Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest is a shopping extravaganza for gifts and personal luxuries, but Marketfest is also a destination for seasonal activities to enjoy amidst the shopping hoopla. Have kids? Bring them along. To get in a holiday frame-of-mind, Marketfest is the place to go.

On Friday, Dec. 5, Marketfest offers off-season, self-guided tours of the Nickels-Sortwell House, a Historic New England property, ornamented beautifully in greens and seasonal splendor. Next door, in the house’s barn, is the artisan shop where visitors will find a display of wreaths decorated by local businesses. Be inspired and cast a vote for People’s Choice. Enjoy tastings through the day of honey or chocolate or cookies. Both locations are open all weekend.

In the early evening, a Merry and Bright Light Parade of cars, trucks, and other vehicles winds through the Village to announce the season with glowing gusto and to escort Santa to his Village workshop. Sheep, candy canes and cocoa, food options, and a fire pit for s’mores make the evening warm and toasty.

Saturday, Dec. 6, brings Woodfield Farm’s horse-drawn wagon to the Village. Hop on board for a unique way to experience the Village. Use the wagon as a free shuttle to your next destination or just sit back, enjoy the ride, and wave to the smiling onlookers.

Kids will appreciate the Children’s Christmas Sale at the Wiscasset Public Library, a special shopping time just for them. The Friends of the Library assist children as they examine and purchase just right gifts for those they love.

On this day, the Heart ‘n Soul Quartet roams the Village singing songs of the season while ice artist, Tim Pierce, carves live on the sidewalk leaving an icy, sparkling photo opp. behind.

Ah, the Christmas Cookie Challenge! Watch as judges sample the tasty submissions and critique the crumble and presentation. These foodie pros take their task to heart as they confer and determine best in show. Once the winner has been congratulated, lucky onlookers get to purchase a few for their own taste testing, with proceeds supporting Feed Our Scholars.

The town’s Christmas Tree Lighting caps the day. As the sun sets, a chorus of schoolchildren sings songs of the season on Wiscasset Common and invites a visit from Santa.

Sunday, Dec. 7, is the final day of Marketfest with one last chance to climb aboard the horse-drawn wagon for free rides around the Village. The historic Nickels Sortwell House, in its seasonal finery, is open for tours, for a modest fee, for one last day. The barn, transformed into an artisan gift shop, hosts a display of decorated wreaths and invites spectators, for the last time, to vote for their People’s Choice.

Participating Village shops have been offering a free raffle for dining all weekend, with no purchase necessary, to win a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant. Today is the last chance to win.

The details for these and more Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest activities are at www.WiscassetHolidayMarketfest.com