In this season of gift giving, the Opera House in Boothbay Harbor has tucked a few gifts under the tree for the Midcoast community. Both the annual Gingerbread Spectacular December 15-16 and the Opera House Potluck and Carol Sing December 18 are free and open to all.

The sixth annual Gingerbread Spectacular will bring together the creations of Midcoast bakers competing for the title of Most Spectacular Gingerbread House. Prizes are awarded in a wide variety of categories including Most Holiday Spirit, Most Appetizing, Best Local Landmark, Most Hilarious, and more. Bakers who haven’t yet registered their entry are encouraged to call the Opera House at 207-633-6855. All entries must be delivered by 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14.

Judging the contest will be Howie Barter, Liz Evans, Brad Hastings, Dickie Perkins and Kit Sherrill. Bribing judges is acceptable. Bribes become the property of the Opera House. 

The exhibit of gingerbread creations is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 15 and 16. In addition to the display, the Opera House is decked out with holiday lights and trees and the historic building has been transformed into a holiday wonderland.

Throughout the two-day exhibit free entertainment is presented on the main stage including piano recitals beginning at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, followed by a dance presentation by Melissa Nein’s YMCA dance program. On Sunday, Dec. 16, Dominic Garvey will play piano from noon to 2 p.m., followed by the Boothbay Region Elementary School Chorale at 2 p.m. The gingerbread man will be on hand and available for holiday photos and the Friends of the Opera House are planning their biggest holiday bake sale ever. Free cocoa is served throughout the day for all.

The decorated Opera House annually brings gasps and smiles to children and adults alike as they cross the threshold. “Kevin Kiley’s decorations and miniature Macy’s window are simply amazing and we want to make sure that everyone has a chance to enjoy them this season,” Opera House Director Cathy Sherrill said.

On Tuesday, Dec. 18, the final free performance of the season includes Kiley on piano and the vocal talents of Matthew Ryder, Jason Hersom, Abbey Hutchins, John Adams and Devin Dukes. The group will perform both solo and lead the audience in an old fashion carol sing at 7 p.m.

In advance of the Carol Sing, a community potluck is planned. At 5:30 p.m., community members are encouraged to bring a dish to share, a plate and a fork, and to settle in amongst the trees and decorations. The potluck will be on the first floor, in the performance hall and the Opera House cash bar will be open and serving drinks.

“Those who come early for the potluck may end up with the best seats for the evening concert, but no matter what we’ll make sure that we fit everyone in. It’s the season for coming together and there is no more beautiful place to do that than at the Opera House this year,” Sherrill said.

For additional information on the community potluck or the gingerbread spectacular, call the Opera House at 207-633-6855.