restaurant TBA. $50/advanced; $55/day of. Various locations around Congress St, Portland. WineWiseEvents.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
markyourcalendar SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 Family Yoga – 10-10:45am. All ages. Yoga is fun for the whole gang and a perfect way to stay active. We’ll sing, dance and play as we learn yoga basics together. No experience necessary. $10/per family. Optimal Self Community Health and Wellness Center, 642 Congress St, Portland. Info: 617-448-7846. MaineYogaKids.com. Winter Solstice Pot Luck Community Gathering – 12-4pm. Join in celebrating the Winter Solstice with entertainment, music, dance and enjoy a potluck lunch. Donations appreciated. Shambhala, 19 Mason St, Brunswick. 207-240-7086. Shambhala.org. The Bolshoi Ballet’s The Nutcracker – 1pm. Enjoy this ballet classic as we watch it live from Moscow. $15/adults, $10/kids under 18 & students with ID. The Strand Theatre, 345 Main St, Rockland. 207594-0070. RocklandStrand.com.
markyourcalendar SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 Darkest Night, Illuminated Heart: Winter Solstice Celebration – 6-8pm. Enjoy a night of feeling good while doing good as we celebrate the transition of dark to light. Beth Koehler, Marsha Stultz and Pam Avery Whitham will clear your energetic systems and align you with the energy of the season. All proceeds will be donated to the Preble Street Resource Center. Donation preferred. Kusum Institute, 185 US Route 1, Scarborough. 207-590-9800. KusumInstitute.com.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22 The Polar Express Train Ride – Dec 22-23. Times vary. Meet the conductor and Santa while enjoying hot chocolate, cookies, a reading of the Polar Express story and carols. $25-$40. Ocean Gateway Train Depot, 14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland. MaineNarrowGauge.org.
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Sparks’ Ark – 1-2pm. Meet Josh Sparks of Sparks’ Ark and the array of wild animals he rehabilitates. $5. Pineland Farms, 15 Farm View Dr, New Gloucester. 207-650-3031. PineLandFarms.org.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23 Christmas with Cornils – 7:30pm. Join Ray Cornils to hear triumphant sounds and experience the brilliance of his 25th annual Christmas concert. $28-$44. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St, Portland. 207-553-4363. PortTix.com.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 A Christmas Carol – 12pm. Celebrate the holidays with this timeless tale that embodies the season: love, family and the spirit of goodwill. $45/adults; $15/ kids under 15. Portland Stage Company, 25A Forest Ave, Portland. 207-774-0465. PortlandStage.org.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas & New Year’s Vacation Week – Dec 25-Jan 1. Times vary. Plan a holiday vacation full of skiing, activities, entertainment, food, fireworks and more. Prices vary. Sunday River’s Mid-Mountain Peak Lodge, 15 S Ridge Rd, Newry. 800-543-2754. SundayRiver.com.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26 The Sound Of Music Sing Along – 1pm. Embrace your inner Von Trapp and join a community celebration of the cinematic classic. $10/adults, $5/kids under 18. The Strand Theatre, 345 Main St, Rockland. 207-594-0070. RocklandStrand.com. Comedian Bob Marley – Dec 26-28, 31. 7pm. This comedian returns the week after Christmas to host his 15th annual holiday shows. $48. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St, Portland. 207-553-4363. PortTix.com.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 Wine Walk in the West End: Cabernet Sauvignon – 2:45-5pm. Enjoy a guided tasting and walking tour of Portland’s vibrant restaurant scene. Starting
MaineAwakenings.com
Black Diamond Entertainment Presents: Hoopalula’s Fire Gaia – 7:15 & 8:15pm. Hooping is taken to the next level by adding fire to provide sizzling entertainment. Free. Outdoors South Ridge, Sunday River’s Mid-Mountain Peak Lodge, 15 S Ridge Rd, Newry. 800-543-2754. SundayRiver.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28 Black Diamond Entertainment Presents: Illusionist Jason Bishop – 7pm. This show is funny, magical and not to be missed. $5-$8. Grand Ballroom, Grand Summit Hotel, Sunday River’s Mid-Mountain Peak Lodge, 15 S Ridge Rd, Newry. 800-543-2754. SundayRiver.com.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29 Nature Explorers – 9:30-10:30am. Kids will enjoy self-guided learning stations and group time to read a story, explore a mystery bag and learn about a mystery animal. $10/members, $15/nonmembers. Gilsland Farm, 20 Gilsland Farm Rd, Falmouth. 207-883-5100. MaineAudubon.org.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30 Black Diamond Entertainment Presents: G-Force Laser Tag – 4-9pm. The room will be filled with inflatable obstacles and black lights with great music. Reservations recommended. $5. Grand Ballroom, Grand Summit Hotel, Sunday River’s Mid-Mountain Peak Lodge, 15 S Ridge Rd, Newry. 800-543-2754. SundayRiver.com.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Polar Bear Dip & Dash – 11am. Participate in a 5K run then a quick dip in the Casco Bay to raise awareness about climate change. Enjoy an after party at the Great Lost Bear. $35. Back Cove & East End Beach, Portland. NRCM.Kintera.org. New Year’s Eve Celebration – 11am-6pm. Celebrate with the family while enjoying entertainment, crafts, activities, fireworks and more. Free. L.L. Bean Flagship Store, 95 Main St, Freeport. LLBean.com. New Year’s Eve Gala – 4:30-6pm or 6:30-11:30pm. Celebrate the New Year with a five course dinner, champagne, dancing and more. Two seating times available. Reservations required. $65-$95. Jonathan’s Restaurant, 92 Bourne Ln, Ogunquit. 800464-9934. JonathansOgunquit.com.