DECEMBER

7-9 Freeport: Sparkle Weekend. This popular holiday celebration kicks off with a parade of lights down Main Street, and the fun continues all weekend with visits from Santa, the famous talking Christmas tree, free hot cocoa stops, and horse-drawn carriage rides, craft fairs, free gift wrapping, a Tuba Christmas Concert, and more! Downtown Freeport.

9 Rangeley: Walk to Bethlehem. Walk to churches for caroling and finish with a pageant at the Episcopal Church. Main St.

11 Lewiston: CHRISTMAS WITH CORNILS, A KOTZSCHMAR CHRISTMAS AT THE BASILICA OF SAINTS PETER & PAUL. Join Ray Cornils, Portland’s Municipal Organist, the Festival Brass, Androscoggin Chorale, John Corrie, director and the Parish Ringers for an evening of your favorite holiday music. Enjoy familiar Christmas music, some new arrangements, and celebrate the joy of the season. A wonderful experience for the entire family. For tickets to the Lewiston Christmas with Cornils concert, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/288836/. The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 122 Ash Street.

JANUARY

1 Old Orchard Beach: Special Olympics Lobster Dip. Hundreds of daredevils jump in the Atlantic on New Year’s Day to raise funds for Special Olympics Maine. Watch or join in on the beach in front of the Brunswick Hotel. 39 West Grand Avenue. For more information, visit www.specialolympicsmaine.org/.

12 Rangeley: Family Fun Day at Saddleback. Kids’ safety poster contest, scavenger hunt, games. 976 Saddleback Mountain Road.