The annual Holiday at the Plaza in Lewiston will take place from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon St. Admission is free.

In the wake of the Oct. 25 mass shooting, city administrators decided to proceed with the holiday event to continue the healing, make memories and establish traditions. Rain date is Sunday, Dec. 3.

In Auburn, the Light the Park tree lighting and grand opening of the Christmas Shopping Village will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Anniversary Park, 8 Second St. It will go until 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Santa will be at Anniversary Park to light the city’s tree, and there will be live music by Jud Caswell, free mittens and hats, and free hot cocoa and doughnuts courtesy of the Auburn Business Association. The pop-up shopping sheds will be open for business through the entire event.

The Shopping Village will be open for three weekends, Dec. 2 and 3, Dec. 9 and 10, and Dec. 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The sheds will feature new local vendors each weekend.

In addition, Auburn will host its second annual Hilton Holiday Hangout from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Hilton Garden Inn with 13 local gift vendors, live music, free snacks and a cash bar. Admission is free.

In Lewiston on Dec. 2, Dufresne Plaza and adjacent Lisbon Street will be filled with holiday spirit and activities galore complemented by musical entertainment, horse and wagon rides, and the Christmas tree and menorah lighting at 5:17 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus plan to attend and look forward to letters children may write to them.

Attendees can also ice skate (free skates available), visit with live reindeer, have fun in a giant snow globe, take a Kiddie Choo Choo ride, play games in the Kid Zone, play snow throw, play slap hockey, or take selfies with photo op arctic animal props.

There will also be a fish pond, where children can “fish” for a toy, reminiscent of the beloved former Peck’s Department Store of which countless residents have fond memories.

The Maine Nordiques mascot and the Lewiston High School Blue Devils mascot will be mingling with the crowd.

There will be live performances by Malinda Liberty, known for her “Maine Christmas Song,” the Maine Music Society Chamber Singers, Bates College Crosstones, Josie French of the Monmouth Community Players, local performer Leslie Reed, the Lewiston High School Chamber Singers, and Rabbi Sruli Dresdner and Lisa Mayer from Temple Shalom.

Several local crafters will offer diverse choices for holiday shopping lists, and area shops and restaurants will also be open. Food trucks will be at the plaza as well.

In addition, Rinck Advertising will host a mitten Christmas tree outside its business at 113 Lisbon St., and attendees may grab a free pair.

Free parking will be available at the Oak Street Parking Garage, 1 Oak St., Lewiston.

For more information on the Lewiston event, go to: lewistonmaine.gov/holiday2023

For information on the Auburn events, go to: auburnchristmasvillage.com/

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