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Holiday Events
| ALL AGES |
 Country Christmas in Bethel
November 27, 2009 to December 24, 2009
Enjoy the wonderful small town atmosphere in historic Bethel, Maine. Lots of fun events weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Wagon rides through Bethel village, Taste of Bethel AND Theme Wreath Auction (December 5), open houses, shopping specials, Santa, Christmas tree lighting, caroling, the Living Nativity (December 20), and just a fun country Christmas atmosphere
Location: Bethel Village & surrounding area
Information:
www.bethelmaine.com/
or call 207-824-2282 |
 Visions of Sugarplums Festival of Trees -- Saco
November 27, 2009 to December 31, 2009
Beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and more will fill the Main Gallery of the Saco Museum and will be available for auction. All the major rooms of the Saco Museum will also be decorated by designers. Events for all ages include a children’s tea, a craft day for families, a teen coffee house, musical performances, and a gala with festive music and holiday treats. Location: The Dyer Library and Saco Museum, 371 Main Street / Route 1. Hours: Tuesday- Thursday, noon-4 p.m.; Friday, noon-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: free. Information: 207-283-3861 or visit www.dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org |
Sparkle Weekend -- Freeport
December 4, 2009 to December 5, 2009
An entire weekend of holiday fun for the whole family! The weekend begins with a parade of lights down beautiful Main Street, decorated to look like a scene from a Christmas card. The celebration will include a tuba concert, jingle bell run, craft fair, hot cocoa stops, talking Christmas tree, Wally the Green Monster, and of course… Santa. Location: Freeport Information Center, 23 Depot Street. Information: 207-865-1212 or visit www.freeportusa.com. |
 Trees & Trains Celebration -- South Paris
December 5, 2009 to December 13, 2009
The public garden's 1840s barn is filled with elaborate and festive model train dioramas created by the Maine Garden Railway Society. The post and beam barn will also be decorated with locally cut evergreen trees, garlands and wreaths for sale. Location: McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main Street. Dates: December 5, 6, 12, and 13. Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $3. Information: 207-743-8820 or visit www.mclaughlingarden.org. |
 Christmas by the Sea – Ogunquit
December 11, 2009 to December 12, 2009
A weekend celebration of tree lightings, caroling, chowder & chocolate fest, beach bonfire, entertainment, shopping, Santa, and more.
Friday, December 11: Carolers, bell choir concert, bonfire.
Saturday, December 12: Hay rides, Santa arrives at Perkins Cove, visits with Santa, Arts & Crafts Show, basement bazaar, Giving Tree silent auction, kids’ ornament making, chowder and chocolatefest, open house, storytelling, Christmas Parade, tree lighting and caroling, candlelight walk to the living manger, living manger, barbershop quartet concert, town tree lighting. |
Christmas in Old Hallowell
December 12, 2009
Activities and events for all ages, including the Great Hallowell Christmas Parade, clay ornament making, a Hanukkah celebration with storytelling and food, a gingerbread house display contest, pottery and ceramic sculpture sale, decorated storefronts, art gallery open houses, a craft sale and community caroling. Information: 207-620-7477 or visit www.hallowell.org. |
Downtown Countdown! -- Bangor
December 31, 2009
Downtown businesses will be transformed into entertainment venues for the night. Something for everyone from comedy, children's music, family activities, jazz, blues etc. Location: Various locations in downtown Bangor. Time: Noon-9 p.m.
Complete details and schedule to be posted on www.downtownbangor.com. |
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| ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS |
 Artfull Gifts Gift Show – Camden-Belfast
November 20, 2009 to November 22, 2009
Maine’s premier invitational show for fine Maine-made holiday gifts. Gala opening on Friday, November 20, 5-8 p.m. with cash bar and live jazz. The show continues Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: Artfull Gifts, Route 1 between Camden and Belfast. Cost: Admission for gala and entire weekend, $10; admission for gift show, $3 (guests under age 16 admitted free). Information: 207-763-3433 or visit www.artfullgifts.com. |
 United Maine Craftsmen's Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show -- Brewer
November 27, 2009 to November 28, 2009
Looking for that special one of a kind gift, you will find it here from one of 55 talented artisans, who will be selling their unique handcrafted, locally made products. Hourly door prize.
Location: Brewer Auditorium,
203 State Street.
Time:
Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost:
$1 admission at the door, children under 12 free
Information:
www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/
or call 207-621-2818 |
Local Craft & Wares Fair – Bethel
November 27, 2009
Lots of local crafters including handmade baskets, paintings, photography, knit items, handmade jewelry, jams, jellies pickles, soaps, lotions, quilted items, wooden ware products, and lots more. Free horse-drawn carriage rides. Location: Bethel Inn Resort Conference Center, Bethel Common, Broad Street. Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 207-824-2282 or visit www.bethelmaine.com |
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| CHILDREN & FAMILIES |
 Children's Tree Lighting, Jingle Bell Walk and Visit with Santa -- Bath
November 28, 2009
Library Park Gazebo on Washington Street followed by a walk to Bath City Hall
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Information:
www.visitbath.com/
or call 207-442-7291 |
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| FOOD, WINE, BEER |
 Winter Wonderlands Holiday Tea -- Boothbay
December 5, 2009
Individual pots of tea will accompany plates of delicate scones served with Devonshire cream and jam, along with four tea sandwiches (salmon, cucumber, tomato, and herbed cheese). Mollie Moore, who owned a tea room in Boothbay Harbor, will make the scones for the Tea. Holiday decorations, gifts, and seasonal music will add to the festive atmosphere in the Kitchen Garden Café and around the Saxon Fireplace. Location: 132 Botanical Gardens Drive. Time: 3-5 p.m. Cost: $27. Information: 207-633-4333 or visit www.MaineGardens.org |
 Holiday Tea -- Kennebunk
December 13, 2009
Grandparents, parents, and children are invited to enjoy a sumptuous holiday tea while learning a bit about tea, etiquette customs, and the history of this stately home that once belonged to Captain Nathaniel Lord Thompson. Tea hosted by the Brick Store Museum. Advance reservations for the tea are required by December 5. Location: Nathaniel Lord Thompson House, Summer Street. Time: 3 to 5 p.m. Cost: Adults, $20; children age 14 and younger, $7.50. Information and tickets: 207-985-4802 |
Home for the Holidays Brunch -- Boothbay
December 20, 2009
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hosting a special brunch for everyone who calls Maine home year-round or just for the holiday season. Enjoy a buffet overflowing with scrumptious baked goods. The Gardens Gift Shop will be open for last-minute shopping. Take a walk along the waterfront and woodland paths, too.
Location: 132 Botanical Gardens Drive. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $27; $10 for children age 3 to 12.
Information: 207-633-4333 or visit www.MaineGardens.org |
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| HISTORIC |
 Christmas at Victoria Mansion -- Portland
November 27, 2009 to January 3, 2010
Custom handmade furniture and decorative art, original wall paintings, and a four-story central tower with elaborate stained glass windows make Victoria Mansion a sight to behold at any time of year. The Italian villa-style brownstone becomes an even more enchanting visual experience at Christmas. It is decorated for the holidays by professional designers and florists. Visitors can explore the mansion on self-guided tours. Location: Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth Street.
Admission: Adults, $15; students, 6-17, $5. Information: 207-772-4841 or visit www.victoriamansion.org/. |
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| MUSIC |
Welcome in the Holidays -- Hiram
November 21, 2009
Family holiday concert featuring the Portland Community Chorus. Children welcome - free candy canes distributed by elves. Location: Sacopee Valley Middle School, 137 South Hiram Road. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Adults, $10; children over age 10, $5. Information:
www.sacoriverfestival.org/
or call 207-793-2627 |
 Ringing in the Season -- Bath
November 21, 2009
The Oratorio Chorale presents a concert of holiday music with organist Ray Cornils, harpist Jara Goodrich, the Parish Bellringers Handbell Choir and the Maine Chamber Ensemble. Location: United Church of Christ, Congress Avenue. Time: 7:30 p.m. Information: www.oratoriochorale.org or call 207-442-7291 |
Choral Art Society presents Christmas at the Cathedral -- Portland
December 5, 2009 to December 6, 2009
Christmas at the Cathedral is an annual Christmas holiday favorite for many seeking respite from the whirlwind of Christmas. This concert emphasizes the beauty of song, the sound of trumpets and brass from the Portland Brass Quintet, and the beauty of the organ. Christmas at the Cathedral provides an opportunity for calm reflection of the joys of the season.
Location: Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Portland, 307 Congress Street.
Time: Saturday, preview at noon and concert at 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Cost: $10 (preview show, available at the door only); $30; a limited number of $5 youth tickets
Information and tickets: 207-828-0043 or visit www.choralart.org. |
Messiah Sing-Along and Handel on Hunger Food Drive – Portland
December 14, 2009
The food drive will benefit Project FEED, an emergency food pantry in Portland.
Location: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1342 Congress Street. Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 at the door (students admitted for free). Information: 207-772-6325. |
 Christmas with Cornils -- Portland
December 22, 2009
Classical concert with the Kotzschmar Festival Brass, The Parish Ringers, Choral Art Camerata, and Ray Cornils, municipal organist. Location: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street. Time: 7:30 p.m. Information: www.foko.org |
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| OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES |
 Frozen Turkey Hunt – Boothbay
November 21, 2009
During the Frozen Turkey Hunt, a Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens tradition, children search for apples, many of which win prizes including frozen turkeys. A Golden Apple will be good for 150 gallons of fuel oil. Other activities include apple tasting, decorating sugar cookies, creative coloring, and a fall obstacle course. There will be complimentary apple cider and hotdogs fresh off the grill. Location: 132 Botanical Gardens Drive. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free. Information: 207-633-4333 or visit www.MaineGardens.org |
 Holiday Tree Lighting -- Portland
November 27, 2009
Come with your families to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in downtown Portland. Enjoy performances BY Portland Conservatory of Music and the Maine State Ballet and enjoy Rick Charette’s popular children’s songs. Location: 15 Monument Square. Time: 5:30 p.m. Information: 207-772-6828 or visit www.portlandmaine.com |
 Lighting of the Nubble -- York
November 28, 2009
Cookies, hot chocolate, music and Santa Claus. Countdown to the lighting at Cape
Neddick Lighthouse for the holiday season. Shuttle service from Ellis Park at Short Sands Beach. Location: Sohier Park Road. Time: 4-9 p.m. Information: 207 363-1040 or visit www.gatewaytomaine.org |
Lighting of the Giving Tree -- Rangeley
November 28, 2009
Speakers and tree lighting ceremony. Location: Lakeside Park, Main Street. Time: 6 p.m. Information: 207-864-3807 or visit www.rangeleymaine.com |
 New Year’s Eve Sardine and Maple Leaf Drop -- Eastport
December 31, 2009
The small city of Eastport shares a bay with New Brunswick, Canada, and rings in the Canadian New Year before toasting the American occasion. A giant maple leaf and an 8-foot long wooden sardine descend from the window of a downtown building at 11 p.m. and midnight local time. |
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| PARADES & FIREWORKS |
 Chester Greenwood Day -- Farmington
December 5, 2009
This day celebrates the town native who invented the earmuff in 1873. There's an earmuff-themed parade, chili cook-off, gingerbread house building contest, music and entertainment, a decorated tree auction, and shopping specials at downtown stores. Chester Greenwood Parade begins at 11 a.m. in downtown Farmington. Step off is Mallet School. Judging of floats will begin at 10:15 a.m. Information: www.franklincountymaine.org. |
Holiday Light Parade -- Presque Isle
December 5, 2009
Thousands of spectators enjoy dozens of glowing floats and vehicles decorated with miles of colorful lights.
Information: www.pichamber.org. |
 Southern Maine Christmas Parade -- Wells
December 13, 2009
This year's parade theme is Christmas Morning, and more than 30 organizations, businesses, bands and marching units will take part. Location: The parade starts at Wells Plaza and heads north on Route 1 for a mile and a half to Wells Junior High School. Information: www.southernmaineparade.com or call 207-646-2451. |
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| PARTIES, DANCES, BALLS |
 Christmas Prelude – Kennebunk
December 3, 2009 to December 13, 2009
There are lobster trap tree lightings in Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, and Cape Porpoise Choose from multiple public suppers, arts and crafts fairs, concerts, gallery and shop sales and specials, a historic walking tour, caroling and roving entertainment. Location: Dock Square, Lower Village, Cape Porpoise. Information: www.christmasprelude.com. Schedule includes:
Thursday, December 3
Prelude Champagne Reception at the Nott House, 8 Maine Street. Admission: $20. 5-7 p.m. Information: 207-967-2751.
Friday, December 4
Prelude Show of Fine Arts and Crafts. Featuring original works. The Masonic Hall, Temple and North streets. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Repeats December 5, 6.
Pastel Painters of Maine Show. An exhibition of original pastel paintings. River Tree Center for the Arts, 35 Western Avenue, 10 a.m.-4 pm. Repeats December 5.
Tour of the 1853 Nott House. Tour of the Greek Revival home, The Nott House, 8 Maine Street. Admission: $7. 1-4 p.m. Repeats on December 5 and 12.
Historic Village Walking Tour. This popular walking tour takes you on a tour past spectacular, unique, and inspiring holiday decorations of historic homes. Tour begins at The Nott House, 8 Maine St. Admission $7. 2 p.m. Repeats December 5, 12.
Fish Chowder Supper. Homemade fish chowder. Wildwood Fire House, Wildes District Road. 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square officially begins the season. Join in Christmas caroling. 5:30 p.m.
Live Nativity. South Church Youth as present a Nativity Tableau complete with live animals. Front steps of South Congregational Church, Temple Street.
Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree. Kennebunkport’s most original holiday decoration will be officially lit in Cape Porpoise Square with Christmas caroling. 7 p.m.
River Tree Holiday Jam. Join River Tree’s music faculty, students, staff, and friends for a jam session celebrating the holidays. River Tree Center for the Arts, 35 Western Avenue. 7-9 p.m.
Don Campbell Christmas Concert & Buffet Dinner. Nonantum Resort, Ocean Ave. 7:30 p.m. Cost: $40.
Saturday, December 5
Blueberry Pancake Breakfast. Washington Hose Fire Company, Route 35, Lower Village. 7-10 a.m.
Mothers Club Prelude Fair. Christmas decorations, hand made crafts, animal gifts, and more. Washington Hose Fire Station, Route 35, Lower Village. 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
American Legion Christmas Crafts Fair. 102 Main Street. Featuring crafts by Maine artisans, gift baskets, baked goods, raffles, silent auction. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Repeats on Sunday.
Atlantic Hall Prelude Fair with crafts, art, collectibles, and antiques. Atlantic Hall, Cape Porpoise Square. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Holiday Crafts Fair at the Consolidated School, featuring a wide variety of crafts from local artisans. School Street, Route 9 East. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mainely Unique Craft Fair. South Congregational Church and Community House, Temple Street. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Christmas Fair and Chowder Lunch featuring chowder, lobster rolls, homemade desserts, etc. First Congregational Church, Corner of Arundel Road, North Street, and Log Cabin Road. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Historic Trolley Ride. Ride an historic electric, toasty warm, streetcar through the Maine woods. Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Information: 207-967-2712. Repeats December 6, 12, 13
Chili Lunch and light fare served downstairs at Community Center, across from South Congregational Church, Temple Street. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Choral Presentation by the Curtis Lake Christian Church Choir at the steps of Union Square. 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Cookie Decorating Party for Kids. Bakery Elves will help the kids decorate cookies. Port Bakery & Café, Route 35, Lower Village. 2-4 p.m. Repeats December 6, 13.
Hat Parade. A parade of revelers in their holiday hats led by the Patriot Fife and Drum Duo. Show off your handmade or store bought creations. Hat wearers of all ages are welcome. Dock Square, 3 p.m.
Down East Lobster Bake Featuring lobsters, steamers, hamburgers and hotdogs. Washington Hose Fire Company, Route 35, Lower Village. 4:30-8 p.m.
Tree Lighting and Christmas Stroll at Lower Village. Corner of Christensen Lane and Route 35 for the lighting of the Lower Village Tree with carols by the Kennebunk High School Chamber Singers followed by a stroll to the Franciscan Monastery. 5:30 p.m.
Candlelight caroling hosted by the Franciscan Monastery, Beach Street, Lower Village. Enjoy chestnuts roasted on an open fire at the gate of the Monastery. 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 6
Breakfast with Mrs. Clause and Elves at the Nonantum Resort, Ocean Ave. Bring your child for a special holiday brunch. Adults, $18; children under 12, $9. 8-11 a.m.
Santa Arrives by Lobster Boat at the Landing Restaurant. Follow Santa and the Lobster Elves through Dock Square to the Community House on Temple Street for photos. 2 p.m.
Saturday, December 12
Holiday Arts and Craft Fair. Nonantum Resort, Ocean Avenue. Noon and 2 p.m..
Historic Inns Open House. The Historic Inns of Kennebunkport will display their splendid holiday decorations and serve refreshments. $5 donation. 1-3:30 p.m. Information: 207- 967-4454
A Cappella choral presentation by East Side Story. Kennebunkport native Dan Huff and the other members of this group will perform at the steps of Union Square with candlelight caroling to follow. 3:30-4 p.m.
A Christmas Choral Delight. A program of Christmas songs presented by the Lyricora Singers. Village Baptist Church, 6 Maine Street 4:30-5:30 p.m.
New England Ringers Musically rich concert full of advanced hand bell techniques, entertainment, and fun. South Congregational Church, Temple Street. Admission $5, children under 12 free. 6-7:30 p.m. Information: www.newenglandringers.org.
Holiday Concert. 7:30 p.m. - An Evening of Holiday Music. The Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir presents a program of seasonal carols and choral music at the Village Baptist Church, Maine Street. 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13
Breakfast with Santa Bring your child for a special holiday brunch hosted by the jolly old man himself. Nonantum Resort, Ocean Avenue. Adults, $20; children under 12, $10. 8 a.m.-noon.
Holiday Tea. Learn a bit about tea etiquette customs, and the history of this year’s venue, all while enjoying a sumptuous afternoon tea at a historic home. Advance reservations required by December. 2. 3-5 p.m. Adults, $15; children, $7.50. Information: 207-985-4802.
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 S'mores & More Holiday Party -- Boothbay
December 18, 2009
At this free event at the Maine Botanical Gardens, enjoy lantern-lit tours of the Central Gardens, toasting marshmallows over campfires to make s'mores, quaffing hot chocolate and cider, making evergreen swags in workshops ($5 materials fee), and music, all in a wonderful holiday atmosphere! Location: 132 Botanical Gardens Drive. Time: 4-7 p.m.
Cost: Free. Information: 207-633-4333 or visit www.MaineGardens.org |
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| PERFORMING ARTS, THEATER, DANCE |
 "A Christmas Carol" -- Portland
November 27, 2009 to December 24, 2009
Travel back in time to Victorian England where ghosts, time travel, and memories help a cold and lonely old miser regain his heart. The Portland Stage Experience is intimate, exhilarating, and completely original.
Location: Portland Stage,
25A Forest A
Cost:
Please contact the Box Office for performance times and prices.
Information:
www.portlandstage.org
or call 207-774-0465 |
 "The Santaland Diaries" by David Sedaris - Portland
November 27, 2009 to December 20, 2009
Spend an irreverent evening with Crumpet - one of Santa's little helpers during the holiday rush at Macy's – as he copes with thousands of shoppers (and their kiddies) with whacked out, wicked wit. This show is a holiday treat for grownups, so leave the children at home for a behind-the-scenes peek at an elf gone bad.
Location: Portland Stage,
25A Forest Avenue.
Time: Call the Box Office for performance times and ticket prices.
Information:
www.portlandstage.org
or call 207-774-0465 |
“A Christmas Carol” -- Bangor
December 10, 2009 to December 30, 2009
After a two-year hiatus, this beloved and timeless classic is back in an all new production at Penobscot Theatre. Join the thousands who make this theatrical event part of their annual holiday traditions. This special production (with all the “Bah, humbugs,” ghosts, music, dancing and Scrooge’s discovery of life and love), will keep you festive all season long. Location: Penobscot Theatre Company, the Bangor Opera House, 131 Main Street. Time: see website for schedule. Information: 207-942-3333 or visit www.penobscottheatre.org. |
 Magic of Christmas Show – Portland
December 11, 2009 to December 20, 2009
Magic of Christmas with the Portland Symphony Orchestra shares the traditions, story and spirit of Christmas through dance, live music and singing. See scenes from “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol,” hear a choir and soloists perform favorite carols, and watch the stage transform into a holiday fantasyland complete with a chorus line of dancing Santas.
Dates: December 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20. Performance times vary; check website.
Location: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street.
Information: 207-773-6128 or visit www.portlandsymphony.com. |
 The Victorian Nutcracker – North Conway
December 12, 2009 to December 13, 2009
Portland Ballet performs with the Portland Ballet Orchestra
and the Victorian Festival Singers.
Location: Kennett High School, 409 Eagles Way. Time: 2 p.m. Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com or call 800-838-3006 |
 The Victorian Nutcracker – Portland
December 16, 2009
Portland Ballet performs with the Portland Ballet Orchestra
and the Victorian Festival Singers.
Location: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: www.porttix.com or call 207-842-0800 |
 “The Nutcracker” – Orono
December 19, 2009 to December 20, 2009
Bangor Symphony Orchestra presents this classic with the Robinson Ballet Company. With its visions of sugar plums dancing across the stage, The Nutcracker is a gift for everyone during the holiday season. This treasured holiday classic returns with characters from the show meeting and greeting guests following each performance.
Location: 5746 Collins Center for the Arts. Information: 800-622-TIXX or visit www.bangorsymphony.org. |
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| SCIENCE & NATURE |
Christmas Creatures – South Paris
December 1, 2009 to December 24, 2009
The dining room, parlor and library of the historic Captain Tribou house will be decorated with creatures great and small.
Location: McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main Street.
Time: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m..
Information: 207-743-8820 or visit www.mclaughlingarden.org. |
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| SHOPPING & SALES |
 Christmas Market at the Maine Botanical Gardens-- Boothbay
December 12, 2009
Traditional and romantic Christmas Market (inspired by the famous German Kris Kindle Markets) will feature more than a dozen vendors of Maine-made products just right for gift giving. All purchases include free gift wrapping. Enjoy complimentary mulled cider and tasty treats while shopping for all those on your list. Lively holiday music, lovely decorations and a cozy fire will warm your spirits. Location: 132 Botanical Gardens Drive. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: 207-633-4333 or visit www.MaineGardens.org |
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