90s-2000s band. 

There will be finger foods, a cash bar and raffle prizes!

In an effort to promote live music in the Boothbay Region, we are excited to announce our “Holiday Jam” Raffle Prize - 2 season passes to the 2025 Southport Island Musicfest! All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Southport Island Association, a local nonprofit that…

The Lincoln Theater, in partnership with the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce’s Villages of Light, is excited to welcome Santa Claus back to the Lincoln Theater on Saturday, Nov. 30.

 Bring the whole family at 11 a.m. to meet Santa, enjoy some free cocoa and cookies, and capture the magic of the season. Then, stay for a free screening of "The Christmas Chronicles 2," a Netflix original film, starting at noon.

In this heartwarming holiday…

Richmond Fire Department took home both the Judge’s Dalmatian Cup and the People’s Choice Award at the Lighted Fire Truck + First Responder’s Parade on Saturday, Nov. 23. Richmond decided to donate its $300 winning prize back to Boothbay Region Fire Auxiliary. …

"White Bird" - (PG13) - From the best-selling author of Wonder, the book that sparked a movement to “choose kind” comes the inspirational next chapter. In "White Bird: A Wonder Story," we follow Julian (Bryce Gheisar), who has struggled to belong ever since he was expelled from his former school for his treatment of Auggie Pullman. To transform his life, Julian’s grandmother (Helen Mirren) finally reveals to Julian her own story of courage —…

Woolwich has announced its annual Tree Lighting and Carols event is Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. at Nequasset Meeting House. Special guests are Santa and Mrs. Claus, bearing gifts and stories! Sing along with The Montsweagers and enjoy cocoa, treats and warm fellowship. Please bring non-perishable food items to be donated to Bath Area Food Bank.

Inclement weather will cancel this event.

Probably every fan of Downton Abbey felt bereaved at the passing of Dame Maggie Smith at the end of September. We would like to pay tribute to this British paragon of stage and screen with a special film series throughout December: "Tea With Dame Maggie."  Each Monday at 1 p.m., we will show a favorite Maggie Smith film served with “Tea” – finger sandwiches, cookies, scones, cake, tea, and wine. The films in the series represent some of her most iconic roles,…

The North Pole Express kicks off this weekend, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, at Boothbay Railway Village Museum. The event will take place on Saturdays and Sundays for three consecutive weekends. The train will visit the ’North Pole’ 8 times daily, with the first train departing Freeport Station at 10:45 a.m., and the last train at 4 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online at…

The Boston Camerata is returning to the intimate Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. with an augmented cast.

This year’s production marks the 70th anniversary of the The Camerata. It’s hard to believe that 70 years ago, at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, an intrepid woman named Narcissa Williamson launched The Camerata, a company now treasured far beyond America’s shores. Music-lovers around the world have built its music into their lives, and three…

Sheepscot Chorus sings "The First Nowell" by Vaughan Williams, and other holiday favorites,  Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church, 125 Townsend Ave. at 3 p.m.

Professional tenor soloist David Myers-Wakeman and a chamber orchestra will join the chorus for this popular event. "We are pleased to perform this heartwarming concert for the community," said Director Linda Blanchard. 

"The First Nowell" is a…

Christmas at Nickels-Sortwell House is going vintage this year, featuring surprises large and small. Come take a self-guided first floor tour of this stunning historic house decked out for the holidays, Friday – Sunday, Dec. 6-8 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Last tour entrance is at 3. See the Solarium transformed into a fantasy holiday party to delight all ages. After your tour, have a warm drink and snack in the old kitchen before checking out the Holiday…

Home bakers and everyone who loves fresh-from-the-oven cookies! Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest invites you to the 2nd annual Christmas Cookie Challenge on Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at 1:30 p.m., in AEkeir Brew Pub, first floor, 111 Main St., Wiscasset Village.

About a dozen home bakers will be bringing in a platter of their very favorite holiday cookies to put on display. The movable tables in AEkeir Brew Pub will be arranged for showing off the cookie submissions, and the tap room…

What's the most important tip for creating a successful gingerbread house? Plan ahead! At least, according to Opera House of Boothbay Harbor Lighting and Technical Director Kevin Kiley, who once again donned his hat of master…

Thanksgiving weekend ushers in a whirlwind of holiday activities in the Boothbay region, including free holiday films for the whole family! Sponsored by the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport, these movies are free, open to the public, and include free popcorn!

On Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m., join us for “How to Train Your Dragon,” a 2010 animated fantasy that follows the unlikely friendship between a young Viking named Hiccup and a dragon he…

Holiday Marketfest is scheduled for Dec. 6, 7 and 8. The charming historic Village of Wiscasset will be decorated for the season by some remarkably busy elves. The unique shops and galleries will be welcoming new and returning shoppers during three days of holiday fun. Be sure to stop by and see some unique items that will be available. Wiscasset is always a special place to visit, especially during the holiday season.

This is a magical time, especially for children. Once again, the…

Wear your best PJs to bed this Friday night, and remember to set your alarm on the bright and early setting (a.k.a. 5 a.m.) because the 36th Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party is this Saturday, Nov. 23. And you know what that means ...  you have an excuse to stay in your jammies most of the day and go shopping! Early Bird really is a beautiful thing.

Some shop owners will be open at 6 a.m. and others an hour or two later. Check out the listings in this section of the paper to find out…

Santa Claus will be coming to town during Boothbay Harbor’s Holiday Lights Weekend, but in the evenings after Santa has returned to the North Pole to rest, two equally merry guys and their bands will be playing at the historic Opera House in celebration of the season.

Pat Colwell and his band bring a Motown Christmas to town on Friday, Dec. 6 and award-winning singer-songwriter Don Campbell and his band will take to the stage on Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets on…

Lincoln County Community Theater (LCCT) takes the Lincoln Theater stage once again as they proudly present “Saint Dad,” a heartwarming comedy by acclaimed Maine playwright, award-winning novelist, and memoirist Monica Wood. Join us for this heartwarming and humorous tale about the Casey family and the fictional Maine town of Greeney Lake, as they grapple with faith, family, and forgiveness.

“Saint Dad” plays for one weekend only, opening Thursday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 24. “…

Have you been to see the 2024 Art in the Square at Boothbay Region Art Foundation? My advice: Get there for yourself and any art lovers on your holiday, birthday, or "just because" lists. Fifty-five artists have created mini-masterpieces on the 12" x 12" canvases that are $125 each. Mixed media, oil, acrylic, photography, collage; scenics, abstracts, still life and more … a medium and subject to tickle the imaginations of all.

Check out some of the artists: Roger Milinowski, Linda…

Families are invited to celebrate the holiday season with Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest’s Merry & Bright Light Parade, which brings Santa to his workshop on Friday, Dec. 6, starting at 5 p.m.

Enjoy the parade of vehicles covered with lights and other festive decorations. According to Lucy Oyster, parade organizer, this year’s parade will have at least twice as many vehicles taking part as last year’s first Merry & Bright Parade, including cars,…

LCCT presents “Saint Dad” - (Approx. running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes; 1 intermission) - Family can push us to our very limits as we grow together, succeed together, and fall flat on our faces together. Such is the case for the Casey family of “Saint Dad,” Monica Wood’s hilarious new play about finding community, reclaiming your beliefs, and a giant moosehead. Following the sudden reawakening of their comatose father, siblings Denise, Bud, and Suzanne must convince Leona,…

The Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) is seeking submissions from artists for a themed, non-juried, art exhibit: “Wintering.” This exhibition will showcase the beauty, wonder, and challenges of the winter season through the eyes of local and regional artists.

We invite artists to submit their unique interpretations of winter, whether representative or abstract, in any medium, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media,…

“Lee” - (R; 1 hour, 57 minutes) - The directorial feature from award-winning cinematographer Ellen Kuras, portrays a pivotal decade in the life of American war correspondent and photographer, Lee Miller (Kate Winslet). Miller’s singular talent and unbridled tenacity resulted in some of the 20th century’s most indelible images of war, including an iconic photo of Miller herself, posing defiantly in Hitler’s private bathtub. Miller had a profound understanding and empathy for…