Fall ... into the holidays!
Gorgeous. Eventful. Magical.
That’s the Boothbay Region and Wiscasset area in October, November and December.
Steve Demeranville photo
Find out what’s happening by clicking on each month!
North Pole Express begins this weekend!
Community, CRC embrace spirit of Thanksgiving
Two Thanksgiving community events helped the Community Resource Council (CRC) stock the fridge and fund programs. CRC, partnering with McSeagulls Restaurant, offered free Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday Nov. 22, donations appreciated. The format was repeated on Thanksgiving day at The Whale’s Tale and Seafarer’s Pub. In all, over $3,200 and vast scores of food items were raised.
“We’re happy McSeagulls can give back to the community,” said General Manager Eric Cornell. “We’re… Read more
Lincoln County Community Theater presents ‘Slow Food’
“Slow Food” - A vacationing couple celebrates their anniversary at a Greek restaurant in Palm Springs - but will the marriage survive the service? As a needy waiter insinuates his way into their meal - and their lives - the couple examines their past and their future together. Playwright Wendy MacLeod brings us a tender comedy that delves deeply into what we hunger for. "...in “Slow Food,” playwright Wendy MacLeod comes up with every imaginable (and unimaginable) way to… Read more
Boothbay, Southport take hardware in Lighted Fire Truck Parade
Fourteen decorated fire trucks and rescue vehicles and a Lewiston Police Department car containing grand marshals LPD’s Chief David St. Pierre and Lt. Trevor Campbell, passed by the hundreds of people gathered along the route of the 2023 Lighted Fire Truck Parade on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 25.
The lighted vehicles left the Boothbay Fire Station at 4 p.m. and headed toward Boothbay Harbor where they detoured to St. Andrews Village, before continuing through downtown and back to the… Read more
‘Celebration’ show for the holidays
River Arts Gallery in Damariscotta has decked the walls and filled the gallery with a bounty of art and fine craft for a “Celebration” show for the holidays. The public is invited to the opening reception of “Celebration” on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Join us for this festive event to meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and find Maine made art for those on your holiday gift list. This fabulous show applauding the abundance of art in the Maine community runs through Dec. 30.… Read more
Carol Abitabilo Ast featured artist through Dec. 29
Carol Abitabilo Ast is presenting a variety of pastel paintings depicting some of her favorite subjects: waves, Maine Coastal scenes and her special oyster “portraits.”
Carol resides in Damariscotta. She received her B.S. and MFA in art education and sculpture from the Pratt Institute. She also holds a PhD in education from Cornell University.
Carol cites the work of Edgar Degas and other impressionists as inspiration for her interest in pastels. Pastels are a spontaneous and… Read more
Early Birds get the bargains ... and rain!
Despite the rain on Saturday morning, Nov. 18, the Boothbay Harbor Early Bird Sale still drew great crowds. Most of the people of all ages dressed in their pajamas to shop for bargains in area stores.
Some establishments offered special pricing during the earliest hours, some offered breakfast items, but in any case, the frivolity of the morning “reigned” true, even with umbrellas, wet clothing and soggy slippers.
Here, our stalwart Early Bird photographer Steve Edwards… Read more
Whale’s Tale holding fundraising Thanksgiving dinner
The Whale’s Tale and Seafarer’s Pub in Boothbay Harbor, under the management of Jax van der Veen and Evan Hepburn, will be hosting its first community fundraising Thanksgiving Dinner benefit. On Nov. 23, from noon to 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, they will serve a traditional dinner with all the fixings, and all the proceeds will benefit the Community Resource Council's eight programs.
According to Jax van der Veen, the traditional style meal will include roast turkey and all the fixings… Read more
Christmas celebration on the Boothbay Common Nov. 25
Come join us Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. on the Boothbay Common for some great Christmas fun! We will have a hot chocolate bar, carolers and food trucks.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the following: ReggaeEats - Food Truck, Pinky D's Poutine Factory, Portable Pie Place, and Truckin Good Food. Don’t forget to stop over to Shannon’s Unshelled and get the freshest Maine seafood while warming by the fire! We are so pleased to have you all!
Come enjoy the carolers… Read more
This week at the Lincoln Theater
For the first time since 2019, Santa Claus is not only coming to town, he’s coming to The Lincoln Theater! Join us for a magical morning filled with excitement and joy for the man in the red suit, and stay for a free family film screening of a new holiday favorite, “The Christmas Chronicles.” Ho! Ho! Ho!
Meet Santa & “The Christmas Chronicles” - (PG; 1 hour, 44 minutes) - Free! - Seat reservations requested! Lincoln Theater and The Damariscotta Region Chamber… Read more
Sunday, Sept. 30
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay
A family favorite, fall tradition featuring classic New England festivities such as hayrides, pumpkin decorating, games on the village green and, of course, train rides. The community-inspired event will offer reduced museum admission for the entire day.
Adults $10 - Children 3-17 $5 - Under 3 Free Pumpkin Pass $5. (Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick out your very own pumpkin to bring home!) Event hours: 10am-4pm Train Rides: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm 3pm and 4pm Concessions: 11am-2pm
Saturday, Oct. 7 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 8 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay
Pumpkin Pickin' Trains to SeaLyon Farm
Sept. 30; Oct. 7, 14 & 21
Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway (WW&F)
97 Cross Road, Alna
Pumpkin Pickin' Trains to SeaLyon Farm: Take the train to the Farm, go into the patch to pick your very own pumpkin(s) to take home. Lots of other fun fall activities. Pumpkins are priced by size. Board the hay ride with your perfect pumpkin in hand for your return trip to Sheepscot. Tickets at https://wwfry.org
Tuesday, Oct. 31
From 4 to 5 p.m. take a walk through the haunted Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (at 4 Oak St.) and sip warm cider (courtesy of Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce). Play giant-sized lawn games before lineup time for the parade through town starting at 4. FMI: 207-633-3112.
Scaerecrow Fest - Wiscasset
Early October - Oct. 30
The Wiscasset Rec Scavenger Hunt to find the hidden scarecrow; Scarecrow competition - with a People’s Choice award, vintage car show, scarecrow building 101, crafts, family movie
Saturday, Oct. 28
Boothbay Railway Village, 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wear your costumes and bring your own trick or treat bag!
Steam and barrel train rides, games. arts & crafts, eats & treats and ... the Monster Dig!!!
More information, including ticket prices at https://railwayvillage.org
Nightmare on Federal Street
Tuesday, Oct. 31
4-6:30 p.m.
Parade of Halloween characters * Costume contest - with prizes * Block party with trick or treating * DJ spinning Halloween tunes!
Wiscasset Early Bird
Saturday, Nov. 11
Sales begin at 6 a.m. Pajama-clad shoppers welcome! Check the Nov. 9 edition of the Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper for details on savings!
Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party - Boothbay Harbor
Saturday, Nov. 18
Specials begin at 6 a.m.! Set the timers on your coffee makers to start brewing at 5. Throw on your bathrobe, pour your cupper, grab your keys (and wallet) and fly to the car ... are you an early bird, or what?! Check the special Early Bird pages in the Nov. 16 edition of the Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper to map out your stops!
Nov. 18 - Dec. 31
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Thursday - Sunday: Gate opens at 3:30 and closes promptly at 9 p.m.
Closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Buy tickets online at www.mainegardens.org/events-exhibits/gardens-aglow or call 207-633-8000. Print your tickets or tickets can be scanned from your mobile phone – have the ticket PDF open on with the barcodes visible, and turn your screen brightness all the way up.
Saturday, Nov. 25
4 p.m.
The 4th annual! Local and regional fire departments outfit one truck for the holidays to win the Dalmatian Cup (awarded by local “celebrities”). Spectators decide the winner of the People’s Choice award through the Facebook live streaming or text your vote by phone: 207-350-5922. Parade begins at 4 p.m. from the Boothbay Fire Station to St. Andrews Village, up Townsend Avenue to Oak Street, turning left at the Library and down Townsend Avenue. Location for the awards ceremony TBD.
Friday, Dec. 1
Saturday, Dec. 2
St. Columba’s Episcopal Church
32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days! Selection of theme-decorated Christmas trees; returning holiday decor shops, treats, meals to go and more: Deck the Halls, Nature’s Gifts, Comfort & Joy, Sweet Shop, Dinners Ready!
Brief history of Harbor Lights Festival, now Boothbay Lights
The region’s holiday celebration began as The Scottish Christmas Walk with bagpipers playing highland marches and slow airs filled the streets of the downtown. It was a three-day event, Dec. 6-8, 1985, sponsored by Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.
There was a parade, Christmas craft fair at the YMCA, an open house at Boothbay Region Historical Society displaying fine china, furniture, and other wares previously owned by many of the original Scot settlers of the region. Local merchants and restaurants offered special promotions and discounts and lodging owners were encouraged to offer weekend packages.
Santa was brought to the Town Landing aboard one of Eliot Winslow’s tugs. After disembarking, Santa was greeted by Town Crier Brud Pierce and a group of pipers to a Boothbay Harbor fire truck to lead the Christmas parade that culminated in a piping event at the high school fields on Townsend Avenue.
A 20-foot Christmas tree was donated by Irving and Jane Conley, for the Library lawn, and decorated to reflect coastal and Scot themes – red lights and ribbons with large scallop shells (created by Bill Harris of the Boothbay Register). There was a tree lighting with Santa accompanied by the Carousel Theatre singers to lead the caroling.
In 2016, Harbor Lights became part of Boothbay Lights, which encompasses all of the region’s holiday events!
Saturday, Dec. 2
The Clauses and North Pole entourage arrive at the Town Landing in Boothbay Harbor around 3 p.m. and head for the Buoy Christmas Tree to talk to hear wish lists from local children. Can you say photo op?!
Saturday, Dec. 2
Parade: 6:45 - 7:30 p.m. Best viewing around the inner harbor - Whale Park on Commercial Street, Fishermen’s Memorial Park on Atlantic Avenue, and ... on the water!
Boothbay Lights - Sparkle Fireworks
Saturday, Dec. 2
Fireworks follow the Lighted Boat Parade 7:30-ish.
Friday, Dec. 15 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16 & Sunday, Dec. 17: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor
Stopping by the Opera House at least once during this event is a holiday must! Gingerbread houses by novice and experienced baker builders always amaze and delight!
Prizes awarded in various categories including Most Spectacular, Best Traditional Gingerbread House Design, Most Hilarious, Best Representation of a Local Landmark, Best Holiday Spirit and more. No tickets required.
Dec. 1 - 3
All three days: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. See rooms with stunning architectural details including exquisitely carved moldings and grand fireplaces custom-made 200 years ago by local carpenters and decked out in gorgeous greens and holiday decorations. Advance purchase recommended - $5 Historic New England members and Wiscasset residents. $10 non-members. Tickets: www.historicnewengland.org/visit/events
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay
Weekends in December: 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your train ride!
Stream train rides depart every 45 minutes to give children time to visit with Santa at the North Pole (a.k.a. Thorndike Station) starting at 10:45 a.m. Last train at 4 p.m.
Sweets and drinks.
Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://railwayvillage.org
All aboard!!
86 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. Discounted tickets through the Box Office open Wednesday - Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or call 207-633-5159; regularly priced tickets at https:// and at the door if any remain.
Oct. 21: Kathy Mattea - Oct. 28: Tannahill Weavers
Nov. 4: Don Campbell Band - Nov. 11: Mike Block & Biriba - Nov. 15: The Great Gingerbread Baking Class
Dec. 1: Peppino D’Agostino - Dec. 2: Còig - Dec. 9: Lunasa - Dec. 20: Carol Sing with Kevin Kiley and Friends - Dec. 29: Ellis Paul & Friends (Radoslav Lorkovic, Don Conoscenti and Lauri MacAllister).
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