Take in the Franco Center’s annual Christmas show

LEWISTON — The Franco Center’s annual “Sights and Sounds of Christmas” will return for three days of holiday cheer.

The Performance Hall stage will be filled with holiday magic, featuring an array of acts — from ballet dancers and vocal ensembles to dramatic readings, poetry and duets — all capturing the warmth and joy of the season. Many performances will be highlighted by a synchronized Christmas light show.

Performances will be Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. ; and Sunday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m.

A cash bar in the Lower Level Bar & Lounge will be open for a pre-show holiday cocktail an hour before each performance.

Tickets range from $10 to $30 and are available online at francocenter.org. Group rates are available. Or call 207-689-2000. Go to francocenter.org for more information.

The center is at 46 Cedar St.

Listen and sing along to the Auburn Community Band

AUBURN — The Auburn Community Concert Band’s annual Holiday Concert will take place Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center at Edward Little High School. The free show starts at 7 p.m.

Under the direction of Milt Simon, this will be the band’s 44th annual holiday concert. The 53-member band is comprised of volunteer musicians from 14 central and western Maine communities, who range in age from 17 to 80-plus.

The group will perform both traditional and contemporary songs celebrating the Christmas and Hanukah holiday seasons along with the customary audience singalong.

Those attending will have an opportunity to make a donation to a local nonprofit organization. This year, all money collected following the concert will be presented to the High Street Food Pantry, which is held weekly at the High Street Congregational Church in Auburn.

For more information on the concert, go to www.auburncommunityband.com.

The performing arts center is at 77 Harris St.

Sparkle bright in downtown Lewiston

LEWISTON — The Downtown Lewiston Association will host its annual downtown shopping event Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Lisbon Street (and slightly beyond). Enjoy food and drink specials at participating venues, holiday gift shopping at downtown businesses and vendor pop-up shops, while you finish up your shopping and get in the holiday spirit.

Driven by local small businesses, the event will also feature more than 50 artisans, who will set up shop in more than 30 locations along Lisbon Street. In addition, there will be wine tastings, restaurants will be opening with many offering Sparkle Saturday food and drink specials, and more.

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/sparklesaturdaylewistonmaine.

Have a Charlie Brown Christmas in Bethel

BETHEL — Bethel Area Arts & Music will present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with the Heather Pierson Trio at The Gem Theater on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24. The show begins at 2 p.m.

Based in Conway, New Hampshire, the Heather Pierson Trio features Pierson on piano and vocals, Shawn Nadeau on bass, and Craig Bryan on drums. They will share their interpretation of Vince Guaraldi’s iconic soundtrack “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” as well as other Guaraldi compositions and holiday favorites.

In over 20 years on her own record label, Pierson has released 14 albums and several singles of original music. For more go to www.heatherpierson.com.

Doors open at 1 p.m., show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are “Pay What You Can” with all proceeds benefiting future Bethel Area Arts & Music programming. For more information on the show, go to thegemtheater.com.

The Gem Theater is at 48 Cross St.

FARMINGTON — John and Jan Gerchwinder will lead a carol singalong Saturday, Dec. 20, from 2-3 p.m. at Old South Church, 235 Main St.

The free Community Christmas Carol Sing is for all ages and will feature favorite carols and songs of the season. Beverages and cookies will be served in the Gathering Room afterward. The 235 Main St. entrance is handicapped accessible.

When not leading holiday singalongs, the Farmington-based acoustic duo who play a wide variety of songs, spanning genres and decades.

Kleziachi for the holidays in Bath

BATH — The Jewish and Mexican cultures will come together in holiday celebration as the Chocolate Church hosts its second annual Hanukkah Mexicana Party.

“Think latkes and mole, churros and honey…! The bands will also play together in an inspired fusion of Klezmer and Mariachi — we call it Kleziachi!” according to organizers. As part of the celebration, authors Ilan Stavans and Margaret Boyle will share stories and poems from “Sabor Judío.”

The three-hour event Saturday, Dec. 20, from 6-9 p.m. will feature musical performances by The Casco Bay Tummlers and Veronica Roblés‘ mariachi band while partygoers enjoy eats inspired by “Sabor Judío: The Jewish Mexican Cookbook.”

For more information go to chocolatechurcharts.org, call (207) 442-8455, or email [email protected].

Doors open at 6 p.m. for a pre-show cocktail party. Concert starts at 7 p.m.

The Chocolate Church is at 804 Washington St.

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