Maine Winter Guide

CRAFT FAIRS, TREE LIGHTINGS & EVENTS: DECEMBER

A Longfellow Family Christmas | Dec 1-30
489 Congress St., Portland
12-5 pm
Join the Maine Historical Society for house tours, children's activities, holiday book and gift fairs at the Longfellow House. Call 774-1822 or go to www.mainehistory.org

Festival of Lights Parade | Dec 1
Downtown Bangor
4:30 pm

Harbor Lights Festival | Dec 1
Boothbay Harbor
4 pm

Spirit Holiday Fest | Dec 1
Downtown Saco
Dusk

Annual Lighting of the Memory Tree | Dec 3
Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington
3 pm

Holiday Gala | Dec 4
Victoria Mansion, Portland www.victoriamansion.org
Tour the dazzingly decorated mansion and meet the designers. Festive food, drink and music. Reservations required. 772.4841.

Christmas by the Sea & Tree Lighting | Dec 5
Camden
7 pm

Season of Light: A New England Holiday Celebration | Dec. 5
USM Abromson Community Education Center, 88 Bedford St., Portland
5:30- 10:30 pm., $90 & $150
University of Southern Maine School of Music holiday music scholarship gala; reservations required. www.usm.maine.edu/music/

First Friday Art Walk | Dec 5
Downtown Portland
5-8 pm
Visit galleries all over downtown to see great artwork, enjoy refreshments and spread the holiday cheer. www.portlandarts.org

Winter for Families: Lighting of the Copper Beech Tree | Dec 5
Portland Museum of Art www.portlandmuseum.org
5-7 pm

Christmas Prelude & Tree Lighting | Dec 5
Kennebunkport
5:30 pm

Tree Lighting on the mall | Dec 5
Thomaston
6 pm

"Anthony's 2nd Annual Holiday Special" | Dec. 5-6
Anthony's Dinner Theater, 151 Middle St., Portland
7 pm
www.anthonysdinnertheater.com

Portland's Downtown District 12 Days of Christmas | Dec 5-7
Downtown Portland
Santa will be roving the streets to hand out presents from his goodie bag and shoppers can win great prizes from local merchants get more details at www.mainetoday.com

The Polar Express | Dec 5-7
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Portland 828-0814 or 842-0800
Trains depart at 4, 5:15, 6:30 & 7:45 pm on Fri & Sat, 4, 5:15 & 6:30 pm on Sun
$25 adults, $22 children. www.mngrr.org/polar_express.html

A Family Holiday Skating Celebration | Dec. 6
Family Ice Center, Lee Twombly Pond Skating Venue, 20 Hat Trick Drive, Falmouth
10 am-5 pm
Bring the whole family to this holiday event. There will be free outdoor family skating from 10 am-3 pm, including music, an outdoor grill and prizes. The NAFSC figure skating show, "Sparkle On Ice – A Christmas Holiday Skating Celebration," will start at 4:30 pm. Santa will visit on the zamboni and the the 40-foot tree will be lit. General skating will follow this celebration. For more information go to www.familyice.org.

A Walnut Hill Christmas | Dec. 6
Wescustogo Grange, Rte 115, North Yarmouth
9 am-4 pm

Chester Greenwood Day | Dec 6
Downtown Farmington
Celebrate the creator of the ear muffs on a day when you may really need them. There will be a gingerbread contest, parade through Farmington and chili contest.

Gingerbread House Workshop | Dec 6
Children's Museum of Maine, Portland www.kitetails.com
11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm. Call 828-1234 for more info.

Shaker Christmas Fair | Dec 6
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26 New Gloucester
10 am-3 pm

Friends School Craft Fair | Dec 6
Friends School, Mackworth Island, Falmouth
10 am-2 pm
Admission is free. Items for sale include handmade goods and crafts, soaps, mittens, jewelry, baked goods, children's books and hats. Children's book illustrator and author Kevin Hawkes and author/musician Sue Sheriff will sign books from 10-11:30 am. Lunch is available. Proceeds from the bazaar benefit the Friends School of Portland, an independent Quaker day school for preschool through 8th grade.

Christmas Craft Fair | Dec 6
Belfast Boat House, Commercial St., Belfast
8 am-3 pm

Holiday House Tour | Dec 6
The Highlands and Highland Green, Topsham
10 am-4 pm
The tour features eight unique homes in Highland Green and two historic properties, The Benjamin Porter House and the Holden Frost House, at The Highlands, each decorated for the holidays. Featured themes include "Quilter's Holiday," "Nutcracker Parade," and "An Old-fashioned Christmas." On Dec. 6, tickets may be purchased at the Wild Duck Pub at Highland Green for $25.
Proceeds benefit the Mid Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Holiday Light Parade | Dec 6
UMPI, Presque Isle
7 pm

Arts and Crafts Fair | Dec 6
Manchester Grange Hall, Route 202, Manchester
9 am-3 pm

Cornish PTC Craft Fair | Dec 6
Pike Memorial Town Hall, Route 25, Cornish
9 am-1 pm

Craft-Ability Craft Fair | Dec 6
Gardiner Middle School, Route 126, Gardiner
9 am-4 pm

County Christmas & Tree Lighting | Dec 6
Downtown Bethel
5 pm

Christmas in the Country | Dec. 6
Willowbrook Museum Village, 70 Elm St., Newfield
Noon-3 pm
Tour the 1813 Durgin House to view country Victorian decorations.

Festival of Trees | Dec. 6
Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor
10 am-5 pm, free
Silent auction, specialty items for sale; presented by the Boothbay Region Garden Club. www.boothbayoperahouse.com

Winter Wonderlands Holiday Tea | Dec. 6
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Barters Island Rd., Boothbay
3-5 pm, $35
Traditional tea with homemade scones and tea sandwiches and festive music; reservations required. www.mainegardens.org

"A Winter Frolic" | Dec. 6
Tate House Museum, 1270 Westbrook St., Portland
11 am-4 pm.(last tour at 3 pm), $10
Tours of the historic home decorated for the holidays.

Blitzen and Dasher find Rhythm | Dec 6
Kennebunk Town Hall
10 am
How many times can you fail? Just ask Blitzen and Dasher, two of Santa's most uncoordinated reindeer! They've tried everything but can't seem to find the right (or left) stuff to win the dance contest at The Reindeer Hop. A small dose of rhythm can change anything! $10 pp.

Pan-Celtic Winter Sojourn with J.P. Cormier Trio | Dec 6
Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath www.chocolatechurcharts.org
7:30 & 9:30 pm
Pan-Celtic Winter Sojourn is all about that tiny Celtic enclave at the northern most tip of Nova Scotia - Cape Breton. The decendents, and the music, of all the Celtic nations are represented there, mingling and surviving over the centuries. The evening will celebrate the season in music - the roots of the winter/holiday season as well as contemporary sensibilities - Celtic style. $18 member, $20 non-member, $22 door.

Holidays at Harrington House | Dec 6-7
Freeport Historical Society's Harrington House, 45 Main St., Freeport
1-3:30 pm
Be transported back to a traditional Victorian Christmas celebration in the form of a seasonal theatrical vignette. The Harrington children invite visitors to decorate their newly-cut tree, sing and join them as they eagerly await word of their sea captain father's arrival. Hot cider and sweets will be available and a $5 donation for adults is suggested (no charge for children.)

Holiday Arts & Crafts Show | Dec 6-7
University of Southern Maine (Sullivan Gymnasium), Portland
Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, $2

Annual North Yarmouth Community Potluck and Tree Lighting | Dec 7
Westcustago Hall, Rte. 115, North Yarmouth
5 pm
Bring an entree, side dish, bread or salad to share. Beverages provided. Tree lighting shortly after 6 pm, and everyone is invited to head back inside the Hall afterwards where the Walnut Hill Garden Club will serve cookies and other goodies. There will be an adult and child raffle and a special visitor may appear.

Tree Lighting | Dec 7
Town Hall, Standish
6 pm

Festive Holiday Benefit Concert | Dec 7
Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St., Freeport
3 pm
This concert will benefit L'Ecole Francais du Maine and will feature singing and instrumental performances by the school's talented music teachers and students. The French Consul of Boston will make special remarks, immediately followed by refreshments and a Silent Auction. Special performing artists include Chiharu Naruse, Nathan Kolosko and La Chorale. Tickets are a donation of $10 and children under 12 are free. For info, call 865-3308 or www.efdm.org.

Portland's Downtown District 12 Days of Christmas | Dec 12-14
Downtown Portland
Santa will be roving the streets to hand out presents from his goodie bag and shoppers can win great prizes from local merchants get more details at www.mainetoday.com

The Polar Express | Dec 12-14
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Portland 828-0814 or 842-0800
Trains depart at 4, 5:15, 6:30 & 7:45 pm on Fri & Sat, 4, 5:15 & 6:30 pm on Sun
$25 adults, $22 children. www.mngrr.org/polar_express.html

Festival of Trees | Dec. 12
Bar Mills Community Church, corner of Hermit Thrust and Portland Road, Buxton
Noon-8 pm, free
Co-sponsored by the Buxton Garden Club; donations accepted for the Buxton "Keep the Heat On" fund. Various events ($5 for the tea) also held plus entertainment at 7 pm.

Christmas Train Rides | Dec. 13
Boothbay Railway Village, Rte 27, Boothbay
11am-2pm
Meet Santa on the train!

The Candy Cane Train | Dec 13-14
Bath
9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and adults only at 5 pm.
Tickets $15 per person regardless of age. The adult train is $25 and open only to those 21 and older. Tickets can be reserved by credit card at brownpapertickets.com or for local purchase at the event website www.candycanetrain.com.

Blissful Revolution Holiday Arts & Crafts Bazaar | Dec 13
North Dam Mill, 2 Maine St., Biddeford, 773-8900 x106
11 am-6 pm, free admission, free parking

Christmas by the Sea & Tree Lighting | Dec 13
Rotary Park, Perkins Cove, Ogunquit
6 pm

Dahlov Ipcar Book Signing | Dec 14
Portland Museum of Art www.portlandmuseum.org
Join the respected Maine artist and author for the signing of "My Wonderful Christmas Tree."
1-3 pm

Maine Day at Saddleback | Dec 14
Saddleback Mountain, Rangeley, 864-5671
Resident tickets are just $25 for a full day of skiing. www.saddlebackmaine.com

Candy Cane Train | Dec. 14
Bath Train Station, Bath
9 & 11 am, 1 & 3 pm, $15, $25 for adult-only ride
90-minute ride from Bath to Wiscasset and back to Bath. Passengers will meet Santa and his elves, listen to storytellers, sing songs and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Benefits the Read With Me Family program and Literacy Volunteers

Kwanzaa Celebration | Dec 17
Children's Museum of Maine, Portland www.kitetails.com
11 am & 2 pm. Call 828-1234 for more info.

The Polar Express | Dec 17-23
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Portland 828-0814 or 842-0800
Trains depart at 4, 5:15, 6:30 & 7:45 pm
$25 adults, $22 children. www.mngrr.org/polar_express.html

Merry Madness | Dec 18
Eastland Park Hotel, 157 High St., Portland
5-10 pm
Start off with free hors d'oeuvres, parking and raffle tickets and purchase a souvenir wine glass or coffee mug to be used while you shop the downtown stores which will stay open late for this night only. Get more details at www.mainetoday.com

Holiday Bonfire Party | Dec. 19
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Barters Island Road, Boothbay
4-7 pm, free
This event includes candlelight tours, toasting marshmallows over campfires, making s'mores, a roaring bonfire, evergreen-swag workshops ($5) for kids and adults, holiday music and carol singing. www.mainegardens.org

Portland's Downtown District 12 Days of Christmas | Dec 19-21
Downtown Portland
Santa will be roving the streets to hand out presents from his goodie bag and shoppers can win great prizes from local merchants get more details at www.mainetoday.com

Home for the Holidays: A Victorian Christmas | Dec 21-22
Maine Maritime Museum, Bath
Refreshments, carols and reading from Dickens will be featured. Members are free. For non-members the cost is $5.

Winter Solstice Celebration | Dec. 21
Gilsland Farm Maine Audubon, Gilsland Farm Rd., Falmouth
7-8:30 pm $10 ($4 for children)
Storytelling, crafts and more; registration required. www.maineaudubon.org

MUSIC, EVENTS & REASONS TO LEAVE THE HOUSE: JANUARY

Bethel Winterfest | Jan. 1
Village Common, Broad Street, Bethel
All day, free
Ice and snow scultures wqill be con structed on the Bethel Village Common and will be up through Jan. 19. Check www.bethelmaine.com for details.

Lobster Dip | Jan. 1
The Brunswick, Grand Avenue, Old Orchard Beach
Noon, free to watch
Dippers will raise a minimum of $100 for Special Olympics and then plunge into the chilly Atlantic to kick off the new year.

First Friday Art Walk | Jan. 2
Old Port, Arts District and East End, Portland
5-8 pm, free
Many of the downtown galleries will open their doors for your viewing pleasure.

Hootenany | Jan. 2
Tree School, 131 Spring St., Portland
5-8 pm, free
Bring your family, your friends, your instruments, your songs, your voice, your dinner, and your hands to clap and your feet to stomp. You won't be able to keep your toes from tapping and your heart from swelling at a good old-fashioned sign-a-long.

Epiphany Celebration | Jan. 3
Immanuel Baptist Church, 156 High St., Portland
7:30 pm
Join the Choral Art Society's a cappella group for an evening of music.

Maine Wedding Association Bridal Show | Jan. 3-4
Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland
This event features fashions, food, festivities and over 100 Maine and national wedding vendors. 207.537.3000.

Noonday Concerts | Jan. 8
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland
12:15 pm, free
Enjoy a 30-minute from the Portland String Quartet.

The Natives are Restless | Jan. 10
Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath
7:30-9:30 pm, $10, $12, $15
Come and hear from some of the Midcoast's favorite artists during an evening of Maine's music. www.chocolatechurcharts.org

Psychic Sunday | Jan. 11
Clarion Hotel, 1230 Congress St., Portland
11 am-4 pm
This is Maine's longest running psychic show, held on Sundays from Jan. to May. 207.286.1427.

Angels of Austria: The Church that Reached out to Holocaust Survivors | Jan. 13
Smitty's Cinema, 420 Alfred St., Biddeford
6:45 pm, $8
All her adult life in America, Trudy, a Jewish refugee from Austria, blamed herself for failing to rescue her father from the Nazis. Just as she began to share her father's letters that she had tucked away for over 50 years, she received an unusual invitation from a church in Austria asking her to return to her hometown for a week of friendship, seeking forgiveness for their country's crimes of the Holocaust. But how can Trudy forgive them, when she hasn't even forgiven herself? Is it possible to heal from the Holocaust? Trudy's daughter, Judy Faust, tells the story and explores the difficult and challenging journey to forgiveness. An engaging Q & A with audience and filmmaker follows this unusual, personal documentary.

Tuesday Classical | Jan. 13
Merrill Auditorium, Portland
6:15 pm, $22-$70
Conductor Robert Moody is joined by Orion Weiss on piano for Shostakovich Symphony No. 10 in E minor and Gershwin's Concerto in F for piano. www.portlandsymphony.com

Wine Dinner | Jan. 15
Sugarloaf USA, Carrabasset Valley
6 pm, $65
Perfectly paired wine and food make this five course dinner truly exceptional. Located at the Double Diamond Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Reservations required, 237.4220.

Noonday Concerts | Jan. 15
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland
12:15 pm, free
Enjoy a 30-minute performance by pianist Carol Elowe.

Mushers Bowl Winter Carnival | Jan. 16-18
Throughout Bridgton
A weekend of fun filled family activities including dogsled and skijoring races, a snowmobile parade, bonfire, horse drawn sled rides, crafts fair, star gazing, ice skating, dance, polar bear dunk, ice fishing and lots of great food.

La Cage Aux Folles | Jan. 16-Feb. 1
Portland Players, Cottage Road, South Portland
8 pm (Fri. & Sat.), 2;30 pm (Sun.), $15, $18, $20
In this well-known play, a gay couple's domestic tranquility is shattered when their straight son decides to marry the daughter of a bigoted politician. Hilarity ensues as the couple tries to play it "straight" in this zany comedy mix-up. Appropriate for ages 13 and older. www.portlandplayers.com

Red Molly | Jan. 16
Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield
8 pm, prices vary
Do you love women? Do you love singing? Do you love women singing? Then this is the band for you! Red Molly brings together contemporary folk and American roots music with polished and beautiful three-part harmonies and a traditional string band sound, resonating with warmth and infectious energy. They are multi instrumentalists and a lotta fun. www.stonemountainartscenter.com

Jazz Breakfast | Jan. 18
Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland
10:30 am-noon, free with museum admission
Bill Byrne is the featured musician. Breakfast items available for purchase.

Jazz Night | Jan. 19
Back Bay Grill, 65 Portland St., Portland
6:30-9 pm
Listen to the Matt Fogg Trio.

Snodeo | Jan. 22-24
Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club, Rangeley
Three-day event
There will be a chili/chowder cookoff, a family ride and cookout, a poker run, turkey bowling, a snowmobile drag race and a snowmobile parade. www.rangeleymaine.com

Noonday Concerts | Jan. 22
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland
12:15 pm, free
Enjoy a 30-minute from Music's Quill.

Collected Stories | Jan. 23-Feb. 1
Public Theatre, Lewiston
Times vary, $10-$18
From the Pulitzer Prize winning author of "Dinner with Friends" comes a witty and compelling "All About Eve"-like tale of a famous writer and her adoring protégé. Following her mentor's advice on how to succeed all too well, a talented and ambitious student progresses quickly from colleague to confidante, and ultimately to rival. As their friendship rises and falls, they are forced to confront the question, "is anything truly 'off limits' when it comes to writing a great book?" www.thepublictheatre.org

Schooner Fare | Jan. 24
Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath
7:30-9:30 pm, $21, $24, $26
From traditional maritime ballads to Down East folk, Schooner Fare has won unanimous critical praise for their rich harmonies and an energetic stage presence, peppered with just the right amount of Maine humor. www.chocolatechurcharts.org

Annual Snowfest | Jan. 24-25
Lake Pennesseewassee, Norway
Enjoy drag racing. radar runs, an antique snowmobile show and a chowder fest. Hot food is available on the ice during the event. 207.527.2175

Jazz Breakfast | Jan. 25
Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland
10:30 am-noon, free with museum admission
Peter Merrill is the featured musician. Breakfast items available for purchase.

Sunday Classical | Jan. 25
Merrill Auditorium, Portland
2:30 pm, $22-$59
This is an all-Mozart matinee with Christian Knapp conducting. Concert Conversation with Maestro Knapp at 1:15 in the rehearsal hall. www.portlandsymphony.com

Rock and Roll with Greil Marcus | Jan. 26
Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland
6 pm, $15/$10 members
Join the Portland Museum of Art to hear an illustrated presentation by Greil Marcus, author, music journalist and cultural critic talk about rock and roll. Marcus was the first records editor for Rolling Stone Magazine and has written columns for Artforum, the New York Times, Salon, and Interview. His column "Real Life Rock Top Ten" appears in each issue of the Believer. This lecture is in conjunction with the exhibition Backstage Pass: Rock & Roll Photography on view Jan. 22-March 22 at the Portland Museum of Art.

Peer Gynt | Jan. 27-Feb. 22
Portland Stage Company, Forest Avenue, Portland
Times vary, $13-$36
Portland Stage partners with nationally renowned Figures of Speech Theatre to present a breathtaking journey of folklore and imagination. Peer Gynt, a charmer, rogue, and storyteller, chases adventure from his home in Norway to troll caves, oceans, and the African desert. Actors, puppets, and shadows magically weave together to animate Peer's search for answers to life's biggest questions. www.portlandstage.com

Ladysmith Black Mambazo | Jan. 28
Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield
8 pm, prices vary
Grammy Award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo sings in the vocal style of a male choral group from South Africa, isicathamiya and mbube. They rose to worldwide prominence as a result of singing with Paul Simon on his album "Graceland" and have won multiple awards. They will rock the house. www.stonemountainartscenter.com

Mama's Night Out | Jan. 28
Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel
Go to www.mamasnightout.com for details.
These ladies provide a diverse blend of stand up comedy and audience participation and will leave you rolling in the aisles wanting more. You don't have to be a mom to enjoy the hilarious comedy of Karen Morgan, Nancy Witter and Sherry Davey.

Noonday Concerts | Jan. 29
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland
12:15 pm, free
Enjoy a 30-minute from Julia Lane on the Celtic harp.

Chris Smither | Jan. 30-31
Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield
8 pm, prices vary
The annual winter visit from this great singer, songwriter, guitar player, blues guy, but not really…what he is, is all of those things and some. Come see why he can sell out two nights in the middle of wintah! www.stonemountainartscenter.com

Roomful of Blues | Jan. 31
Montgomery Theatre, Morse High School, Bath
7:30-9:30 pm, $21, $23, $26
With their masterful combination of jumping, horn-heavy, hard-edged blues and R&B, it's no wonder why the great Count Basie called them "the hottest blues band I've ever heard." Since 1967, the group's deeply rooted blend of swing, rock 'n' roll, jump, blues and soul has earned it five Grammy Award nominations and a slew of other accolades, including seven Blues Music Awards. www.chocolatechurcharts.org

HOLIDAY THEATER & MUSIC PERFORMANCES

The Santaland Diaries | Dates: Nov. 28-Dec. 21
Portland Stage Company, 774-0465 or www.portlandstage.com
(Wed-Thu-Fri 7:30 pm; Sat 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm; Sun 2:30 pm) $18
Spend an evening with Crumpet - one of Santa's helpers during the holiday rush at Macy's - as he attempts to cope with thousands or shoppers with his wacked out wit. All you really need to know about this performance is that it's for mature audiences. Get a babysitter and have an adults-only prelude to Santa's big day. www.portlandstage.com

Pete Kilpatrick's Thanksgiving Recovery Program | Nov 28
SPACE, 538 Congress St., Portland
Pete's joined by Roy Davis and the Dregs and Marie Moreshead in this 18-plus show, which starts at 9:30 pm. $10. www.space538.org

The Nutcracker | Nov. 29-30, Dec. 5-7
Maine State Ballet, Merrill Auditorium, Portland
Check website for show times
$15-$45
The holiday classic comes alive on stage in this show for all ages. www.mainestateballet.org

Babes in Toyland | Dec. 4-7
The Grand, Ellsworth, 667-9500 www.grandonline.org
Thur-Fri 7 pm, Sat 3 & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, $9-$15
The film was first released in 1934, then came out again as "March of the
Wooden Soldiers" in 1948. See the classic in this grand old Maine theater,
which opened 70 years ago (the first film it showed was "Holiday," starring
Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant). Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate
an old-fashioned holiday.

Bah Hoonchbach: A Very Odd Christmas Carol | Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
Oddfellow Theater, Buckfield, Tickets: 336-3306 or www.oddfellow.com
(all shows 7:30 pm) $6-$12
Moto Hoonchbach returns to the Oddfellow stage for the third straight year,
starring in the theater's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas
Carol." If you haven't seen it … well, you can expect it will be a little
odd.

A Christmas Carol | Dec. 5-24
Portland Stage Company, www.portlandstage.com
Check website for show times
$16-$39
Charles Dickens' classic is given a slightly different twist every year by Portland Stage Company. You may have seen it before but it's definitely worth another look.

Alumni Band Christmas Concerts | Dec. 5
Biddeford Middle School Auditorium/ Performing Arts Center, 25 Tiger Dr.
7 pm, $5 in advance; $8 at the door
Marines will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys for their Toys for Tots campaign.

The Nutcracker | Dec. 5-7
Atlantic Ballet Company, Camden Opera House, 236-7963
Call for times and ticket prices
The holiday classic comes alive on stage in this show for all ages.

Great Gingerbread Spectacular | Dec. 6-7
Boothbay Harbor Opera House, 633-6855 www.boothbayoperahouse.com
Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun noon-3 pm, donations welcome
Come see the magical gingerbread creations the people of Boothbay have
cooked up. No tasting please!

An American Family Holiday | Dec. 6
Windham Performing Arts Center, Windham High School, 46 Gray Road Windham
2 & 7:30 pm, $12 & $15
The Windham Chamber Singers will be joined by special guests The Boy Singers of Maine, Daniel Strange and Capathia Jenkins. Kim Block, from WGME, will host the concerts. Call 892-1810 ext. 275.

"The Many Moods of Christmas" | Dec. 6
Gorham High School, Gorham
3 pm, $6, $7, free students/children
Music with the Casco Bay Concert Band.

The Nutcracker | Dec. 7
Portland Ballet "Shorts & Sweets," Franco American Heritage Center, Lewiston, 689-2880
$11-$16
The holiday classic comes alive on stage in this show for all ages.

A Tuna Christmas | Dec. 10-25
Penobscot Theatre, Bangor, www.penobscottheatre.org
Check website for times, tickets start at $15
Spend Christmas in the third smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news
personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide
activities, including hot competition in the annual lawn display contest.

Noonday Concerts | Dec. 11
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland
12:15 pm, free
30 minute performance presented by Portland Conservatory of Music and the church.

Holiday Light with the Maine Gay Men's Chorus | Dec. 11-13
Williston West Church, Thomas Street, Portland, www.mainegaymenschorus.org
(all shows 8 pm) $20
Boy oh boy, can these guys sing! Songs run the gamut from childhood
favorites, to traditional standbys and famous show tunes. The guys never
fail to hit their notes and Williston West Church keeps these gatherings
intimate and friendly. If you aren't in the holiday mood when you leave, you
must not believe in Santa.

Oliver! | Dec. 11-14
Midcoast Youth Theater, Mt. Ararat High School, Topsham, www.youth-theater.org
Thu-Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, $8-$10
It may not be the ever-popular "A Christmas Carol," but it's certainly a
poignant story at this time of year. "Please sir, I want some more."

Magic of Christmas | Dec. 12-21
Portland Symphony Orchestra, Merrill Auditorium, Portland www.portlandsymphony.com/Event-99.html
Various times, $30, $45, $60
Don't miss Magic's "original" conductor, Bruce Hangen, leading this year's Magic of Christmas. Honoring the beginnings of this beloved tradition, which now extends through three generations of New Englanders, is a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

The Nutcracker | Dec. 12-14
Bossov Ballet, Waterville Opera House, 873-7000
$15-$17
The holiday classic comes alive on stage in this show for all ages.

A Christmas Carol | Dec. 12-14
The Public Theatre, Lewiston, [ http://www.publictheater.org | www.publictheater.org ]]
Check website for show times
$10-$18
Check out the Public Theatre's take on the Charles Dickens classic.

Jazz from the Hyde School: Songwriter's Showcase | Dec 13
Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath www.chocolatechurcharts.org
7:30 & 9:30 pm
This first-of-its-kind night will include original compositions by students in the Hyde School music program with special guests the Phoenix Five - Hyde's resident jazz band.

The Nutcracker | Dec. 13
Robinson Ballet, The Grand, Ellsworth, www.grandonline.org
$8-$14
The holiday classic comes alive on stage in this show for all ages.

Maine Music Society | Dec. 13
Franco-American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar St., Lewiston
7:30 pm, $9, $20, kids under 12 free with adult

A Just Us Family Christmas | Dec. 13
Lewiston Middle School, Central Ave., Lewiston
7:30 pm, $8
Just Us Entertainers presents traditional and non-traditional songs; benefits the Franco-American Veterans Post 31.

Twelve Days of Christmas | Dec. 13
Post Office Park, Portland
2-3 pm & 4-5 pm
Children's chorale/chorus.

Southern Maine Children's Chorus | Dec. 14
Freeport Performing Arts Center, www.usm.maine.edu/music/events
3 pm, donations welcome
It's a holiday-themed winter concert from the Southern Maine Children's
Chorus, which is conducted by Lise Dunn, and is part of the USM Youth
Ensembles program. They're little people with big voices.

Messiah Sing-along | Dec. 15
St. Patrick's Church, 1342 Congress St., Portland
7:30 pm, $5
Music with Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra and Choral Art Society; benefits Project FEED. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and/or donations.

Sing! It's Christmas! | Dec. 15
Chocolate Church Arts Center, 798 Washington St., Bath
7:30 pm
Community holiday sing.

Natalie Grant Christmas Concert | Dec. 16
Vineyard Church, 9 Foss Rd., Lewiston
7pm, $17 & $23
An evening with one of Christian Music's most talented artist. She was voted female vocalists of the year for the last three years.

Victorian Nutcracker | Dec. 17
Portland Ballet, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, www.porttix.com
$17-$47
Travel back to the Victorian age as Portland Ballet brings this classic tale to life on stage.

Holiday Burlesque Extravaganza | Dec. 18-21
St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center, Portland, www.vividmotion.org
Thur-Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 4 pm & 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm & 7:30 pm, $10-$12
Starring Vivid Motion, Portland's "innovative and kinda quirky dance
company," this performance is sure to stray from the beaten down holiday
path.

Love Came Down at Christmas | Dec. 19
Androscoggin Bank Colisee, 190 Birch St., Lewiston
7:30 pm, $20 & $50
Concert with Jars of Clay, Leeland, Sara Groves and Sixpence None the Richer.

Christmas with Renaissance Voices | Dec. 20
St. Luke's Cathedral, 143 State St., Portland
8 pm, $15 at door; $12 in advance, free for students with ID.
www.renaissancevoices.org

Stone Mountain Live | Dec. 20-21
Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield
8 pm, $42.50
Christmas show with Eric Royer and Jimmy Ryan.

The Big Christmas Show | Dec. 20
Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor
7:30 pm, free but donations encouraged
Music in the tradition of the old Bing Crosby specials, with a carol sing.

Twelve Days of Christmas | Dec. 20
2-3 pm at Post Office Park, Portland, 4-5 pm at Congress Square, Portland
Fife band and bagpipers.

Holiday Pops | Dec. 21
Camden Opera House, 236-7963 or www.camdenoperahouse.com
3 pm, $12-$30
It's the Winter Solstice so celebrate by checking out conductor Janna Hymes
work with the Maine Pro Musica orchestra. The guest soloist is Kelly Cae
Hogan, who comes to the Midcoast all the way from Metropolitan Opera fame.
They'll be locals like the Penobscot Bay Ringers, too.

Christmas With Cornils | Dec. 23
Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland
7:30 pm, $19 (there is a student discount)
Ray Cornils, Portland Municipal Organist, presents a concert of joyous music for the holiday season on the magnificent Kotzschmar symphonic pipe organ. He will be joined in concert this year by The Parish Ringers handbell choir, Musica de Filia girls chorus and the Kotzschmar Festival Brass. Tickets available through Port Tix, 207.842.0800.

CUT-YOUR-OWN CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS

There are plenty of cut-your-own tree options within a short drive of Portland.

In Cumberland County try:

Balsam Ridge, 140 Egypt Rd., Raymond, open daily until Dec. 24, 655.4474
Choose and cut balsam fir, canaan fir and blue spruce.

Beech Ridge Farm, 193 Beech Ridge Rd., Scarborough, 9 am-dusk, 839.4098
Choose and cut balsam fir and blue tip spruce. Borrow a saw and take a sleigh or trailer ride to the field. You'll re-board the trailer to get your tree back to your vehicle. The pre-cut barn stays open until 5 pm. www.beechridgefarm.com.

Hanscome's Christmas Tree Farm, 194 Mountford Rd., North Yarmouth, Mon.-Fri. 10-4, weekends 9-4, 831.2311
Mostly balsams but other species available.

Merry Christmas Trees, 105 River Rd., Windham, daily 8 am-4 pm, 892.8407
20 acres of balsam firs, all cut-your-own.

McNeally Farms, 20 Carll Lane, Gorham, Fri.-Sun. 9 am-dusk, 892.9660
Select from more than 2,500 trees, large or small, balsam or canaan fir. They provide saws, measuring poles and twine.

Staples Christmas Trees, 18 X-Mas Tree Way, South Windham, daily 8 am-5 pm, 892.7231
Balsam fir and Fraser fir up to 12 feet tall. www.staplestreefarm.zoomshare.com.

Vining's Christmas Trees, 87 Tuttle Rd., Cumberland, Sat.-Sun. 9-dark and weekdays noon-dark, 829.5723
Balsam firs and wreaths available. www.balsamchristmastrees.com.

In York Country try:

Boiling Spring Farm, 101 Gould Rd., Dayton, 9 am-4 pm, 499.7919
Balsam fir and fraser fir, kissing balls, wreaths. Saws provided, wagon rides, hot chocolate. Tree shaking and netting are complimentary.

Bragdon Tree Farm, 1389 Bragdon Rd., Wells, Sat.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm, 646.5472
All balsam firs. They'll help you cut and net your tree.

Holmes Tree Farm, 193 Whitten Rd., Kennebunk, Tue.-Sun. 9 am-4 pm, 985.3778
Balsam and fraser firs on 30 acres. They'll loan you a saw, do free bailing of your tree and assist you in getting it onto your car roof. www.holmestreefarm.com.

Lank Farm, 1 Saw Mill Rd., Kennebunk, 9 am-4 pm, 985.4925
Choose and cut or choose and they cut (balsam fir), precut trees, wreaths, bows and decorations. Saws provided and trees tied. Cash and check only.

Osgood's Which-A-Way Farm, 163 Witchtrot Rd., South Berwick, 384.2618

Wallingford Farm, 21 York St., Kennebunk, 9 am-5 pm, 985.2112
Living Christmas trees (for planting), wreaths and boughs, mistletoe, decorations, trees bagged and tied, gift shop and snacks.

And if you don't mind the drive try:

Bob & Aurings Christmas Tree, 1206 Middle Rd., Dresden, 737.4430

Bond Mountain Acres, 174 Bond Spring Rd., Rte. 11, West Newfield, daily 10 am-dusk, 793.4658
Choose-and-cut Scotch pine and balsam fir trees, kissing balls, baskets, wreaths. Coffee, cocoa, cider, cookies and candy canes on the weekends.

Hummer Tree Farm, 20 Varney Mill Rd., Bath, Fri.-Sun. 9 am-4 pm, 443.5944
Balsam fir trees. www.hummertreefarm.com.

North Parish Christmas Tree Farm, 231 North Parish Rd., Turner, Fri.-Sat. 9 am-4 pm, Sun. noon-4 pm, 225.3382
Choose and cut trees, wreaths, garland and kissing balls.

Rice's Tree Farm, 192 Bowie Hill Rd., Durham, weekends 8 am-dark, 926.3622
Choose and cut balsam firs available up to 12 feet; precut balled blue spruce and balsam fir.

SNOW TUBING PARKS

Black Mountain, 39 Glover Rd., Rumford, 364-8977
http://www.skiblackmountain.org/snow_tubing.html
The Edge Tubing Park opens Dec. 26, hours vary, $10/$16

Camden Snow Bowl, Barnestown Rd., Camden, 236-3438
http://www.camdensnowbowl.com/tubing.cfm
Opening early January, 9 am-4 pm, Saturdays, Sundays and all holidays, $5/hour

Mt. Abram, 308 Howe Hill Rd., Greenwood, 875-5000
http://www.mtabram.com
Opens Dec. 23, 11 am-4 pm Saturdays, Sundays and all holidays, $10/$20

Oxford Plains Snow Tubing, Rte. 25, Oxford, 539-8865
http://www.oxfordplains.com
Opening middle of December, Saturdays, 10 am-9 pm, Sundays 10 am-8 pm, vacation weeks 10 am-9 pm each day, $11/hr-$20/all day

Seacoast Snow Park, Rte. 302, Windham, 892-5952
http://www.seacoastfunparks.com
Opens Dec. 26, hours vary, $7/$16

Sugarloaf, Access Rd., Carrabassett Valley, 237-6939
http://www.sugarloaf.com/EventsActivities/turbo_tubing.html
Check website for details

Sunday River, Sunday River Rd., Newry, 824-3000
http://www.sundayriver.com/EventsActivities/White_Cap_Fun_Center.html
Opening during December vacation, hours vary, $3-$12

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

10th Mountain Center
Type: commercial
33 Paradis Circle Road; Fort Kent, ME, 04743
Contact: 207.834.6203; www.10thmtskiclub.org
Trails: 22 km classic and skating, 3 km night skiing
It can be said that the center offers world class skiing because it hosts local, national, and international biathlon and cross-country competitions as well as community development programs.

Beech Hill Ski & Snowshoe Center
Type: commercial
296 Tucker Road; Wayne, ME 04284
Contact: (207) 685-9281; www.beechhillski.com
Trails: Loop over 80 acres
Warming hut and free hot chocolate make this a fun place for kids but there are some hills.

Bethel Inn Ski Touring Center
Type: commercial
On-The-Common; Bethel, ME, 04217
Contact: 207.824.6276; www.bethelinn.com/skiingwinterfun/xc-snowshoeing.html
Trails: 15 km Beginner, 5 km Intermediate, 13 km Advanced
The trails start at the inn and stretch out into the countryside. They even allow you to hook up your dog on some.

Big Rock
Type: commercial
Graves Road; Mars Hill, ME, 04758
Trails: 9 km
The lodge has been expanded to include a new cafe with hot food off the grill along with homemade soups, sandwiches, and snacks.

Birches Ski Touring Center
Type: commercial
Rockwood, ME, 04478
Contact: 800.825.9453; www.birches.com/skiing.htm
Trails: 32 km Beginner, 5 km Intermediate, 8 km Advanced
Their trails extend from extending from Moosehead Lake to Brassua Lake. They also offer overnight lodging in trailside yurts.

Black Mountain
Type: commercial
Glover Road; Rumford, ME, 04276
Contact: 207.364.8977; www.skiblackmountain.org/cross_country.html
Trails: 35 km classic and skating, snowmaking on 4 km
Trails are groomed, whenever possible, for skating and classic techniques.

Carter's Farm XC Ski Centers - Oxford
Type: commercial
420 Main St.; Oxford, ME, 04270
Contact: 207.539.4848; www.cartersxcski.com
Trails: 40 km for beginner and intermediate
This dog-friendly center also features a snack bar and greenhouse lounge, woodstove and sauna.

Carter's Farm XC Ski Centers - Bethel
Type: commercial
Intervale Road; Bethel, ME, 04217
Contact: 207.824.3880; www.cartersxcski.com
Trails: 55 km for beginner and intermediate
Trails offer views of Sunday River Resort across the valley, and the Mahoosuc and Presidential Ranges.

Coast Country Bike and Ski
Type: commercial
200 Mountain Road; Alfred, ME
Contact: 207-324-8747
Trails: 12 km cross-country, 2 km snowshoeing, 4 km are designated for use with dogs
Family oriented ski center with gently rolling forested trails for beginner and intermediate skill levels.

Five Fields Farms
Type: commercial
RR2 Rte. 107; Bridgton, ME, 04009
Contact: 207.647.2425
Trails: 25 km for all abilities
Trails loop around apple orchards and offer access to Bald Pate Mountain (not accessible by skis).

Fuller Farm
Type: Town trails
Broadturn Road, Scarborough
Trails: 220 acres of open field and wood trails.
No grooming. This is back country skiing with only a few snowmobile trails through the fields (no snowmobiles are permitted on the wooded trails).

Harris Farms
Type: commercial
280 Buzzell Rd.; Dayton, ME, 04005
Contact: 207.499.2678; www.harrisfarm.com
Trails: 40 km total with 30 km of skating lanes
Trails range from gentle beginners' loops to rolling terrain for more advanced skiers. There's also a sledding hill in front of the warming hut.

Mount Abram
Type: commercial
308 Howe Hill Road; Greenwood, ME, 04255
Contact: 207.875.5000; www.skimtabram.com
Trails: Some beginner trails
Complimentary nordic skiing and snowshoeing at the base

Mountain Division Trail - Standish
Type: rail-to-trail
Chadbourne Road, ME
Trails: Wide trail usually "groomed" by snowmobilers.
If you start at Johnson Field in Standish, there is a warming hut and portable latrines. This is a multi-use trail so be on the lookout for snowmobilers.

Nordic Heritage Center
Type: Free ski center
Route 167; Presque Isle, ME, 04769
Contact: 207.762.6972; www.nordicheritagecenter.org
Trails: 20 km classic and skating and 15 miles of trails for backcountry skiing.
World class cross country and biathlon center open to the public.

Pineland Farms
Type: commercial
32 Farm View Dr.; New Gloucester, ME, 04260
Contact: 207.688.4800; www.pinelandfarms.org/recreation/nordic_skiing.htm
Trails: 17.5 km of trails for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers.
Trails wind through woods and over hills for good workouts. On clear days you can see Mount Washington.

Rangeley Lakes Trail Center
Type: commercial
534 Saddleback Mountain Road; Rangeley, ME, 04970
Contact: 207.864.4309; www.xcskirangeley.com
Trails: 55 km classic and skating
Ski rentals, wax, waxing benches, clothing, hot drinks and snacks are available at the ski center.

Riverside Golf Course
1158 Riverside St.; Portland 04103
Trails: 8 kilometers of groomed trails

Smiling Hill Farm
Type: commercial
781 County Rd.; Westbrook, ME, 04092
Contact: 207.775.4818; www.smilinghill.com/xcski.html
Trails: 35 km classic and skate skiing
This kid-friendly 500-acre dairy farm offers trails for novice, intermediate and advanced Nordic skiers and snowshoers, as well as marked nature trails.

Spruce Mountain
Type: commercial
Ski Slope Road, Jay, ME, 04239
Contact: 207.897.4090; www.sprucemountain.org
Trails: 5 km

Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
Type: commercial
Rt. 27; Carrabassett Valley, ME, 04947
Contact: 207.237.6830; www.sugarloaf.com/nordic_center.html
Trails: 105 km (50 kilometers novice, 40 kilometers intermediate, 15 kilometers advanced) for classic and ski skating
The Outdoor Center offers well groomed trails, a skating rink, cafe and rentals.

Sunday River Inn XC Ski
Type: commercial
23 Skiway Rd.; Newry, ME, 04261
Contact: 207.824.2410; www.sundayriverinn.com/xc.html
Trails: 40 km Beginner and Experienced
Many trails are wide enough for skating. Tracks are set in all trails. The Artists' Covered Bridge is on the inn's trail system.

Titcomb Mountain XC Trails
Type: commercial
Morrison Hill Rd.; W. Farmington, ME, 04992
Contact: 207.778.9031; www.titcombmountain.com
Trails: 16 km of trails for all abilities
Trails groomed for classic and skate skiing and meander from fields through woodlands.

Twin Brooks
Type: municipal
Tuttle Road.; Cumberland, ME
Trails: About 10 kilometers of looping trails.
There is a request for donations. Trails cross open fields and loop through woods. Dogs welcome on only part of the system.

DOWNHILL SKI RESORTS

Baker Mountain
5 Trails: 2 green; 3 blue
Vertical Drop: 460'
Location: PO Box 43; Bingham, ME, 04920
Contact: Ph: (207) 612-9300 skimaine.com/areas/bakermountain
Ski runs were established on Baker Mountain in the 1930s. Today its one T-bar lift is run by its pass holders, who volunteer their time. During school vacations the club operates a ski school.

Big Rock
27 Trails: 5 green; 14 blue; 8 black
Vertical Drop: 980'
Location: P.O. Box 1001; Mars Hill, ME, 04758
Contact: Ph: (207) 425-6711; www.bigrockmaine.com
Big Rock offers a variety of trails and lifts for the whole family.

Big Squaw Mountain
27 Trails: 5 green; 7 blue; 7 black
Vertical Drop: 1750'
Location:Route 15; Greenville, ME, 04441
Contact: (207) 695-1000; www.bigsquawmountain.com
Big Squaw Mountain sports 27 trails overlooking Moosehead Lake in Greenville. It has not been able to open in all ski seasons, and there is no confirmation it will open for the 2008-09 season.

Black Mountain of Maine
20 Trails: 4 green; 10 blue; 6 black
Vertical Drop: 980'
Location: 39 Glover Road; Rumford, ME, 04276
Contact: (207) 425-6711; www.skiblackmountain.org
This mountain is in a beautiful setting just north of the Androscoggin River outside of Rumford. From the slopes you can see over the expansive Oxford Hills. Expect few lift lines and uncrowded slopes.

Camden Snow Bowl
12 Trails: 2 green; 7 blue; 3 black
Vertical Drop: 950'
Location: 20 Barnestown Road; Camden, ME, 04843
Contact: (207) 236-4418; www.camdensnowbowl.com
Not only can you have views of the ocean when you ski, this family park offers tubing and a toboggan run.

Eaton Mountain
18 Trails: 5 green; 7 blue; 6 black
Vertical Drop: 622'
Location: 89 Lambert Road; Skowhegan, ME, 04976
Contact: (207) 474-2666; www.eatonmountain.com
The trails are lit for night skiing, and it offers tubing and a terrain park.

Hermon Mountain
20 Trails: 6 green; 7 blue; 7 black
Vertical Drop: 350'
Location: Newburgh Rd; Hermon, ME, 04401
Contact: (207) 848-5192; www.skihermonmountain.com
Hermon Mountain is close to Bangor and offers night skiing. The snowmaking equipment covers the trails and halfpipe. There are five tube chutes.

Lonesome Pine Trails
13 Trails: 1 green; 7 blue; 5 black
Vertical Drop: 500'
Location: P.O. Box 372; Fort Kent, ME, 04743
Contact: (207) 834-5202 skimaine.com/areas/lonesomepine
Lonesome Pine promises snowmaking can cover 60 percent of its trails if Mother Nature doesn't provide enough for December holidays. The resort also offers a half pipe and night skiing.

Lost Valley
15 Trails: 6 green; 4 blue; 5 black
Vertical Drop: 240'
Location: 200 Lost Valley Rd.; Auburn, ME, 04210
Contact: (207) 784-1561; www.lostvalleyski.com
What Lost Valley lacks in elevation, it makes up for in programs for the whole family - including a weekly teen night. The snowmakers promise total coverage with snow.

Mount Abram
44 Trails: 10 green; 21 blue; 13 black
Vertical Drop: 1150'
Location: 308 Howe Hill Road; Greenwood, ME, 04289
Contact: (207) 875-5000; www.mtabram.com
Mount Abram boasts the state's longest tubing park in addition to the two terrain parks, arcade, ski shop, Loose Boots Lounge and Restaurant and special events throughout the season.

Mount Jefferson
12 Trails: 3 green; 6 blue; 3 black
Vertical Drop: 432'
Location: P.O. Box 35; Lee, ME, 04455
Contact: (207) 738-2377
Jefferson relies on Mother Nature for snowmaking so it's best to call for conditions and hours. The mountain is about an hour north of Bangor and offers views of Katahdin.

Powderhouse Hill Ski Area
Vertical Drop: 175'
Location:Agamenticus Road & Route 4; South Berwick, ME, 03908
Contact: (207) 384-5858
There are only three trails - 2 green and one blue - and no snowmaking equipment. But what do you want for $5? Call first to make sure the mountain is open.

Quoggy Jo
5 Trails: 2 green; 3 blue
Vertical Drop: 215'
Location: Fort Fairfield Road; Presque Isle, ME, 04769
Contact: (207) 764-3248; www.mainewsc.org/facilities_quoggy.html
It's a good mountain for beginners. The terrain park has a Natural Half-Pipe, with grinding rails and other natural features.

Saddleback Ski Center
63 Trails: 20 green; 19 blue; 24 black
Vertical Drop: 2000'
Location: 976 Saddleback Mountain Road; Rangeley, ME, 04970
Contact: (207) 864-5671; www.saddlebackmaine.com
It's one of the biggest ski mountains in the East with upgraded snowmaking and lifts. The base lodge offers gear, food, entertainment and day care.

Shawnee Peak
43 Trails: 6 green; 23 blue; 14 black
Vertical Drop: 1300'
Location: 119 Mountain Road; Bridgton, ME, 04009
Contact: (207) 647-8444; www.shawneepeak.com
Family run resort located about an hour from Portland offers many special rates throughout the week. They offer night skiing, a racing league and almost total coverage with snowmaking.

Spruce Mountain
11 Trails: 3 green; 5 blue; 3 black
Vertical Drop: 300'
Location: Ski Slope Road; Jay, ME, 04239
Contact: (207) 897-4090; www.sprucemountain.org
Jointly owned by the towns of Jay Livermore Falls and Livermore, it is mostly run by volunteers and priced for families. Their snowmaking covers half the trails, and they have night skiing.

Sugarloaf
134 Trails: 33 green; 44 blue; 57 black
Vertical Drop: 2820 ft
Location: 5092 Access Road; Carrabassett Valley, ME, 04947
Contact: (800) THE LOAF; www.sugarloaf.com
The biggest big mountain skiing in Maine with 2,800 feet of vertical and plenty of terrain to suit all abilities.The past couple winters have seen increased snowmaking capacity and grooming ability.

Sunday River
131 Trails: 43 green; 47 blue; 41 black
Vertical Drop: 2340'
Lifts: 4 High-Speed Quads, 5 Quads , 4 Triples, 2 Doubles, 3 Surface
Location: 15 South Ridge Road; Newry, ME, 04261
Contact: (207) 824-3000; www.sundayriver.com
Choose from more than a hundred trails across eight mountain peaks. Follow the sun from Whitecap to Jordan Bowl for a full, fun day. The River has benefited from the same new ownership that improved conditions at Sugarloaf. This winter, look to cut down your wait time as the Chondola speeds skiers up the mountain.

Titcomb Mountain
14 Trails: 4 green; 5 blue; 6 black
Vertical Drop: 340'
Location: Morrison Hill Road; W. Farmington, ME, 04992
Contact: (207) 778-9031; www.titcombmountain.com
Their snowmaking covers about 70 percent of their trails. You can ski at night on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

OUTDOOR SKATING PONDS

Walton Junior High Ice
Mary Carroll Street, Auburn

Dummer Street Pond
Corner of Beacon and Dummer streets, Bath
Lighted until 9 p.m.

Goddards Pond
Corner of Marshall and High Street, Bath
Warming hut and refreshment stand

Bethel Recreation Department Ice Rink
In Bethel Common, Bethel

Brunswick Parks and Recreation Ice Rink
The Mall on Maine Street, Brunswick
Lighted until 10 p.m.

Lishness Park Ice Rink
Pine Tree Road, Brunswick
Open to the public for ice hockey only

Coffin Pond
River Road, Brunswick

Sugarloaf Ice Rink
5092 Access Road (Sugarloaf Outdoor Center), Carrabassett Valley
Olympic-sized, music and lights

Lee Twombly Pond
20 Hat Trick Drive, Falmouth
Built next to the indoor arena, Falmouth Family
Ice Center. Zamboni maintains the pond with includes a warming
hut, picnic tables and restrooms. Cost is $5 per person for an ALL DAY skating
ticket. Falmouth residents skate for free outside with proof of
residency.

Hippach Field
Route 4, Farmington
Warming hut

Freeport Middle School Field
Kendall Lane, Freeport

Leon Gorman Park
Bow Street, behind Bow Street Market, Freeport
Pond and fire pit behind the market

Fryeburg Recreation Department Ice Rink
Bradley Street, Fryeburg

Memorial Armory Rink
65 Central Ave, Lewiston

Holy Family Rink
Off Sabattus Street, Lewiston
Rink is off Sabattus Street, behind Maine Family Credit Union

Mt Abram Ski Resort
Howe Hill Rd, Locke Mills
207-875-5000

Deering Oaks Park Pond
State Street and Park Ave, Portland

Breakwater School
Capisic Street, Portland

Payson Park
Baxter Boulevard, Portland
Open until 10 p.m. daily

Presumpscot Park
Ludlow Street, Portland

Rangeley Municipal Rink
15 School Street Street, Rangeley
Behind municipal garage

Massacre Pond at Scarborough Beach State Park
41 Black Point Road, Scarborough
Off-beach pond setting, nearly 1/4 mile long

Mill Creek Park Pond
Ocean Street, South Portland

Johnson Field
Sebago Lake Village (Route 35), Standish
Warming hut, portapotty

Steep Falls Rink
Mill Rd., Standish

Manchester School
709 Roosevelt Trail, Windham
Warming hut

Johnson Pond at Colby College
4000 Mayflower Hill, Waterville

Mt. Blue State Park
On Lake Webb, Weld

Lincoln Street Ice Rink
Lincoln Street, Wesbrook

Stroudwater Ice Rink
Stroudwater Street, Wesbrook
Warming hut

East Bridge Street Park
East Bridge Street, Westbrook

Kineowatha Park
Wilson Lake, Wilton
Warming hut

Yarmouth Community Park Services
Main Street, Yarmouth
Lighted, warming hut

SNOWSHOE TRAILS

Maine Audubon's Gilsland Farm, Falmouth
Rating: Novice "backyard" snowshoers. One to two hours.
Gilsland Farm is a beautiful 65-acre parcel of land overlooking the Presumpscot River estuary. Two miles of gently graded trails meander through meadows and forest, providing a great spot to go for your first family snowshoeing experience. Snowshoes can be rented from Maine Audubon.
Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and
noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
No dogs are allowed.
The Environmental Center sells hot drinks and provides a place to warm up.
Contact: www.maineaudubon.org or by
calling 207-781-2330.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells
Rating: Novice "backyard" snowshoers. One to two hours.
The mile-long Carson trail winds along the saltwater marsh. The Refuge is open daily, sunrise to sunset. The Refuge Headquarters is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Federal Holidays.
Leashed dogs are allowed.
Contact: www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson or by calling 207-646-9226.

Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal
Rating: Novice "backyard" snowshoers. One to two hours.
One of the finest places to play in the snow is Bradbury Mountain State Park, located on Route 9 north of Pownal Center. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
The park is comprised of 590 acres of forested land crisscrossed by 10 miles of trails. Most visitors focus in on the half-mile Summit Trail which culminates in a large rock outcropping offering an impressive 180-degree view eastward. Views include Portland Head Light, Robert E. Peary's Eagle Island, and the Kennebec River Bridge in Bath. For more solitude, explore along the five miles of trails to the east of Route 9. These trails were cut with mountain biking in mind and are wide and scenic, perfect for snowshoe exploration.
More information: www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=12

Hunters Cove Wildlife Sanctuary, Rangeley
Rating: Novice "backyard" snowshoers. One to two hours.
A series of looping trails over even terrain that offer views of wildlife on Rangeley Lake's Hunter Cove.
Enter on west side of Route 4 at the foot of Dodge Pond Hill between Rangeley and Oquossoc. The terrain features cedar swamp, spruce-fir forest, mature poplars, white pines, and alder thickets. The sanctuary, part of the state game preserve, is maintained by the Maine Audubon Society.
More trails: Through Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust at www.rlht.org

Mount Battie, Camden Hills State Park
Rating: Novice "backyard" snowshoers. One to two hours.
This trip offers a view over Penobscot Bay and fine dinner awaiting below along the Camden waterfront.
Park at the entrance into Camden Hills State Park off Route 1 and snowshoe up the one-mile Mount Battie Road. At the top sits a War Memorial Tower dating back to 1921. Downtown Camden is right below you, its protected harbor home to many Maine windjammers awaiting summer. It is a classic New England sea and harbor scene.
There are 30 additional miles of trails within the park providing excellent snowshoeing as snow depth allows. Winter use is free of charge.
More information: www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=14

Douglas Mountain Preserve, Sebago
Rating: Intermediate "back forty" snowshoers. Two to four hours. More removed from civilization with moderate terrain. Need basic winter wilderness skills.
Douglas Mountain Preserve is managed by the Maine Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, and is accessed via Route 107, the Douglas Mountain Road, and a short spur road. Douglas Mountain offers an impressive 360-degree view - the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast and the White Mountains to the northwest - from a stone tower located at the 1,415-foot-high summit.
The Woods Trail to the summit is a half-mile in length. A .75-mile-long nature trail loops around the summit plateau, passing through an interesting variety of hardwoods and softwoods.

Day Mountain, Acadia National Park
Rating: Intermediate "back forty" snowshoers. Two to four hours. More removed from civilization with moderate terrain. Need basic winter wilderness skills.
You have to hit the snow conditions just right for Acadia. Yesterday's powder can be today's ice due to the maritime influence.
With 15 mountains and 120 miles of trails, plus 57 miles of gently graded carriage roads, there is no shortage of snowshoe possibilities on Mount Desert Island. The one-mile carriage road winds around the mountain to the 583-foot open summit. You can see from Frenchman Bay to Schoodic Point, south to the Cranberry Isles and west to the far distant Camden Hills.
The Day Mountain carriage road is accessed from the Park Loop Road near Wildwood Stables. The mountain also can be climbed from Route 3 via the one-mile Day Mountain Trail.
Contact: Call park headquarters at 207-288-3338 for up-to-date snow conditions.

Piazza Rock, Rangeley
Rating: Intermediate "back forty" snowshoers. Two to four hours. More removed from civilization with moderate terrain. Need basic winter wilderness skills.
The white-blazed trail leaves Route 4 nine miles south of Rangeley and ascends 1.4 miles through a cozy forest to the Piazza Rock lean-to on the Appalachian Trail. Spend some time poking about Piazza Rock and The Caves, located near the lean-to. Piazza Rock is an enormous overhanging granite slab suspended 30 feet above the valley. A hundred yards up the trail a short side trail leads to The Caves, a series of slab caves created from the fallen rock from the
surrounding cliffs.
If you want to explore further up the trail you can continue on another mile to Ethel Pond for views of Saddleback.

Pleasant Mountain, Denmark
Rating: Intermediate "back forty" snowshoers. Two to four hours. More removed from civilization with moderate terrain. Need basic winter wilderness skills.
The Firewarden's Trail leaves the Wilton Warren Road 1.2 miles south of Route 302 and climbs 2.5 miles up to the 2,006-foot summit. The elongated summit ridge can be followed north for a mile toward Bald Peak, with views down to the icicle-shaped outline of Moose Pond, and west out over the Saco River valley. The summit ridge is dotted with pitch pine and open ledges, often bare of
snow, so you may be taking off your snowshoes on occasion. Although nearly 30 miles away to the northwest, it seems as if you could reach out and touch Mount Washington. The views into the snow-laden bowls of Tuckerman and Huntington ravines are breathtaking.

Table Rock, Grafton Notch
Rating: Experienced "wilderness" snowshoers. Four to eight hours. Very remote, rugged terrain. Advanced winter wilderness skills.
For a dramatic drive and a great hike to top things off, head over to Grafton Notch State Park near Newry and hike the Appalachian Trail and a short side trail 1.5 miles up to the airy perch of Table Rock on Baldpate Mountain. It is a dizzying 900-foot drop straight down to Route 26. Use caution and stay away from the edge, and do not descend via the Table Rock Trail. Retrace your tracks back to the Appalachian Trail.

Little Bigelow Mountain, Dead River Township
Rating: Experienced "wilderness" snowshoers. Four to eight hours. Very remote, rugged terrain. Advanced winter wilderness skills.
Trek uphill through mixed forest to the Little Bigelow lean-to 1.3 miles from the East Flagstaff Road. You can make the lean-to your end destination and enjoy a picnic inside the three-sided shelter before heading back, or continue on another 1.6 miles to the 3,040-foot summit whose south face drops straight down to the vast expanse of Carrabassett Valley. To the south sits the bold outline of Sugarloaf. To the west are the rugged ramparts of the Bigelow Range, and to the north the white expanse of Flagstaff Lake. On a clear day it is possible to see Katahdin far to the northeast.

Little Jackson Mountain, Weld
Rating: Experienced "wilderness" snowshoers. This trail can be a little hard to follow in spots, especially above treeline. Snowshoers should be proficient with map and compass, and carry a copy of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. Plan
all day to complete the hike.
The route to Little Jackson leaves the Byron Road .3 miles west of Mountain View Cemetery and ascends 4.2 miles up through a beautiful slope of white birch on its way to the remote open summit of Little Jackson in the Tumbledown Range. The views out over Webb Lake to Bald Mountain are outstanding, but the real showstopper is the view straight down to Tumbledown Pond and west over the three summits of Tumbledown. From this vantage point it is easy to see how Tumbledown got its name, looking down along the precipitous south face towering over Byron Notch.