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.

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

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.

With the help of local creative makers, Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest shoppers can add that special handcrafted touch to their holiday celebrations. Workshops throughout Marketfest weekend, Dec. 5-7, will guide participants in the fine crafts of basket making, paper arts, and repurposing lobster rope from the sea.

Take Two is a series from reporters (and movie buffs) Fritz Freudenberger and Isabelle Curtis to review entertainment options in the region. This month's film is 2025’s “Frankenstein,” written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth. It is currently available on Netflix. 

This year's Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party on Nov. 22 included the return of the event's Bed Races, to the delight of spectators and competitors! 

The Greenleaf Inn team, also representing the Admiral's Quarters, took first place!

Calling all Crafters! The Waldo Theatre is delighted to invite local makers and movie lovers to two upcoming Craft Cinema afternoons: cozy community gatherings designed for anyone who loves to craft while enjoying a great film surrounding by other creatives!

On Sunday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m., we’ll be screening the iconic classic "Clueless" followed by a festive showing of "The Holiday" on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.

Join Kennebec Estuary Land Trust’s Community Engagement Manager, Tyler Pascocello and Maine Master Naturalist volunteers for a winter bird walk at Reid State Park on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m.

When Tanner Grover started The Cinema Clubhouse, he expected friends, family, and community members to come to Harbor Theater for movie screenings. In an unexpected twist of fate, an actor from this month’s film joined in.    

Celebrate the holiday season with the Boothbay Region Historical Society at our annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the museum located at 72 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor.

Heartwood Theater will host youth auditions for ”Treasure Island” open to all Midcoast middle school students in grades 4-8, on Monday, Dec. 1 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Poe Theater, at Lincoln Academy.  This annual Winter Drama Adventure will be co-directed by Teralyn Reiter and Griff Braley.  No prior experience necessary.

Lincoln Theater is pleased to be part of the annual Villages of Light festival, bringing Santa Claus to town along with a free holiday film for this special celebration Saturday, Nov. 29 beginning at 11 a.m.

This free family event, presented in partnership with the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by MaineHealth, begins with Santa’s arrival at the theater, where guests of all ages will have the chance to share their holiday wishes and snap a photo or two.

“People just want the holiday spirit. It’s such a counter to the darkness.” — Irene Fowle

'Tis the season to deck the halls and give gifts. Still in search for just the right presents for loved ones on your holiday shopping list? Looking for new holiday décor? Do you have another Yule tree or Christmas tree on your mind? Does a theme-decorated tree for yourself, or to give to someone who might not otherwise have one, appeal to your inner angel and St. Nick?

The Boothbay Harbor Region is kicking off the holiday season with a full day of festivities on Saturday, Nov. 22. Following the excitement of the Early Bird Sale & Bed Races in the morning, the celebration continues into the evening with the annual Lighted Firetruck & First Responders Parade, followed by the Chili Cook-Off at Meadow Mall.

Parade begins at 4 p.m.