Sometimes referred to as "Men's Night" or "Family Night" this festive night of shopping is a great opportunity for men, women, and children to find some great last minute gift ideas for the holidays. There are some great deals being offered by local merchants - click here for a full list (scroll down to the bottom of the page).

Wine Tasting
Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Eventide Epicurean Specialties

Author and comedian Tim Sample will be signing copies of his new book, "Answers to Questions Nobody Was Askin'" at Sherman's in Boothbay Harbor. In this new collection of short essays, the Maine humor icon shares some of the quirkier aspects of growing up and living in Maine. Along the way he offers readers a behind the scenes glimpse into his long career in the entertainment business. Sample waxes poignant - recalling old friends, pets and childhood memories - and passes along more than a few hilarious "insider tips" including the proper way to eat a lobster and a few time tested techniques for dealing with folks from away.

EYE CATCHERS: Artwork for Holiday Giving

Now through January 6, 2015, Gleason Fine Art, 31 Townsend Avenue,  

Boothbay Harbor

A gift of art is at once original, personal, and lasting. In addition to works of art by Paul Plante, David Witbeck, and Andrea Peters, the gallery is also offering art in miniature by Jessica Stammen Ives, Helen St. Clair, Henry Isaacs, and Bruce Habowski. If folk art is what you are dreaming of finding under the tree, Jeff Barrett's carved "happy fish" on stands or in frames should put a smile on your face. If your taste in art runs to older paintings, "Eye Catchers" includes a flock of small masterworks in that category too, including four early oil paintings of Monhegan Island by Edward Redfield, Robert Henri, William Trost Richards, and Abraham Bogdanove. "Eye Catchers: Artwork for Holiday Giving" is open now and runs through January 2015. Gleason Fine Art in Boothbay Harbor is open year round; winter hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. For more information. Call the gallery at 207-633-6849; email us at  info@gleasonfineart.com; or check out the gallery web site at gleasonfineart.com.   

 

On Saturday, December 20th, the Boothbay Railway Village will be running the "North Pole Express!" Departures will be at 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 1:15 and 2:00. We highly recommend ordering tickets online to avoid disappointment or long waits. A new option for this season is to upgrade your ticket to First Class and enjoy the Victorian splendor of the newly restored Franklin & Megantic Coach No. 2. The coach was originally built in 1903 and it embodies the typical travel of the era with its plush walkover seats and mahogany interior. The train will carry you through the Village and arrive at the North Pole (Thorndike Station) where a special guest wearing a red suit with a jolly belly will jump aboard to greet you! Yes, Santa himself will attend! After meeting the "big guy" in person the train will whisk you back to the station where you will be invited to join us in the 1847 Boothbay Town Hall for more festivities. Inside guests will be treated to a special story book reading while hot chocolate and homemade cookies are served. New this year will be a G-scale model of the Museum's own locomotive and a holiday themed layout under the Village's Christmas tree. Children will also be invited to make a vintage-inspired holiday ornament to take home. Tickets are available in advance through www.railwayvillage.org or at the door. Standard tickets are $15, First Class $20 for attendees three years and older. Museum members receive a $4 discount per ticket only on Standard tickets, sorry no discounts on First Class.

Victorian Christmas

Saturday, December 20, 2014, 10:00 a.m., Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington  

Railway Museum

Join us for our annual Victorian Christmas celebration.  Train rides today are free! First train departs Sheepscot Station at 10 AM - travels to Alna Center where riders can disembark to visit Santa Claus, ride behind a horse-drawn wagon or sleigh (depending on snow level), enjoy a bonfire, and light refreshments before returning to Sheepscot. Patrons who decide to stay between trains should count on an hour-and-a-half visit.  Also there's often a long line to take the train, which could be another hour.  There are light refreshments in the gift shop.

  

Blood Drive

Tuesday, December 30, 2014, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Maine Maritime Museum, Long Reach Hall 

The Maine Maritime Museum and Main Street Bath will be hosting a blood drive in Long Reach Hall. Donors will receive $10 Gift of Bath certificates (limited to first 30 donors), 20% off in the museum store, a Red Cross t-shirt and Subway coupon. You may learn more or select a donation time here (limited to 40 donors). Please contact Glenn Michaels with questions: gmichaels@maritimeme.org   or 207-443-1316 Ext. 344.

 

New Year's Eve Dinner and Dance Party

Wednesday, December 31, 2014,  7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Sheepscot Harbour Village  

and Resort 

The evening begins with your choice of a 5 course gourmet meal, prepared specifically for you by our award-winning Maine chef.  Choose from delectable options such as Chateaubriand for 2, Pheasant under glass, Sword fish or Lobster Shrimp Combo Dinner, Italian Braciola. Then, we'll be playing the oldies you love so you can dance until the ball drops. We'll have plenty of your favorite music AND featuring an Elvis Presley impersonator!! The New Year's Eve festivities will be followed by a brunch on New Year's Day. Contact Sheepscot Harhour Village and Resort to learn about the three great packages they are offering for this perfect way to ring in the new year! Click here for reservations and more information. Be sure to mention if you are a member of our Chamber - Sheepscot Harbour is offering a great price to our members for this amazing event!    

 

At the Lincoln Theater:

 

Miracle on 34th Street Live!

Saturday, December 20, 2014, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Lincoln Theater

The Lincoln Theater in downtown Damariscotta will proudly re-create, live on stage, The Lux Radio Theater version of classic holiday movie, The Miracle on 34th Street. Featuring the Lux Radio Readers, The Kringle Quartet, and your host, Barbara Bruno.  This is a free event. The show is this theater's 2014 holiday gift to the community from the theater.  All are invited to find out if Kris Kringle is indeed Santa Claus. Playing Saturday Dec 20 at 2 PM and 7 PM. Sponsored by HM Payson.

 

2nd Annual Guitar Night and Workshop

Saturday, December 27, 2014, The Lincoln Theater

Lincoln Theater in downtown Damariscotta is pleased to announce that Eric Lugosch will return to Lincoln Theater, joined by Stephen Bennett, for its Second Annual Holiday Guitar night on Saturday December 27 at 7:30 PM.  They will also hold a guitar workshop on Saturday afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm, advanced reservations required.   Stephen Bennett is an extraordinary musician, an acknowledged master of the harp guitar, a challenging teacher, a gifted composer, and a performer of great sensitivity. A National Flat and Fingerpicking champion, he has regularly performed around the US and abroad. National Fingerpicking Champion Eric Lugosch presents a truly original and inspirational show. There are no gimmicks or gadgets --just a genuinely gifted imagination and a fluency that comes from years of working on his craft. The concert admission is free for Youth 18 and under.  Other tickets $22 Adults, $20 Lincoln Theater Members.  Workshop tickets are $35, $25 if attending the concert.  To register for the workshop or to obtain additional information, please email the theater at info@lcct or call 563-3424 during office hours, Tue-Fri, 11-2.  Workshop reservations must be made by noon on Friday, December 26.