Greater Portland

Benefits

The Salvation Army of Greater Portland is in need of volunteers for the holiday season. Positions include: ringing bells at a kettle (great for groups or families), packing food baskets, toys, drivers to take volunteers and equipment to and from kettle locations, call 774-4172 ext. 265 or email danielle.gudroe@use.salvationarmy.org.  

Toy Drive Drop Off Locations:

Sweetser Holiday Toy Drive, to benefit children ages 6-18 served by Sweetser, drop off toys through Dec. 11 at any 13 Downeast Energy offices in central and southern Maine; or Cole Haan, Franklin Printing, Great Works Internet, IDEXX, One & Two Portland Square, St. Joseph’s Church Religious Education, Systems Engineering and The Holden Agency, FMI, Troy Pattison at 1-800-665-2727. 

To Benefit Youth Alternatives, Ingraham of Maine, drop-off new, unwrapped toys to Cape Elizabeth Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office, 295 Ocean House Rd., Cape Elizabeth now through Dec. 8, Roni Barbera, 799-5000.

To Benefit Toys for Tots, drop off new, wrapped or unwrapped toys to Weichert, Realtors – Waterglen Group, 100 Commercial St., Portland, Diane Churchill, 773-2425; or to Jim O’Clair, Edward Jones financial advisor, 94 Auburn St. Suite 209, Portland, Jim, 797-4104.

Friday 11/27

46th Annual Rotary Christmas Tree Sale, to benefit community charitable causes, Nov. 27-29; Dec. 5-6; Dec. 12-13; Mill Creek Park, South Portland, hosted by The South Portland- Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club, Adrienne Murphy, 243-3292.

Wednesday 12/2

Holiday Grief Support Meetings, hosted by VNA Home Health & Hospice, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 16, 30, Jan. 13, 50 Foden Rd., South Portland, Linda Hopkins, 400-8714.

Thursday 12/3

Holiday Wreath Display and Silent Auction, to benefit Maine Alzheimer’s Association, 5-7 p.m., Bay Square at Yarmouth, 27 Forest Falls Dr., Yarmouth, Mary Willson, 846-0044.

Friday 12/4

Goodwill’s “Art for Everyone:” A Collection of Donated Art,” bi-annual art sale fundraiser, 5-8 p.m., free admission, 353 Cumberland Ave., Portland, 774-6323.

“‘Tis the Gift,” USM music scholarship benefit gala, with food, auctions and holiday music by USM music students, 5:30-10 p.m., $90, registration required, Abromson Community Center, USM Portland, 780-5003.

Saturday 12/5

Art and Hand-stitched Items Raffle, to benefit Maine Parkinson Society, raffle tickets can be purchased now through Dec. 5, winner drawn on Dec. 12, to view items, www.maineparkinsonsociety.org, click on “November Raffle,” 1-800-832-4116.

Giving Tree of Hats and Mittens, bring new unwrapped hats, mittens of all sizes to Yarmouth tree lighting on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.; after Dec. 5, drop off donations to Yarmouth Town Hall, Merrill Memorial Library, or Yarmouth Community Services, sponsored by Yarmouth Fire-Rescue, Margaret Downing, 846-9295.

Santa Steamed Clam Supper, to benefit Santa Fund of the Maine Clammer’s Association, bring new unwrapped toy, 4-7 p.m., $12 adult/ $6 child, ages 5 and under free, Freeport Masonic Lodge, Mallet Dr., Freeport, Adam, 615-5640.

Planet Dog Company Store 5th Annual “Sit With Santa”, to benefit Planet Dog Foundation, pictures with kids and dogs, $10, costumes available for willing dogs, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 1-3 p.m., Planet Dog Company Store, 211 Marginal Way, Portland, Katie LeBel, 563-7695.

Sunday 12/6

Downeasters Barbershop Chorus Holiday Concert, to benefit Northeast Hearing and Speech, 4 p.m., by donation, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland, 874-1065, www.nehearingandspeech.com.

Jingle Bell Run and Walk for Arthritis, 5K timed race or leisure walk, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race, meet at Freeport Middle School gym, 19 Kendall Ln, Freeport, register, www.freeportjbr.kintera.org, 1-800-639-2113.

Tuesday 12/8

Holiday Celebration, of the Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Women’s Network, to benefit Dress for Success, 5 p.m. registration, 5:30-7:30 p.m. dinner and program, Beale Street BBQ, South Portland, register by Dec. 4 at www.mainewomensnetwork.com.

Fairs, Festivals, Food and Fun

Thursday 11/26

Thanksgiving Dinner, free for needy and elderly, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Toddy Brook Golf Course and Cafe, 925 Sligo Road, North Yarmouth, Mike Smith, 829-5100.

Friday 11/27

Creative Economy Studio Show and Sale, with local artists and craftspeople, 4-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Studio on the Hill, 21 Pleasant Hill Road, Freeport, Cat Schwenk, 865-0605. 

Home For The Holidays Craft Show, by the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Scarborough High School, 20 Gorham Rd., Scarborough, Stone Soup Artisans, 283-4715.

The Polar Express, Thursdays-Sundays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 21; trains leave at 4, 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m., $24 child, $26 adult, $40 first class coach car, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Ocean Gateway Depot, 58 Fore St., Portland, extra dates/times at www.mngrr.org/polar_express.html, tickets at www.porttix.com.

Saturday 11/28

Casco Bay Lines Cruise with Santa, with music, performances, snacks, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $8 adult/ $4 children, depart from Ferry Terminal, 56 Commercial St., Portland, Caitlin Gildart, 774-7871 ext. 105, www.cascobaylines.com.

Len Libby Candies Annual Candy Cane Event, make handmade candy canes, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., free, Len Libby Candies, 419 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, 883-4897, www.lenlibby.com.

Jane Freeberg and Astrid Sheckels, author and illustrator of children’s book, “The Scallop Christmas,” 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., L.L. Bean flagship store, Main St., Freeport.

Sunday 11/29

“Artsy Crafts on 88,” a juried artisan holiday show, with photography, painting, jewelry and more, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., 267 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ritamae@maine.rr.com.

DIY Gift-Making Open House, “Art Night Out” inspired kits, $10-$25, 2-5 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 29, Dec. 13, Dec. 20, Artascope Studios, 352 Cottage Rd., South Portland, Suzanne, 799-5154.

New Gloucester Tree Lighting, with Gray-NG High School chorus, Town Library and New Gloucester History Barn open house, 4 p.m., New Gloucester Town Hall, U.S. Route 231, New Gloucester.  

Thursday 12/3

Holiday Boutique, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., local craftsmen and artisans, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 53 Baxter Blvd., Portland, 253-3292.

Friday 12/4

6th Annual “Ember’s Glow Holiday Show,” Craft and Functional Art, accessories, 6-9 p.m. Friday opening reception; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday 12-4 p.m. Sunday; Ember Grove, 247 Congress St., Portland, 761-0408.

A Gift of Christmas Fair, 12-5 p.m. Friday, with lobster lunch; 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday pictures and donuts with Santa, $10; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. fair; 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. seatings for Italian dinner $9 adults/$6 children, Holy Cross School, 436 Broadway, South Portland, 799-6661.

December SHOPPE: An Artists & Crafters Holiday Exhibit and Sale, with live music, local art, jewelry, soap, knitted wear and more, 5-8:30 p.m., TIME Gallery at CTN Studios, 516 Congress St., Portland.

Society for East End Arts Holiday Art Sale, with 80 artists, free admission, 6-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, East End Community School Center, 195 North St., Portland, Solange Kellermann, 577-0648, www.SEAportland.com.

Holly Jolly Fair, cake party, 6-8 p.m. Friday; fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, First Parish Congregational Church, 40 Main St., Freeport, Andrea Conner, 865-3573.

Saturday 12/5

Alternative Gift Market and Fair Trade Crafts Sale, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., free admission, Southern Maine Community College, Campus Center, 2 Fort Road, South Portland, Heather Bennett, 741-5663.

Annual Christmas Fair, with silent auction, lobster stew lunch, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main St., Yarmouth, Cathy Ferretti, 846-1039.

Annual East End Holiday Stroll, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., with music, treats, special deals, warming stations for strollers, eastendshops.com.

Annual Yarmouth Town Carol Sing and Tree Lighting, 5 p.m., Town Hall Memorial Green, Main St., Yarmouth, Margaret Downing, 846-9295.

Christmas Craft Fair, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., West Scarborough United Methodist Church, 2 Church St., Scarborough, 883-2814, www.wsumc.us.

Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; haddock chowder luncheon, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Blue Point Congregational Church, 236 Pine Point Road, Scarborough.

Christmas Fair, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., with silent auction, crafts, luncheon, Foreside Community Church, 340 Foreside Rd., Falmouth.

Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 179 Ridgeland Ave., South Portland.

Coastal Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. fair; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. luncheon, Peoples United Methodist Church, 310 Broadway, South Portland.

First Universalist Evergreen Fair, craft fair and silent auction, soup and bread luncheon, raffles and more, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., First Universalist Church, 97 Maine St., Yarmouth, 846-4148.

Fiddlehead Family Holiday Craft Morning, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., $10 per person, collecting non-perishable food items for Project Grace, Fiddlehead Center for the Arts, 383 US Route 1, Scarborough, 883-5720, www.fcascarborough.org.

A Gift of Christmas Christmas Fair, 8:30-11 a.m. pictures and donuts with Santa, $10; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. fair; 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. seatings for Italian dinner $9 adults/$6 children, Holy Cross School, 436 Broadway, South Portland, 799-6661.

Holiday Bazaar Craft and Bake Sale, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., free admission, Friends School of Portland, Carter Hall, Mackworth Island, Falmouth, 781-6321, friendsschoolofportland.org.

Holiday Craft Fair, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bay Square at Yarmouth, 27 Forest Falls Dr., Yarmouth, Mary Willson, 846-0044.

Holiday Fair, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., West Cumberland Methodist Church, Gray Rd, 829-4366.

Holly Jolly Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., First Parish Congregational Church, 40 Main St., Freeport, Andrea Conner, 865-3573.

Morrison Center Holiday Festival, craft, bake sale, entertainment, ponies, wagon rides and more, Morrison Center, 60 Chamberlain Road, Scarborough, 883-6680, www.mdcmaine.org.

Meadow Wind Holiday Open House and Silent Auction, 3-7 p.m., free admission, Meadow Wind, 100 Gray Rd, Falmouth, 878-3899.

New Gloucester Historical Society Open House/ Holiday Sale, with exhibit of historic town photos and antique vehicles, New Gloucester History Barn, 9 a.m. – noon, behind Town Hall, U.S. Route 231, New Gloucester, 926-3188.

North Yarmouth Holiday Events, Historical Society Old-Time Holiday Party, tree decorating, carols, crafts, gingerbread cookies, 1-3 p.m., Old Town House, U.S. Route 9, North Yarmouth; Community Potluck and Tree Lighting, 5 p.m., bring entree, side or salad to share, with entertainment, free/ donations accepted, Wescustogo Hall, U.S. Route 115, North Yarmouth; 846-4379.

Shaker Christmas Fair, with BBQ meal, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, U.S. Route 26, New Gloucester, 926-4597.

St. Bart’s Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., with luncheon, children’s craft area and childcare for $1, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 396 Gilman Road, Yarmouth, www.stbartsyarmouth.org.

Old Fashioned Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church Portland, 580 Forest Ave., Portland.

A Walnut Hill Christmas,” holiday arts and crafts gift show, food available, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wescustogo Hall, U.S. Route 115,North Yarmouth. 

Williston-West UCC Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 32 Thomas St., Portland.

Winter’s Glow Gala, Holiday Art Show & Sale sponsored by Freeport Creative Arts, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., free admission, Freeport Square Gallery, 140 Main St., Freeport, 865-1616.

Sunday 12/6

Holy Martyrs Christmas Fair, with luncheon, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 266 Foreside Road, Falmouth, office@holymartyrs.org.

Friday 12/11

Fraser Art Studio’s Group Holiday Art Sale, Dec. 11-13, 5-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, 81 Congress St., Munjoy Hill, Portland, www.fraserartstudio.com.

Music and Theater

Saturday 11/28

“The Nutcracker,” presented by Maine State Ballet and Orchestra, with Musica de Filia Girlchoir and Wescustogo Youth Chorale, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., Nov. 28; 2 p.m. Nov. 29; 7 p.m. Dec. 4; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6, $15-$45, Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, tickets, PortTix, 842-0800, www.mainestateballet.org.

Tuesday 12/1

“Joyous Sounds for a Festive Season,” USM Chamber Singers, a cappella ensemble, 7:30 p.m., $9 suggested donation at door, Immanuel Baptist Church, 156 High St., Portland, 780-5555.

Thursday 12/3

“A Christmas Carol,” presented by Old Port Playhouse, 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinee Saturdays and Sundays; Dec. 3-20, $18/$15, Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Portland, 773-0333, www.oldportplayhouse.com.

Friday 12/4

Portland Community Chorus Traditional Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday, $12 advance/ $15 door, Scarborough High School auditorium, 20 Gorham Rd, Scarborough, tickets, Starbird Music in Portland, 839-7070, www.PortlandCommunityChorus.org.

Saturday 12/5

Christmas at the Cathedral, presented by Choral Art Society, Saturday noon preview and 8 p.m. concert; Sunday concerts, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., tickets, $10-$30, limited number of $5 youth tickets, Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland, CAS, 828-0043 or www.choralart.org.

Sunday 12/6

“The Sweet Sounds of Christmas,” Christmas music by Pine Tree Coastal Winds, 2 p.m., bring food item to donate to Freeport Community Services Food Pantry or cash donation, Harraseeket Grange Hall, 13 Elm St., Freeport, 865-4747.

Tuesday 12/8

“The Bells of Christmas,” performance by Casco Bay Ringers and Falmouth Community Handbell Group, hosted by The Falmouth Historical Society, 7 p.m., open to public, OceanView Community Room, Falmouth, reservations, 781-4727.

Friday 12/11

“PSO’s Magic of Christmas,” a Portland Symphony Orchestra production, Dec. 11-13; Dec. 18-20; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays; extra show Dec. 18 at 2 p.m., $25 and up, Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, tickets, www.porttix.com, box office at 20 Myrtle St., Portland, 842-0800.

Sunday 12/13

83rd Annual “Pageant of the Nativity,” presented by The First Parish in Portland, Unitarian Universalist, non-denominational pageant with cast of 80; 4:45 p.m., free and open to public, 425 Congress St., Portland, 773-5747.

Wednesday 12/16

“Victorian Nutcracker,” presented by Portland Ballet, 7:30 p.m., Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, tickets, PortTix, www.porttix.com, or 842-0800.

Mid Coast

Benefits

Thursday 11/26

InspireME’s 6th Annual 5k Turkey Trot, informal walk run for families, registration 7-8:15 a.m., trot 8:30 a.m., requested cash donation $10/minimum or non-perishable food contribution, tote given for $20 donation, for pre-registration contact Perian, 443-2509 or turkeytrot@inspiremept.com, InspireME Personal Fitness Training Studio, 30 Front St., Bath, race starts at Cafe Creme.

Wednesday 12/2

“Holiday Gala,” to benefit the Bath Area Family YMCA, with champagne and appetizers, performance by Oratorio Chorale, 5:30-8 p.m., $25, Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St., Bath, tickets, Springer’s Jewelers, Now You’re Cooking, Bath YMCA, 443-4112 or www.bathymca.org.

Friday 12/4

Holiday Art Fair: “Trees and Wreaths and Baubles, Oh My!” to benefit VSA programs for children and adults with disabilities, 5-8 p.m. reception, fair through Dec. 13, The Eleven Pleasant Street Arts Center, 11 Pleasant St., Brunswick, Gracia Woodward, 607-4016.

The Mutineers Holiday Benefit Concert, to benefit Preble Street Resource Center, 7 p.m., $5 donation, Frontier Cafe, Ft. Andross, Maine St., Brunswick, www.explorefrontier.com.

Saturday 12/5

Ridin’ Steel Fundraiser Holiday Party, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. kids’ events and holiday craft fair, with Santa, food, free admission; 7-11 p.m. adult party, with music, raffles, food, $20 single/ $35 couple, Topsham Legion Post 202, Foreside Road, Topsham, bring non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy for donation, Amanda, 841-3518, www.ridinsteel.com.

Sunday 12/6

37th Annual Spirit of Christmas Craft Fair to benefit the Bath Police D.A.R.E program, with Santa, face painting raffles and more, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bath Middle School, 6 Old Brunswick Road, Bath, Shelley Merrill, 443-8339.

Saturday 12/12

“Mistletoe Madness, A Holiday Cabaret,” with Lynne McGhee and pianist Barbara Cook, to benefit The Coastal Humane Society, 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, $10 advance/ $15 door, The Harpswell Merriconeag Grange, U.S. Rt. 123, Harpswell, tickets, 833-6436.

Fairs, Festivals and Fun

Saturday 11/28

Annual Gingerbread Social, raffle, bake sale, 12-4 p.m., $2/child, $4/adult, everyone welcome, Cosmopolitan Club, 894 Washington St., Bath, Diane Nicol, 443-6134.

Children’s Tree Lighting, Jingle Bell Walk, Visit with Santa, 3-5 p.m., children encouraged to bring homemade ornaments, Library Park and City Hall, Bath, information, 442-7291 or www.visitbath.com. 

Victorian Christmas Open House & Cookie Walk, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Phippsburg Historical Society Museum, 24 Parker Head Rd., Phippsburg, 443-6309.

Tuesday 12/1

15th Annual Festival of Trees, hosted by the Bath Area Family YMCA; “Tots & Trees,” with storytelling by Mrs. Claus, Santa visit, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; tree viewing, 4-5:30 p.m., with refreshments, holiday activities; ongoing silent auction to benefit the Bath YMCA, all events at Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St., Bath, FMI, Bath Area Family YMCA, 443-4112 or www.bathymca.org.

Wednesday 12/2

Bath YMCA Festival of Trees, auctions, seasonal and children’s activities, donations appreciated, Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St., Bath, for events and information, 443-4112 or www.bathymca.org.

Saturday 12/5

Annual Holiday Craft Fair & Christmas Cafe, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., West Bath Elementary School, 126 New Meadows Road, Melissa Belanger, 443-4066, or West Bath School, 443-9145.

Christmas Fair, wreaths, crafts, raffle, more, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., luncheon 11 a.m., Bath United Church of Christ, 150 Congress Ave, 371-2727. 

35th Annual St. John’s Christmas Craft Show, by juried craftsmen and artists, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., free admission, St. John’s Parish Hall, Pleasant St., Brunswick. 

Julefest, held by Maine Nordmenn #3-664, Norwegian smorgasbord, St. Lucia procession, visit from Julenisse, more, noon-4 p.m., $10 members, $15 non-members, free for children 15 and under, Sky-Hy Convention Center, Topsham, Robert Boylestad, Rboylestad@aol.com or 828-5710.

St. Paul’s Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; cafe 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 725-5342.

Santa Visit, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., free and open to public, Skolfield-Whittier House, 161 Park Row, Brunswick, bring camera, refreshments next door at Pejepscot Historical Society, 159 Park Row, Brunswick, 729-6606.