n ART EVENTS

Holiday HodgePodge, preview gala with live music, complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Harlow Gallery, 160 Water St., Hallowell. harlowgallery.org. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Brad Choyt wall hangings, the artist will talk about his abstract works combining wood, clay, metal and paint now on display. Yarmouth History Center Stonewall Gallery, 118 East Elm St. yarmouthmehistory.org. Artist reception 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday.

Chaya Studio Holiday Art Show, work of local artists, portion of sale proceeds will support Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southern Maine. Chaya Studio Jewelry, 22 Cottage Road, South Portland. 221-6552. 4:30-9 p.m. Friday.

Artwalk Gardiner, work by many area artists, music, demonstrations, kids’ activities and refreshments. Historic downtown, Water Street. 712-9734. 5:30-8 p.m. Friday.

Christine Morgan, realistic, expressionistic and abstract works by Cape Elizabeth artist. Roux and Cyr International Fine Art Gallery, 48 Free St., Portland. rouxandcyrgallery.com. Artist reception 4-9 p.m. Friday.

Wildlife artist Mark McCollough will create a mural during First Friday Art Walk, free. Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 9 Water St., Rockland. 594-0600. 5-8 p.m. Friday.

The End of Autumn Group Show, paintings, drawings, encaustic and photography. The Language Exchange, 80 Exchange St., Portland. immersionprograms.com. 5 p.m. Friday.

The Dog Temple Project, work by Sergei Bachkovsky, renowned dog trainer and photographer, free. Victoria Mansion Carriage House Musuem Shop Gallery, 109 Danforth St., Portland. victoriamansion.org. 5-8 p.m. Friday.

Kingfield Winter Artwalks, galleries, museums and businesses featuring local art, music, book readings, light refreshments and a horse and sleigh for transport. Downtown, Route 27. 939-6518. 5-8 p.m. Friday.

MECA Holiday Sale, Maine College of Art, Osher Hall, 522 Congress St., Portland. holidaysale.meca.edu. 5-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Show, celebrate the season with a show of new work by over 40 artists. Greenhut Galleries, 146 Middle St., Portland. greenhutgalleries.com. Opening reception 1-3 p.m. Saturday.

The December Show, ceramics and paintings by Susan Dewsnap, Autumn Cipala and Gary Rattigan. June Fitzpatrick Gallery, 522 Congress St., Portland. 699-5083. Artists reception 3-5 p.m. Saturday.

Figures by Cabot Lyford exhibition and holiday open house, June LaCombe Sculpture, Hawk Ridge Farm, 90 Minot Road, Pownal. 688-4468. 3-5 p.m. Saturday.

Karen Gosselin-Diebolt, oil paintings, Wells Public Library, 1434 Post Road. 646-8181. Opening 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturday.

n AUDITIONS

Lake Region’s Got Talent Auditions, CenterStage Dance Studio, 1233 Roosevelt Trail, Raymond. lrctme.org. 3 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Dec. 7.

“The Days Are as Grass,” dramatic comedy. Age range mid-30s and up. Lake Region Community Theatre. Songo Locks School, 25 Songo School Road, Naples. 518-0481. 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

n BENEFITS

USM School of Music 24th annual Scholarship Gala, an elegant evening in support of scholarships, reservations required, $100 per person. Hannaford Hall, Abromson Center, University of Southern Maine, 88 Bedford St., Portland. usm.maine.edu/music. 6 p.m. Friday.

A Beer and Dessert Pairing, desserts by Bomb Diggity Bakery paired with brews of Rising Tide Brewing Company of Portland. Benefit for Momentum’s Special Olympic Team, $25. Rising Tide Brewery, 103 Fox St., Portland. brownpapertickets.com. 8 p.m. Saturday.

n BOOKS & AUTHORS

“Two for the Road: Adventures in Maine,” essays by Tanya Whiton and photographs by fellow Portlander Heidi Killion. Celebrating the book’s publication with a reading and party. Harmon’s & Barton’s, 584 Congress St., Portland. harmonsbartons.com. 6 p.m. Thursday.

Frank O Smith, author of “Dream Singer,” a finalist for the Bellwether Prize. Camden Public Library, 55 Main St. librarycamden.org. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Crime novelists Gerry Boyle, Paul Doiron and David Rosenfelt will explore the darker side of the Pine Tree State. Skidompha Library, 158 Main St., Damariscotta. skidompha.org. 1-3 p.m. Friday.

Jim Baumer will talk about Moxie, books, beer and Maine culture. Reception at Baxter Brewing Co. to follow. Free. Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. lplonline.org. 6 p.m. Friday.

Library Book Sale/Bake Sale, great prices with proceeds to benefit the library. Gardiner Public Library, 152 Water St. gpl.lib.me.us. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Richard Loren, author of the memoir “High Notes,” about his career as a manager for bands including The Doors and The Grateful Dead. Gulf of Maine Bookstore, 134 Maine St., Brunswick. 729-5083. 4 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Children’s Book Fair, meet your favorite Maine children’s authors. Books available for purchase and signing. Camden Public Library, 55 Main St. librarycamden.org. 2-4 p.m. Dec. 7.

n CLASSICAL MUSIC

Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra, world premiere of “The Wet Kiwi Inn” composed by Gene Nichols. Over 100 common and uncommon instruments. $15 suggested donation, free for students. Performing Arts Center University of Maine at Machias, 116 O’Brien Ave. 213-9145. 7 p.m. Friday.

The Fall Composers Showcase, featuring the USM Composers Ensemble and Friends, directed by Daniel Sonenberg, free. Corthell Concert Hall, University of Southern Maine, 37 College Ave., Gorham. usm.maine.edu/music. 8 p.m. Saturday.

The Portland String Quartet, with guest cellist Andrew Mark. Hear the works of Beethoven, Mozart and Piston, $22; $20 seniors; free for students. Woodford Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland. 761-1522. 2 p.m. Dec. 7.

n DANCE

Dance USM! featuring original works by University of Southern Maine students, faculty and guest choreographers. Hip hop, ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theater and more. $15; $11 seniors, USM employees and alumni; $8 students. USM, Russell Hall, 37 College Ave., Gorham. usm.maine.edu/theatre. 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 5 p.m. Dec. 7.

n HOLIDAY

Old Time Christmas at the Fort, hayrides, South Parish Congregational Choir, paper cutting, silent auction and more. Old Fort Western, 16 Cony St., Augusta. 626-2385. 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Tree Lighting Ceremony, free with admission. Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland. kitetails.org. 11 a.m. Sunday.

Maine State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” more than 300 dancers in gorgeous costumes and a lush set design. $15-$55. Discounts available for children, seniors and groups. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland. porttix.com. 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 7.

Joyous Sounds for a Festive Season, celebrate the warmth of the holiday season with the USM Chamber Singers, conducted by Robert Russell, $12 suggested donation at the door. Williston Immanuel Church, 156 High St., Portland. usm.maine.edu. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Victoria Mansion’s Christmas Gala, complimentary drinks & hors d’oeuvres amid the holiday decorations. $50, free valet parking. Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St., Portland. victoriamansion.org. 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Broadway at Good Theater, a tribute to Broadway shows and holiday songs of the ’60s with Broadway stars Aaron Ramey, Christopher A. Pecoraro and a cast of 14 singers. $25-$40. St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland. goodtheater.com. Wednesday through Dec. 7.

“This Wonderful Life,” adaptation of the holiday classic, $25. Theater at Monmouth, 796 Main St. theateratmonmouth.org. Through Dec. 7.

Polar Express, hot chocolate and cookies served and the enchanting story is told over the train’s sound system during the “North Pole” journey. Santa will greet children aboard the train and passengers sing along to carols. Every child receives a special bell as a souvenir. $25-$40. Ocean Gateway Terminal, 14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland. mainenarrowgauge.org. Through Dec. 23.

“A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, $35-$45. Portland Stage Company, 25A Forest Ave. portlandstage.org. Through Dec. 24.

Ken Bonfield Winter Night Concert, finger-style acoustic guitarist will perform compositions evoking Christmas traditions and the winter solstice, free. Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St., Bath. patten.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Victorian Christmas program, 18th- and 19th-century carols sung by Richmond High School chorus, a Victorian tree and exhibits, free. Southard House Museum Gallery, 75 Main St., Richmond. 737-8772. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Winthrop Area Handbell Ringers, holiday concert. Lithgow Public Library, 45 Winthrop St., Augusta. lithgow.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Polar Express, hot chocolate and cookies served and the enchanting story is told over the train’s sound system during the “North Pole” journey. Santa will greet children aboard the train and passengers sing along to carols. Every child receives a special bell as a souvenir. $25-$40. Ocean Gateway Terminal, 14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland. mainenarrowgauge.org. Through Dec. 23.

Portland Playback: Holidays from Heaven and Hell, improvised re-enactments of stories told by audience members. $7 suggested donation. CTN5 Studio, 516 Congress St., Portland. portlandplayback.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Sparkle Celebration, free horse-drawn wagon rides, Parade of Lights, free hot cocoa, visits with Santa and a Talking Christmas Tree. Downtown Freeport. sparklecelebration.com. Friday through Dec. 7.

“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas,” musical comedy, $20. City Theater, 205 Main St., Biddeford. citytheater.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday through Dec. 21.

Christmas by the Sea opening celebration, concert of holiday music followed by Santa lighting the tree in Harbor Park. Camden Public Library, 55 Main St. librarycamden.org. 4:30-8 p.m. Friday.

Holiday Fest 2014, horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, Christmas carols and the tree lighting. Millcreek Park, Hinkley Drive, South Portland. portlandregion.com. 4:30-7 p.m. Friday.

The Boothbay Region Garden Club’s 12th annual Festival of Trees, silent auction, raffle and four Christmas shops. The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor. boothbayregiongardenclub.org. Noon- 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7.

A Yuletide Celebration with Portland Community Chorus, 100 voices singing traditional and rare carols, spirituals, a Hanukkah song, singalong, Hallelujah Chorus, $12 in advance, $15 door. Scarborough High School, Winslow Homer Auditorium, 11 Municipal Drive. portlandcommunitychorus.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday.

Holiday Concert with Dana Cunningham & Max Dyer, pianist and composer with cellist. OceanView, 20 Blueberry Lane, Falmouth. oceanviewrc.com. 3 p.m. Friday.

Kennebec Performing Arts Company Holiday Concert Series, $8 in advance, $10 day of show. Viles Auditorium, Cony High School, 60 Pierce Drive, Augusta. 592-8175. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Dec. 7.

Westbrook Festival of Trees, more than 50 trees on display. Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main St. westbrookfestivaloftrees.com. Saturday through Dec. 13.

An Afternoon with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, craft making, cookie decorating and other holiday activities, donations accepted for Catherine’s Cupboard Food Pantry. Saint Joseph’s College, 278 Whites Bridge Road, Standish. sjcme.edu. 3-5 p.m. Saturday.

Holidays on the Farm, goats and alpacas, refreshments, make Christmas ornaments using materials from nature, have holiday photos taken, tour our facility for learning in the natural environment, free. Children’s Enrichment on the Cape at Funny Farm, 119 Old Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth. 799-1103. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas at Victoria Mansion: One Hundred Years Past, historic house museum decorated for holiday tours. $5-$15. Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St., Portland. victoriamansion.org. Through Jan. 4.

Holiday Kids Fest, create gifts for friends and family, photo booth, holiday crafts and cookies to decorate, free. Fiddlehead Center for the Arts, 226 Gorham Road, Scarborough. 553-1381. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Night Tree event, based on children’s book, at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, including a story, decorating pine cones and a short hike, $5. Wolfe’s Neck Farm, 184 Burnett Road, Freeport. wolfesneckfarm.org. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Polar Express Morning, visit from the conductor to read “The Polar Express.” Enjoy hot chocolate and create a holiday craft, $10 family admission. Brick Store Museum, 117 Main St., Kennebunk. brickstoremuseum.org. 10 a.m. Saturday.

Santa arrives by boat in Camden Harbor, children’s story hour follows with Santa reading “The Night Before Christmas.” Camden Public Library, 55 Main St. librarycamden.org. Noon Saturday.

Christmas with Joelle Morris, mezzo-soprano; Bridget Convey, pianist; Christopher Lansley, flutist, featuring colorful carols from around the world including those of France and Quebec. $18; $16 seniors. Franco Center, 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. francocenter.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Festival of St. Lucia and Scandinavian Marketplace. St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, 515 Woodford St., Portland. 756-0605. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; 4-6 p.m. Dec. 7.

Christmas Open House for the Animals, meet the horses and enjoy complimentary refreshments; holiday treats, raffles, merchandise and trees for sale. Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, 279 River Road, South Windham. msspa.org. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Maine-ly Harmony women’s a cappella chorus, free-will offering. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 209 Eastern Ave., Augusta. princeofpeacemaine.org. 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Choral Art Society presents Christmas at the Cathedral, $22. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. choralart.org. Noon and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7.

Night of the Nutcracker, special half-hour performances by Portland Ballet. Reservations are required, $15. Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St., Portland. victoriamansion.org. 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 7.

A 19th-Century Christmas, journey back to an old-fashioned holiday in rural Maine, $8 adults; $6 age 12 and under; $25 family rate. Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, 290 Norlands Road, Livermore. 897-4366. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7.

Lights, Camera, Dance! inspired by holiday and Broadway classics, movies and stories from the young and old, $20. Strom Auditorium, Camden Hills Regional High School, 25 Keelson Drive, Rockport. swingnsway.com. 2 p.m. Dec. 7.

n MUSIC

Flogging Molly, Irish punk, $30 in advance, $33 day of show. The State Theatre 609 Congress St., Portland. statetheatreportland.com. 8 p.m. Monday.

John Brown’s Body, Boston-based reggae band, $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland. portcitymusichall.com. 9 p.m. Thursday.

Stone Quarry, jazz standards and contemporary and traditional folk and rock music, $5. Cary Memorial Library, 17 Old Winthrop Road, Wayne. 685-9639. 7 p.m. Friday.

The Fogcutters presents Big Band Syndrome Volume 4, local musicians backed by 18-piece big band, $15 in advance, $20 day of show. The State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland. statetheatreportland.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

Downeast Soul Coalition, $5. Zack’s Club Lounge @Fireside Inn & Suites Portland, 81 Riverside St. Portland.zackerysrestaurant.com. 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Songs & Stories: An Evening with Art Alexakis of Everclear, $16-$26. Asylum, 121 Center St., Portland. portlandasylum.com. 9 p.m. Friday.

Mike Morrison, Silver Street Tavern, 2 Silver St., Waterville. silverstreettavern.com. 1-5 p.m. Saturday.

Jim Pryor, Silver Street Tavern, 2 Silver St., Waterville. silverstreettavern.com. 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Bridge Coffee House presents: Red Gone White, free. Summit Church, 1 Sullivan Square, Berwick. 603-978-3351. 6 p.m. Saturday.

Don Boudreau, local Elvis impersonator, will perform gospel and Christmas favorites, $10. Solon Congregational Church, 86 North Main St., Solon. 643-2469. 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Carolyn Currie, folk singer, $8 adults, $6 children. Southworth Planetarium, University of Southern Maine, 96 Falmouth St., Portland. carolyncurrie.com. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Screaming at Demons, acoustic evening with Shimon Moore of Sick Puppies, $15. Asylum, 121 Center St., Portland. portlandasylum.com. 9 p.m. Saturday.

Country Fest Maine Country Sunday, Paula Kaiser Band, Donna Whitmore, Hannah Brackett and Al Bergeron, $5. Litchfield Sportsmans Club, 2400 Hallowell Road. 330-0545. Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 7.

Portland Jazz Orchestra performs Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite” and other holiday favorites to benefit the Yarmouth Music Boosters, $10.Yarmouth High School, Performing Arts Center, 286 W. Elm St. Yarmouth. 846-5535. 3 p.m. Dec. 7.

n SPECIAL EVENTS

The Madrigal – “Follow What Star?” join us for a marvelous meal and interactive entertainment in the tradition of a medieval feast. $10. Brunswick United Methodist Church, 320 Church Road, Brunswick. umcbrunswick.org. 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday.

n THEATER

“Oliver!” Lionel Bart’s musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, $21.99; $17.99 seniors. Lyric Music Theater, 176 Sawyer St., South Portland. lyricmusictheater.org. Through Dec. 7.

“The Wizard of Oz,” musical. $35. Bangor Opera House, 131 Main St. penobscottheatre.org. Thursday through Dec. 28.