Twenty-seven bakers were inspired to enter this year’s Gingerbread Spectacular held at the Opera House for 19 years now. Their designs always charm, amaze and delight us all leaving us to wonder how did they do that? What went on in those kitchens?

Well, that’s exactly what I asked Eni DeLisle and Hilary Allen who constructed the fabulous Harbor Theater in gingerbread, including an audience of wee gingers watching “White Christmas!” Recently, we met at the theater to look back at their experience – and their were some surprises.

While the pandemic temporarily put a halt to activities for residents across Maine, in some cases it opened new doors. Musician and carpenter Scott Elliot turned his time without music gigs and other work into a time to explore painting and ever since has spent hours every day in his studio creating and selling much talked about works of art. The Opera House in Boothbay Harbor welcomes an exhibit of his most recent paintings this January.

The Lincoln County Community Theater is ringing in the season with a lively and heartfelt holiday production the whole family can enjoy. Opening Dec. 19, LCCT presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," Barbara Robinson’s beloved comedy about a small-town church pageant turned delightfully upside down. Performances will take place at Lincoln Theater on Friday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.

The Waldo Theatre is presenting works by Friendship artist Pam Cabañas, in the Bill and Joan Alfond Gallery, through Feb. 22.

“Friendship Inspired” is a collection of  works by this well respected Maine artist born of her life in the fishing village of Friendship, Maine.  Works range from large format paintings in acrylic and charcoal to small sgraffito on porcelain works emblematic of coastal Maine. 

Stonehenge. I feel as though I’ve always known about Stonehenge; there isn’t one singular moment in my time I can recall; of course there a great many years to sift through! But seriously, I believe my knowing of Stonehenge is a soul memory. And for decades, and I mean decades, my soul longed to return there. The people I have friended on Facebook have been viewing my posts of Stonehenge photos taken by a variety of photographers across The Pond. Some might say I have been obsessed – and they would be right.

Following a successful inaugural year that resonated with the local creative community, the Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) is pleased to announce the return of its themed, non-juried exhibition: “Wintering.”

Now in its second year, this exhibit invites artists to explore the multifaceted nature of the season. BRAF seeks unique interpretations of the winter experience—showcasing the quiet beauty, the stark wonder, and the distinct challenges of the colder months.

A rare and intimate evening of acoustic music featuring Tim O’Brien, Sam Grisman, and Victor Furtado. This special trio performance, at the Waldo Theatre Jan. 17, brings together three musicians whose shared love of song, storytelling, and instrumental mastery continues the timeless lineage of American acoustic music.

“The legendary Tim O’Brien is one of the most beloved and influential singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists in American acoustic music and the impact that his songs and musicianship have had on our tribe of acousticians is immeasurable," said Grisman.

Here is the list of award winning Gingerbreads in the annual Gingerbread Spectacular at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor:

Most Spectacular: Carla Warren: "Under the Sea"

Best Traditional Gingerbread House: Katrina Dunsmore: "The Sweet Lil Christmas Inn"

Most Creative: Shawn of the Sheep: "Merry Christmas Two Ewes"

Best Representation of a Local Landmark: Hilary Allen and Eni Delisle: "Harbor Theater Movie Palace"

Best Youth Entry: A. Faulstich: "Ginger Dew Valley"

Novel Jazz is returning to the Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta on Saturday, Dec. 20 for a jazz winter solstice celebration, 7-9:30 p.m.

Saltwater Artist Gallery, located just steps from the iconic Pemaquid Lighthouse, invites artists to apply for our 2026 season. We are a long-standing collective of 25+ artists who work cooperatively to create an engaging and vibrant art space for visitors from near and far.

For the first time this year, Boothbay Railway Village Museum's annual Polar Express train left Freeport Station, at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 with a full passenger list. There are eight trains to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole: That's one every 45 minutes with a final train departing at 4 p.m.

Ahhh, if only Petula Clark could have seen Boothbay Harbor when she sang "Downtown." And, this time of the year, the lights really are much brighter there, er, here!

Driving around to see holiday nights downtown and through our neighborhoods was always a family Christmas ritual when my daughters were young. I still go solo - hey, it only happens once a year, right?

For most of us, the thought of teaching ballet to a group of toddlers might seem daunting. How do you encourage a group of 3-6 year olds to plié? Or tendu? For Y Arts instructor Imij Armstead, it's all part of the program offered at the YMCA. 

Armstrong, who graduated from high school in June, has been teaching ballet at the Y Annex for about three years after being a student in classes there.

Craig Pederson's sculpture "The Orca," created from native Maine granite, was selected for inclusion in the American Society of Marine Artists 2nd annual Awards Exhibition online.

This past Saturday, Waldoboro fisherman Clint Collamore pulled up in front of the Waldo Theatre with more than a few dozen lobster traps on the back of his truck. Board member Barbara Boardman took on the lights, unrolling wheels of them that were draped and threaded through the traps.

The Waldo is excited to have The Bearly Dead return to the stage Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. after last year’s SOLD OUT show. Not just another Grateful Dead cover band- this is a cosmic exploration of the Grateful Dead catalog! Bearly Dead, a Boston-based quintet, performs a concert-style show that celebrates the journey of the Grateful Dead from their earliest records until their final tours.

The anticipated "North Pole Express" event series begins this weekend in Boothbay, transforming the Boothbay Railway Village Museum into a magical Christmas wonderland for families. The event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays for three consecutive weekends, beginning Saturday, Dec. 6.

The North Pole Express

The East Boothbay and Southport United Methodist Churches invite you to join us for a Christmas movie event at the Harbor Theater, 185 Townsend Avenue. On Sunday, Dec. 14 all are invited to join us for a free showing of the “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” This movie is a funny, heartwarming, and moving look at the true meaning of Christmas.

Most Obsessive Compulsive. Best Local Landmark. Best Holiday Spirit. Best Traditional Gingerbread House Design. Best Youth Entry. Most Spectacular. These are just a few of the award categories bestowed upon gingerbread builders with creative flair. And patience.