Art

Holiday show, group exhibit, CRAFT Gallery, Rockland. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Thursday through Saturday. Through Dec. 5.

“John Haberle: Master of Illusion,” Portland Museum of Art, Portland, $4-$10. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

“Debating Modern Photography: The Triumph of Group f/64,” Portland Museum of Art, Portland, $4-$10. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 5.

“The Search for Beauty: Whistler and His Time,” drawings and paintings, Colby College (Museum of Art), Waterville. noon to 4:30 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Jan. 2.

“The Architecture of Environmental Landscapes, Within and Without,” regional artists exploring environmental themes, University of New England (Art Gallery), Portland. 1 to 4 p.m. today and Wednesday; 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday; 1 to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“Sit Down! Chairs From Six Centuries,” chair collection of American and European seating furniture from 1470 to the present, Bowdoin College (Museum of Art), Brunswick, free. 725-3275. 1 to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Jan. 16.

“Islands and Sirens,” work by Tom Curry and Brian Mark, Thos. Moser Showroom, Freeport. www.thosmoser.com. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Through Jan. 31.

“Photographing Maine: 10 Years Later, 2000-2009,” photography with work by more than 150 artists, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockport. 236-2875. 1 to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Through Dec. 5.

“False Documents and Other Illusions,” Portland Museum of Art, Portland, $4-$10, free under age 6. www.portlandmuseum.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Jan. 2.

“All This,” collages and constructions by Karen MacDonald, Perimeter Gallery, Belfast. 338-0555. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

“The Old Port at Night,” photos by Melanie Bennett. Also, historical photography and poetry exhibit, “Look Twice: The Waponahki in Image and Verse,” University of Southern Maine (Glickman Family Library), Portland. 780-4270. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. today; 7:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 30.

Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection, Inuit images, Home and Away Gallery, Kennebunkport. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Monday.

“A Twilight of Steel/Something Caught My Eye,” photographs by Jane Williams, running with scissors, Portland. 699-4242. By appointment.

“Anything Goes,” paintings, sculpture, mixed media, River Arts, Damariscotta. 563-1507. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Friday.

“India Sojourn and a Glimpse of Venice,” photos by Lawrence Elbroch. Red Door Pottery Studio and Gallery Shop, Kittery. www.reddoorpottery.com. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Saturday. Through Dec. 24 (open by chance or appointment between Dec. 26 and Feb. 28).

“Bountiful Maine,” group show, Markings Gallery, Bath. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Monday.
Colin Page, paintings; continues through Dec. 19, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

Andy Benoit, oil paintings, Gold/Smith Gallery, Boothbay Harbor; noon to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

“Perspectives,” pottery and oil paintings by Pamela Williamson, Jeanne O’Toole Hayman and Rick Boyd, Richard Boyd Gallery, Peaks Island. www.richardboydpottery.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; by appointment Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“World of Ink and Water,” brush paintings and watercolors by Jean Kigel, Summer Island Studio – Gallery of Fine Artisans, Brunswick. 373-1810. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Hugh Verrier, paper-sculpted birds, Birds in Flight Gallery, Eustis. www.birds-in-flight.com; noon to 6 p.m. today through Wednesday.

“Shades of Light,” paintings by Lynn Cyr, University of Maine (Blake Library), Fort Kent. 1 to 9 p.m. today; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday.

“Food for Thought: Ten Years of Farm Branding,” illustrations and designs by Gabe McPhail, Belfast Co-op Cafe Gallery, Belfast. www.belfast.coop. 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

“Currents 6,” multimedia work by Gina Siepel, Colby College (Museum of Art), Waterville. www.colby.edu. noon to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Through Feb. 13.

Fall Faculty Exhibit, recent work by Bevin Engman, Gary Green, Maggie Libby, Harriett Matthews, Abbott Meader, Nancy Meader, Garry Mitchell and Scott Reed, Colby College (Museum of Art), Waterville. www.colby.edu; noon to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Through Jan. 2.

“Little Elegies: The Art of Nineteenth-Century Mourning,” paintings, texts and objects created to assuage grief, memorialize the dead and remind viewers of religious truths drawn from the museum’s collections, Colby College (Museum of Art), Waterville. www.colby.edu. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Tuesday through Saturday.

Juried Student Exhibition, University of Southern Maine (Art Gallery), Gorham. 780-5008. 1 to 5 p.m. today; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 10.

Faculty Exhibition, Maine College of Art (Institute of Contemporary Art), Portland. www.meca.edu. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Jan. 9.

“The Art of December: Original Holiday Cards by Maine Artists from the Mildred Burrage Collection,” Maine Historical Society, Portland. www.mainehistory.org; noon to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., reception 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Jan. 3.

Senior Ceramic Exhibition, Maine College of Art (Free Street Gallery), Portland. www.meca.edu. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 10.
“In Celebration,” group show, River Arts Gallery II, Damariscotta. www.riverartsme.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Tuesday.

Kathleen Perelka, pastels, SugarWood Gallery, Farmington. 778-9105. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

“Cross Currents: Visual Art Distilled from the Maritime World,” Maine Maritime Museum, Bath, $9-$12. 443-1316. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Saturday. Through Feb. 6.

“Imagination Takes Shape: Canadian Inuit Art From the Robert and Judith Toll Collection,” Bowdoin College (Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum), Brunswick. 725-3416. 2 to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Through Dec. 5.

“New Work,” paintings by Paul Black, Fore Street Gallery, Portland. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., reception 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Jan. 2.

“A Matter of Perception: An Exhibition by Artists with Disabilities,” VSA arts of Maine Gallery, Augusta. www.vsartsmaine.org. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Winter Invitational Exhibit, The Gallery at Eleven Pleasant St., Brunswick. www.vsartsmaine.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Altering Matters: New Work by Maine Members of the Surface Design Association,” University of Southern Maine (Atrium Art Gallery), Lewiston. www.usm.maine.edu/lac/art. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Fall exhibit, works by Todd Watts and Ilya Askinazi and from the museum’s collection, University of Maine (Museum of Art), Bangor. 561-3350. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Through Dec. 30.

“Mesa to Sedona to Jerome,” paintings by Francine Schrock, Sandpiper Jewelry Gallery, South Portland. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

“Shoemaking Skills of Generations,” exhibit celebrating Lewiston and Auburn’s history and present-day legacy in shoemaking, Museum L-A, Lewiston. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

“Main Streets of Waldo County,” photography, Belfast Free Library, Belfast. www.belfast.lib.me.us. 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday; noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

Arla Patch, University of Maine (Reed Art Gallery), Presque Isle. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Jennifer Morrison, nature photography exhibit, Viles Arboretum, Augusta. www.vilesarboretum.org. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“And Sew It Seams,” embroideries, art quilts and large scale woven sculpture, Spindleworks, Brunswick. www.spindleworks.org. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Runs through Jan. 1.

“Maine’s Woods: Observations by Bert Lincoln Call and Henry David Thoreau,” photos by Bert Lincoln Call with text by Thoreau, University of Maine (Art Gallery), Machias. 255-1279. 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Through Dec. 17.

“The Way We Work,” group show, 317 Main Street, Yarmouth. www.317mainst.org; noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Through Jan. 7.

“Your World: Nature Photography of Maine and Beyond,” Bangor Public Library, Bangor. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

“Art Noveau,” new works by Vox Photography artists, Portland Public Library (Lewis Gallery), Portland. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Runs through Dec. 30.

“My Maine,” work by Phoebe Porteous, Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth. www.elizabethmossgalleries.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

“LINES Portland: the invisible/visible lines and labor that connects us,” Katarina Weslien’s prints based on road repair lines made by Portland public service crews, Portland City Hall, Portland. www.lines.portlandmaine.gov. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Through Feb. 11.

“Letters From the Dead,” assemblages by Anastasia Weigle, Art House Picture Frames, Portland. www.arthousepictureframes.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

“Bog Shod,” agricultural images by photographer Jonathan Levitt, Maine Farmland Trust Gallery, Belfast. www.mainefarmlandtrust.org. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

Graphic design exhibit, student work, Maine College of Art (Joanne Waxman Library), Portland. www.meca.edu. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

“Step On It,” work by Libby Barrett, Harmon’s & Barton’s Gallery, Portland. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

“Photomontage,” digitally altered photographs by John Byrne, Heron Point Gallery, Portland. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Berri Kramer, photographs, The Frame Works, Kennebunk. theframeworks.net. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

“A Matter of Perception,” work by artists with disabilities, Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Brunswick. www.explorefrontier.com. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Italy Inside/Out,” paintings by Brita Holmquist, Daunis Fine Jewelry, Portland. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Lalla Essaydi: Les Femmes du Maroc,” large-scale photographs adapted from Eugene Delacroix’s “Les Femmes d’Algiers,” Bates College (Museum of Art), Lewiston. www.bates.edu. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Through Dec. 17.

“Wally Reinhardt: Collaborations With Ovid,” paintings interpreting Ovid’s “Metamorphoses,” Bates College (Museum of Art), Lewiston. www.bates.edu. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Through Dec. 17.

Jason Slaughter, paintings, Waterfall Arts, Belfast. www.waterfallarts.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Through Jan. 20.

“Whiteout,” L/A Arts Gallery 5, Lewiston. 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Through Dec. 18.
“Thread by Thread,” woven textile art by Sarah Haskell, Maine Fiberarts, Topsham. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

“Envisioning the World: The First Printed Maps, 1472-1700,” University of Southern Maine (Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education), Portland. 780-4850. 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Through Dec. 30.

“Medicine and Power Objects,” featuring ceremonial objects used by shamans, Museum of African Culture, Portland. www.museumafricanculture.org. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Holiday show, Ember Grove Gallery, Portland. EmberGrove.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., reception 5 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Holiday Stroll noon to 6 p.m. Saturday.

“Making a Greene,” paintings and other work by Jeremy and Sabrina Greene, Three Fish Gallery, Portland. www.makingagreene.wordpress.com, noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; noon to 4 p.m., reception 5 to 8 p.m.Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 11.

“Artful Ornaments,” metal, clay, mixed media and more, Markings Gallery, Bath. 443-1499. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Elizabeth Cashin McMillen, Aucocisco Galleries, Portland. www.aucocisco.com; noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 5 p.m., reception 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

“Winter Works,” paintings and sculpture by Tom Curry, Ralf Feyl and others, and “Eye Catchers,” small works, Gleason Fine Art, Portland. www.gleasonfineart.com. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Through Jan. 29.

“Elizabeth Jabar: A Quiet Habitation,” prints, Susan Maasch Fine Art, Portland. www.susanmaaschfineart.com. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

“Transport,” large-format photos of classic cars by Robert Moran, running with scissors, Portland. 479- 5679. By appointment Wednesday through Saturday. “Biennial Portland Show,” invitational exhibit, Greenhut Galleries, Portland. 772-2693. Reception 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Runs through Dec. 31.
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“Aunt Lu: The Story of Princess Watahwaso,” collection of photographs and objects, Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor. www.abbemuseum.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

108 Angels Project: “Tree,” by Eva Goetz; benefits the Center for Grieving Children, Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth. www.elizabethmossgalleries.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., reception 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 5.

Maine Women in the Arts, fine art show, Masonic Hall, Kennebunkport. www.mainewomenarts.com. 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 5.

“Pots and Vessels,” work by Warren MacKenzie, Sequoia Miller, Paul Heroux and Ron King, June Fitzpatrick Gallery at MECA, Portland. www.junefitzpatrickgallery.com; noon to 7 p.m. and reception Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

“Unique and Affordable,” holiday show, Art Space Gallery, Rockland. www.artspacemaine.com. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 24.

“Women at Wits End,” Bowdoin College (David Saul Smith Union), Brunswick. 725-3375. Reception 6 p.m. Friday.

“Something From Nothing,” papier mache scuplptures by Nanci Kahn, June Fitzpatrick Gallery, Portland. www.junefitzpatrickgallery.com. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., reception 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

“Contemporary Maine Wood Sculpture,” Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Rockport. www.woodschool.org. 9 a.m. to5 p.m., reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Through Feb. 4.

“Addison Woolley and Friends,” group show, Addison Woolley Gallery, Portland. 450-8499; noon to 5 p.m., reception 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

“Smitten: Hands and Their Coverings,” Latvian mittens by Angela Kimberk and mittens and hand coverings by other area textile artists and photographs, prints, paintings and sculptures, Merrymeeting Arts Center, Bowdoinham. www.merrymeetingartscenter.org. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

Clothesline Art Show, River Tree Arts, Kennebunk. www.rivertreearts.org. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., reception 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Nathan Macomber, glass works, Gallery 302, Bridgton. www.gallery302.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., reception 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Runs through Friday.

Art Openings

“Small Works,” paintings and sculpture; continues through Dec. 23, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, Ellsworth. 667-6611. Thursday.

“8 x 10 x 80,” continues through Dec. 12, Harlow Gallery, Hallowell. 622-3813. Reception 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.

First Friday Art Walk, self-guided tour of local art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues on the first Friday of every month, various locations, Portland, free. www.firstfridayartwalk.com. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Benefits

Homegrown Fine Art and Crafts Show, exhibit, sale and silent auction benefits the farm, Skyline Farm, North Yarmouth; noon to 3 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Caring for Kenya, music performances, presentations and fellowship; benefits the Joseph Waweru Home School orphanage in Kenya, Unity Centre for the Performing Arts, Unity, $10. 948-7469. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Books and Authors

Author program, Robert J. Allison, author of “A Short History of Boston,” presents “Boston and New England: Culture and Economy,” University of New England (WCHP Lecture Hall), Portland. www.une.edu/cgh/lectures. 5 p.m. (reception at art gallery), 6 p.m. (program) Monday.

Author program, Wolfgang Kliemann, co-author of “The Dynamics of Control,” presents “Global Behavior of Dynamical Systems, or Where Does Chaos Fit into Mathematics,” Bowdoin College (Searles Science Building), Brunswick, free. 725-3567. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Author presentation, Earle Shettleworth Jr., author of “Victorian Augusta,” Belfast Free Library, Belfast. www.belfast.lib.me.us. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Author presentation, Brian Czech, author of “Shoveling Fuel for a Runaway Train,” presents “Take a Position: The Need for Steady Statesmanship from the Academic Grassroots,” Colby College (Olin Science Center), Waterville, free. www.colby.edu. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Brown Bag Lecture series, one hour program, bring your own lunch, Portland Public Library, Portland, free. 871-1710. Rosemary Herbert, “Front Page Teaser,” noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Book signing and author reading, Borders Books and Music, South Portland, free. Steve Berry, “The Emperor’s Tomb,” 7 p.m. Thursday; Sean Flathers, “Twas a Shepherd’s First Christmas,” 11 a.m. Saturday.

Book signing and author reading, Patten Free Library, Bath. www.patten.lib.me.us. Roland Wallace, “Maney the Sneezing Moose,” 10:30 a.m. Friday.

Book signing, Nonesuch Books, South Portland. 799-2659. Ellen Thayer, “My Christmas Surprise,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Author signing, L.L. Bean Retail Store, Freeport, free. www.llbean.com. Dahlov Ipcar, “The Calico Jungle,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Book signing, Nonesuch Books and Cards, Biddeford. Anita Shreve, “Rescue,” 2 p.m. Saturday.

Book signing and reading, seating is limited; reservations recommended, Kennebooks, Kennebunk. 967-8282. Chris Van Dusen, “Learning to Ski With Mr. Magee,” 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.

Classical Music

DaPonte String Quartet, Second Congregational Church, Newcastle, $18-$20, tickets at the door, free for ages 21 and under, 529-4555. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

UMF Community Chorus, University of Maine (Nordica Auditorium), Farmington, $6, $5 for seniors. 778-7072. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

DaPonte String Quartet, St. Mary the Virgin Church, Falmouth, $18-$20, free for under age 21. www.daponte.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Comedy

Open Mic Comedy, hosted by comedian Brian Brinegar, Slainte, Portland. 828-0900. 8 p.m. Thursday.

Dance

“The Nutcracker,” with the Robinson Ballet, Caribou High School (Performing Arts Center), Caribou. www.robinsonballet.org. 2 p.m. today.

“The Nutcracker,” annual Maine State Ballet production with Wescustogo Youth Chorale and Musica de Filia Girlchoir, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $15-$45. 842-0800. 2 p.m. today; 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

Ballroom dancing, Maplewood Dance Center, Portland. 878-0584. 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesday; 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Fall dance show, performed by theater and dance students, Bowdoin College (Wish Theater), Brunswick, free. 725-3375. 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday.

Dancing with DJ John, Maplewood Dance Center, Portland. 878-0584. 7 to 11 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 17.

Dance-a-Thon, with DJ Kevin Ouellette, Lucid Stage, Portland. 899-3993. Friday.

Snowflakes and Shimmies, performances by the students and professionals of Naya’s Trance Belly Dance, Pulse Dance Studio, Westbrook, $15 door, $10 in advance. www.nayastrance.com. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Contradance, all dances taught, dessert potluck; partner not necessary, Falmouth Congregational Church, Falmouth, $5-$10, free under 5. 756-2201. With Perpetual eMotion, 7:15 p.m. Saturday.

Fairs/Festivals

Christmas in New England Craft Show, www.newenglandcraftfairs.com/maine-craft-fairs.html, Augusta Civic Center, Augusta. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

Festival of Trees, with a variety of associated activities, Saco Museum, Saco, free. 283-3861; noon to 5 p.m. today, Tuesday and Wednesday; noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and children’s crafts 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Festival of Lights, festivities include Historic Inns Tour, tree lighting, carriage rides, and Santa, various locations, Rockland. www.therealmaine.com; today.

Winter Holiday Show, handmade crafts, Blueberry Ridge Farm, Pownal. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

Creative Economy Studio Show and Sale, work by local artists, Schwenk Studio, Freeport. www.catschwenk.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Artisans Holiday Market, with work by 11 local artists, The Gallery, Boothbay. 633-7187. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

Holiday Fair, Sea Road School, Kennebunk. 985-1105. 9 a.m. to5 p.m. Thursday.

Christmas Fair, crafts, workshops for children, lobster luncheon and more, Holy Cross Church, South Portland. 799-6661; noon to 6 p.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Italian dinner ($6 to $9) with seatings at 5 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Bazaar, greens and decorations, baked goods, Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick. 373-6015. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

MECA Holiday Sale, handmade arts and crafts by students and alumni, Maine College of Art (Porteous Building), Portland. www.meca.edu. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Holly Jolly Fair, First Parish Church Congregational, Freeport. 865-3573. Cake party 6 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Sale, with the Society of East End Arts, East End Community School, Portland. www.SEAportland.org. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Bowdoinham Guild of Artisans Show and Sale, Town Hall, Bowdoinham, free. www.bowdoinham.com/guildofartisans. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Prelude, house tours, music, parades, walking tours, tree lighting and more, various locations, Kennebunkport. www.christmasprelude.com. Friday.

Christmas by the Sea, weekend celebration at various locations in the Rockport-Camden-Lincolnville area with events including tree lighting, parade, singing and horse-drawn wagon rides. www.camdenme.org. Friday to Sunday.

Festival of Trees, silent auction, specialty items for sale; presented by the Boothbay Region Garden Club, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, free. 633-7439. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Bradbury Mountain Arts, annual art and craft show and sale featuring works by local artists, Mallett Hall, Pownal. 688-4153. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Women’s Holiday Art Sale, with more than 20 artisans, Town Hall, South Berwick. 384-6254. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Sparkle Weekend, entertainment, horse and carriage rides, strolling carolers and more, Downtown, Freeport. www.FreeportUSA.com. Friday to Sunday.

Old Fashioned Christmas Fair, crafts, ornaments, greens, antiques, Trinity Episcopal Church, Portland. 772-7421. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Fair, crafts, wreaths, food items, silent auction and raffle, Sacred Heart Church, Yarmouth. 846-5584. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas at First Parish, crafts, sleigh rides and Santa, First Parish Congregational Church, Gorham. 839-6751. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Holly Berry Fair, wreaths, baked goods, silent auction, prizes, chidlren’s crafts and activities, singing supper at 5:30 p.m. ($10, $3 for children for supper; call 625-8646 for reservations), Riverside United Methodist Church, Kezar Falls. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

A Walnut Hill Christmas, arts and crafts show and sale, Wescustogo Grange, North Yarmouth. 829-6273. 9 a.m. to4 p.m. Saturday.

Yuletide Fair, crafts, handmade items, lunch, First Congregational Church, Scarborough. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Fair, West Cumberland Methodist Church, Cumberland. 829-4366. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Cookie Faire, Cressey Road United Methodist Church, Gorham. 675-3317. 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Christmas Angel Fair, greens, crafts, raffles, Bar Mills Parish House, Buxton. 929-5468. 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Craft Show, St. John’s Catholic Church, Brunswick. 725-5507. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Prelude Fair, arts and crafts, white elephant table, silent auction, cookie exchange and poinsettias, St. Bartholomew Church, Cape Elizabeth. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Fair, luncheon, jewelry, attic treasures and more, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Yarmouth. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Fair, crafts, candy, jewelry, silent auction, luncheon, children’s store, Foreside Community Church, Falmouth. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Shaker Christmas Fair, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, New Gloucester. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Julefest, foods, St. Lucia procession, dancing, carol singing, silent auction and more, Sky-Hy Conference Center, Topsham, $15. 215-6186; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Fair, silent auction, crafts, luncheon and more, Williston West Church, Portland. 9 a.m. Saturday.

Ye Olde Christmas Fair, baked goods, raffles, wreaths, silent auction, handmade items and more, Winthrop Congregational Church, Winthrop. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Show, with the United Maine Craftsmen, University of Southern Maine (Sullivan Gymnasium), Portland, $2. 621-2818. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Gingerbread Fair, First Parish Congregational Church, Saco. 283-3771. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Holiday Arts and Crafts Show, with Etsy Maine artists, 54 College Ave. Waterville, free. www.etsymaineteam.blogspot.com. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Creatorium, craft show, Lincoln Street Center for Arts and Education, Rockland. www.thecreatorium.org. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Craft Fair, benefits the school’s music program, Wells Junior High School, Wells. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Friends and Neighbors Holiday Fair, Northfield Green, Portland. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Franklin County Arts and Crafts Association Christmas Craft Show, University of Maine (Olsen Student Center), Farmington, free. whouse2@myfairpoint.net. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Fair, Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland. 797-7240. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Fair, and poinsettia/wreath sale. Santa will meet children between 10 a.m. and noon, Morrison Center, Scarborough. 883-6680. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Craft Fair, North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth. www.NYA.org. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Festival of Trees, decorated trees, activities, displays and entertainment; to benefit local organizations, Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, Westbrook, free. 854-9157. Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 a.m.; Festival Feast, 5 p.m.; hayride, 7 p.m., 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Thrifty Kitty Christmas Fair, Friends of Feral Felines, Portland. www.feralfelines.net. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Festival and Craft Fair, Coastal Community Church, Scarborough. 885-5820. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Coastal Christmas Fair, Peoples United Methodist Church, South Portland. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Marketplace, handcrafts, foods, greens and more, Bar Mills Community Church, Buxton. 929-5555. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Films

Film series, Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor, free. www.abbemuseum.org. “Club Native,” 7 p.m. Thursday.
“Strange Powers: Stephen Merritt and the Magnetic Fields,” documentary about the songwriter’s work, Space, Portland, $7. www.space538.org. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

“Race to Nowhere,” documentary looking at high pressure culture and the lives of our children, Merriconeag Waldorf School, Freeport, $10. www.merriconeag.org. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Global Lens Film Series, a touring program of narrative features from around the world, Bates College (Ronj Coffeehouse), Lewiston, $5. 786-6135. “The Shaft,” 8 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 13.

Food and Drink

Lunch with Santa, grab some grub at Kennebunk restaurants and share your Christmas wishes with Santa, Squaretoes Restaurant, noon to 12:30 p.m.; Toppings Pizza, 12:30 to 1 p.m.; Duffy’s Tavern and Grill, 1 to 1:30 p.m.; Perfecto’s Caffe, 1:30 to 2 p.m. kennebunkdowntown.com. Today.

For Children

Holiday Festival for Children, with musical and other entertainers; benefits Advocates for Children, St. Dominic Academy, Auburn, $4-$8. www.advocatesforchildren.net. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Music

Broadway Noel, Broadway music and songs of the holiday season with Dennis St. Pierre, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay Harbor. 7:30 p.m. today.

Jazz Breakfast, breakfast items available for purchase; concert free with museum admission, Portland Museum of Art, Portland, $4-$10, free for children under age 6. 775-6148. Port City Jazz, 10:30 a.m. to noon today.

Rick Charette and the Bubblegum Band, holiday concert for families, Thornton Academy, Saco, free. 985-5975. 2 p.m. today.

Julia Lane and Kristin Tescher, yuletide Celtic harp concert, St. Michael’s Episcopal Parish, Auburn, $10, $5 for children. 783-6995. 3 p.m. today.

Bowdoin College Middle Eastern Ensemble, Bowdoin College (Studzinski Recital Hall), Brunswick, free. 8 p.m. Monday.

Joyous Sounds for a Festive Season, with the University of Southern Maine Chamber Singers, Immanuel Baptist Church, Portland. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Two Old Friends, Mac McHale and Emery Hutchins perform songs from Ireland, the mountains and the sea, Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth, free. www.ThomasMemorialLibrary.org. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Harvey Reid and Joyce Andersen, holiday concert and historical commemoration of the Wreck of the Isidore, Meetinghouse, Wells. 646-4775. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The Sound of Christmas, with Empire Brass and guest Elisabeth von Trapp, Fryeburg Academy (Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center), Fryeburg, $23-$26, $20 for students. www.fryeburgacademy.org. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Songwriters in the Round, Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Brunswick, $10. www.explorefrontier.com. With Lisa Redfern and Jesse Terry, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

J. Cole, hip hop; 18-plus. $22 in advance, $25 door; $40 VIP seated, Port City Music Hall, Portland. www.portcitymusichall.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday.

USM Jazz Ensembles, University of Southern Maine (Corthell Concert Hall), Gorham, $3-$6.7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Nanci Griffith, Strand Theatre, Rockland, $43. 594-0070. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Broadway at Good Theater, holiday concert, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $25-$30. 885-5883. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Noonday concerts, half-hour performance presented by Portland Conservatory of Music and the church, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland, free. 775-3356. Laura Kargul, piano, and Ronald Lantz, violin, 12:15 p.m. Thursday.

Tom Rush, folk; 21-plus show, The Landing at Pine Point, Scarborough.
www.thelandingatpinepoint.com. 7 p.m. Thursday.

The Rooster Revue, variety show, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, $40. www.stonemountainartscenter.com. Holiday show, 11:30 a.m. (doors) Thursday.

Pete Miller, folk/rock/jazz; Monique Barrett opens, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $10 door, $8 in advance. 761-1757. 8 p.m. Thursday.

Portland Community Chorus Holiday Concert, Scarborough High School, Scarborough, $15 door. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday.

Bates College Choir, Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston, free, but tickets required. www.bates.edu. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Stars Are Brightly Shining, University of Southern Maine School of Music holiday music scholarship gala; reservations required, University of Southern Maine (Abromson Community Education Center), Portland, $90. 780-5003. 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday.

Nanci Griffith, Jonathan’s Restaurant, Ogunquit, $49 day of, $45 in advance. jonathansrestaurant.com. 8 p.m. Friday; 7 p.m. Saturday.

Dirigo, Venue Music Bar and Grille, Portland, $10. venuemusicbar.com. 9 p.m. Friday.
Paul Sullivan: Christmas in Maine, piano, The Grand, Ellsworth, $18-$20, $8 for age 12 and younger. 667-9500. 7 p.m. Friday.

Alumni Band, holiday concert, Biddeford Middle School, Biddeford.  $7 in advance or $10 at the door. 571-4483. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

John McCutcheon, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $23 door, $20 in advance. 761-1757. 8 p.m. Friday.

Vanessa Torres and Ramblin’ Red, folk, Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Brunswick, $12 day of, $10 in advance. www.explorefrontier.com. 7 p.m. Friday.

Phil Poirier, CD release show for local contemporary folk artist, Church Street Commons (Wilde Accents Studio), Livermore Falls, free. www.philpoiriermusic.com. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Childsplay, large group of fiddlers playing a variety of music, all on instruments made by Bob Childs, Portland High School, Portland, $17-$22. www.childsplay.org. 8 p.m. Saturday.

Kimmy’s Odd Ball and FUNdraiser, with catered VIP reception, performances by eight bands, vendors, dancers, poets and more; benefits the Open Sky Fund. 21-plus event, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $20-$75. www.portcitymusichall.com. 5 p.m. Saturday.

Paul Sullivan, jazz piano, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath, $17 door, $15 in advance. chocolatechurcharts.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Student Composers Showcase, University of Southern Maine (Corthell Concert Hall), Gorham, free. 8 p.m. Saturday.

Pan Fried Steel Drum Band, Saco River Grange Hall, Bar Mills, by donation, $14, $12 for seniors and students suggested, free for children 12 and younger, 929-6472. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Trapps, with Girls Guns and Glory, Venue Music Bar and Grille, Portland, $10. venuemusicbar.com. 9 p.m. Saturday.

Railroad Earth, with Barefoot Truth, Skowhegan Opera House, Skowhegan, $25 day of, $20 in advance. www.sweetpeopleproductions.com. 8 p.m. Saturday.

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, State Theatre, Portland, $35 day of, $30 in advance. www.statetheatreportland.com. 8 p.m. Saturday.

Howard Fishman, CD release show, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $20 door, $17 in advance. 761-1757. 8 p.m. Saturday.

Strings in the Season, CD release concert with cellist Kristen Miller, River Tree Arts, Kennebunk. www.kennebunkcoffeehouse.com. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Patsy Cline Tribute, holiday show with Donna Lee and her band, Nasson Community Center, Springvale, $12. 7 p.m. Saturday.

New Gloucester Village Coffeehouse, First Congregational Church, New Gloucester, $10. Lynn Deeves, 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Bowdoin College Chamber Choir, Bowdoin College (Chapel), Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 3 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas at the Cathedral, Choral Art Society’s annual holiday concert, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland, $10-$30, $5 for youth. 828-0043. noon (preview) and 8 p.m. Saturday.

Special Events

Holiday Extravaganza, varying events featuring musicians, art exhibits, poets and more, Aarhus Gallery, Belfast. www.aarhusgallery.com. Through Dec. 24.

The Twelve Days of Christmas, tours of the mansion decked out in holiday splendor; tours are self-guided. Victoria Mansion, Portland, $5-$15, free under age 6, family ticket $35. www.victoriamansion.org. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Wednesday; Holiday gala, 6 to 8 p.m. ($50, reservations required), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Jan. 8.

Tree lighting, with music and local open houses, Town Hall, New Gloucester. 926-3188. 4:30 p.m. today.

Tree Lighting, with holiday music, wagon rides, caroling and story readings, Town Office, Gray. 2:30 p.m. (4:15 p.m. tree lighting) today.

“Christmas With the Longfellows,” a mid-19th century holiday celebration with Longfellow House tours, children’s activities, Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland. 774-1822. noon to 5 p.m. (last tour leaves at 4 p.m.) today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tour leaves at 4 p.m.) Monday through Saturday; music from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Parade of Lights, holiday parade begins on Turner Street, proceeds down Mechanics Row to Main Street, where Santa will light the Christmas tree at Festival Plaza then continue to Lewiston’s Dufresne Plaza for a tree and menorah lighting and entertainment, various locations, Auburn. www.auburnmaine.gov. 6 p.m Monday.

Knitting Night, knit (or not) while listening to a performance by fiddler Hope Hoffman and her band, Free Grange Music Studio, Bowdoinham, free. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Through Jan. 18.

Knitting Night, knit (or not) while listening to a performance by fiddler Hope Hoffman and her band, Lucid Stage, Portland, free. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Through Jan. 19.

Trees and Trains, historic property decorated for the holidays including a display in the barn of model trains, McLaughlin Garden, South Paris, $3-$5. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Lighting of the Copper Beech Tree, art activities, performances, refreshments and tree lighting; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free with museum admission, Portland Museum of Art, Portland, $4-$10, free under age 6. 775-6148. 6 to 7 p.m. Friday.

1930s Night, screening of the movie, “The Wizard of Oz” and performance by Over a Cardboard Sea, State Theatre, Portland, $5. www.statetheatreportland.com. 5:30 p.m. (music), 7 p.m. (movie) Friday.

Jingle Bell Express, wear your pajamas for a magical ride on the train to visit Santa. Reservations recommended, 596-6725. $20, free for children under age 2, Maine Eastern Railroad, Rockland. www.maineeasternrailroad.com. Friday and Saturday.

1880s Coastal Christmas, tours of the house decorated for a Victorian Christmas celebration, Harrington House, Freeport, $10, free age 18 and younger. 865-3170. Preview party ($25), 7 p.m. Friday; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

Arts Downtown and All Around, open studios, gallery exhibits and performances in Bath, Brunswick, Harpswell, Bowdoinham, Topsham, West Bath, Dresden and Woolwich. www.fiveriversartsalliance.org. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

A Heartwood Christmas, staged readings, poetry, storytelling and music, Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta, $8-$20. 563-1373. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

Holiday Open House, several performers, Montpelier-Gen. Henry Knox Museum, Thomaston, free. 354-8062. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Storytelling with Vernon Cox, by the campfire on Discovery Patio, L.L. Bean Retail Store, Freeport, free. www.llbean.com. 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday.

Open house, with photographic and historic vehicle displays, New Gloucester Historical Society (History Barn), New Gloucester. 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Share the Wonder, seasonal celebration with the Wyeth family features an exhibit of holiday art and artifacts and a large model train set, Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland. 596-6457. Gingerbread house decorating ($5 suggested donation per family; reservations required), 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

East End Holiday Stroll, special store events and other activities happening in east Bayside. Shuttle available, East End, Portland. 253-8000; noon to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas at Norlands: Snowflakes, 19th century parlor games, storytelling and holiday readings from the past, children’s hands-on activities and decorated Washburn mansion, Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore, $4-$8, free under age 6. www.norlands.org. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Viva Lebowski, tribute to the movie, “The Big Lebowski,” with bowling, trivia, screening of the film and costume contests, Bayside Bowl, Portland, $25 door, $20 in advance. vivalebowski.com. 9 p.m. Saturday.

Theater

“Annie Get Your Gun,” Lyric Music Theater, South Portland, $19.99. 2:30 p.m. today; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Adam and Eve and What REALLY Happened in the Garden of Eden,” musical comedy about the battle of the sexes, Old Port Playhouse, Portland, $15-$22. 2 p.m. today.

“The Santaland Diaries,” for mature audiences, Portland Stage Company, Portland, $20, $17 for students. 774-0465. 2:30 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

“The 39 Steps,” mystery/thriller presented by the Everyman Repertory Theatre, Camden Opera House, Camden, $18, $10 for students. www.everymanrep.org. 3 p.m. today.

“A Christmas Carol,” adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story, Belfast Maskers Waterfront Theater, Belfast, $5-$15. www.belfastmaskers.com. 2 p.m. today; 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 5.

Ron Carroll and Friends, performance of songs from the 1950s benefits Mid Coast Youth Theater scholarship fund, Brunswick High School (Crooker Theatre), Brunswick, $12 door, $10 in advance. 725-6558. 2 p.m. today.

“A Christmas Carol,” musical version of Charles Dickens’ story, Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Auburn. laclt.com. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 5.

“The Christmas Carol,” adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story presented by Sanford Maine Stage Theatre, Nasson Community Center (Little Theatre), Springvale, $12, $8 for seniors and students. www.sanfordmainestage.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Through Dec. 12.

“The World of Sholom Aleichem,” a collection of three short plays depicting life in Eastern Europe Jewish communities in the early part of the 20th century, Acorn Studios, Westbrook, $10, $8 for students and seniors. www.acorn-productions.org. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

Portland Playback Theatre, troupe enacts stories from the audience, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland, $5-$10, donation. www.portlandplayback.com. Theme: “Holidays from Heaven and Hell,” 7:30 p.m. Friday.

“A Very Ida Christmas,” Public Theatre, Lewiston, $16-$18, $5 for age 18 and younger. www.thepublictheatre.org. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

“Miracle on 34th Street,” classic holiday story about a department store Santa, Schoolhouse Arts Center, Sebago Lake, $14, $12 for students and seniors. www.schoolhousearts.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“A Christmas Carol,” tickets range from $25 to $39; $12 for children under age 12, Portland Stage Company, Portland. 774-0465. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

“The Butterfingers Angel, Mary and Joseph, Herod the Nut, and the Slaughter of 12 Hit Carols in a Pear Tree,” an irreverent nativity story presented by the Monmouth Community Players, Cumston Hall, Monmouth, $10, $8 for students and seniors. 933-2229. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

“Santa’s Reindeer Revue,” photos with Santa before the show, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Reservations recommended, Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland, $8. 828-1234, ext. 231. 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“Welcome Yule,” a medieval musical celebration of the yuletide season featuring music, dance and ritual from medieval England presented by the Merry Makers, Christ Church, Kennebunk, $12, $8 for age 12 and younger. 985-7047. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

“December Lights,” holiday readings presented by the Center Stage Players, Theater Project, Brunswick, $5 suggested. 729-8584. 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“The WFCP Home Time Radio Hour,” family-friendly show with popular songs from the 1940s and 1950s, comedy sketches in the style of the era and more presented by the Freeport Players, Freeport Performing Arts Center, Freeport, $15 door, $10 in advance. 865-2220. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 5.

“A Christmas Carol,” community production of Dickens’ classic holiday story, York High School, York, $5, free for age 5 and younger. 363-1040. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.