• Art

5RAA Arts Downtown & All Around Exhibit and Sale: art studios, galleries, museums and group shows with musicians; paintings, clay, textiles, wood pieces, jewelry, mixed media, baskets and more, Brunswick and Bowdoinham. 5raa.org. Sunday.

“Eye Catchers,” annual holiday show featuring folk artist Jeff Barrett, Gleason Fine Art, Portland. gleason fineart.com. Through Dec. 28.

Kennebec Valley Art Association “8x10x100,” proceeds support arts programmingy, pieces sell for $100, Harlow Gallery, Hallowell. harlow gallery.org. Through Dec. 28.

“Piece Work,” 2013 Portland Museum of Art Biennial, recent work by 30 artists, through Jan. 5; “Winslow Homer’s Civil War,” wood engravings and prints, through Sunday; “9 Walks,” nine video projections by Amy Stacey Curtis, through Jan. 5; “J480N R063N38,” installation of large-scale sculptural forms by Jason Rogenes in the PMA family space, through Jan. 5; “Redacted,” paintings and drawings by Ahmed Alsoudani, Iraqi artist and MECA graduate, through Feb. 2. Portland Museum of Art. portlandmuseum.org.

“The Wonderful World of Oz,” exhibition drawn from the world’s most comprehensive collection of Oz materials, based in Maine, through March; “Every Picture Tells a Story,” N.C. Wyeth illustrations from the Brandywine River Museum, through Dec. 29; “A Wondrous Journey: Jonathan Fisher and the Making of Scripture Animals,” through Jan. 5; “American Treasures: Visions of the Land and Sea,” through Feb. 2; Andrew Wyeth: “Temperas and Watercolors,” through April 30, Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland. farnsworthmuseum.org

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“Breakthrough: Work by Contemporary Chinese Artists,” eight pioneering women artists, through Jan. 5; “Regarding the Forces of Nature: From Alma Thomas to Yayoi Kusama,” contemporary women artisits, through Feb. 9; “The Object Show,” small and rarely seen objects from diverse collections, through June 8. Bowdoin College, Museum of Art, Brunswick. bowdoin.edu/art-museum.

“Nowhere But Here,” works by Marsden Hartley, Arthur Dove, Elizabeth Murray, Ben Pier and others, through Jan. 5; “The Lunder Collection,” works by Whistler, Homer, O’Keefe and many more American masters, plus “Spaces and Places” and “American Weathervanes,” through June 8. Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville. colby.edu/museum.

“On Finding Home,” figures carved from wood and finished with painted surfaces by Sachiko Akitama; “From the Shadows,” black and white photographs by Susan Burnstine and Lynn Saville, University of Maine Museum of Art, Bangor. umma.umaine.edu. Through Jan. 4.

Fryeburg Fair Portraits-Ambrotypes, by David Puntel, Fryeburg Academy, Pace Galleries of Art, also includes portraits by Rachel Andrews Damon and vintage portraits from O.B. Denison. fryeburg academy.org. Through Dec. 20.

Heartwood College of Art presents “Art of the Barn,” interpretations of local barns by local artists, Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk. brick storemuseum.org. Through Dec. 30.

“River Reflections – Maine Woods Mirror,” photographs by John Orcutt, Schoolhouse Gallery, Kingfield. schoolhouseartgallery.com. Through Jan. 3.

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7th annual Extravaganza, variety of work by more than 70 Maine artists, Aarhus Gallery, Belfast. aarhus gallery.com. Through Dec. 24.

“Beings,” sculpture by Eva Goetz and Nanci Khan, Maine Jewish Museum, Portland. treeoflifemuseum .org. Through Dec. 24.

“The Collector’s Choice,” photographs, lithographs, paintings and more by several artists, York Public Library. york.lib.me.us. Through Jan. 3.

Wearable Art, by Maine artists to wear and live with, Markings Gallery, Bath. markingsgallery.com. Through Dec. 31.

“Winter Harbor & Penobscot Bay,” small, bold oil paintings by Brita Holmquist, Daunis Fine Jewelry, Portland. daunis.com. Through Dec. 31.

“Moonlit,” photographs by Luc Demers, Rose Contemporary, Portland. rosecontemporary.com. Through Dec. 31.

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First Anniversary Show, paintings and photography by established local and emerging artists, The DaVinci Experience Art Gallery, Falmouth. davinciexperience.com. Through Jan. 9.

Pots, 15th annual studio pottery exhibit with works by Paul Heroux, Susan Dewsnap and Sequoia Miller, June Fitzpatrick Gallery at MECA, Portland. 699-5083. Through Saturday.

Gifts for Giving ’13, fine art, sculpture and fine crafts, Studio 53 Fine Art Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. 380-7554. Through Dec. 18.

“Home for the Holidays,” local crafts and curiosities, Red Door Pottery Studio and Gallery Shop, Kittery. reddoorpottery.com. Through Dec. 15.

Dahlov Ipcar, 20 new paintings, Frost Gully Gallery, Freeport. frost gullygallery.com. Through Dec. 28.

The Hive and Heartwood College of Art present “100 Birds for Haiti,” 100 works or art portraying birds by local artists being sold for $100, with half of the proceeds benefiting Partners in Development, an organization devoted to the emergency feeding of children in Haiti, The Hive, Kennebunk. thehivekennebunk.com. Through Dec. 31.

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“Circo El Salvador,” images of traveling circus families by Steven Laxton, PhoPa Gallery, Portland. phopagallery.com. Through Dec. 28.

Joe Guertin: “A Graphic Designer vRemembered,” University of New England, Art Gallery, Portland. une .edu/artgallery. Through Jan. 26.

The Holly and The Ivy: Festival of Trees, Saco Museum, sacomuseum.org. Dozens of gorgeously decorated trees and wreaths. Through Dec. 29.

2013 Faculty Exhibition, featured artists Sascha Braunig, Hilary Irons, Samantha Haedrich and Peter Simensky, Maine College of Art, Institute of Contemporary Art, Portland. meca.edu. Through Dec. 22.

“The Seasons,” new paintings by John Vander, Gold/Smith Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. goldsmithgallery .net. Sunday through Dec. 24.

New sculptures by Jeff Barrett, Gleason Fine Art, Boothbay Harbor. gleasonfineart.com. Through Jan. 4.

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Holiday Offerings 2013, selection of original works by regional artists working in a variety styles and media, Richard Boyd Gallery, Peaks Island. richardboydartgallery.com. Through Dec. 31.

Maine Artists Collective “Alchemy of Light,” Constellation Gallery, Portland. constellationart.com. Paintings, mixed media, photography and digital art with the theme of light. Through Dec. 29.

Paul Black, new Portland paintings, Fore Street Gallery, Portland. 874-8084. Through Dec. 31.

“Just What You’ve Always Wanted,” paintings, photographs, mixed media and more, Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth. elizabethmoss galleries.com. Through Jan. 12.

Southern Maine Community College Student Work Exhibition, self-portraits in charcoal Portland Public Library. portlandlibrary.com. Through Jan. 31.

William Harrison, pen and ink drawings, Mainely Frames and Gallery, Portland. mainelyart.com. Through Dec. 31.

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Michael Vickery, “Progressions in Time and Space: Traditional and 3D-printed Media,” University of New England Campus Center, Biddeford. 284-6394. Through Jan. 15.

Portraits of Recently Extinct Birds of the Eastern United States by Jada Fitch, The Green Hand Bookshop, Portland. 253-6808. Through Feb. 4.

The Holiday Show, festive group show with works by more than 40 artists, Greenhut Galleries, Portland. greenhutgalleries.com. Through Dec. 28.

“Underfoot: Footwear, Hooked Rugs, In the Cellar and Below Decks,” Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport. penobscotmarinemuseum.org. Through Feb. 22.

“Our Beautiful Planet,” photography by George Petkov, Grapheteria Gallery, Portland. thegrapheteria.com. Through Jan. 31.

9 Lively Ladies 9 x 9 Show, works by Lois Anne, Lolly Clayton, Nancy Fitzgerald, Elizabeth O’Haverty, Deb Winship, Rebecca Thompson, Edith LaRoche, Stell Shevis and Marietta Raveri, Eastern Tire Gallery, Rockland. 594-5250. Through Dec. 31.

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Robert and Su.Sane Hake, “Fey Fairy Fey,” Camden Public Library. 236-3440. Through Dec. 31.

Small Works 2013, local artists, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, Ellsworth. courthousegallery.com. Through Dec. 24.

8 Women Abstract Artists, 8 x 8-inch works by local artists, Susan Maasch Fine Art, Portland. susanmaaschfine art.com. Through Dec. 31.

Viola Glendinning, vistas in oil, Savory Maine, Damariscotta. savory mainedining.com. Through Jan. 7.

Small Works Holiday Show, art by more than 60 artists, Yarmouth Frame and Gallery. yarmouthframe andgallery.com. Through Jan. 31.

“Rusty Bits,” metal show and sale, and Sandy Balmforth paintings, Waterfall Arts, Belfast. waterfallarts.org. Through Dec. 22.

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Quilted Assemblages by Donald Talbot and Beatrice Gilbert, Maine Fiberarts, Topsham. mainefiberarts.org. Through Dec. 31.

Art in the Square, 12 x 12-inch original artwork on canvas by local artists, proceeds benefit the student and scholarship fund, Boothbay Region Art Foundation Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. 633-2703. Through Jan. 5.

“Revision,” Matthew Demers and Allison McKeen. Monkitree, Gardiner. monkitree.com. Through Feb. 1.

Art Openings

“Maine 10” Art Show, Gallery Framing, Brunswick. galleryframinging.com. Sylvia Dyer, Shirley Lewis, Mary Truesdell, Leslie Emerson, Susan Rayfield Wood and Wayne Robbins. Through Dec. 27.

Jym St. Pierre, “Maine Landsc[r]apes,” photographs, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. curtislibrary.com. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 27. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.

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Maine Photography Exhibit to Jazz Renditions by Jane Knox, Marji Greenhut Sculpture Studio, Brunswick. 449-7481. 3 p.m. Saturday.

Benefits

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, Freeport High School. freeportjbr.kintera.org. Registration at 9 a.m., race at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale, to benefit Portland’s combined high schools girls and boys hockey teams, Deering High School. 874-8260. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Saturday and Dec. 15.

• Art

5RAA Arts Downtown & All Around Exhibit and Sale: art studios, galleries, museums and group shows with musicians; paintings, clay, textiles, wood pieces, jewelry, mixed media, baskets and more, Brunswick and Bowdoinham. 5raa.org. Sunday.

Advertisement

“Eye Catchers,” annual holiday show featuring folk artist Jeff Barrett, Gleason Fine Art, Portland. gleason fineart.com. Through Dec. 28.

Kennebec Valley Art Association “8x10x100,” proceeds support arts programmingy, pieces sell for $100, Harlow Gallery, Hallowell. harlow gallery.org. Through Dec. 28.

“Piece Work,” 2013 Portland Museum of Art Biennial, recent work by 30 artists, through Jan. 5; “Winslow Homer’s Civil War,” wood engravings and prints, through Sunday; “9 Walks,” nine video projections by Amy Stacey Curtis, through Jan. 5; “J480N R063N38,” installation of large-scale sculptural forms by Jason Rogenes in the PMA family space, through Jan. 5; “Redacted,” paintings and drawings by Ahmed Alsoudani, Iraqi artist and MECA graduate, through Feb. 2. Portland Museum of Art. portlandmuseum.org.

“The Wonderful World of Oz,” exhibition drawn from the world’s most comprehensive collection of Oz materials, based in Maine, through March; “Every Picture Tells a Story,” N.C. Wyeth illustrations from the Brandywine River Museum, through Dec. 29; “A Wondrous Journey: Jonathan Fisher and the Making of Scripture Animals,” through Jan. 5; “American Treasures: Visions of the Land and Sea,” through Feb. 2; Andrew Wyeth: “Temperas and Watercolors,” through April 30, Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland. farnsworthmuseum.org

“Breakthrough: Work by Contemporary Chinese Artists,” eight pioneering women artists, through Jan. 5; “Regarding the Forces of Nature: From Alma Thomas to Yayoi Kusama,” contemporary women artisits, through Feb. 9; “The Object Show,” small and rarely seen objects from diverse collections, through June 8. Bowdoin College, Museum of Art, Brunswick. bowdoin.edu/art-museum.

“Nowhere But Here,” works by Marsden Hartley, Arthur Dove, Elizabeth Murray, Ben Pier and others, through Jan. 5; “The Lunder Collection,” works by Whistler, Homer, O’Keefe and many more American masters, plus “Spaces and Places” and “American Weathervanes,” through June 8. Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville. colby.edu/museum.

Advertisement

“On Finding Home,” figures carved from wood and finished with painted surfaces by Sachiko Akitama; “From the Shadows,” black and white photographs by Susan Burnstine and Lynn Saville, University of Maine Museum of Art, Bangor. umma.umaine.edu. Through Jan. 4.

Fryeburg Fair Portraits-Ambrotypes, by David Puntel, Fryeburg Academy, Pace Galleries of Art, also includes portraits by Rachel Andrews Damon and vintage portraits from O.B. Denison. fryeburg academy.org. Through Dec. 20.

Heartwood College of Art presents “Art of the Barn,” interpretations of local barns by local artists, Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk. brick storemuseum.org. Through Dec. 30.

“River Reflections – Maine Woods Mirror,” photographs by John Orcutt, Schoolhouse Gallery, Kingfield. schoolhouseartgallery.com. Through Jan. 3.

7th annual Extravaganza, variety of work by more than 70 Maine artists, Aarhus Gallery, Belfast. aarhus gallery.com. Through Dec. 24.

“Beings,” sculpture by Eva Goetz and Nanci Khan, Maine Jewish Museum, Portland. treeoflifemuseum .org. Through Dec. 24.

Advertisement

“The Collector’s Choice,” photographs, lithographs, paintings and more by several artists, York Public Library. york.lib.me.us. Through Jan. 3.

Wearable Art, by Maine artists to wear and live with, Markings Gallery, Bath. markingsgallery.com. Through Dec. 31.

“Winter Harbor & Penobscot Bay,” small, bold oil paintings by Brita Holmquist, Daunis Fine Jewelry, Portland. daunis.com. Through Dec. 31.

“Moonlit,” photographs by Luc Demers, Rose Contemporary, Portland. rosecontemporary.com. Through Dec. 31.

First Anniversary Show, paintings and photography by established local and emerging artists, The DaVinci Experience Art Gallery, Falmouth. davinciexperience.com. Through Jan. 9.

Pots, 15th annual studio pottery exhibit with works by Paul Heroux, Susan Dewsnap and Sequoia Miller, June Fitzpatrick Gallery at MECA, Portland. 699-5083. Through Saturday.

Advertisement

Gifts for Giving ’13, fine art, sculpture and fine crafts, Studio 53 Fine Art Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. 380-7554. Through Dec. 18.

“Home for the Holidays,” local crafts and curiosities, Red Door Pottery Studio and Gallery Shop, Kittery. reddoorpottery.com. Through Dec. 15.

Dahlov Ipcar, 20 new paintings, Frost Gully Gallery, Freeport. frost gullygallery.com. Through Dec. 28.

The Hive and Heartwood College of Art present “100 Birds for Haiti,” 100 works or art portraying birds by local artists being sold for $100, with half of the proceeds benefiting Partners in Development, an organization devoted to the emergency feeding of children in Haiti, The Hive, Kennebunk. thehivekennebunk.com. Through Dec. 31.

“Circo El Salvador,” images of traveling circus families by Steven Laxton, PhoPa Gallery, Portland. phopagallery.com. Through Dec. 28.

Joe Guertin: “A Graphic Designer vRemembered,” University of New England, Art Gallery, Portland. une .edu/artgallery. Through Jan. 26.

Advertisement

The Holly and The Ivy: Festival of Trees, Saco Museum, sacomuseum.org. Dozens of gorgeously decorated trees and wreaths. Through Dec. 29.

2013 Faculty Exhibition, featured artists Sascha Braunig, Hilary Irons, Samantha Haedrich and Peter Simensky, Maine College of Art, Institute of Contemporary Art, Portland. meca.edu. Through Dec. 22.

“The Seasons,” new paintings by John Vander, Gold/Smith Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. goldsmithgallery .net. Sunday through Dec. 24.

New sculptures by Jeff Barrett, Gleason Fine Art, Boothbay Harbor. gleasonfineart.com. Through Jan. 4.

Holiday Offerings 2013, selection of original works by regional artists working in a variety styles and media, Richard Boyd Gallery, Peaks Island. richardboydartgallery.com. Through Dec. 31.

Maine Artists Collective “Alchemy of Light,” Constellation Gallery, Portland. constellationart.com. Paintings, mixed media, photography and digital art with the theme of light. Through Dec. 29.

Advertisement

Paul Black, new Portland paintings, Fore Street Gallery, Portland. 874-8084. Through Dec. 31.

“Just What You’ve Always Wanted,” paintings, photographs, mixed media and more, Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth. elizabethmoss galleries.com. Through Jan. 12.

Southern Maine Community College Student Work Exhibition, self-portraits in charcoal Portland Public Library. portlandlibrary.com. Through Jan. 31.

William Harrison, pen and ink drawings, Mainely Frames and Gallery, Portland. mainelyart.com. Through Dec. 31.

Michael Vickery, “Progressions in Time and Space: Traditional and 3D-printed Media,” University of New England Campus Center, Biddeford. 284-6394. Through Jan. 15.

Portraits of Recently Extinct Birds of the Eastern United States by Jada Fitch, The Green Hand Bookshop, Portland. 253-6808. Through Feb. 4.

Advertisement

The Holiday Show, festive group show with works by more than 40 artists, Greenhut Galleries, Portland. greenhutgalleries.com. Through Dec. 28.

“Underfoot: Footwear, Hooked Rugs, In the Cellar and Below Decks,” Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport. penobscotmarinemuseum.org. Through Feb. 22.

“Our Beautiful Planet,” photography by George Petkov, Grapheteria Gallery, Portland. thegrapheteria.com. Through Jan. 31.

9 Lively Ladies 9 x 9 Show, works by Lois Anne, Lolly Clayton, Nancy Fitzgerald, Elizabeth O’Haverty, Deb Winship, Rebecca Thompson, Edith LaRoche, Stell Shevis and Marietta Raveri, Eastern Tire Gallery, Rockland. 594-5250. Through Dec. 31.

Robert and Su.Sane Hake, “Fey Fairy Fey,” Camden Public Library. 236-3440. Through Dec. 31.

Small Works 2013, local artists, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, Ellsworth. courthousegallery.com. Through Dec. 24.

Advertisement

8 Women Abstract Artists, 8 x 8-inch works by local artists, Susan Maasch Fine Art, Portland. susanmaaschfine art.com. Through Dec. 31.

Viola Glendinning, vistas in oil, Savory Maine, Damariscotta. savory mainedining.com. Through Jan. 7.

Small Works Holiday Show, art by more than 60 artists, Yarmouth Frame and Gallery. yarmouthframe andgallery.com. Through Jan. 31.

“Rusty Bits,” metal show and sale, and Sandy Balmforth paintings, Waterfall Arts, Belfast. waterfallarts.org. Through Dec. 22.

Quilted Assemblages by Donald Talbot and Beatrice Gilbert, Maine Fiberarts, Topsham. mainefiberarts.org. Through Dec. 31.

Art in the Square, 12 x 12-inch original artwork on canvas by local artists, proceeds benefit the student and scholarship fund, Boothbay Region Art Foundation Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. 633-2703. Through Jan. 5.

Advertisement

“Revision,” Matthew Demers and Allison McKeen. Monkitree, Gardiner. monkitree.com. Through Feb. 1.

Art Openings

“Maine 10” Art Show, Gallery Framing, Brunswick. galleryframinging.com. Sylvia Dyer, Shirley Lewis, Mary Truesdell, Leslie Emerson, Susan Rayfield Wood and Wayne Robbins. Through Dec. 27.

Jym St. Pierre, “Maine Landsc[r]apes,” photographs, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. curtislibrary.com. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 27. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.

Maine Photography Exhibit to Jazz Renditions by Jane Knox, Marji Greenhut Sculpture Studio, Brunswick. 449-7481. 3 p.m. Saturday.

Benefits

Advertisement

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, Freeport High School. freeportjbr.kintera.org. Registration at 9 a.m., race at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale, to benefit Portland’s combined high schools girls and boys hockey teams, Deering High School. 874-8260. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Saturday and Dec. 15.

Books and Authors

“Summer Stories,” writers Claire Guyton and Anna Noyes will be reading, joined by illustrator Leslie Anderson, Camden Public Library. 236-3440. Book with 10 stories by Maine writers and artwork by Anderson, 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Lincoln Paine, Maine Historical Society, Portland, admission by donation. mainehistory.org. Author of “The Sea and Civilization: A Maritime History of the World,” 7 p.m. Thursday.

Norbert Nathanson, Camden Public Library. 236-3440. Author of “A Secretly Disabled Man: a Memoir,” 7 p.m. Thursday.

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Kelly Braffet and Owen King, Falmouth Memorial Library. www.falmouth.lib.me.us. Authors of “Save Yourself” and “Double Feature,” 4 to 6 p.m. Friday.

Scott Nash, Nonesuch Books, South Portland. nonesuchbooks.com. Author of young adult book “The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Paul Doiron, Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe, Damariscotta. mainecoastbookshop.com. Author of “Massacre Pond,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Catherine Gentile, Bonobo’s Wood Fire Pizza, Portland. 347-8267. Author of “The Quiet Roar of a Hummingbird,” 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Classical Music

Christmas Prelude: 1854 Hook Organ Candlelight Concert, reception with refreshments follows the concert, First Congregational Church, Kennebunkport, donations accepted. firstchurchkennebunkport.com. Christmas music with a medley of musicians, 4 p.m. Sunday.

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Choral Arts Society presents “Christmas at the Cathedral,” Portland Brass Quintet will join in on some pieces and will play some holiday favorites, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland, $12, $5 for 21 and under. choralart.org. Works include Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Yuletide Choral Concert, University of Maine, Orono, Collins Center for the Arts, $12. umaine.edu/spa. 2 p.m. Sunday.

DaPonte String Quartet Winter Series II: Old World/New World, Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church, Topsham, $20, under 21 free. daponte.org. Works by Shostakovich, Stravinsky and Dvorak, 3 p.m. Sunday.

“The Journey to Bethlehem” Advent vespers program, First Congregational Church UCC, South Portland. fccucc.org. Evening of music by solos and small groups, 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Bowdoin Chorus presents “Black Nativity,” a retelling of the classic Christmas story with traditional carols sung in gospel style, created by Langston Hughes, Bowdoin College, Studzinski Recital Hall, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 2 p.m. Sunday.

Bowdoin Chamber Choir, Bowdoin College Chapel, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. Scottish-themed music with guest fiddler Bonnie Rideout and pianist George Lopez, 4 p.m. Sunday.

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Voxx Choral Ensemble, Harbor Square Gallery, Rockland, $10. harborsquaregallery.com. Featuring selected works from “Mary, Mother and Child,” 1 p.m. Sunday.

Chamberfest: Bowdoin College Student Chamber Ensemble, Studzinski Recital Hall, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 4 and 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Portland Symphony Orchestra “Magic of Christmas,” Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $31-$61. porttix.com. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

St. Cecilia Chamber Choir presents Ceremony of Lessons and Carols; carols and anthems, both old and new, interspersed with readings from poetry and scripture, Second Congregational Church Newcastle, $15, students free. ceciliachoir.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday.

Tri-City Community Chorus “A Yuletide Celebration,” First Parish Congregational Church, Saco, selected choruses from “The Messiah” and other seasonal favorites. $8-$10 advance, $10-$12 door. tricitycommunitychorus.org. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Portland Conservatory of Music’s 2013 Holiday Student Concert, a holiday craft fair will follow the concert, Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland, donations accepted. 775-3356. 3 p.m. Saturday.

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The DaPonte String Quartet, Second Congregational Church Newcastle, free. Annual Christmas concert, 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

• Art

5RAA Arts Downtown & All Around Exhibit and Sale: art studios, galleries, museums and group shows with musicians; paintings, clay, textiles, wood pieces, jewelry, mixed media, baskets and more, Brunswick and Bowdoinham. 5raa.org. Sunday.

“Eye Catchers,” annual holiday show featuring folk artist Jeff Barrett, Gleason Fine Art, Portland. gleason fineart.com. Through Dec. 28.

Kennebec Valley Art Association “8x10x100,” proceeds support arts programmingy, pieces sell for $100, Harlow Gallery, Hallowell. harlow gallery.org. Through Dec. 28.

“Piece Work,” 2013 Portland Museum of Art Biennial, recent work by 30 artists, through Jan. 5; “Winslow Homer’s Civil War,” wood engravings and prints, through Sunday; “9 Walks,” nine video projections by Amy Stacey Curtis, through Jan. 5; “J480N R063N38,” installation of large-scale sculptural forms by Jason Rogenes in the PMA family space, through Jan. 5; “Redacted,” paintings and drawings by Ahmed Alsoudani, Iraqi artist and MECA graduate, through Feb. 2. Portland Museum of Art. portlandmuseum.org.

Advertisement

“The Wonderful World of Oz,” exhibition drawn from the world’s most comprehensive collection of Oz materials, based in Maine, through March; “Every Picture Tells a Story,” N.C. Wyeth illustrations from the Brandywine River Museum, through Dec. 29; “A Wondrous Journey: Jonathan Fisher and the Making of Scripture Animals,” through Jan. 5; “American Treasures: Visions of the Land and Sea,” through Feb. 2; Andrew Wyeth: “Temperas and Watercolors,” through April 30, Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland. farnsworthmuseum.org

“Breakthrough: Work by Contemporary Chinese Artists,” eight pioneering women artists, through Jan. 5; “Regarding the Forces of Nature: From Alma Thomas to Yayoi Kusama,” contemporary women artisits, through Feb. 9; “The Object Show,” small and rarely seen objects from diverse collections, through June 8. Bowdoin College, Museum of Art, Brunswick. bowdoin.edu/art-museum.

“Nowhere But Here,” works by Marsden Hartley, Arthur Dove, Elizabeth Murray, Ben Pier and others, through Jan. 5; “The Lunder Collection,” works by Whistler, Homer, O’Keefe and many more American masters, plus “Spaces and Places” and “American Weathervanes,” through June 8. Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville. colby.edu/museum.

“On Finding Home,” figures carved from wood and finished with painted surfaces by Sachiko Akitama; “From the Shadows,” black and white photographs by Susan Burnstine and Lynn Saville, University of Maine Museum of Art, Bangor. umma.umaine.edu. Through Jan. 4.

Fryeburg Fair Portraits-Ambrotypes, by David Puntel, Fryeburg Academy, Pace Galleries of Art, also includes portraits by Rachel Andrews Damon and vintage portraits from O.B. Denison. fryeburg academy.org. Through Dec. 20.

Heartwood College of Art presents “Art of the Barn,” interpretations of local barns by local artists, Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk. brick storemuseum.org. Through Dec. 30.

Advertisement

“River Reflections – Maine Woods Mirror,” photographs by John Orcutt, Schoolhouse Gallery, Kingfield. schoolhouseartgallery.com. Through Jan. 3.

7th annual Extravaganza, variety of work by more than 70 Maine artists, Aarhus Gallery, Belfast. aarhus gallery.com. Through Dec. 24.

“Beings,” sculpture by Eva Goetz and Nanci Khan, Maine Jewish Museum, Portland. treeoflifemuseum .org. Through Dec. 24.

“The Collector’s Choice,” photographs, lithographs, paintings and more by several artists, York Public Library. york.lib.me.us. Through Jan. 3.

Wearable Art, by Maine artists to wear and live with, Markings Gallery, Bath. markingsgallery.com. Through Dec. 31.

“Winter Harbor & Penobscot Bay,” small, bold oil paintings by Brita Holmquist, Daunis Fine Jewelry, Portland. daunis.com. Through Dec. 31.

Advertisement

“Moonlit,” photographs by Luc Demers, Rose Contemporary, Portland. rosecontemporary.com. Through Dec. 31.

First Anniversary Show, paintings and photography by established local and emerging artists, The DaVinci Experience Art Gallery, Falmouth. davinciexperience.com. Through Jan. 9.

Pots, 15th annual studio pottery exhibit with works by Paul Heroux, Susan Dewsnap and Sequoia Miller, June Fitzpatrick Gallery at MECA, Portland. 699-5083. Through Saturday.

Gifts for Giving ’13, fine art, sculpture and fine crafts, Studio 53 Fine Art Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. 380-7554. Through Dec. 18.

“Home for the Holidays,” local crafts and curiosities, Red Door Pottery Studio and Gallery Shop, Kittery. reddoorpottery.com. Through Dec. 15.

Dahlov Ipcar, 20 new paintings, Frost Gully Gallery, Freeport. frost gullygallery.com. Through Dec. 28.

Advertisement

The Hive and Heartwood College of Art present “100 Birds for Haiti,” 100 works or art portraying birds by local artists being sold for $100, with half of the proceeds benefiting Partners in Development, an organization devoted to the emergency feeding of children in Haiti, The Hive, Kennebunk. thehivekennebunk.com. Through Dec. 31.

“Circo El Salvador,” images of traveling circus families by Steven Laxton, PhoPa Gallery, Portland. phopagallery.com. Through Dec. 28.

Joe Guertin: “A Graphic Designer vRemembered,” University of New England, Art Gallery, Portland. une .edu/artgallery. Through Jan. 26.

The Holly and The Ivy: Festival of Trees, Saco Museum, sacomuseum.org. Dozens of gorgeously decorated trees and wreaths. Through Dec. 29.

2013 Faculty Exhibition, featured artists Sascha Braunig, Hilary Irons, Samantha Haedrich and Peter Simensky, Maine College of Art, Institute of Contemporary Art, Portland. meca.edu. Through Dec. 22.

“The Seasons,” new paintings by John Vander, Gold/Smith Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. goldsmithgallery .net. Sunday through Dec. 24.

Advertisement

New sculptures by Jeff Barrett, Gleason Fine Art, Boothbay Harbor. gleasonfineart.com. Through Jan. 4.

Holiday Offerings 2013, selection of original works by regional artists working in a variety styles and media, Richard Boyd Gallery, Peaks Island. richardboydartgallery.com. Through Dec. 31.

Maine Artists Collective “Alchemy of Light,” Constellation Gallery, Portland. constellationart.com. Paintings, mixed media, photography and digital art with the theme of light. Through Dec. 29.

Paul Black, new Portland paintings, Fore Street Gallery, Portland. 874-8084. Through Dec. 31.

“Just What You’ve Always Wanted,” paintings, photographs, mixed media and more, Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth. elizabethmoss galleries.com. Through Jan. 12.

Southern Maine Community College Student Work Exhibition, self-portraits in charcoal Portland Public Library. portlandlibrary.com. Through Jan. 31.

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William Harrison, pen and ink drawings, Mainely Frames and Gallery, Portland. mainelyart.com. Through Dec. 31.

Michael Vickery, “Progressions in Time and Space: Traditional and 3D-printed Media,” University of New England Campus Center, Biddeford. 284-6394. Through Jan. 15.

Portraits of Recently Extinct Birds of the Eastern United States by Jada Fitch, The Green Hand Bookshop, Portland. 253-6808. Through Feb. 4.

The Holiday Show, festive group show with works by more than 40 artists, Greenhut Galleries, Portland. greenhutgalleries.com. Through Dec. 28.

“Underfoot: Footwear, Hooked Rugs, In the Cellar and Below Decks,” Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport. penobscotmarinemuseum.org. Through Feb. 22.

“Our Beautiful Planet,” photography by George Petkov, Grapheteria Gallery, Portland. thegrapheteria.com. Through Jan. 31.

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9 Lively Ladies 9 x 9 Show, works by Lois Anne, Lolly Clayton, Nancy Fitzgerald, Elizabeth O’Haverty, Deb Winship, Rebecca Thompson, Edith LaRoche, Stell Shevis and Marietta Raveri, Eastern Tire Gallery, Rockland. 594-5250. Through Dec. 31.

Robert and Su.Sane Hake, “Fey Fairy Fey,” Camden Public Library. 236-3440. Through Dec. 31.

Small Works 2013, local artists, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, Ellsworth. courthousegallery.com. Through Dec. 24.

8 Women Abstract Artists, 8 x 8-inch works by local artists, Susan Maasch Fine Art, Portland. susanmaaschfine art.com. Through Dec. 31.

Viola Glendinning, vistas in oil, Savory Maine, Damariscotta. savory mainedining.com. Through Jan. 7.

Small Works Holiday Show, art by more than 60 artists, Yarmouth Frame and Gallery. yarmouthframe andgallery.com. Through Jan. 31.

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“Rusty Bits,” metal show and sale, and Sandy Balmforth paintings, Waterfall Arts, Belfast. waterfallarts.org. Through Dec. 22.

Quilted Assemblages by Donald Talbot and Beatrice Gilbert, Maine Fiberarts, Topsham. mainefiberarts.org. Through Dec. 31.

Art in the Square, 12 x 12-inch original artwork on canvas by local artists, proceeds benefit the student and scholarship fund, Boothbay Region Art Foundation Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. 633-2703. Through Jan. 5.

“Revision,” Matthew Demers and Allison McKeen. Monkitree, Gardiner. monkitree.com. Through Feb. 1.

Art Openings

“Maine 10” Art Show, Gallery Framing, Brunswick. galleryframinging.com. Sylvia Dyer, Shirley Lewis, Mary Truesdell, Leslie Emerson, Susan Rayfield Wood and Wayne Robbins. Through Dec. 27.

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Jym St. Pierre, “Maine Landsc[r]apes,” photographs, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. curtislibrary.com. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 27. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.

Maine Photography Exhibit to Jazz Renditions by Jane Knox, Marji Greenhut Sculpture Studio, Brunswick. 449-7481. 3 p.m. Saturday.

Benefits

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, Freeport High School. freeportjbr.kintera.org. Registration at 9 a.m., race at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale, to benefit Portland’s combined high schools girls and boys hockey teams, Deering High School. 874-8260. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Saturday and Dec. 15.

Books and Authors

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“Summer Stories,” writers Claire Guyton and Anna Noyes will be reading, joined by illustrator Leslie Anderson, Camden Public Library. 236-3440. Book with 10 stories by Maine writers and artwork by Anderson, 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Lincoln Paine, Maine Historical Society, Portland, admission by donation. mainehistory.org. Author of “The Sea and Civilization: A Maritime History of the World,” 7 p.m. Thursday.

Norbert Nathanson, Camden Public Library. 236-3440. Author of “A Secretly Disabled Man: a Memoir,” 7 p.m. Thursday.

Kelly Braffet and Owen King, Falmouth Memorial Library. www.falmouth.lib.me.us. Authors of “Save Yourself” and “Double Feature,” 4 to 6 p.m. Friday.

Scott Nash, Nonesuch Books, South Portland. nonesuchbooks.com. Author of young adult book “The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Paul Doiron, Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe, Damariscotta. mainecoastbookshop.com. Author of “Massacre Pond,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

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Catherine Gentile, Bonobo’s Wood Fire Pizza, Portland. 347-8267. Author of “The Quiet Roar of a Hummingbird,” 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Classical Music

Christmas Prelude: 1854 Hook Organ Candlelight Concert, reception with refreshments follows the concert, First Congregational Church, Kennebunkport, donations accepted. firstchurchkennebunkport.com. Christmas music with a medley of musicians, 4 p.m. Sunday.

Choral Arts Society presents “Christmas at the Cathedral,” Portland Brass Quintet will join in on some pieces and will play some holiday favorites, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland, $12, $5 for 21 and under. choralart.org. Works include Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Yuletide Choral Concert, University of Maine, Orono, Collins Center for the Arts, $12. umaine.edu/spa. 2 p.m. Sunday.

DaPonte String Quartet Winter Series II: Old World/New World, Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church, Topsham, $20, under 21 free. daponte.org. Works by Shostakovich, Stravinsky and Dvorak, 3 p.m. Sunday.

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“The Journey to Bethlehem” Advent vespers program, First Congregational Church UCC, South Portland. fccucc.org. Evening of music by solos and small groups, 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Bowdoin Chorus presents “Black Nativity,” a retelling of the classic Christmas story with traditional carols sung in gospel style, created by Langston Hughes, Bowdoin College, Studzinski Recital Hall, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 2 p.m. Sunday.

Bowdoin Chamber Choir, Bowdoin College Chapel, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. Scottish-themed music with guest fiddler Bonnie Rideout and pianist George Lopez, 4 p.m. Sunday.

Voxx Choral Ensemble, Harbor Square Gallery, Rockland, $10. harborsquaregallery.com. Featuring selected works from “Mary, Mother and Child,” 1 p.m. Sunday.

Chamberfest: Bowdoin College Student Chamber Ensemble, Studzinski Recital Hall, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 4 and 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Portland Symphony Orchestra “Magic of Christmas,” Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $31-$61. porttix.com. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

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St. Cecilia Chamber Choir presents Ceremony of Lessons and Carols; carols and anthems, both old and new, interspersed with readings from poetry and scripture, Second Congregational Church Newcastle, $15, students free. ceciliachoir.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday.

Tri-City Community Chorus “A Yuletide Celebration,” First Parish Congregational Church, Saco, selected choruses from “The Messiah” and other seasonal favorites. $8-$10 advance, $10-$12 door. tricitycommunitychorus.org. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Portland Conservatory of Music’s 2013 Holiday Student Concert, a holiday craft fair will follow the concert, Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland, donations accepted. 775-3356. 3 p.m. Saturday.

The DaPonte String Quartet, Second Congregational Church Newcastle, free. Annual Christmas concert, 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

Comedy

Eugene Mirman, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $20-$25, $30 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. With Kurt Braunohler and Derrick Brown, 9 p.m. Sunday.

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DANCE

Maine State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” cast of nearly 300 dancers, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $20-$60. porttix.com. Cast of nearly 300 dancers, 2 p.m. Sunday.

Family Contra Dance and Winter Spiral, Belfast Dance Studio, $4, $2 children. 408-903-3710. Live music by John Pranio and Toki Oshima and caller Chrissy Fowler, 3 p.m. Sunday.

“Intricate Glances Will Meet Here,” Bates College, Edmund S. Muskie Archives, Lewiston. 786-6161. Senior thesis piece by Colleen Fitzgerald blends tango and modern elements, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Wednesday Night Stomp Swing Dance, Acoustic Artisans, Portland, $5-$10 suggested donation. portlandswingproject.com. Lesson at 7 p.m., dance at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Fall Dance Showcase, University of Maine, Orono, Hauck Auditorium, $10. umaine.edu/spa. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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Salsa Dancing with DJ Baulio, The Pearl, Portland, $5, 21-plus. 523-9600. Latin, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, bachata and Latin hits. Dance lessons included, 8 p.m. Thursday.

Folk Dance Brunswick, world music and dance from the Balkans, Israel, northern Europe and around the globe; many dances taught, no partner needed. People Plus, Brunswick, $8, $5 students and seniors. 200-7577. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Vivid Motion presents “The Nutcracker Burlesque,” featuring a wide array of dance genres including ballet, go-go dancing, disco, hoedown and classic burlesque. For adults only, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $15. vividmotion.org. Music is adapted from the classic Tchaikovsky Nutcracker ballet, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Through Dec. 21.

Freeport Contradance, Merriconeag Waldorf School, Freeport, $10, $7 students and seniors. 233-4325. Music from Adam Broome & Jaide Trudel, caller George Marshall. Family dance at 6 p.m.; finger food potluck at 7 p.m.; beginner session at 7:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. Saturday.

Fairs/Festivals

Fort Andross Artisans Holiday Craft Show and Sale, Coleman Burke Gallery, Fort Andross, Brunswick, $2. cabotantiques.com. Jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, stained glass, furniture, metal works, books, baskets and more.10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

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Gingerbread House Festival, York Public Library. www.york.lib.me.us. Through Dec. 19.

SEA Holiday Sale, East End Community School, Portland. SEAportland.org. More than 80 artists. Blown glass, jewelry, journals, paintings, textiles, pottery and much more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Annual Bake and Gift Basket Sale, Raymond Village Library. 655-4283. Pastries, Christmas cookies, pies, breads and holiday gift baskets, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Winter Holiday Sale, Blueberry Ridge Farm, Pownal. 688-4153. Nature-inspired crafts including hand knits, stained glass, woodenware and much more, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

United Maine Craftsmen’s 36th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, USM Sullivan Gym, Portland. 621-2818. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Maine Women in the Arts annual Prelude Fine Art & Crafts Show, Masonic Lodge, Kennebunkport. mainewomenarts.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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Bradbury Mountain Arts 15th annual Holiday Show and Sale, Mallett Hall, Pownal. 688-3320. Fine arts and crafts including paintings, prints, photography and ceramics, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Casco Bay Art League Holiday Show and Sale, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, Harpswell. 725-6084. Oils, watercolors, pastels and stationery, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Christmas with Alpacas, presented by PacaNaturals, Estabrook’s Farm and Greenhouse, Yarmouth. pacanaturals.com. Alpaca-wear and yarn, meet the animals, beverages and baked goods, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Giant Fundraising Sale, benefit for the educational outreach program of the Maine Farms Project, Shady Nook Farm, West Newfield. 793-2759. New and used books, unique art rubber stamps, framed photographs, second-hand items, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Saturday and Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

Craft Fair, Highland Lake Grange, Westbrook. 854-2379. Baked goods, handcrafted items, jewelry, pottery, jams and more, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tea and Craft Fair, Dobra Tea, Portland. dobrateame.com. Works by local artists and crafters, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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Annual Christmas Craft Fair and Festival, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. stonemountainartscenter.com. With live music by The Tricky Britches, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Harpswell Art & Craft Guild annual “Holidays in Harpswell,” harpswellartandcraftguild.com. Open art studies along routes 123 and 24, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Georgetown Art Sale, Georgetown Historical Society. 371-9200. Paintings and prints, holiday cards, Shaker boxes, jewelry and pottery. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

“Sunsplash” Craft Fair, Bowdoin College, David Saul Smith Union, Brunswick. 725-3902. More than 60 vendors, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

Christkindlsmarkt: Traditional European Village Market, St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Scarborough. 756-9723. Live music, unique crafts, kids gift shop, German food, visit with Santa, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Annual Christmas by the Sea Arts and Crafts Fair, Ogunquit Fire Station. 646-4947. Art, birdhouses, jewelry, ornaments and more, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

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The Big Chill Craft Fair, Mayo Street Arts, Portland. mayostreetarts.org. Local art, crafts and vintage items, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

United Maine Craftsmen’s Christmas Magic Arts & Crafts Show, Westbrook Middle School. 621-2818. Locally handmade gifts from Maine artisans, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Designing Women Fine Art and Crafts Show, Ocean Avenue School, Portland. designingwomen.org. More than 20 female artists and craftswomen, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Fair, Pride’s Corner Congregational Church, Westbrook. 797-4636. Local craft artisans and product vendors, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Picnic Holiday Sale, Portland Company Complex, Portland. picnicportland.com. Juried indie craft fair. Photos with Yeti, DJs, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 15.

Films

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“Hark! Cinema Angels” holiday film series, Patten Free Library, Bath. patten.lib.me.us. “A Matter of Life and Death” (“Stairway to Heaven”) (1946), 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Project Aware presents “A Shoestring for Mackenzie,” One Longfellow Square, Portland, $10. 282-5598. Short, powerful message about the healthy passions of youth, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

“The Punk Singer,” Space, Portland, $8. space538.org. Documentary about Kathleen Hanna from the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

“The Great Confusion: The 1913 Armory Show,” benefit for Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Abromson Center, University of Southern Maine, Portland, $10 advance, $15 door. goodwillnne.org/armory. The film features more than 60 works by American and European painters and sculptors, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Holiday Movie Extravaganza: “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” State Theatre, Portland, $5. statetheatreportland.com. 4 p.m. Dec. 15.

For Children

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Polar Express, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum, Portland, $25-$40. porttix.com. Holiday train travels to the “North Pole,” with hot cocoa and cookies, stories and Santa, trains at 2:45, 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Friday; 2:45, 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

Storytime with Santa, Topsham Public Library. topshamlibrary.org. Special storytime with Miss Mariah, meet Santa and have a tasty holiday treat, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

North Pole Express, Boothbay Railway Village, $10, reservations suggested. railwayvillage.org. Entertaining train ride includes storytelling and visit from Santa, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (every 30 minutes) Thursday and Saturday.

“The Velveteen Rabbit,” Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland, $8-$9. kitetails.org. Performed by actors ages 8 to 13, 4 p.m. Friday; 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15. Through Dec. 23.

Tea with Mrs. Claus, afternoon tea, a craft and story, children must be accompanied by an adult, Dyer Library, Saco, free, reservations required. 283-3861 ext. 102. Seatings at noon and 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Reading of “The Polar Express,” Amtrak conductor Jim Nawrocki will read the classic holiday book, hot chocolate will be served after the reading, Samuel L. Cohen Children’s Library, Portland, free. portlandlibrary.com. 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

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Visits with Santa Claus, Saco Museum, Saco, free. sacomuseum.org. Noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

Music

Bluegrass Music Association of Southern Maine Jam, American Legion Post 197, Westbrook, $7. 232-1528. Unplugged stringed instruments, all levels of playing, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Rock My Soul Rockin’ Holiday Concert, gospelized Christmas carols and R&B, doo-wop flavored arrangements of holiday songs, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $15 advance, $20 door. onelongfellowsquare.com. 4 p.m. Sunday.

CODA Chorus Christmas Concert, solo performances, flute accompaniment and the Winthrop Area Handbell Ringers, Hope Baptist Church, Manchester, donations welcome. codachorus.com. Carols from “The Christmas Canticles” and more, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Jonathan Sarty and the Cold River Radio Band, Fryeburg Academy, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, $15. fryeburgacademy.org/pac. Classic American jazz album release show, 7 p.m. Sunday.

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Anne Dodson & Friends 26th annual seasonal program, First Congregational Church, Camden, $6-$13 advance, $7-$15 door, free for under 6. 236-9576. Concert that celebrates life, love, loss and general silliness, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Goran Sollscher, Swedish classical guitarist, Bates College, Olin Arts Center, Lewiston, $12. batestickets.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

John Linscott and The Mainestream Jazzmasters, The Local Buzz, Cape Elizabeth, donations welcome. localbuzzcafe.com. Jazz jam, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Bates College Annual Service of Lessons and Carols, Peter J. Gomes Chapel, Lewiston. 786-8272. 7 p.m. Sunday.

Doug Kolmar, singer-songwriter, Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford. elementsbookscoffeebeer.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Christmas with Cornils, featured guests include the Kotzschmar Festival Brass, the Parish Ringers and St. Mary Schola, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Lewiston, $10-$15 advance, $15-$20 door. 553-4363. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

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Pine Tree Coastal Winds, holiday music concert, First Congregational Church, New Gloucester, free. 926-3260. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Student Ensembles Jazz Night, Bowdoin College, Studzinski Recital Hall, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Winthop Area Handbell Ringers, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta. www.lithgow.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Nollaig Shona, a holiday feast of Cape Breton traditional music, dance and stories. Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center, South Carthage, $20. necelticarts.com. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Carbon Leaf, indie rock, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $15 advance, $18 door, $30 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 8 p.m. Thursday.

Portland Jazz Orchestra, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $5 advance, $9 door. onelongfellowsquare.com. Dr. Chris Obholtzer and his 18-piece ensemble perform an evening of big band swing, 8 p.m. Thursday.

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UMA Jazz on Tour, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta. www.lithgow.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Ben Taylor, singer-songwriter, Empire, Portland, $15 advance, $20 door, 18-plus. portlandempire.com. With Caroline Rose and Amy Allen, 8 p.m. Thursday.

USM School of Music Youth Ensembles Vocal Concert, University of Southern Maine, Gorham, Corthell Concert Hall, $5-$8 suggested donation. usm.maine.edu/music. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Nollaig Shona, a holiday feast of Cape Breton traditional music, dance and stories. Stratton Community Building, 246-2300, call for pricing. Community supper at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Pretty Girls Sing Soprano, bluegrass, folk, traditional, country and rock, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Thursday.

“Black Nativity in Concert: A Gospel Celebration,” Down East Singers, St. Patrick’s Church, Newcastle, $20 suggested donation. downeastsingers.org. Musical numbers together with recitation of Scripture and Langston Hughes’ poetry, 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

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Chipped Enamel, The Pepper Club, Portland. 772-0531. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Pleasant Note Coffeehouse Open Mic, First Universalist Church of Auburn, free. auburnuu.org. Music and poetry, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Jim Brickman: Joy of Christmas, pianist, State Theatre, Portland, $31.50-$65.50. statetheatreportland.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Patty Larkin, singer-songwriter, guitarist, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $25 advance, $30 door. onelongfellowsquare.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

Hattie Simon Trio, The Hive, Kennebunk. thehivekennebunk.com. Jazz piano and vocals with bass and drums, 8 p.m. Friday.

A Fine Winter’s Night, Irish and folk holiday music, Strand Theatre, Rockland, $15. rocklandstrand.com. Lissa Schneckenburger & Corey Dimario and Matt & Shannon Heaton, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

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Rob Schreiber’s Standard Issue, Marriott at Sable Oaks, South Portland. standardissue.me. Jazz from the Great American Songbook, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Tall Horse, Builder of the House, Yes We Kin, Mayo Street Arts, Portland, $5. mayostreetarts.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Eleanor Friedberger, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $10 advance, $12 door, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. Singer-songwriter from The Fiery Furnaces, 9 p.m. Friday.

Dimensions in Jazz presents oudist Jussi Reijonen, Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland, $15, $10 seniors, $5 students. 828-1310. Performance with quartet, 8 p.m. Friday.

The Low Anthem, folk, blues, chamber music, $10 advance, $12 door. space538.org. With Vio/Mire and Family Planning, 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Lauren Crobsy, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath, $10, $7 students. chocolatechurcharts.org. With Abby Dunn and Jesse Gardner, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

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First Person Plural, folk and blues duo Dana Pearson and Monica Grabin, Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford. elementsbookscoffeebeer.com. 7 p.m. Friday.

Stone Mountain Live Christmas Show, hosted by Carol Noonan and the Stone Mountain Boys, with special guests The Gibson Brothers, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, $60. stonemountainartscenter.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Silent Sam and the Evans, Americana and folk, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Friday.

Piano Sing Along, favorite standards, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland Center, free. 829-2215. 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Yulegrass, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $25. onelongfellowsquare.com. Lauren Rioux, Mike Block, Scott Law and Amanda Kowalski, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday.

Richard James & The Name Changers, psychedelic rock and roll, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $10 advance, $12 door, $20 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 9 p.m. Saturday.

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Annual Choral Festival with the University of Southern Maine Chamber Singers, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Portland, free, donations welcome. 939-2260. 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Concert: Downeast Brass Quintet with organist Jay Zoller, South Parish Congregational Church, Augusta, $10, $5 students, 12 and under free. concertsatjewett.com. 2 p.m. Saturday.

Sweetback Sisters: Honkytonk Christmas, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath, $12 advance, $15 door. chocolatechurcharts.org. Family-style harmonies, old country to rockabilly, 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

“Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas,” City Theater, Biddeford, singers perform rockin’ holiday songs in a benefit for the theater, $10. citytheater.org. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Zach Jones, Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford. elementsbookscoffeebeer.com. Rock, pop and soul, 8 p.m. Saturday.

Bay Chamber Concerts presents Harlem-based gospel choir Songs of Solomon, Rockport Opera House, $25, $10 for under 21. baychamberconcerts.org. Inspirational young adult gospel choir led by Pastor Chantel Renee, 3 p.m. Saturday.

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Greater Freeport Community Chorus, “The Many Moods of Christmas,” Freeport Performing Arts Center at Freeport High School, $10, 18 and under free, maximum $25 per family. gfccweb.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Dave Rowe, Denny Breau and Phil House, 20th annual holiday concert, First Universalist Church, Auburn, $15. 866-655-7171 ext. 801. 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Dwells and Eric law, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. localsprouts.coop. Cosmic Americana and punk-rock cellist, 7 p.m. Saturday.

Casco Bay Concert Band “The Many Moods of Christmas,” McCormack Performing Arts Center, Gorham High School, $10, $8 seniors. www.cascobayconcertband. 3 p.m. Saturday.

Blackalicious, hip-hop, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $15 advance, $17 door, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 9 p.m. Dec. 15.

The Boy Singers of Maine “Sounds of the Season” Concert, Cumberland Congregational Church, $10, $8 seniors and students. boysingersofmaine.org. 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

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Fryeburg Academy Music Students’ annual Candlelight Concert, Fryeburg Academy, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, free. 935-9232. 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Wescustago Youth Chorale, 16th annual winter concert, Freeport Performing Arts Center at Freeport High School, $10, $5 students and seniors. 846-0705. 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

“Black Nativity in Concert: A Gospel Celebration,” Down East Singers, Camden Opera House, $20, 18 and under free. downeastsingers.org. Musical numbers together with recitation of Scripture and Langston Hughes’ poetry, 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Special Events

4th annual Fire and Ice Bar, music by Tony Boffa Band, hors d’oeuvres, outdoor cocktails, a portion of the proceeds of the event will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Education Foundation of the Kennebunks, Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, $25. fireandicekport.com. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Celebrate the Season by the Sea,” Old Orchard Beach. 934-2500. Santa and Mrs. Claus, parade, musical performances, hay rides, treats and more, 1 p.m. Sunday.

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Sit with Santa, for dogs and their companions, proceeds benefit the Planet Dog Foundation, Planet Dog Company Store, Portland, $10. planetdog.com. 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

“Joy to the World” Christmas at Victoria Mansion, Portland, victoriamansion.org. $15, $13.50 seniors, $7 college students, $5 for children ages 6 to 17, free for under 6. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Dec. 15.

Night of the Nutcracker with the Portland Ballet, members of Portland Ballet perform scenes from “The Victorian Nutcracker” in the Stair Hall. Victoria Mansion, Portland, $15, $13.50 seniors, two children admitted free with each paying adult, additional children $5. victoriamansion.org. Admissions at 5 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Christmas Prelude, rides on heated streetcars with stories read aloud, afternoon Christmas karaoke on Saturday and Sunday, Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, $6. trolleymuseum.org. Noon to 4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

An 1870s Christmas at Norlands, $25 for family (2 adults and 2-3 children), Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore, $8, $6 for 12 and under. norlands.org. Interactive Christmas celebration with wagon rides, period crafts, story-telling and more, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Boothbay Region Garden Club’s Festival of Trees, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. boothbayopera house.com. Holiday goods for sale and trees auctioned off, Sunday.

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28th annual Harbor Lights Festival, Boothbay Harbor, various locations. boothbayharbor.com. Sunday.

Christmas at Swan Hall, proceeds benefit the Lyric Theater and Portland Players, Swan Hall, Portland, $5, suggested donation. 400-6085. 1886 house decorated with 16 Christmas trees, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday; 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

Bath Antiques Show, Bath Middle School, $4. 443-8983. bathantiquesshows.com. 50 dealers of fine antiques and collectibles, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

13th annual Festival of Trees, Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, Westbrook. westbrookfestivaloftrees.com. 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Saturday.

Port Veritas Spoken Word Series, poetry and spoken word, Bull Feeney’s, Portland, $3-$5, 18-plus. 450-1815. Featuring Erin Kirsh, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Maine Organization of Storyteller Enthusiasts presents an evening of storytelling, featuring The Rudder Family Holiday Planner, a Peaks Island puppet production with David Handwerker and Stephanie Eliot, Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium, $5 suggested donation. moosetellers.ning.com. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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Merry Madness, downtown Portland, portland maine.com. Horse and wagon rides, participating stores open until 10 p.m. 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

The Dough Ball Party, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, proceeds benefit the opera house, $20 advance, $30 door. boothbayoperahouse.com. Music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, Gingerbread Spectacular winners announced, 7 p.m. Friday.

Holiday Open House, Foss Mansion, decorated for the season, Auburn, $8, $5 students, under 12 free. Presented by the Women’s Literary Union of Androscoggin, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Original Peacox Productions “A Magical Christmas 2013,” Hallowell City Hall Auditorium, $10. peacoxproductions.org. Professional touring theater troupe known for artful male and female impersonations, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Christmas Variety Show,” The Freeport Theater of Awesome, magic from Norman NG, live Christmas music by Peter Mezoian, juggling, physical comedy and more, $17, $12 seniors and children, $12 for all 2 p.m. shows. awesometheater.com. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 21.

The 7th annual Great Gingerbread Spectacular, with music and performances, bake sale, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, free. boothbayoperahouse.com. Exhibit of dozens of gingerbread houses and castles, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

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Dickens: An Evening with the Master, join Victoria Mansion trustee Carlene Magno and Andrew Harris of Deertrees Theater in the stair hall for an exciting night of history and entertainment, Victoria Mansion, Portland, $25. victoriamansion.org. Reception follows performance, 6 p.m. Saturday.

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: Verdi’s “Falstaff,” Strand Theatre, Rockland, $27, $15 students. rocklandstrand.com. 1 p.m. Saturday.

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: “Falstaff,” Fryeburg Academy, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, $26, $23 seniors, $18 students. fryeburgacademy.org/tickets. 1 p.m. Saturday.

29th annual Christmas Parade, Wells. southernmaineparade.com. This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas,” 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Royal Shakespeare Company “Live from Stratford-upon-Avon,” Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta, $15, $5 for 18 and under. atthelincoln.org. Live cinema broadcast from the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company, 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Theater

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Theater at Monmouth presents “This Wonderful Life,” Cumston Hall, Monmouth, $20-$30. theaterat monmouth.org. Steve Murray’s adaptation of Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 1 p.m. Sunday.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” presented by Our Theatre Company, Nasson Community Center Little Theatre, Springvale, $10, $8 seniors, kids 12 and under. myotc.org. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday4; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

“The Sound of Music,” Portland Players, South Portland, $20, $18 seniors, $15 students. portlandplayers.org. 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

“Broadway at Good Theater,” songs from such shows as “A New Brain,” “Cinderella” “A Christmas Carol,” “How to Succeed,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “The Secret Garden,” “Lady in the Dark,” “Elf,” “She Loves Me,” “Wonderful Town,” “Gigi” and “Striking 12,” St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $25-$30. good theater.com. 2 p.m. Sunday.

“Annie,” Lyric Music Theater, South Portland, $21.99, $17.99 seniors. lyricmusictheater.org. 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 21.

“The Snow Queen,” beloved fairy tale of devotion, bravery and the triumph of love, Portland Stage Company, $35-$45, $15 for children under 15. portlandstage.org. Noon and 5 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

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David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries,” Portland Stage Company Studio Theater, $20-$25. portlandstage.org. Hilarious tale of Crumpet, a Macy’s store elf. For mature audiences only. 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 2:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Sunday, Dec. 22.

“The WFCP Home Time Radio Hour 2013,” presented by Freeport Players, Freeport Performing Arts Center at the high school, $10 advance, $15 door. fcponline.org. Music from the 1940s to early ’60s mixes with classic comedy and new radio plays, 2 p.m. Sunday.

“The Gift of the Magi,” holiday musical set in the ’40s, The Footlights, Falmouth. $15-$18, pay what you can Thursdays, thefootlightsinfalmouth.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

“A Christmas Carol: The Musical,” presented by L/A Community Little Theatre, Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Auburn, $18, $15 seniors, $12 for 12 and under. laclt.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

“The Dybbuk of Park Slope,” Acorn Studio Theater, Westbrook, $15, $12 for 12 and under. acorn-productions.org. Play about finding your spirituality in the complex 21st-century world, 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 29.

“A Christmas Carol: The New Musical Tale,” two-person musical, Clay Hill Farm Restaurant, Cape Neddick, $18, $15 matinees. clayhillfarm.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 6 p.m. Wednesday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

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“A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” The Footlights, Falmouth, $10. thefootlightsinfalmouth.com. Starring David LaGraffe and Claudia Hughes, 7 p.m. Monday.

Mad Horse Theatre’s “By Local” play reading series, Madhorse Theater at The Hutchins School, South Portland, $10 suggested donation. madhorse.com. “Alligator Road” by Callie Kimball, 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Dec. 15; “Papermaker” by Monica Wood, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” The Public Theatre, Lewiston, $20, $5 for 18 and under. thepublictheatre.org. Classic holiday tale adapted by Christopher Schario, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Studio Theatre presents “Twisted Christmas,” nice and naughty skits, songs, audience participation and classic Christmas themes. For adults only. Winter Street Center, Bath, $10. studiotheatreofbath.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Christmas with The Ratpack, Anthony’s Dinner Theater, Portland. 221-2267. Dinner and performance, with Elvis impersonator, 7 p.m. Friday.

“A Christmas Carol,” The Footlights, Falmouth, $10. thefootlightsinfalmouth.com. One-man show starring Michael Tobin, 5 p.m. Dec. 15.

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COMEDY

Eugene Mirman, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $20-$25, $30 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. With Kurt Braunohler and Derrick Brown, 9 p.m. Sunday.

DANCE

Maine State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” cast of nearly 300 dancers, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $20-$60. porttix.com. Cast of nearly 300 dancers, 2 p.m. Sunday.

Family Contra Dance and Winter Spiral, Belfast Dance Studio, $4, $2 children. 408-903-3710. Live music by John Pranio and Toki Oshima and caller Chrissy Fowler, 3 p.m. Sunday.

“Intricate Glances Will Meet Here,” Bates College, Edmund S. Muskie Archives, Lewiston. 786-6161. Senior thesis piece by Colleen Fitzgerald blends tango and modern elements, 7 p.m. Sunday.

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Wednesday Night Stomp Swing Dance, Acoustic Artisans, Portland, $5-$10 suggested donation. portlandswingproject.com. Lesson at 7 p.m., dance at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Fall Dance Showcase, University of Maine, Orono, Hauck Auditorium, $10. umaine.edu/spa. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Salsa Dancing with DJ Baulio, The Pearl, Portland, $5, 21-plus. 523-9600. Latin, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, bachata and Latin hits. Dance lessons included, 8 p.m. Thursday.

Folk Dance Brunswick, world music and dance from the Balkans, Israel, northern Europe and around the globe; many dances taught, no partner needed. People Plus, Brunswick, $8, $5 students and seniors. 200-7577. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Vivid Motion presents “The Nutcracker Burlesque,” featuring a wide array of dance genres including ballet, go-go dancing, disco, hoedown and classic burlesque. For adults only, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $15. vividmotion.org. Music is adapted from the classic Tchaikovsky Nutcracker ballet, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Through Dec. 21.

Freeport Contradance, Merriconeag Waldorf School, Freeport, $10, $7 students and seniors. 233-4325. Music from Adam Broome & Jaide Trudel, caller George Marshall. Family dance at 6 p.m.; finger food potluck at 7 p.m.; beginner session at 7:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. Saturday.

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Fairs/Festivals

Fort Andross Artisans Holiday Craft Show and Sale, Coleman Burke Gallery, Fort Andross, Brunswick, $2. cabotantiques.com. Jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, stained glass, furniture, metal works, books, baskets and more.10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Gingerbread House Festival, York Public Library. www.york.lib.me.us. Through Dec. 19.

SEA Holiday Sale, East End Community School, Portland. SEAportland.org. More than 80 artists. Blown glass, jewelry, journals, paintings, textiles, pottery and much more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Annual Bake and Gift Basket Sale, Raymond Village Library. 655-4283. Pastries, Christmas cookies, pies, breads and holiday gift baskets, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Winter Holiday Sale, Blueberry Ridge Farm, Pownal. 688-4153. Nature-inspired crafts including hand knits, stained glass, woodenware and much more, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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United Maine Craftsmen’s 36th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, USM Sullivan Gym, Portland. 621-2818. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Maine Women in the Arts annual Prelude Fine Art & Crafts Show, Masonic Lodge, Kennebunkport. mainewomenarts.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Bradbury Mountain Arts 15th annual Holiday Show and Sale, Mallett Hall, Pownal. 688-3320. Fine arts and crafts including paintings, prints, photography and ceramics, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Casco Bay Art League Holiday Show and Sale, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, Harpswell. 725-6084. Oils, watercolors, pastels and stationery, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Christmas with Alpacas, presented by PacaNaturals, Estabrook’s Farm and Greenhouse, Yarmouth. pacanaturals.com. Alpaca-wear and yarn, meet the animals, beverages and baked goods, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Giant Fundraising Sale, benefit for the educational outreach program of the Maine Farms Project, Shady Nook Farm, West Newfield. 793-2759. New and used books, unique art rubber stamps, framed photographs, second-hand items, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Saturday and Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

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Craft Fair, Highland Lake Grange, Westbrook. 854-2379. Baked goods, handcrafted items, jewelry, pottery, jams and more, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tea and Craft Fair, Dobra Tea, Portland. dobrateame.com. Works by local artists and crafters, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Annual Christmas Craft Fair and Festival, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. stonemountainartscenter.com. With live music by The Tricky Britches, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Harpswell Art & Craft Guild annual “Holidays in Harpswell,” harpswellartandcraftguild.com. Open art studies along routes 123 and 24, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Georgetown Art Sale, Georgetown Historical Society. 371-9200. Paintings and prints, holiday cards, Shaker boxes, jewelry and pottery. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

“Sunsplash” Craft Fair, Bowdoin College, David Saul Smith Union, Brunswick. 725-3902. More than 60 vendors, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

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Christkindlsmarkt: Traditional European Village Market, St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Scarborough. 756-9723. Live music, unique crafts, kids gift shop, German food, visit with Santa, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Annual Christmas by the Sea Arts and Crafts Fair, Ogunquit Fire Station. 646-4947. Art, birdhouses, jewelry, ornaments and more, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The Big Chill Craft Fair, Mayo Street Arts, Portland. mayostreetarts.org. Local art, crafts and vintage items, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

United Maine Craftsmen’s Christmas Magic Arts & Crafts Show, Westbrook Middle School. 621-2818. Locally handmade gifts from Maine artisans, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Designing Women Fine Art and Crafts Show, Ocean Avenue School, Portland. designingwomen.org. More than 20 female artists and craftswomen, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Fair, Pride’s Corner Congregational Church, Westbrook. 797-4636. Local craft artisans and product vendors, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

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Picnic Holiday Sale, Portland Company Complex, Portland. picnicportland.com. Juried indie craft fair. Photos with Yeti, DJs, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 15.

Films

“Hark! Cinema Angels” holiday film series, Patten Free Library, Bath. patten.lib.me.us. “A Matter of Life and Death” (“Stairway to Heaven”) (1946), 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Project Aware presents “A Shoestring for Mackenzie,” One Longfellow Square, Portland, $10. 282-5598. Short, powerful message about the healthy passions of youth, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

“The Punk Singer,” Space, Portland, $8. space538.org. Documentary about Kathleen Hanna from the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

“The Great Confusion: The 1913 Armory Show,” benefit for Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Abromson Center, University of Southern Maine, Portland, $10 advance, $15 door. goodwillnne.org/armory. The film features more than 60 works by American and European painters and sculptors, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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Holiday Movie Extravaganza: “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” State Theatre, Portland, $5. statetheatreportland.com. 4 p.m. Dec. 15.

For Children

Polar Express, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum, Portland, $25-$40. porttix.com. Holiday train travels to the “North Pole,” with hot cocoa and cookies, stories and Santa, trains at 2:45, 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Friday; 2:45, 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

Storytime with Santa, Topsham Public Library. topshamlibrary.org. Special storytime with Miss Mariah, meet Santa and have a tasty holiday treat, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

North Pole Express, Boothbay Railway Village, $10, reservations suggested. railwayvillage.org. Entertaining train ride includes storytelling and visit from Santa, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (every 30 minutes) Thursday and Saturday.

“The Velveteen Rabbit,” Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland, $8-$9. kitetails.org. Performed by actors ages 8 to 13, 4 p.m. Friday; 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15. Through Dec. 23.

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Tea with Mrs. Claus, afternoon tea, a craft and story, children must be accompanied by an adult, Dyer Library, Saco, free, reservations required. 283-3861 ext. 102. Seatings at noon and 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Reading of “The Polar Express,” Amtrak conductor Jim Nawrocki will read the classic holiday book, hot chocolate will be served after the reading, Samuel L. Cohen Children’s Library, Portland, free. portlandlibrary.com. 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Visits with Santa Claus, Saco Museum, Saco, free. sacomuseum.org. Noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

Music

Bluegrass Music Association of Southern Maine Jam, American Legion Post 197, Westbrook, $7. 232-1528. Unplugged stringed instruments, all levels of playing, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Rock My Soul Rockin’ Holiday Concert, gospelized Christmas carols and R&B, doo-wop flavored arrangements of holiday songs, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $15 advance, $20 door. onelongfellowsquare.com. 4 p.m. Sunday.

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CODA Chorus Christmas Concert, solo performances, flute accompaniment and the Winthrop Area Handbell Ringers, Hope Baptist Church, Manchester, donations welcome. codachorus.com. Carols from “The Christmas Canticles” and more, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Jonathan Sarty and the Cold River Radio Band, Fryeburg Academy, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, $15. fryeburgacademy.org/pac. Classic American jazz album release show, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Anne Dodson & Friends 26th annual seasonal program, First Congregational Church, Camden, $6-$13 advance, $7-$15 door, free for under 6. 236-9576. Concert that celebrates life, love, loss and general silliness, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Goran Sollscher, Swedish classical guitarist, Bates College, Olin Arts Center, Lewiston, $12. batestickets.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

John Linscott and The Mainestream Jazzmasters, The Local Buzz, Cape Elizabeth, donations welcome. localbuzzcafe.com. Jazz jam, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Bates College Annual Service of Lessons and Carols, Peter J. Gomes Chapel, Lewiston. 786-8272. 7 p.m. Sunday.

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Doug Kolmar, singer-songwriter, Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford. elementsbookscoffeebeer.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Christmas with Cornils, featured guests include the Kotzschmar Festival Brass, the Parish Ringers and St. Mary Schola, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Lewiston, $10-$15 advance, $15-$20 door. 553-4363. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Pine Tree Coastal Winds, holiday music concert, First Congregational Church, New Gloucester, free. 926-3260. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Student Ensembles Jazz Night, Bowdoin College, Studzinski Recital Hall, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Winthop Area Handbell Ringers, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta. www.lithgow.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Nollaig Shona, a holiday feast of Cape Breton traditional music, dance and stories. Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center, South Carthage, $20. necelticarts.com. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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Carbon Leaf, indie rock, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $15 advance, $18 door, $30 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 8 p.m. Thursday.

Portland Jazz Orchestra, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $5 advance, $9 door. onelongfellowsquare.com. Dr. Chris Obholtzer and his 18-piece ensemble perform an evening of big band swing, 8 p.m. Thursday.

UMA Jazz on Tour, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta. www.lithgow.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Ben Taylor, singer-songwriter, Empire, Portland, $15 advance, $20 door, 18-plus. portlandempire.com. With Caroline Rose and Amy Allen, 8 p.m. Thursday.

USM School of Music Youth Ensembles Vocal Concert, University of Southern Maine, Gorham, Corthell Concert Hall, $5-$8 suggested donation. usm.maine.edu/music. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Nollaig Shona, a holiday feast of Cape Breton traditional music, dance and stories. Stratton Community Building, 246-2300, call for pricing. Community supper at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

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Pretty Girls Sing Soprano, bluegrass, folk, traditional, country and rock, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Thursday.

“Black Nativity in Concert: A Gospel Celebration,” Down East Singers, St. Patrick’s Church, Newcastle, $20 suggested donation. downeastsingers.org. Musical numbers together with recitation of Scripture and Langston Hughes’ poetry, 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Chipped Enamel, The Pepper Club, Portland. 772-0531. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Pleasant Note Coffeehouse Open Mic, First Universalist Church of Auburn, free. auburnuu.org. Music and poetry, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Jim Brickman: Joy of Christmas, pianist, State Theatre, Portland, $31.50-$65.50. statetheatreportland.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Patty Larkin, singer-songwriter, guitarist, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $25 advance, $30 door. onelongfellowsquare.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

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Hattie Simon Trio, The Hive, Kennebunk. thehivekennebunk.com. Jazz piano and vocals with bass and drums, 8 p.m. Friday.

A Fine Winter’s Night, Irish and folk holiday music, Strand Theatre, Rockland, $15. rocklandstrand.com. Lissa Schneckenburger & Corey Dimario and Matt & Shannon Heaton, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Rob Schreiber’s Standard Issue, Marriott at Sable Oaks, South Portland. standardissue.me. Jazz from the Great American Songbook, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Tall Horse, Builder of the House, Yes We Kin, Mayo Street Arts, Portland, $5. mayostreetarts.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Eleanor Friedberger, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $10 advance, $12 door, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. Singer-songwriter from The Fiery Furnaces, 9 p.m. Friday.

Dimensions in Jazz presents oudist Jussi Reijonen, Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland, $15, $10 seniors, $5 students. 828-1310. Performance with quartet, 8 p.m. Friday.

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The Low Anthem, folk, blues, chamber music, $10 advance, $12 door. space538.org. With Vio/Mire and Family Planning, 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Lauren Crobsy, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath, $10, $7 students. chocolatechurcharts.org. With Abby Dunn and Jesse Gardner, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

First Person Plural, folk and blues duo Dana Pearson and Monica Grabin, Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford. elementsbookscoffeebeer.com. 7 p.m. Friday.

Stone Mountain Live Christmas Show, hosted by Carol Noonan and the Stone Mountain Boys, with special guests The Gibson Brothers, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, $60. stonemountainartscenter.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Silent Sam and the Evans, Americana and folk, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Friday.

Piano Sing Along, favorite standards, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland Center, free. 829-2215. 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

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Yulegrass, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $25. onelongfellowsquare.com. Lauren Rioux, Mike Block, Scott Law and Amanda Kowalski, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday.

Richard James & The Name Changers, psychedelic rock and roll, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $10 advance, $12 door, $20 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 9 p.m. Saturday.

Annual Choral Festival with the University of Southern Maine Chamber Singers, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Portland, free, donations welcome. 939-2260. 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Concert: Downeast Brass Quintet with organist Jay Zoller, South Parish Congregational Church, Augusta, $10, $5 students, 12 and under free. concertsatjewett.com. 2 p.m. Saturday.

Sweetback Sisters: Honkytonk Christmas, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath, $12 advance, $15 door. chocolatechurcharts.org. Family-style harmonies, old country to rockabilly, 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

“Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas,” City Theater, Biddeford, singers perform rockin’ holiday songs in a benefit for the theater, $10. citytheater.org. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

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Zach Jones, Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford. elementsbookscoffeebeer.com. Rock, pop and soul, 8 p.m. Saturday.

Bay Chamber Concerts presents Harlem-based gospel choir Songs of Solomon, Rockport Opera House, $25, $10 for under 21. baychamberconcerts.org. Inspirational young adult gospel choir led by Pastor Chantel Renee, 3 p.m. Saturday.

Greater Freeport Community Chorus, “The Many Moods of Christmas,” Freeport Performing Arts Center at Freeport High School, $10, 18 and under free, maximum $25 per family. gfccweb.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Dave Rowe, Denny Breau and Phil House, 20th annual holiday concert, First Universalist Church, Auburn, $15. 866-655-7171 ext. 801. 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Dwells and Eric law, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. localsprouts.coop. Cosmic Americana and punk-rock cellist, 7 p.m. Saturday.

Casco Bay Concert Band “The Many Moods of Christmas,” McCormack Performing Arts Center, Gorham High School, $10, $8 seniors. www.cascobayconcertband. 3 p.m. Saturday.

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Blackalicious, hip-hop, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $15 advance, $17 door, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 9 p.m. Dec. 15.

The Boy Singers of Maine “Sounds of the Season” Concert, Cumberland Congregational Church, $10, $8 seniors and students. boysingersofmaine.org. 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Fryeburg Academy Music Students’ annual Candlelight Concert, Fryeburg Academy, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, free. 935-9232. 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Wescustago Youth Chorale, 16th annual winter concert, Freeport Performing Arts Center at Freeport High School, $10, $5 students and seniors. 846-0705. 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

“Black Nativity in Concert: A Gospel Celebration,” Down East Singers, Camden Opera House, $20, 18 and under free. downeastsingers.org. Musical numbers together with recitation of Scripture and Langston Hughes’ poetry, 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Special Events

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4th annual Fire and Ice Bar, music by Tony Boffa Band, hors d’oeuvres, outdoor cocktails, a portion of the proceeds of the event will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Education Foundation of the Kennebunks, Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, $25. fireandicekport.com. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Celebrate the Season by the Sea,” Old Orchard Beach. 934-2500. Santa and Mrs. Claus, parade, musical performances, hay rides, treats and more, 1 p.m. Sunday.

Sit with Santa, for dogs and their companions, proceeds benefit the Planet Dog Foundation, Planet Dog Company Store, Portland, $10. planetdog.com. 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

“Joy to the World” Christmas at Victoria Mansion, Portland, victoriamansion.org. $15, $13.50 seniors, $7 college students, $5 for children ages 6 to 17, free for under 6. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Dec. 15.

Night of the Nutcracker with the Portland Ballet, members of Portland Ballet perform scenes from “The Victorian Nutcracker” in the Stair Hall. Victoria Mansion, Portland, $15, $13.50 seniors, two children admitted free with each paying adult, additional children $5. victoriamansion.org. Admissions at 5 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Christmas Prelude, rides on heated streetcars with stories read aloud, afternoon Christmas karaoke on Saturday and Sunday, Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, $6. trolleymuseum.org. Noon to 4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

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An 1870s Christmas at Norlands, $25 for family (2 adults and 2-3 children), Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore, $8, $6 for 12 and under. norlands.org. Interactive Christmas celebration with wagon rides, period crafts, story-telling and more, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Boothbay Region Garden Club’s Festival of Trees, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. boothbayopera house.com. Holiday goods for sale and trees auctioned off, Sunday.

28th annual Harbor Lights Festival, Boothbay Harbor, various locations. boothbayharbor.com. Sunday.

Christmas at Swan Hall, proceeds benefit the Lyric Theater and Portland Players, Swan Hall, Portland, $5, suggested donation. 400-6085. 1886 house decorated with 16 Christmas trees, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday; 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

Bath Antiques Show, Bath Middle School, $4. 443-8983. bathantiquesshows.com. 50 dealers of fine antiques and collectibles, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

13th annual Festival of Trees, Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, Westbrook. westbrookfestivaloftrees.com. 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Saturday.

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Port Veritas Spoken Word Series, poetry and spoken word, Bull Feeney’s, Portland, $3-$5, 18-plus. 450-1815. Featuring Erin Kirsh, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Maine Organization of Storyteller Enthusiasts presents an evening of storytelling, featuring The Rudder Family Holiday Planner, a Peaks Island puppet production with David Handwerker and Stephanie Eliot, Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium, $5 suggested donation. moosetellers.ning.com. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Merry Madness, downtown Portland, portland maine.com. Horse and wagon rides, participating stores open until 10 p.m. 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

The Dough Ball Party, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, proceeds benefit the opera house, $20 advance, $30 door. boothbayoperahouse.com. Music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, Gingerbread Spectacular winners announced, 7 p.m. Friday.

Holiday Open House, Foss Mansion, decorated for the season, Auburn, $8, $5 students, under 12 free. Presented by the Women’s Literary Union of Androscoggin, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Original Peacox Productions “A Magical Christmas 2013,” Hallowell City Hall Auditorium, $10. peacoxproductions.org. Professional touring theater troupe known for artful male and female impersonations, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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“Christmas Variety Show,” The Freeport Theater of Awesome, magic from Norman NG, live Christmas music by Peter Mezoian, juggling, physical comedy and more, $17, $12 seniors and children, $12 for all 2 p.m. shows. awesometheater.com. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 21.

The 7th annual Great Gingerbread Spectacular, with music and performances, bake sale, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, free. boothbayoperahouse.com. Exhibit of dozens of gingerbread houses and castles, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

Dickens: An Evening with the Master, join Victoria Mansion trustee Carlene Magno and Andrew Harris of Deertrees Theater in the stair hall for an exciting night of history and entertainment, Victoria Mansion, Portland, $25. victoriamansion.org. Reception follows performance, 6 p.m. Saturday.

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: Verdi’s “Falstaff,” Strand Theatre, Rockland, $27, $15 students. rocklandstrand.com. 1 p.m. Saturday.

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: “Falstaff,” Fryeburg Academy, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, $26, $23 seniors, $18 students. fryeburgacademy.org/tickets. 1 p.m. Saturday.

29th annual Christmas Parade, Wells. southernmaineparade.com. This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas,” 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

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Royal Shakespeare Company “Live from Stratford-upon-Avon,” Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta, $15, $5 for 18 and under. atthelincoln.org. Live cinema broadcast from the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company, 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Theater

Theater at Monmouth presents “This Wonderful Life,” Cumston Hall, Monmouth, $20-$30. theaterat monmouth.org. Steve Murray’s adaptation of Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 1 p.m. Sunday.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” presented by Our Theatre Company, Nasson Community Center Little Theatre, Springvale, $10, $8 seniors, kids 12 and under. myotc.org. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday4; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

“The Sound of Music,” Portland Players, South Portland, $20, $18 seniors, $15 students. portlandplayers.org. 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

“Broadway at Good Theater,” songs from such shows as “A New Brain,” “Cinderella” “A Christmas Carol,” “How to Succeed,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “The Secret Garden,” “Lady in the Dark,” “Elf,” “She Loves Me,” “Wonderful Town,” “Gigi” and “Striking 12,” St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $25-$30. good theater.com. 2 p.m. Sunday.

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“Annie,” Lyric Music Theater, South Portland, $21.99, $17.99 seniors. lyricmusictheater.org. 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 21.

“The Snow Queen,” beloved fairy tale of devotion, bravery and the triumph of love, Portland Stage Company, $35-$45, $15 for children under 15. portlandstage.org. Noon and 5 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries,” Portland Stage Company Studio Theater, $20-$25. portlandstage.org. Hilarious tale of Crumpet, a Macy’s store elf. For mature audiences only. 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 2:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Sunday, Dec. 22.

“The WFCP Home Time Radio Hour 2013,” presented by Freeport Players, Freeport Performing Arts Center at the high school, $10 advance, $15 door. fcponline.org. Music from the 1940s to early ’60s mixes with classic comedy and new radio plays, 2 p.m. Sunday.

“The Gift of the Magi,” holiday musical set in the ’40s, The Footlights, Falmouth. $15-$18, pay what you can Thursdays, thefootlightsinfalmouth.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

“A Christmas Carol: The Musical,” presented by L/A Community Little Theatre, Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Auburn, $18, $15 seniors, $12 for 12 and under. laclt.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

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“The Dybbuk of Park Slope,” Acorn Studio Theater, Westbrook, $15, $12 for 12 and under. acorn-productions.org. Play about finding your spirituality in the complex 21st-century world, 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 29.

“A Christmas Carol: The New Musical Tale,” two-person musical, Clay Hill Farm Restaurant, Cape Neddick, $18, $15 matinees. clayhillfarm.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 6 p.m. Wednesday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

“A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” The Footlights, Falmouth, $10. thefootlightsinfalmouth.com. Starring David LaGraffe and Claudia Hughes, 7 p.m. Monday.

Mad Horse Theatre’s “By Local” play reading series, Madhorse Theater at The Hutchins School, South Portland, $10 suggested donation. madhorse.com. “Alligator Road” by Callie Kimball, 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Dec. 15; “Papermaker” by Monica Wood, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” The Public Theatre, Lewiston, $20, $5 for 18 and under. thepublictheatre.org. Classic holiday tale adapted by Christopher Schario, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Studio Theatre presents “Twisted Christmas,” nice and naughty skits, songs, audience participation and classic Christmas themes. For adults only. Winter Street Center, Bath, $10. studiotheatreofbath.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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Christmas with The Ratpack, Anthony’s Dinner Theater, Portland. 221-2267. Dinner and performance, with Elvis impersonator, 7 p.m. Friday.

“A Christmas Carol,” The Footlights, Falmouth, $10. thefootlightsinfalmouth.com. One-man show starring Michael Tobin, 5 p.m. Dec. 15.

Books and Authors

“Summer Stories,” writers Claire Guyton and Anna Noyes will be reading, joined by illustrator Leslie Anderson, Camden Public Library. 236-3440. Book with 10 stories by Maine writers and artwork by Anderson, 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Lincoln Paine, Maine Historical Society, Portland, admission by donation. mainehistory.org. Author of “The Sea and Civilization: A Maritime History of the World,” 7 p.m. Thursday.

Norbert Nathanson, Camden Public Library. 236-3440. Author of “A Secretly Disabled Man: a Memoir,” 7 p.m. Thursday.

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Kelly Braffet and Owen King, Falmouth Memorial Library. www.falmouth.lib.me.us. Authors of “Save Yourself” and “Double Feature,” 4 to 6 p.m. Friday.

Scott Nash, Nonesuch Books, South Portland. nonesuchbooks.com. Author of young adult book “The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Paul Doiron, Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe, Damariscotta. mainecoastbookshop.com. Author of “Massacre Pond,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Catherine Gentile, Bonobo’s Wood Fire Pizza, Portland. 347-8267. Author of “The Quiet Roar of a Hummingbird,” 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Classical Music

Christmas Prelude: 1854 Hook Organ Candlelight Concert, reception with refreshments follows the concert, First Congregational Church, Kennebunkport, donations accepted. firstchurchkennebunkport.com. Christmas music with a medley of musicians, 4 p.m. Sunday.

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Choral Arts Society presents “Christmas at the Cathedral,” Portland Brass Quintet will join in on some pieces and will play some holiday favorites, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland, $12, $5 for 21 and under. choralart.org. Works include Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Yuletide Choral Concert, University of Maine, Orono, Collins Center for the Arts, $12. umaine.edu/spa. 2 p.m. Sunday.

DaPonte String Quartet Winter Series II: Old World/New World, Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church, Topsham, $20, under 21 free. daponte.org. Works by Shostakovich, Stravinsky and Dvorak, 3 p.m. Sunday.

“The Journey to Bethlehem” Advent vespers program, First Congregational Church UCC, South Portland. fccucc.org. Evening of music by solos and small groups, 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Bowdoin Chorus presents “Black Nativity,” a retelling of the classic Christmas story with traditional carols sung in gospel style, created by Langston Hughes, Bowdoin College, Studzinski Recital Hall, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 2 p.m. Sunday.

Bowdoin Chamber Choir, Bowdoin College Chapel, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. Scottish-themed music with guest fiddler Bonnie Rideout and pianist George Lopez, 4 p.m. Sunday.

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Voxx Choral Ensemble, Harbor Square Gallery, Rockland, $10. harborsquaregallery.com. Featuring selected works from “Mary, Mother and Child,” 1 p.m. Sunday.

Chamberfest: Bowdoin College Student Chamber Ensemble, Studzinski Recital Hall, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 4 and 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Portland Symphony Orchestra “Magic of Christmas,” Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $31-$61. porttix.com. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

St. Cecilia Chamber Choir presents Ceremony of Lessons and Carols; carols and anthems, both old and new, interspersed with readings from poetry and scripture, Second Congregational Church Newcastle, $15, students free. ceciliachoir.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday.

Tri-City Community Chorus “A Yuletide Celebration,” First Parish Congregational Church, Saco, selected choruses from “The Messiah” and other seasonal favorites. $8-$10 advance, $10-$12 door. tricitycommunitychorus.org. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Portland Conservatory of Music’s 2013 Holiday Student Concert, a holiday craft fair will follow the concert, Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland, donations accepted. 775-3356. 3 p.m. Saturday.

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The DaPonte String Quartet, Second Congregational Church Newcastle, free. Annual Christmas concert, 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

Comedy

Eugene Mirman, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $20-$25, $30 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. With Kurt Braunohler and Derrick Brown, 9 p.m. Sunday.

DANCE

Maine State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” cast of nearly 300 dancers, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $20-$60. porttix.com. Cast of nearly 300 dancers, 2 p.m. Sunday.

Family Contra Dance and Winter Spiral, Belfast Dance Studio, $4, $2 children. 408-903-3710. Live music by John Pranio and Toki Oshima and caller Chrissy Fowler, 3 p.m. Sunday.

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“Intricate Glances Will Meet Here,” Bates College, Edmund S. Muskie Archives, Lewiston. 786-6161. Senior thesis piece by Colleen Fitzgerald blends tango and modern elements, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Wednesday Night Stomp Swing Dance, Acoustic Artisans, Portland, $5-$10 suggested donation. portlandswingproject.com. Lesson at 7 p.m., dance at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Fall Dance Showcase, University of Maine, Orono, Hauck Auditorium, $10. umaine.edu/spa. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Salsa Dancing with DJ Baulio, The Pearl, Portland, $5, 21-plus. 523-9600. Latin, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, bachata and Latin hits. Dance lessons included, 8 p.m. Thursday.

Folk Dance Brunswick, world music and dance from the Balkans, Israel, northern Europe and around the globe; many dances taught, no partner needed. People Plus, Brunswick, $8, $5 students and seniors. 200-7577. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Vivid Motion presents “The Nutcracker Burlesque,” featuring a wide array of dance genres including ballet, go-go dancing, disco, hoedown and classic burlesque. For adults only, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $15. vividmotion.org. Music is adapted from the classic Tchaikovsky Nutcracker ballet, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Through Dec. 21.

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Freeport Contradance, Merriconeag Waldorf School, Freeport, $10, $7 students and seniors. 233-4325. Music from Adam Broome & Jaide Trudel, caller George Marshall. Family dance at 6 p.m.; finger food potluck at 7 p.m.; beginner session at 7:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. Saturday.

Fairs/Festivals

Fort Andross Artisans Holiday Craft Show and Sale, Coleman Burke Gallery, Fort Andross, Brunswick, $2. cabotantiques.com. Jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, stained glass, furniture, metal works, books, baskets and more.10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Gingerbread House Festival, York Public Library. www.york.lib.me.us. Through Dec. 19.

SEA Holiday Sale, East End Community School, Portland. SEAportland.org. More than 80 artists. Blown glass, jewelry, journals, paintings, textiles, pottery and much more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Annual Bake and Gift Basket Sale, Raymond Village Library. 655-4283. Pastries, Christmas cookies, pies, breads and holiday gift baskets, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

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Winter Holiday Sale, Blueberry Ridge Farm, Pownal. 688-4153. Nature-inspired crafts including hand knits, stained glass, woodenware and much more, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

United Maine Craftsmen’s 36th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, USM Sullivan Gym, Portland. 621-2818. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Maine Women in the Arts annual Prelude Fine Art & Crafts Show, Masonic Lodge, Kennebunkport. mainewomenarts.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Bradbury Mountain Arts 15th annual Holiday Show and Sale, Mallett Hall, Pownal. 688-3320. Fine arts and crafts including paintings, prints, photography and ceramics, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Casco Bay Art League Holiday Show and Sale, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, Harpswell. 725-6084. Oils, watercolors, pastels and stationery, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Christmas with Alpacas, presented by PacaNaturals, Estabrook’s Farm and Greenhouse, Yarmouth. pacanaturals.com. Alpaca-wear and yarn, meet the animals, beverages and baked goods, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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Giant Fundraising Sale, benefit for the educational outreach program of the Maine Farms Project, Shady Nook Farm, West Newfield. 793-2759. New and used books, unique art rubber stamps, framed photographs, second-hand items, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Saturday and Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

Craft Fair, Highland Lake Grange, Westbrook. 854-2379. Baked goods, handcrafted items, jewelry, pottery, jams and more, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tea and Craft Fair, Dobra Tea, Portland. dobrateame.com. Works by local artists and crafters, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Annual Christmas Craft Fair and Festival, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. stonemountainartscenter.com. With live music by The Tricky Britches, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Harpswell Art & Craft Guild annual “Holidays in Harpswell,” harpswellartandcraftguild.com. Open art studies along routes 123 and 24, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Georgetown Art Sale, Georgetown Historical Society. 371-9200. Paintings and prints, holiday cards, Shaker boxes, jewelry and pottery. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

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“Sunsplash” Craft Fair, Bowdoin College, David Saul Smith Union, Brunswick. 725-3902. More than 60 vendors, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

Christkindlsmarkt: Traditional European Village Market, St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Scarborough. 756-9723. Live music, unique crafts, kids gift shop, German food, visit with Santa, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Annual Christmas by the Sea Arts and Crafts Fair, Ogunquit Fire Station. 646-4947. Art, birdhouses, jewelry, ornaments and more, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The Big Chill Craft Fair, Mayo Street Arts, Portland. mayostreetarts.org. Local art, crafts and vintage items, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

United Maine Craftsmen’s Christmas Magic Arts & Crafts Show, Westbrook Middle School. 621-2818. Locally handmade gifts from Maine artisans, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Designing Women Fine Art and Crafts Show, Ocean Avenue School, Portland. designingwomen.org. More than 20 female artists and craftswomen, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

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Holiday Fair, Pride’s Corner Congregational Church, Westbrook. 797-4636. Local craft artisans and product vendors, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Picnic Holiday Sale, Portland Company Complex, Portland. picnicportland.com. Juried indie craft fair. Photos with Yeti, DJs, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 15.

Films

“Hark! Cinema Angels” holiday film series, Patten Free Library, Bath. patten.lib.me.us. “A Matter of Life and Death” (“Stairway to Heaven”) (1946), 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Project Aware presents “A Shoestring for Mackenzie,” One Longfellow Square, Portland, $10. 282-5598. Short, powerful message about the healthy passions of youth, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

“The Punk Singer,” Space, Portland, $8. space538.org. Documentary about Kathleen Hanna from the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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“The Great Confusion: The 1913 Armory Show,” benefit for Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Abromson Center, University of Southern Maine, Portland, $10 advance, $15 door. goodwillnne.org/armory. The film features more than 60 works by American and European painters and sculptors, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Holiday Movie Extravaganza: “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” State Theatre, Portland, $5. statetheatreportland.com. 4 p.m. Dec. 15.

• For Children

Polar Express, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum, Portland, $25-$40. porttix.com. Holiday train travels to the “North Pole,” with hot cocoa and cookies, stories and Santa, trains at 2:45, 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Friday; 2:45, 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

Storytime with Santa, Topsham Public Library. topshamlibrary.org. Special storytime with Miss Mariah, meet Santa and have a tasty holiday treat, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

North Pole Express, Boothbay Railway Village, $10, reservations suggested. railwayvillage.org. Entertaining train ride includes storytelling and visit from Santa, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (every 30 minutes) Thursday and Saturday.

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“The Velveteen Rabbit,” Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland, $8-$9. kitetails.org. Performed by actors ages 8 to 13, 4 p.m. Friday; 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15. Through Dec. 23.

Tea with Mrs. Claus, afternoon tea, a craft and story, children must be accompanied by an adult, Dyer Library, Saco, free, reservations required. 283-3861 ext. 102. Seatings at noon and 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Reading of “The Polar Express,” Amtrak conductor Jim Nawrocki will read the classic holiday book, hot chocolate will be served after the reading, Samuel L. Cohen Children’s Library, Portland, free. portlandlibrary.com. 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Visits with Santa Claus, Saco Museum, Saco, free. sacomuseum.org. Noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

Music

Bluegrass Music Association of Southern Maine Jam, American Legion Post 197, Westbrook, $7. 232-1528. Unplugged stringed instruments, all levels of playing, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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Rock My Soul Rockin’ Holiday Concert, gospelized Christmas carols and R&B, doo-wop flavored arrangements of holiday songs, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $15 advance, $20 door. onelongfellowsquare.com. 4 p.m. Sunday.

CODA Chorus Christmas Concert, solo performances, flute accompaniment and the Winthrop Area Handbell Ringers, Hope Baptist Church, Manchester, donations welcome. codachorus.com. Carols from “The Christmas Canticles” and more, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Jonathan Sarty and the Cold River Radio Band, Fryeburg Academy, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, $15. fryeburgacademy.org/pac. Classic American jazz album release show, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Anne Dodson & Friends 26th annual seasonal program, First Congregational Church, Camden, $6-$13 advance, $7-$15 door, free for under 6. 236-9576. Concert that celebrates life, love, loss and general silliness, 7 p.m. Sunday.

Goran Sollscher, Swedish classical guitarist, Bates College, Olin Arts Center, Lewiston, $12. batestickets.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

John Linscott and The Mainestream Jazzmasters, The Local Buzz, Cape Elizabeth, donations welcome. localbuzzcafe.com. Jazz jam, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

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Bates College Annual Service of Lessons and Carols, Peter J. Gomes Chapel, Lewiston. 786-8272. 7 p.m. Sunday.

Doug Kolmar, singer-songwriter, Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford. elementsbookscoffeebeer.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Christmas with Cornils, featured guests include the Kotzschmar Festival Brass, the Parish Ringers and St. Mary Schola, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Lewiston, $10-$15 advance, $15-$20 door. 553-4363. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Pine Tree Coastal Winds, holiday music concert, First Congregational Church, New Gloucester, free. 926-3260. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Student Ensembles Jazz Night, Bowdoin College, Studzinski Recital Hall, Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Winthop Area Handbell Ringers, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta. www.lithgow.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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Nollaig Shona, a holiday feast of Cape Breton traditional music, dance and stories. Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center, South Carthage, $20. necelticarts.com. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Carbon Leaf, indie rock, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $15 advance, $18 door, $30 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 8 p.m. Thursday.

Portland Jazz Orchestra, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $5 advance, $9 door. onelongfellowsquare.com. Dr. Chris Obholtzer and his 18-piece ensemble perform an evening of big band swing, 8 p.m. Thursday.

UMA Jazz on Tour, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta. www.lithgow.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Ben Taylor, singer-songwriter, Empire, Portland, $15 advance, $20 door, 18-plus. portlandempire.com. With Caroline Rose and Amy Allen, 8 p.m. Thursday.

USM School of Music Youth Ensembles Vocal Concert, University of Southern Maine, Gorham, Corthell Concert Hall, $5-$8 suggested donation. usm.maine.edu/music. 7 p.m. Thursday.

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Nollaig Shona, a holiday feast of Cape Breton traditional music, dance and stories. Stratton Community Building, 246-2300, call for pricing. Community supper at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Pretty Girls Sing Soprano, bluegrass, folk, traditional, country and rock, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Thursday.

“Black Nativity in Concert: A Gospel Celebration,” Down East Singers, St. Patrick’s Church, Newcastle, $20 suggested donation. downeastsingers.org. Musical numbers together with recitation of Scripture and Langston Hughes’ poetry, 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Chipped Enamel, The Pepper Club, Portland. 772-0531. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Pleasant Note Coffeehouse Open Mic, First Universalist Church of Auburn, free. auburnuu.org. Music and poetry, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Jim Brickman: Joy of Christmas, pianist, State Theatre, Portland, $31.50-$65.50. statetheatreportland.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

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Patty Larkin, singer-songwriter, guitarist, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $25 advance, $30 door. onelongfellowsquare.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

Hattie Simon Trio, The Hive, Kennebunk. thehivekennebunk.com. Jazz piano and vocals with bass and drums, 8 p.m. Friday.

A Fine Winter’s Night, Irish and folk holiday music, Strand Theatre, Rockland, $15. rocklandstrand.com. Lissa Schneckenburger & Corey Dimario and Matt & Shannon Heaton, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Rob Schreiber’s Standard Issue, Marriott at Sable Oaks, South Portland. standardissue.me. Jazz from the Great American Songbook, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Tall Horse, Builder of the House, Yes We Kin, Mayo Street Arts, Portland, $5. mayostreetarts.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Eleanor Friedberger, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $10 advance, $12 door, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. Singer-songwriter from The Fiery Furnaces, 9 p.m. Friday.

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Dimensions in Jazz presents oudist Jussi Reijonen, Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland, $15, $10 seniors, $5 students. 828-1310. Performance with quartet, 8 p.m. Friday.

The Low Anthem, folk, blues, chamber music, $10 advance, $12 door. space538.org. With Vio/Mire and Family Planning, 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Lauren Crobsy, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath, $10, $7 students. chocolatechurcharts.org. With Abby Dunn and Jesse Gardner, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

First Person Plural, folk and blues duo Dana Pearson and Monica Grabin, Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford. elementsbookscoffeebeer.com. 7 p.m. Friday.

Stone Mountain Live Christmas Show, hosted by Carol Noonan and the Stone Mountain Boys, with special guests The Gibson Brothers, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, $60. stonemountainartscenter.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Silent Sam and the Evans, Americana and folk, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Friday.

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Piano Sing Along, favorite standards, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland Center, free. 829-2215. 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Yulegrass, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $25. onelongfellowsquare.com. Lauren Rioux, Mike Block, Scott Law and Amanda Kowalski, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday.

Richard James & The Name Changers, psychedelic rock and roll, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $10 advance, $12 door, $20 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 9 p.m. Saturday.

Annual Choral Festival with the University of Southern Maine Chamber Singers, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Portland, free, donations welcome. 939-2260. 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Concert: Downeast Brass Quintet with organist Jay Zoller, South Parish Congregational Church, Augusta, $10, $5 students, 12 and under free. concertsatjewett.com. 2 p.m. Saturday.

Sweetback Sisters: Honkytonk Christmas, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath, $12 advance, $15 door. chocolatechurcharts.org. Family-style harmonies, old country to rockabilly, 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

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“Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas,” City Theater, Biddeford, singers perform rockin’ holiday songs in a benefit for the theater, $10. citytheater.org. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Zach Jones, Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford. elementsbookscoffeebeer.com. Rock, pop and soul, 8 p.m. Saturday.

Bay Chamber Concerts presents Harlem-based gospel choir Songs of Solomon, Rockport Opera House, $25, $10 for under 21. baychamberconcerts.org. Inspirational young adult gospel choir led by Pastor Chantel Renee, 3 p.m. Saturday.

Greater Freeport Community Chorus, “The Many Moods of Christmas,” Freeport Performing Arts Center at Freeport High School, $10, 18 and under free, maximum $25 per family. gfccweb.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Dave Rowe, Denny Breau and Phil House, 20th annual holiday concert, First Universalist Church, Auburn, $15. 866-655-7171 ext. 801. 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Dwells and Eric law, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. localsprouts.coop. Cosmic Americana and punk-rock cellist, 7 p.m. Saturday.

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Casco Bay Concert Band “The Many Moods of Christmas,” McCormack Performing Arts Center, Gorham High School, $10, $8 seniors. www.cascobayconcertband. 3 p.m. Saturday.

Blackalicious, hip-hop, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $15 advance, $17 door, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 9 p.m. Dec. 15.

The Boy Singers of Maine “Sounds of the Season” Concert, Cumberland Congregational Church, $10, $8 seniors and students. boysingersofmaine.org. 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Fryeburg Academy Music Students’ annual Candlelight Concert, Fryeburg Academy, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, free. 935-9232. 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Wescustago Youth Chorale, 16th annual winter concert, Freeport Performing Arts Center at Freeport High School, $10, $5 students and seniors. 846-0705. 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

“Black Nativity in Concert: A Gospel Celebration,” Down East Singers, Camden Opera House, $20, 18 and under free. downeastsingers.org. Musical numbers together with recitation of Scripture and Langston Hughes’ poetry, 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

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Special Events

4th annual Fire and Ice Bar, music by Tony Boffa Band, hors d’oeuvres, outdoor cocktails, a portion of the proceeds of the event will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Education Foundation of the Kennebunks, Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, $25. fireandicekport.com. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Celebrate the Season by the Sea,” Old Orchard Beach. 934-2500. Santa and Mrs. Claus, parade, musical performances, hay rides, treats and more, 1 p.m. Sunday.

Sit with Santa, for dogs and their companions, proceeds benefit the Planet Dog Foundation, Planet Dog Company Store, Portland, $10. planetdog.com. 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

“Joy to the World” Christmas at Victoria Mansion, Portland, victoriamansion.org. $15, $13.50 seniors, $7 college students, $5 for children ages 6 to 17, free for under 6. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Dec. 15.

Night of the Nutcracker with the Portland Ballet, members of Portland Ballet perform scenes from “The Victorian Nutcracker” in the Stair Hall. Victoria Mansion, Portland, $15, $13.50 seniors, two children admitted free with each paying adult, additional children $5. victoriamansion.org. Admissions at 5 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

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Christmas Prelude, rides on heated streetcars with stories read aloud, afternoon Christmas karaoke on Saturday and Sunday, Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, $6. trolleymuseum.org. Noon to 4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

An 1870s Christmas at Norlands, $25 for family (2 adults and 2-3 children), Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore, $8, $6 for 12 and under. norlands.org. Interactive Christmas celebration with wagon rides, period crafts, story-telling and more, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Boothbay Region Garden Club’s Festival of Trees, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. boothbayopera house.com. Holiday goods for sale and trees auctioned off, Sunday.

28th annual Harbor Lights Festival, Boothbay Harbor, various locations. boothbayharbor.com. Sunday.

Christmas at Swan Hall, proceeds benefit the Lyric Theater and Portland Players, Swan Hall, Portland, $5, suggested donation. 400-6085. 1886 house decorated with 16 Christmas trees, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday; 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

Bath Antiques Show, Bath Middle School, $4. 443-8983. bathantiquesshows.com. 50 dealers of fine antiques and collectibles, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

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13th annual Festival of Trees, Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, Westbrook. westbrookfestivaloftrees.com. 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Saturday.

Port Veritas Spoken Word Series, poetry and spoken word, Bull Feeney’s, Portland, $3-$5, 18-plus. 450-1815. Featuring Erin Kirsh, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Maine Organization of Storyteller Enthusiasts presents an evening of storytelling, featuring The Rudder Family Holiday Planner, a Peaks Island puppet production with David Handwerker and Stephanie Eliot, Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium, $5 suggested donation. moosetellers.ning.com. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Merry Madness, downtown Portland, portland maine.com. Horse and wagon rides, participating stores open until 10 p.m. 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

The Dough Ball Party, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, proceeds benefit the opera house, $20 advance, $30 door. boothbayoperahouse.com. Music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, Gingerbread Spectacular winners announced, 7 p.m. Friday.

Holiday Open House, Foss Mansion, decorated for the season, Auburn, $8, $5 students, under 12 free. Presented by the Women’s Literary Union of Androscoggin, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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The Original Peacox Productions “A Magical Christmas 2013,” Hallowell City Hall Auditorium, $10. peacoxproductions.org. Professional touring theater troupe known for artful male and female impersonations, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Christmas Variety Show,” The Freeport Theater of Awesome, magic from Norman NG, live Christmas music by Peter Mezoian, juggling, physical comedy and more, $17, $12 seniors and children, $12 for all 2 p.m. shows. awesometheater.com. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 21.

The 7th annual Great Gingerbread Spectacular, with music and performances, bake sale, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, free. boothbayoperahouse.com. Exhibit of dozens of gingerbread houses and castles, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15.

Dickens: An Evening with the Master, join Victoria Mansion trustee Carlene Magno and Andrew Harris of Deertrees Theater in the stair hall for an exciting night of history and entertainment, Victoria Mansion, Portland, $25. victoriamansion.org. Reception follows performance, 6 p.m. Saturday.

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: Verdi’s “Falstaff,” Strand Theatre, Rockland, $27, $15 students. rocklandstrand.com. 1 p.m. Saturday.

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: “Falstaff,” Fryeburg Academy, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, $26, $23 seniors, $18 students. fryeburgacademy.org/tickets. 1 p.m. Saturday.

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29th annual Christmas Parade, Wells. southernmaineparade.com. This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas,” 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Royal Shakespeare Company “Live from Stratford-upon-Avon,” Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta, $15, $5 for 18 and under. atthelincoln.org. Live cinema broadcast from the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company, 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Theater

Theater at Monmouth presents “This Wonderful Life,” Cumston Hall, Monmouth, $20-$30. theaterat monmouth.org. Steve Murray’s adaptation of Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 1 p.m. Sunday.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” presented by Our Theatre Company, Nasson Community Center Little Theatre, Springvale, $10, $8 seniors, kids 12 and under. myotc.org. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday4; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

“The Sound of Music,” Portland Players, South Portland, $20, $18 seniors, $15 students. portlandplayers.org. 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

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“Broadway at Good Theater,” songs from such shows as “A New Brain,” “Cinderella” “A Christmas Carol,” “How to Succeed,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “The Secret Garden,” “Lady in the Dark,” “Elf,” “She Loves Me,” “Wonderful Town,” “Gigi” and “Striking 12,” St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $25-$30. good theater.com. 2 p.m. Sunday.

“Annie,” Lyric Music Theater, South Portland, $21.99, $17.99 seniors. lyricmusictheater.org. 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 21.

“The Snow Queen,” beloved fairy tale of devotion, bravery and the triumph of love, Portland Stage Company, $35-$45, $15 for children under 15. portlandstage.org. Noon and 5 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries,” Portland Stage Company Studio Theater, $20-$25. portlandstage.org. Hilarious tale of Crumpet, a Macy’s store elf. For mature audiences only. 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 2:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Sunday, Dec. 22.

“The WFCP Home Time Radio Hour 2013,” presented by Freeport Players, Freeport Performing Arts Center at the high school, $10 advance, $15 door. fcponline.org. Music from the 1940s to early ’60s mixes with classic comedy and new radio plays, 2 p.m. Sunday.

“The Gift of the Magi,” holiday musical set in the ’40s, The Footlights, Falmouth. $15-$18, pay what you can Thursdays, thefootlightsinfalmouth.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

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“A Christmas Carol: The Musical,” presented by L/A Community Little Theatre, Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Auburn, $18, $15 seniors, $12 for 12 and under. laclt.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

“The Dybbuk of Park Slope,” Acorn Studio Theater, Westbrook, $15, $12 for 12 and under. acorn-productions.org. Play about finding your spirituality in the complex 21st-century world, 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 29.

“A Christmas Carol: The New Musical Tale,” two-person musical, Clay Hill Farm Restaurant, Cape Neddick, $18, $15 matinees. clayhillfarm.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 6 p.m. Wednesday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Through Dec. 22.

“A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” The Footlights, Falmouth, $10. thefootlightsinfalmouth.com. Starring David LaGraffe and Claudia Hughes, 7 p.m. Monday.

Mad Horse Theatre’s “By Local” play reading series, Madhorse Theater at The Hutchins School, South Portland, $10 suggested donation. madhorse.com. “Alligator Road” by Callie Kimball, 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Dec. 15; “Papermaker” by Monica Wood, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” The Public Theatre, Lewiston, $20, $5 for 18 and under. thepublictheatre.org. Classic holiday tale adapted by Christopher Schario, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Studio Theatre presents “Twisted Christmas,” nice and naughty skits, songs, audience participation and classic Christmas themes. For adults only. Winter Street Center, Bath, $10. studiotheatreofbath.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Christmas with The Ratpack, Anthony’s Dinner Theater, Portland. 221-2267. Dinner and performance, with Elvis impersonator, 7 p.m. Friday.

“A Christmas Carol,” The Footlights, Falmouth, $10. thefootlightsinfalmouth.com. One-man show starring Michael Tobin, 5 p.m. Dec. 15.


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