The New Year is rapidly approaching and many of us will be making resolutions. Resolutions are a tradition, most common in the Western World but also found in the Eastern World, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their behavior at the beginning of a calendar year. Some resolutions will be short-lived; others will truly impact on our lives.

The French tradition of baking the Gallete des Rois, the Three Kings Cake, will be demonstrated on Saturday, Jan. 10, at First Congregational Church in Wiscasset. Margot Stiassni-Sieracki will show how to bake this special treat to celebrate the 12th day of Christmas. The demonstration will begin at 1:30 p.m. Slices of the cake made by Margot will be served during fellowship hour on Sunday.   

In corroboration with the weekly crowds of No Kings protesters on the Damariscotta-Newcastle bridge, Jean Kigel presents "Displacement: Immigrant Portraits" at Skidompha Library during January. A year ago, Kigel began painting faces of immigrants as ICE ramped up deportations. She has researched current immigration facts, which accompany each portrait. 

River Arts is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for artists to kick off the New Year by participating in an upcoming “Members’ Show.” All current and new members are invited to submit one piece for this non-juried exhibition. The deadline for entries is Saturday, Jan. 10 at 4 p.m. 

The Lincoln County Community Theater is ringing in the season with a lively and heartfelt holiday production the whole family can enjoy. Opening Dec. 19, LCCT presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," Barbara Robinson’s beloved comedy about a small-town church pageant turned delightfully upside down. Performances will take place at Lincoln Theater on Friday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.

Stonehenge. I feel as though I’ve always known about Stonehenge; there isn’t one singular moment in my time I can recall; of course there a great many years to sift through! But seriously, I believe my knowing of Stonehenge is a soul memory. And for decades, and I mean decades, my soul longed to return there. The people I have friended on Facebook have been viewing my posts of Stonehenge photos taken by a variety of photographers across The Pond. Some might say I have been obsessed – and they would be right.

Following a successful inaugural year that resonated with the local creative community, the Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) is pleased to announce the return of its themed, non-juried exhibition: “Wintering.”

Now in its second year, this exhibit invites artists to explore the multifaceted nature of the season. BRAF seeks unique interpretations of the winter experience—showcasing the quiet beauty, the stark wonder, and the distinct challenges of the colder months.

Here is the list of award winning Gingerbreads in the annual Gingerbread Spectacular at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor:

Most Spectacular: Carla Warren: "Under the Sea"

Best Traditional Gingerbread House: Katrina Dunsmore: "The Sweet Lil Christmas Inn"

Most Creative: Shawn of the Sheep: "Merry Christmas Two Ewes"

Best Representation of a Local Landmark: Hilary Allen and Eni Delisle: "Harbor Theater Movie Palace"

Best Youth Entry: A. Faulstich: "Ginger Dew Valley"

Saltwater Artist Gallery, located just steps from the iconic Pemaquid Lighthouse, invites artists to apply for our 2026 season. We are a long-standing collective of 25+ artists who work cooperatively to create an engaging and vibrant art space for visitors from near and far.

Craig Pederson's sculpture "The Orca," created from native Maine granite, was selected for inclusion in the American Society of Marine Artists 2nd annual Awards Exhibition online.

The Waldo is excited to have The Bearly Dead return to the stage Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. after last year’s SOLD OUT show. Not just another Grateful Dead cover band- this is a cosmic exploration of the Grateful Dead catalog! Bearly Dead, a Boston-based quintet, performs a concert-style show that celebrates the journey of the Grateful Dead from their earliest records until their final tours.

The anticipated "North Pole Express" event series begins this weekend in Boothbay, transforming the Boothbay Railway Village Museum into a magical Christmas wonderland for families. The event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays for three consecutive weekends, beginning Saturday, Dec. 6.

The North Pole Express

The East Boothbay and Southport United Methodist Churches invite you to join us for a Christmas movie event at the Harbor Theater, 185 Townsend Avenue. On Sunday, Dec. 14 all are invited to join us for a free showing of the “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” This movie is a funny, heartwarming, and moving look at the true meaning of Christmas.

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.

With the help of local creative makers, Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest shoppers can add that special handcrafted touch to their holiday celebrations. Workshops throughout Marketfest weekend, Dec. 5-7, will guide participants in the fine crafts of basket making, paper arts, and repurposing lobster rope from the sea.

A festive “Celebration” exhibition fills River Arts in Damariscotta this season. The gallery is filled with fine art and fine craft created by Maine artists, offering a wealth of inspiring options for meaningful holiday gifts. This expansive showcase features the work of over 135 artists and includes more than 350 pieces.

“Celebration” invites visitors to support local artists and crafters by choosing unique, affordable artwork for holiday giving.

Take Two is a series from reporters (and movie buffs) Fritz Freudenberger and Isabelle Curtis to review entertainment options in the region. This month's film is 2025’s “Frankenstein,” written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth. It is currently available on Netflix. 

This year's Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party on Nov. 22 included the return of the event's Bed Races, to the delight of spectators and competitors! 

The Greenleaf Inn team, also representing the Admiral's Quarters, took first place!