Fall ... into the holidays!
Gorgeous. Eventful. Magical.
That’s the Boothbay Region and Wiscasset area in October, November and December.
Steve Demeranville photo
Find out what’s happening by clicking on each month!
FOS bake sale at Ames Supply Dec. 16
Feeling the need for something sweet or a plate of goodies to take to a holiday party, but don’t want to make it yourself? Feed Our Scholars (FOS), the group that supports Wiscasset Elementary School (WES) students in need of weekend bags of food and with required school supplies, is holding a bake sale fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Ames Supply on Route One in Wiscasset, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come… Read more
Capturing holiday lights in photos
A lot of people put their cameras away when the sun sets because shooting after dark can be challenging and the results can be disappointing. With the holiday lights upon us, you can make some memorable images if you just take a few minutes to become familiar with some important settings on your camera or in your cell phone camera, It is much easier to look for and practice these settings in the daylight hours so you can be better prepared when making images when it is darker. Many cell… Read more
Holiday Art Show opening Dec. 4
Free fall classical concert
Seacoast Community Orchestra will present a free fall concert of classical music this Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at Great Salt Bay Community School. This family-friendly concert will feature performances by the three groups of the Seacoast Orchestra.
The Avanzata will include a full symphonic orchestra and play movements from Creatures of Prometheus by Beethoven and Symphonic Dances by Grieg. The Mezza group will perform pieces by Mozart and Prima will… Read more
Woolwich tree-lighting Dec. 3
Woolwich will hold is tree-lighting and sing carols at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at Nequasset Meeting House. The town announced the event will have “hot cocoa, treats and Santa Claus!”; a community sing-along; and music by The Montsweagers.
The announcement adds: “Please bring canned goods to donate to the food bank.
“Note that inclement weather will cancel this event.”
Merry Barn welcomes Tim Winchester Dec. 9
Singer-songwriter Tim Winchester will perform at the Merry Barn (417 River Road, Edgecomb) on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Winchester’s music has been described as "atmospheric" and "an ethereal landscape of storytelling."
“Into the Open” and “Northern Lights” are Winchester’s first two albums, with “Wander” scheduled for release in Spring 2024. Sam Pfeifle of The Portland Phoenix wrote: “… Read more
Elizabeth Potter featured poet at December’s Sounding Board
Prolific Round Pond poet, Elizabeth Potter, will be the featured author at The Sounding Board, on Friday, Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Potter’s collection of poetry, “T’ai Chi of Leaves,” was released by Moon Pie Press; and her poems have been widely published in local and national literary journals, most recently in On the Issues magazine and Yankee magazine. Four of Potter’s poems were shortlisted for the 2023 Maine… Read more
Tapestry Singers to present seasonal concert
Tapestry Singers is pleased to present their annual December concert entitled, “’Tis the Season,” featuring fiddler, Owen Kennedy and bass-baritone, John Adams. There are two performances: Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.
The program includes the festive music of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the Winter Solstice, performed in the unparalleled acoustics of the Damariscotta Baptist Church. The concert will open with the rousing songs, “Malpas Wassail” and… Read more
This week at Harbor Theater
“Good Will Hunting” - (1997; R - 2 hours, 7 minutes) - Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from… Read more
North Pole Express begins this weekend!
Lincoln County Community Theater presents ‘Slow Food’
“Slow Food” - A vacationing couple celebrates their anniversary at a Greek restaurant in Palm Springs - but will the marriage survive the service? As a needy waiter insinuates his way into their meal - and their lives - the couple examines their past and their future together. Playwright Wendy MacLeod brings us a tender comedy that delves deeply into what we hunger for. "...in “Slow Food,” playwright Wendy MacLeod comes up with every imaginable (and unimaginable) way to… Read more
First Congo’s Advent plans
Hanging of the Greens, a tradition rooted in ancient civilizations to celebrate the winter solstice, will take place in Wiscasset at First Congregational Church on the first Sunday in Advent, Dec. 3. Greens in the shape of a star, heart, cross and circle will be presented during the 10 a.m. service, accompanied by the reading of Bible passages that highlight the meaning of the special greenery. … Read more
Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest starts Dec. 1
Two pop-up shops in Wiscasset Village add new gift shopping opportunities during Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest weekend, Dec. 1, 2 and 3. Filled with artisan wares, the old barn on Federal Street behind Nickels-Sortwell House provides a rustic background for a magical holiday marketplace. In the center of town, the recently vacant storefront at 78 Main St. becomes Santa’s workshop and a festive venue for regional crafters, a Christmas Cookie Challenge, and paper crafts.
The Holiday… Read more
‘Celebration’ show for the holidays
River Arts Gallery in Damariscotta has decked the walls and filled the gallery with a bounty of art and fine craft for a “Celebration” show for the holidays. The public is invited to the opening reception of “Celebration” on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Join us for this festive event to meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and find Maine made art for those on your holiday gift list. This fabulous show applauding the abundance of art in the Maine community runs through Dec. 30.… Read more
Carol Abitabilo Ast featured artist through Dec. 29
Carol Abitabilo Ast is presenting a variety of pastel paintings depicting some of her favorite subjects: waves, Maine Coastal scenes and her special oyster “portraits.”
Carol resides in Damariscotta. She received her B.S. and MFA in art education and sculpture from the Pratt Institute. She also holds a PhD in education from Cornell University.
Carol cites the work of Edgar Degas and other impressionists as inspiration for her interest in pastels. Pastels are a spontaneous and… Read more
Christmas at Nickels-Sortwell House in Wiscasset
Spark your holiday spirit with a visit to Historic New England’s 1807 Nickels-Sortwell House from Dec. 1 to Dec. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take a … Read more
Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest to welcome Santa Dec. 1
Help welcome Santa to his Wiscasset Village Workshop on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. Santa will be arriving via a Merry & Bright Light Parade – cars, trucks and ATVs lit and decorated for the season. When Santa arrives in the Village after parading around town, the evening’s festivities begin! Children waving light wands will guide him down the sidewalk to his local workshop in 78 Main St. On the way, will Santa stop to pet the sheep, take them for a walk, or feed them a snack? If… Read more
This week at the Lincoln Theater
For the first time since 2019, Santa Claus is not only coming to town, he’s coming to The Lincoln Theater! Join us for a magical morning filled with excitement and joy for the man in the red suit, and stay for a free family film screening of a new holiday favorite, “The Christmas Chronicles.” Ho! Ho! Ho!
Meet Santa & “The Christmas Chronicles” - (PG; 1 hour, 44 minutes) - Free! - Seat reservations requested! Lincoln Theater and The Damariscotta Region Chamber… Read more
Magic and wonder displayed at 2023 Gardens Aglow
“This year's Gardens Aglow will continue our tradition of providing moments of magic and wonder for the whole family. We often get asked, ‘What's new this year?’ And while there are many new displays for 2023: a handmade lighthouse sculpture as part of a seascape and the inclusion of a second troll from our popular Thomas Dambo-created Guardians of the Seeds, the truth is that every year, everything is new! The secret… Read more
Gingerbread construction draws 50-plus builders
Master Gingerbread Architect Baker/Designer Kevin Kiley told the 2023 gingerbread 101 construction class at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, “If there’s a rule that makes it less fun ... forget the rule!” The 2023 class drew the largest group of people ever: More than 50 signed up, including 10 or so members of the younger set.
There were also experienced, award-winning gingerbread builders among them, including Susan Brackett, Sheila Wikens and Peg Helming, Vice President of the… Read more
BH Opera House: Còig and Lúnasa for the holidays
The Boothbay region will not only be bright with thousands of holiday lights this season, it will also come alive with the pounding sound of Celtic music and dance including performances by Cape Breton’s acclaimed Còig, and international award-winning Irish band Lunasa. The stage of the historic Opera House in Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave., hosts both concerts this December.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, Còig brings their Celtic Christmas Celebration show to help launch the holiday season… Read more
This week at Harbor Theater
“What Happens Later” - (R; 1 hour, 45 minutes) - Ex-lovers Bill (David Duchovny) and Willa (Meg Ryan) get snowed in at a regional airport overnight. Indefinitely delayed, Willa, a magical thinker, and Bill, a catastrophic one, find themselves just as attracted to and annoyed by one another as they did decades earlier. But as they unpack the riddle of their mutual past and compare their lives to the dreams they once shared, they begin to wonder if their reunion is mere… Read more
Family Holiday Film Festival
Ringing in the holidays just became more fun for families this year! Harbor Theater is offering a week of varied holiday movies from musicals to animation to romantic comedy – all at the special Family Ticket price of $20 for 5 family members, $8 for individuals.
Opening the festival is Sony’s new first-run musical, “Journey to Bethlehem” (PG, 1 hour, 38 minutes) on Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn… Read more
Get into the holiday spirit at BRGC Holiday Festival
The sounds of Celtic Christmas music, including fiddles, flutes, mandolins, Uilleann pipes, and harps, will fill the air at Boothbay Region Garden Club’s Holiday Festival.
The annual festival will be held for a second year at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor, Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., shoppers will find handmade holiday gifts, décor, food, sweets and Christmas trees.
As you enter St. Columba’s,… Read more
Bach’s ‘Magnificat’ to be performed in Boothbay Harbor
Sheepscot Chorus invites you to "Bach and Christmas Pops!" on 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. 125 Townsend Ave. Professional soloists and a chamber orchestra will join the chorus for these popular holiday concerts. "We are pleased to perform such a masterpiece for the community," says director Linda Blanchard about the "Magnificat."
Holiday Pops favorites accompanied by a chamber orchestra will round out the second half… Read more
Get your reggae on Saturday night with Dani Tribesmen
18th annual Art in the Square opens Saturday
Come one, come all to the opening of Boothbay Region Art Foundation’s 18th annual Art in the Square show and sale opening Saturday, Nov. 18 (Early Bird day). The gallery door opens at 9 a.m. Prepare to be amazed at the affordable art in this year’s show.
All works are on a 12” x 12” canvas in all media - oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, assemblage, fiber, glass and lead among them. All squares are $125 with $75 going to the artist. The remaining $25 is divided between BRAF’s… Read more
LCCT presents “Slow Food” live on stage
BBH Opera House welcomes Peppino D’Agostino
Peppino D’Agostino’s music continues to resonant in Boothbay Harbor’s Opera House, even though it’s been several years since his last performance on the historic stage. On Friday, Dec. 1, this acclaimed Italian fingerstyle guitarist returns to Maine to perform at the Opera House.
The Chicago Tribune says “D’Agostino plays steel-string guitar with virtuosity and complexity …Influences are as far-flung as the flamenco work of Paco de Lucia and the pop sensibility of the Beatles,… Read more
Special end of November ‘Giving Thanks’ movie series
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Harbor Theater would like to show our appreciation to our supportive local community by offering a series of favorite movies with special discount ticket prices. All tickets for the three films in the series are $8. These are films you may have seen before, but merit viewing on the big screen among friends and with compassion in our hearts!
Opening the series Thanksgiving weekend on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. is “The Big Chill”… Read more
Sunday, Sept. 30
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay
A family favorite, fall tradition featuring classic New England festivities such as hayrides, pumpkin decorating, games on the village green and, of course, train rides. The community-inspired event will offer reduced museum admission for the entire day.
Saturday, Oct. 7 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 8 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay
Pumpkin Pickin' Trains to SeaLyon Farm
Sept. 30; Oct. 7, 14 & 21
Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway (WW&F)
97 Cross Road, Alna
Pumpkin Pickin' Trains to SeaLyon Farm: Take the train to the Farm, go into the patch to pick your very own pumpkin(s) to take home. Lots of other fun fall activities. Pumpkins are priced by size. Board the hay ride with your perfect pumpkin in hand for your return trip to Sheepscot. Tickets at https://wwfry.org
Tuesday, Oct. 31
From 4 to 5 p.m. take a walk through the haunted Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (at 4 Oak St.) and sip warm cider (courtesy of Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce). Play giant-sized lawn games before lineup time for the parade through town starting at 4. FMI: 207-633-3112.
Scaerecrow Fest - Wiscasset
Early October - Oct. 30
The Wiscasset Rec Scavenger Hunt to find the hidden scarecrow; Scarecrow competition - with a People’s Choice award, vintage car show, scarecrow building 101, crafts, family movie
Saturday, Oct. 28
Boothbay Railway Village, 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wear your costumes and bring your own trick or treat bag!
Steam and barrel train rides, games. arts & crafts, eats & treats and ... the Monster Dig!!!
More information, including ticket prices at https://railwayvillage.org
Nightmare on Federal Street
Tuesday, Oct. 31
4-6:30 p.m.
Parade of Halloween characters * Costume contest - with prizes * Block party with trick or treating * DJ spinning Halloween tunes!
Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party - Boothbay Harbor
Saturday, Nov. 18
Specials begin at 6 a.m.! Set the timers on your coffee makers to start brewing at 5. Throw on your bathrobe, pour your cupper, grab your keys (and wallet) and fly to the car ... are you an early bird, or what?! Check the special Early Bird pages in the Nov. 16 edition of the Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper to map out your stops!
Nov. 18 - Dec. 31
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Thursday - Sunday: Gate opens at 3:30 and closes promptly at 9 p.m.
Closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Buy tickets online at www.mainegardens.org/events-exhibits/gardens-aglow or call 207-633-8000. Print your tickets or tickets can be scanned from your mobile phone – have the ticket PDF open on with the barcodes visible, and turn your screen brightness all the way up.
Saturday, Nov. 25
4 p.m.
The 4th annual! Local and regional fire departments outfit one truck for the holidays to win the Dalmatian Cup (awarded by local “celebrities”). Spectators decide the winner of the People’s Choice award through the Facebook live streaming or text your vote by phone: 207-350-5922. Parade begins at 4 p.m. from the Boothbay Fire Station to St. Andrews Village, up Townsend Avenue to Oak Street, turning left at the Library and down Townsend Avenue. Location for the awards ceremony TBD.
Friday, Dec. 1
Saturday, Dec. 2
St. Columba’s Episcopal Church
32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days! Selection of theme-decorated Christmas trees; returning holiday decor shops, treats, meals to go and more: Deck the Halls, Nature’s Gifts, Comfort & Joy, Sweet Shop, Dinners Ready!
Brief history of Harbor Lights Festival, now Boothbay Lights
The region’s holiday celebration began as The Scottish Christmas Walk with bagpipers playing highland marches and slow airs filled the streets of the downtown. It was a three-day event, Dec. 6-8, 1985, sponsored by Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.
There was a parade, Christmas craft fair at the YMCA, an open house at Boothbay Region Historical Society displaying fine china, furniture, and other wares previously owned by many of the original Scot settlers of the region. Local merchants and restaurants offered special promotions and discounts and lodging owners were encouraged to offer weekend packages.
Santa was brought to the Town Landing aboard one of Eliot Winslow’s tugs. After disembarking, Santa was greeted by Town Crier Brud Pierce and a group of pipers to a Boothbay Harbor fire truck to lead the Christmas parade that culminated in a piping event at the high school fields on Townsend Avenue.
A 20-foot Christmas tree was donated by Irving and Jane Conley, for the Library lawn, and decorated to reflect coastal and Scot themes – red lights and ribbons with large scallop shells (created by Bill Harris of the Boothbay Register). There was a tree lighting with Santa accompanied by the Carousel Theatre singers to lead the caroling.
In 2016, Harbor Lights became part of Boothbay Lights, which encompasses all of the region’s holiday events!
Saturday, Dec. 2
The Clauses and North Pole entourage arrive at the Town Landing in Boothbay Harbor around 3 p.m. and head for the Buoy Christmas Tree to talk to hear wish lists from local children. Can you say photo op?!
Saturday, Dec. 2
Parade: 6:45 - 7:30 p.m. Best viewing around the inner harbor - Whale Park on Commercial Street, Fishermen’s Memorial Park on Atlantic Avenue, and ... on the water!
Friday, Dec. 15 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16 & Sunday, Dec. 17: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor
Stopping by the Opera House at least once during this event is a holiday must! Gingerbread houses by novice and experienced baker builders always amaze and delight!
Prizes awarded in various categories including Most Spectacular, Best Traditional Gingerbread House Design, Most Hilarious, Best Representation of a Local Landmark, Best Holiday Spirit and more. No tickets required.
Dec. 1 - 3
All three days: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. See rooms with stunning architectural details including exquisitely carved moldings and grand fireplaces custom-made 200 years ago by local carpenters and decked out in gorgeous greens and holiday decorations. Advance purchase recommended - $5 Historic New England members and Wiscasset residents. $10 non-members. Tickets: www.historicnewengland.org/visit/events
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay
Weekends in December: 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your train ride!
Stream train rides depart every 45 minutes to give children time to visit with Santa at the North Pole (a.k.a. Thorndike Station) starting at 10:45 a.m. Last train at 4 p.m.
Sweets and drinks.
Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://railwayvillage.org
All aboard!!
86 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. Discounted tickets through the Box Office open Wednesday - Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or call 207-633-5159; regularly priced tickets at https:// and at the door if any remain.
Oct. 21: Kathy Mattea - Oct. 28: Tannahill Weavers
Nov. 4: Don Campbell Band - Nov. 11: Mike Block & Biriba - Nov. 15: The Great Gingerbread Baking Class
Dec. 1: Peppino D’Agostino - Dec. 2: Còig - Dec. 9: Lunasa - Dec. 20: Carol Sing with Kevin Kiley and Friends - Dec. 29: Ellis Paul & Friends (Radoslav Lorkovic, Don Conoscenti and Lauri MacAllister).