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!
Sarah Wilde is the next solo show at Miles
Sarah Wilde, a local artist from Walpole, will be having a solo show of her latest paintings at the Miles Memorial Hospital during the months of January and February 2024.
Devoting herself to serious painting for the last 16 years, she is known for her expressionistic/bold landscapes and seascapes.
Sarah taught art in Boothbay, South Bristol, and Bremen elementary schools, and later taught expressive dance to adults throughout Maine before concentrating on painting.
Candlelight Christmas Eve service at First Congo
First Congregational Church of Wiscasset invites all to the traditional candlelight service at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Rev. Myers’ sermon will be based on the short story, “I Remember Bethlehem” by Earl Ken Brown (a story told to Luke, the Gospel writer, by Jesse, the Innkeeper)… Read more
Carla Warren takes Most Spectacular, again!
Announcing the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor’s 2023 Gingerbread Spectacular award winners, drum roll, please ...
Most Spectacular - Christmas Train Station, Carla Warren
Best Traditional Gingerbread House Design, Sally Kent
Most Creative - Barbie's House by Nancy Stoddard, Addie Barter and Katrina Dunsmore
Best Representation of a Local Landmark - Burnt Island Light, by St. Andrews Village
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.
A classic Christmas tale came to life at Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta in the first of two performances (Dec. 14-15) by the Boothbay Region Y Arts Youth Actors on Thursday, Dec. 14.
“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.,” done under the direction of Y Arts Director Emily Mirabile and performed by 34 actors, received rave reviews from audience members, who filled most of the seats in the theater.
“Cute,” “Well done,” “A fun show” and “Festive” were some of the comments heard… Read more
This week at the Harbor Theater
“Maestro” - (R; 2 hours, 9 minutes) - “Maestro” is a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. A love letter to life and art, Maestro at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love. Directed by Bradley Cooper, from a screenplay he wrote with Josh Singer, the film was produced by Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Cooper, among others. The film stars Cooper as… Read more
Announcing Family Ticket Nights for first run movies
There is something about seeing images on a huge screen is a darkened room full of people that takes you to places you simply can’t experience when watching TV. Some of my fondest family memories involve “going to the movies.”
One of my earliest memories are the images of hippo ballerinas and marching mops in “Fantasia,” the first silly and the second scary, and a few years later, the figure of Scarlett O’Hara struggling to her feet backlit by fires and declaring, “As God as my… Read more
This week at the Lincoln Theater
“Maestro” - (R; 2 hours, 9 minutes) - Nominated for four Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture – Drama. Maestro is a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. A love letter to life and art, Maestro at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love. "This is not just a worthy tribute to one of the greatest figures in the American musical canon, but also one… Read more
BBH Opera House” Ellis Paul’s 30th Anniversary Tour closes out 2023
The Boothbay Harbor Opera House has been celebrating its 20th season with a full schedule of concerts featuring acclaimed artists and community events this year. The final performance of the season brings House favorite Ellis Paul to the stage with his 30th anniversary tour including Red Molly’s Laurie MacAllister, Don Conoscenti, and Radoslav Lorković on Friday, Dec. 29.
Ellis has been described as an astute storyteller, poetic and literate, with a stellar stage presence and one of… Read more
Y Arts brings holiday cheer to Lincoln Theater
On Thursday, Dec. 14 and Friday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m., the Y Arts Youth Actors will present “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer Junior!”
Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn't feel like he belongs in… Read more
Support ‘Wiscasset’s little scholars’ Dec. 16
Feed Our Scholars (FOS), the group that supports Wiscasset Elementary School students in need of weekend bags of supplemental food and all students with required school supplies, is holding a bake sale fundraiser at Ames Supply in Wiscasset, Saturday, Dec. 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For a donation, take away delightful, homemade goodies: Cookies, cakes, pies, breads and more.
Thanks to the Ames Supply family for… Read more
Adam Ezra with Hayley Reardon this weekend
Christmas Eve Service at Edgecomb Community Church
The Edgecomb Community Church will be holding a special Christmas Eve service, Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. The service will feature Lessons and Carols revealing the Christmas story through Bible readings and the singing of traditional carols. The music will be performed by Katie McShane and Jesse Heasley of Bath, a husband-and-wife duo who delight their audiences with cello/guitar duets.
Come and experience the true meaning of Christmas and welcome the Christ child by attending this… Read more
Free concert at Skidompha Dec. 21
The Skidompha Strummers, the ukulele ensemble of Skidompha Public Library (184 Main St.) in downtown Damariscotta, will perform a free concert of familiar holiday songs in the Library’s atrium on Thursday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m. All are welcome, and audience members will be invited to sing along.
The Library formed the Strummers in the fall of 2017. The group has met weekly since then, and has performed in several local venues. Anyone who owns… Read more
‘Food & Film Series’ returns at the Harbor Theater
Hungry for some delicious movies?
The lucky participants in the Harbor Theater Fall 2022 Food & Film series will long remember the delectable boeof bourguignon that accompanied “Julia” as well as the stunning Timpano that rivaled the one created by Tony Shaloub in “The Big Night.” So, we are very proud and excited to announce Kim Martin, owner of Eventide, Harbor Theater Board member, and most importantly, chef extraordinaire, has agreed to curate another food and film series… Read more
Broadway actress to hold 8-week adult scene study class
This week at Lincoln Theater
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” - Y Arts Presentation - Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. When a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, what makes Rudolph different turns out to be what helps him save Christmas! Two shows at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec… Read more
This week at the Harbor Theater
“The Holdovers” - ( R; 2 hours, 13 minutes) - From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, “The Holdovers” follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually he forms an unlikely bond with one of them -- a damaged, brainy troublemaker (newcomer Dominic Sessa) -- and with the school's head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam… Read more
Holiday Potluck, Carol Sing with Kevin Kiley & Friends
Potluck dinner gatherings are a staple of small town Maine, while Christmas caroling with a group may be more a thing of the past. On Wednesday, Dec. 20, the historic Opera House in Boothbay Harbor will combine both old-time community events in celebration of the holiday season. Doors for the potluck dinner open at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner planned for 6, followed by music of the season.
The evening takes place amidst the stunningly decorated Opera House.
After dinner, the… Read more
Free ‘Polar Express’ and hot chocolate
The Waldo Theatre returns to its roots as a beautiful movie house and community gathering place with a Free Family Film screening of “The Polar Express” on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.
To add to the fun, The Waldo invites audience members to come watch the film in their comfiest pajamas and robes (standard footwear, no slippers please), and enjoy free hot chocolate with whipped cream, or marshmallows, or both!
“The Waldo’s monthly free family films are a way for us to give… Read more
Gardens Aglow takes top spots in 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is glowing this week in more ways than one. After a month-long readers' choice contest with USA Today 10Best, Gardens Aglow has been named the third-best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. Gardens Aglow has appeared in the USA Today 10Best top four ranking for the past five years. The complete list of worthy winners for 2023 is below:
- Dominion Energy… Read more
Music, hot chocolate enjoyed at Wiscasset tree lighting
On Saturday, Dec. 2, Wiscasset fourth through 12th grade choral students provided the music for the Annual Wiscasset Christmas Tree Lighting. The event took place on the town common and the steps of the First Congregational Church. Wiscasset Middle High School teacher Warren Cossette served as the master of ceremonies.
After brief introductions, the chorus opened the program with “Happy Holidays,” which featured two familiar holiday tunes – “Jingle Bells” and “Over the River and… Read more
Children’s author/illustrator Peter Brown visits CTL
Students and faculty at Center for Teaching and Learning in Edgecomb enjoyed a special author visit with Peter Brown, a New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, on Monday, December 4. Katy Inman (Head of School) and grades 1-2 teacher Corbin Lichtinger invited Brown to speak with students, who know him as the author of books like “The Curious Garden,” “Creepy Carrots!,” “Mr. Tiger Goes Wild,” and “The Wild Robot.”
Brown gave students a behind-the-scenes look at his process… Read more
Santa, Mrs. Claus and friends visit Boothbay Harbor
Aboard the Novelty, Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Christmas Lobster, Reindeer, Tree, and Elves arrived safely at the Town Dock in Boothbay Harbor on Dec. 2 to a crowd singing “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” Santa likes it so much they were singing it on the way across the harbor!
Meanwhile, in the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn parking lot, small fire pits were blazing for toasting marshmallows or just keeping warm. Project Graduation had food and more for sale. There was coffee, hot… Read more
Community Literacy event celebrates the spirit of the season
“I’m wishing you sparkle and spirit and cheer and good things to come that will last you all year.” This line from “Winter Wishes” by M.H. Clark, illuminates the true meaning of the winter holiday season, no matter how or what we celebrate. Friendship and wishes of peace and joy for all our fellow humans are what matters most as we enter this time of celebration and reflection.
This read aloud on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. will resonate with listeners of all ages.… Read more
Heather Pierson Trio presents ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
The Heather Pierson Trio brings their holiday 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' show to The Waldo Theatre, 916 Main St., Waldoboro, Friday, Dec. 23 at 4 p.m.
Heather Pierson is a New Hampshire based singer/songwriter, pianist, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. With a toe in each of the realms of New Orleans jazz, blues, and folk, her… Read more
Wine, dinner and a movie!
‘Roman Holiday’: As charming today as it was in 1953
What could be more romantic that exploring Rome on the back of a Vespa driven by an incredibly handsome man? Throw in the fact that the beautiful young woman with her arms around the charming driver’s waist just happens to be a runaway princess, and you have the makings of a perfect romantic holiday movie, a “Roman Holiday.”
When director/producer William Wyler cast a virtually unknown actress next to one of Hollywood’s most popular leading men for “Roman Holiday,’ not only was his… Read more
Lessons and Carols Christmas concert this weekend
St. Cecilia Chamber Choir will present its annual Lessons and Carols Christmas concerts on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. at the Bowdoin College Chapel, 14 Campus Road N. in Brunswick, and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. at Damariscotta Baptist Church, 4 Bristol Road. Linda Blanchard is St. Cecilia’s artistic director and conductor, assisted by organist and pianist Sean Fleming. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged for these popular concerts. "You were as good as ever!" "The whole thing was just… Read more
And the 2023 winners are ...
Shortly before the arrival of Santa and company aboard the Novelty, the Gardens Aglow Community Lighting Contest winners were announced by Gretchen Ostherr, president and CEO of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
In 2023, there were 37 participants including businesses and residences. CMBG added categories to inspire and get those creative juices flowing. Each winner here received $700 and 10 tickets to Gardens Aglow 2023.
Carousel Marina/Whale’s Tale/Jax van der Veen… Read more
17th annual Gingerbread Spectacular plans heating up!
What began in 2007 as a way to involve the Boothbay community in a bit of gingerbread house building fun has grown into a three-day exhibit of enormously creative confectionery constructions being designed by novice and professional bakers from up and down the coast of Maine. This year’s beloved, bigger-than-ever Gingerbread Spectacular takes place Dec. 15-17 at the historic Boothbay Harbor Opera House.
The event kicks-off on Friday, Dec. 15 with the Preview Party from 5:30 to 8 p.m… 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).