• BENEFITS

FRIDAY

Christmas Concert with Carols, benefit for local food pantries, United Methodist Church, Old Orchard Beach. Donation. 985-8759. 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

Shop for a Cause Day, portion of sales from participating stores will be donated to Junior Achievement of Maine, downtown Portland. portlandmaine.com. All day.

Poinsettia Ball, surf and turf dinner with live music by the Tony Boffa Band; benefits Maine Coast Memorial Hospital; Holiday Inn, Ellsworth. $100. mainehospital.org. 5:30 p.m.

Empire Reindeer Charity Christmas Gala, live music, open bar and hors d’oeuvres; benefits Toys for Tots Foundation; Portland Yacht Club, Falmouth. $60. empirereindeer.com. 6 p.m.

Kimmy’s 3rd Annual OddBall, live music, photo booth, costume content, VJ Foo and other surprises; fundraiser for Music and Magic Maine; Big Easy, Portland. $12; $50 includes dinner for two. 6 p.m. musicandmagicmaine.com. Doors at 8 p.m.

“Lunafest,” traveling film festival of nine award-winning short films by, for and about women; benefits Breast Cancer Fund and Friends School of Portland’s Parenting for Peace series; Friends School of Portland, Mackworth Island, Falmouth. $10 to $100. 781-6321. 7 p.m.

Festival of Trees, decorated trees and live entertainment, benefits Westbrook charities, Westbrook Warren Congregational Church. Most events are free. Schedule at westbrookfestivaloftrees.com. 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6. Through Dec. 8.

SUNDAY

Fourth Annual “Best Meatloaf in Ogunquit” Contest, benefits Marginal Way Preservation Fund and victims of Hurricane Sandy, Bintliff’s Ogunquit Restaurant. $20; includes full-course meal. marginalwayfund.org. 5 to 7 p.m.

Sit with Santa, for dogs and their companions, benefits the Planet Dog Foundation, Planet Dog Co. Store, Portland. $10. planetdog.com. 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

• CRAFT FAIRS

THURSDAY

Handmade on Main, custom furniture, textiles, greeting cards, glass, T-shirts and fine art, Engine, Biddeford Arts. feedtheengine.org. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Dec. 6. Through Dec. 29.

FRIDAY

Anti-Freeze, holiday arts and crafts fair, 180 Main Street, Biddeford. feedtheengine.org. 3 to 8 p.m.

Holiday Bazaar, holiday greens and wreaths, baked goods, antiques, lotions, soaps and more, Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick. 373-6015. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Fair, Holy Cross Church, South Portland. 799-6661. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Christmas Fair, crafts, decorations, sewn and knitted items, baked and canned goods, and more, North Pownal United Methodist Church. 829-5470. 3 to 8 p.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Joy of Christmas Fair, homemade chili, candy, desserts, Christmas decorations, gifts and more, Corliss Street Baptist Church, Bath. 443-1464. 4 to 7 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

SEA Holiday Sale, blown glass, jewelry, journals, paintings, textiles, pottery and more, East End Community School, Portland. SEAportland.org. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Winter Holiday Show, handmade crafts, Blueberry Ridge Farm, Pownal. 688-4153. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday.

Maine Women in the Arts Prelude Crafts Show, Kennebunkport Masonic Hall. 646-9086. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Studio 53 Holiday Event, showcase of more than a dozen fine artists, artisans and craftpersons, Studio 53 Fine Art Gallery, Boothbay Harbor. 380-7554. Friday to Dec. 16.

SATURDAY

Girl Scouts Craft Fair, handmade craft items made by Freeport Girl Scouts, proceeds will help purchase Christmas gifts for the needy, Freeport Community Services. 865-3985. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Holiday Fair, handmade crafts, eco gifts, jams, breads and more, Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland. 885-9522. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ye Olde Christmas Fair, art, antiques, candy, cakes, greens, jewelry, ornaments and more, Trinity Episcopal Church, Portland. 828-1090. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebration of Crafts, woodcrafts, pottery, jewelry, home furnishings and more, Portland High School. 874-8250. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Coastal Christmas Fair, Maine-made items, knits, baked goods, books and more, Peoples United Methodist Church, South Portland. peoplesumc.com. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Fair, homemade candy and baked goods, crafts, gift baskets and more, First United Methodist Church, South Portland. 767-2688. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Fair, crafts, jewelry, baked goods and white elephant table, South Portland Housing Authority. 239-6689. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jolly Snowman Christmas Fair, crafts, knit goods, wreaths, books, silent auction, lunch, baked goods and more, United Methodist Church, Cape Elizabeth. 883-5344. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cookie Fare, handmade cookies, fudge and candy, Cressey Road United Methodist Church, Gorham. 675-3317. 9 a.m. to noon.

Christmas Fair, crafts, toys, greens, baked goods, silent auction, Santa and more, First Parish Congregational Church, Gorham. 839-2809. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Craft Fair, crafts, wreaths, grandma’s attic, gift baskets, bake sale and more, West Scarborough United Methodist Church, Scarborough. 883-2814. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Yuletide Fair, crafts, handmade items and lunch, First Congregational Church, Scarborough. 883-2342. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Christmas Fair, local crafts, baked goods, wreaths, grandma’s attic and more, Blue Point Congregational Church, Scarborough. 883-6540. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holiday Craft, Poinsettia and Wreath Sale, Morrison Center, Scarborough. 883-6680. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Festival and Fair, pictures with Santa, kids’ crafts, face painting, vendors and crafters, Coastal Community Church, Scarborough. 632-0871. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas Fair, gifts, crafts, wreaths, cookie walk and bake sale, West Cumberland United Methodist Church. 829-4366. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas Fair, luncheon, jewelry, attic treasures and more, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Yarmouth. 846-9244. stbartsyarmouth.org. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Artisans at the Log Cabin, custom gifts, artwork, handbags, mittens, jewelry and more, Log Cabin, Yarmouth. 846-2329. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Annual Holiday Craft Fair, North Yarmouth Academy (Safford Center), Yarmouth. 847-5423. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Craft Fair, pottery, quilted snowflakes, wooden bowls, fabric bags, Santa and more, Freeport Community Center. 865-3985. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

41st Annual Christmas Craft Fair and Cafe, jewelry, knitted items, quilts, baked goods and more, West Bath School. 504-4603. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Fair, silent auction, baked goods, crafts, white elephant table and ornaments, Sebago Lake Congregational Church, Standish. 892-3874. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gingerbread Fair, crafts, greens, luncheon and Santa Claus, First Parish Congregational Church, Saco. 283-3771. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holiday Fest, baked goods, wreaths, creations by local artisans and more, Unitarian Universalist Church of Saco and Biddeford, Saco. 282-0082. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Christmas Fair, handmade clothing, knitware, baked goods, maple syrup products, kids’ room and more, Raymond Village Community Church. 650-7845. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Fair, crafts, wreaths, jewelry, knit items, cookie walk and more, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Windham. 892-8447. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Fair, baked goods, crafts and more, Pinea Rebekah Lodge, Windham. 772-6806. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Holiday Bazaar, plants, greens, wreaths, live arrangements, handmade gifts and more, Merryspring Nature Center, Camden. 236-2239. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Village Christmas Fair, greens, crafts, baked goods, candy and raffle, Bar Mills Parish House, Buxton. 929-5531. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Christmas Market Place, wreaths, jams, pickles, homemade candy, knitted items and more, Bar Mills Community Church, Buxton. 929-3535. 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Christmas Crafts Show, sponsored by the Franklin County Arts and Crafts Association, University of Maine (Olsen Student Center), Farmington. 778-2791. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Fair Thee Well,” baked goods, jewelry, bird table, velveteen stockings and more, Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Thomaston. 354-7250. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

United Maine Craftsmen’s 35th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, USM Sullivan Gym, Portland. $2 admission. 621-2818. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Peregrine Press Studio Sale, Bakery Studios, Portland. peregrinepress.com. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Made in Maine Christmas Fair, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Windham. 892-3048. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Bradbury Mountain Arts Holiday Show and Sale, fine arts and crafts by guild members and guest artists, Mallett Hall, Pownal. 688-4744. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

SUNDAY

Big Chill Holiday Sale, arts, crafts and vintage items, Mayo Street Arts, Portland. mayostreetarts.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Christmas Craft Fair, American Legion Hall, Gray. 576-3870. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spirit of Christmas Fair, Bath Middle School. 443-5563. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stone Mountain Arts Center Flea Market, live music by Tricky Britches, visit from Santa, antiques, knick knacks and more, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $3 (includes Carol Noonan CD); free for children. stonemountainartscenter.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DEC. 6

“Handmade” Art and Craft Sale, jewelry, altered and silkscreened clothing, soaps, home goods, art and more, Waterfall Arts, Belfast. waterfallarts.org. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Through Dec. 23.

• SPECIAL EVENTS

THURSDAY

Christmas Prelude, holiday festival with candlelight caroling, tree lighting, arts and crafts shows, pancake breakfast, lobster bake, arrival of Santa by lobster boat and more, Kennbunkport. Various prices. Schedule at christmasprelude.com. Thursday to Sunday. Through Dec. 9.

Northern Lights Celebration, wagon rides, musical light show, live music, theater and more, L.L. Bean Flagship Store, Freeport. Free. Schedule at llbean.com/llb/shop/512152. Daily through Dec. 31.

Winter Window Walk, stroll through downtown to enjoy festive window displays, downtown Portland. Free. portlandmaine.com. Daily through Dec. 16.

“Christmas at Victoria Mansion: The Gilded Age,” self-guided tours, Victoria Mansion, Portland. $15; $13.50 for seniors; $5 for students; free for children under age 5. victoriamansion.org. Daily through Jan. 6.

Eighth Annual Festival of Trees, decorated trees and wreaths decorate the museum, Dyer Library and Saco Museum, Saco. Free. sacomuseum.org. Daily through Dec. 30.

York Festival of Lights, holiday parade, Santa, caroling, fairs and more, various locations, York. Most events are free. Schedule at parksandrec.yorkmaine.org. Thursday to Sunday.

FRIDAY

Gingerbread Lighthouses, Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport. penobscotmarinemuseum.org. 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Holiday Festival, Santa, music and dance acts, pop-up stores, sleigh rides and more, downtown Biddeford. Free. heartofbiddeford.org. 5 to 8 p.m.

Christmas By the Sea Opening Reception, holiday selections performed by CHRHS vocal and instrumental students, Camden Public Library. Free. 236-3440. 5 p.m.

26th Annual Christmas by the Sea, holiday festival with Santa, wagon rides and more, various locations, Camden. Free. Schedule at visitcamden.com. Friday to Sunday.

Horse and Wagon Rides, Monument Square, Portland. Free. 772-6828. Every half-hour from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Through Dec. 23.

The Polar Express, ride a replica of the famous train while meeting Santa, drinking hot chocolate, eating cookies and caroling, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum, Portland. $20 to $40. Schedule at porttix.com. Various times Friday to Sunday. Through Dec. 23.

Holiday Trolley Rides, part of Christmas Prelude, Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport. $6. trolleymuseum.org. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Through Dec. 9.

Festival of Trees, with silent auction and raffle, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. Free. chamber.boothbayharbor.com. 1 to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

SATURDAY

Annual Community Carol Sing and Tree Lighting, Yarmouth Town Hall. Free. 846-2407. 5 p.m.

Second Annual Holiday at Hadlock, Santa, carriage rides, s’mores, music and more, Hadlock Field, Portland. Free. portlandseadogs.com. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holiday Open House, door prizes, refreshments, children’s activities and music, 317 Main Street Community Music Center, Yarmouth. Free. 317main.org. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“A Christmas Tea,” Victorian-style tea presented by the Museum of Old York, includes choice of desserts and tea, Jefferds Tavern, York Village. $6; free for children under 5. 363-4974. Noon to 4 p.m.

New Gloucester History Barn Open House, permanent and temporary exhibits about local history, New Gloucester Historical Society (History Barn). Free. 926-3188. 9 a.m. to noon.

Holiday Book and Bake Sale, used books and assorted cookie platters, Kennebunk Free Library. Free admission. 985-2173. 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Holistic Mystic Fair, psychic mediums, massage, vendors and more, Le Club Calumet, Augusta. $5 admission; additional fees for services. 446-7868. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shaker Christmas Fair, baked goods, cheese, pickles, apples and more, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, New Gloucester. 926-4597. www.shaker.lib.me.us. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sons of Norway Maine Nordmenn Julefest, Knights of Columbus Hall, Brunswick. $10; free for ages 15 and under. 215-6186. Noon to 4 p.m.

Festival of Arts and Lights, artistan craft fair, wine tastings, Santa Claus, kids’ activities and more, downtown Lewiston. Free admission. laarts.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Children’s Holiday Festival, music by Rich Charette, kids’ crafts, bounce house, juggler and more, St. Dominic Academy, Auburn. $8; for $5 children. 783-3990. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holidays in Harpswell Open Studios, open studios along Route 123 with raffles, demonstrations and workshops, various Locations, Harpswell. Free. Map and schedule at harpswellartandcraftguild.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Through Dec. 9.

“Best/Worst Christmas Pageant,” A/D/A/M, Biddeford. $8 in advance; $12 day of show. 571-4636. 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday.

Harbor Lights Festival, Santa Claus, wagon rides, tree lighting, lighted boat parade and more, various locations, Boothbay Harbor. Most events are free. Schedule at chamber.boothbayharbor.com. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Ogunquit Christmas By the Sea, holiday festival with Santa, family scavenger hunt, wine tastings, Christmas caroling, concerts and more; various locations, Ogunquit. Most events are free. Schedule at visitogunquit.org. Saturday and Sunday. Through Dec. 9.

SUNDAY

Breakfast with Santa, Freeport Community Center. $5. 865-3985. 8 to 10:30 a.m.

Santa’s Workshop for Kids, breakfast with Santa and more for children under age 12, Sebago Town Hall. 787-2489. 8 to 11 a.m.

“Night of the Nutcracker,” meet ballerinas dressed for Portland Ballet’s “Victorian Nutcracker,” listen to music and view the mansion decorated for the holidays, Victoria Mansion, Portland. $15; $13.50 for seniors; two children ages 17 and under admitted free with paying adult. victoriamansion.org. 4 to 6 p.m.

Pine Tree State Country Music Association Annual Christmas Party, music by Stevie Cee, Gloria Jean, Bobby Lee and others, American Legion Post 197, Westbrook. $5; free for ages 12 and under. 490-1232. 1 to 4 p.m.

Christmas by the Sea, annual tree-lighting event with hayrides, entertainment, parade, photos with Santa, caroling and more, various locations, Old Orchard Beach. Free. 934-2500. Parade at 1 p.m., tree lighting at 3:30 p.m.

Christmas at Norlands, 19th-century parlor games, mansion tours, craft activities and more, Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore. $8; $6 for children under 12; $25 per family. 897-4366. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Annual Holiday Fair, local artisans, astrology, psychic readings, Native American flutes, handmade items and more, Gardens of Atlantis, Dayton. gardensofatlantis.org. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shape Note Singing, four-part singing tradition also known as Sacred Harp, everyone welcome to participate, The New Church, Portland. Donation. 216-3890. 1 to 4 p.m.

MONDAY

“F To eMbody: A Reconstruction of Gender,” “gender-deviant” multi-media and spoken-word event by Rocco Katastrophe and the Athens Boys Choir, Bates College (Benjamin Mays Center), Lewiston. Free. 786-8303. 8:30 p.m.

• FILMS

Global Lens International Film Series, “Toll Booth” (2010, Turkey), Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston. Free. bates.edu/museum. 7:30 p.m. Monday.

“War Don Don” (2010), documentary screening with director/producer Rebecca Richman, Bowdoin College (Kresge Auditorium), Brunswick. Free. 725-3291. 7 p.m. Monday.

“Sunrise at Campobello,” 1960 film tells the story of FDR’s battle against polio, with presentation by Dr. Christopher N. Breiseth, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta. $5. skidompha.org. 6:30 p.m. Monday.

“Big Night” (1996, Rated R), family drama with Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci, University of Maine (Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine), Augusta. Free. hhrc.uma.edu. Noon Tuesday.

“Arranged” (2007), drama about the friendship between an Orthodox Jew and a Muslim woman, both first-year teachers in Brooklyn; post-film discussion by Bill Halpin and Saskia Huising; Rockland Public Library. Free. 594-0310. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6.

• BOOKS/AUTHORS

THURSDAY

Thomas Gaffney, author of “A Prophecy of Love,” Bookstacks, Bucksport. 469-8992. 6 p.m.

FRIDAY

Josh Pahigian, author of “Strangers on the Beach,” Edith Belle Libby Memorial Library, Old Orchard Beach. 934-4351. 6 p.m.

SATURDAY

Dahlov Ipcar, author of “Dahlov Ipcar’s Maine Alphabet,” Georgetown Historical Society. 371-9200. 10 a.m.

Alison Pray, author of “Standard Baking Co. Pastries,” Nonesuch Books, South Portland. nonesuchbooks.com. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kendall Scott, author of “Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen,” Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe, Damariscotta. mainecoastbookshop.com. 11 a.m.

Josh Pahigian, author of “Strangers on the Beach,” Books-A-Million, South Portland. 253-5587. 1 to 3 p.m.

Susan Paradis, author and illustrator of “Snow Princess,” Sharpe Gallery, Kennebunk. thesharpegallery.com. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

Photographer Brian Vanden Brink, author of “Iconic: Perspectives on the Man-Made World,” Camden Public Library. 236-3440. 7 p.m.

Tim Caverly, author of “Allagash Tails,” York Public Library. www.york.lib.me.us. 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Tess Chakkalakal, author of “Novel Bondage: Slavery, Marriage, and Freedom in Nineteenth-Century America,” Bowdoin College (Massachusetts Hall), Brunswick. 725-3552. 4:15 p.m.

DEC. 6

Painter Marguerite Robichaux and Author Elizabeth Peavey, illustrator and author of “Glorious Slow Going,” Maine Historical Society, Portland. mainehistory.org. 7 p.m.

Stephanie Tourles, author of “Hands-On Healing Remedies,” Bookstacks, Bucksport. 469-8992.6 p.m.

• SPORTS

Maine Red Claws, NBA Development League affiliate of the Boston Celtics, Portland Exposition Building. $6 to $30. www.nba.com/dleague/maine. Vs. Los Angeles, 7 p.m. Friday; vs. Sioux Falls, 1 p.m. Sunday.

Portland Pirates, AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland. $15 to $20. portlandpirates.com. Vs. Worcester, 7 p.m. Friday; vs. Providence, 7 p.m. Saturday.

• PARTICIPANT DANCE

Greater Portland Community Contra Dance Series, live music by PlayGroup and calling by John McIntire, Falmouth Congregational Church. $10; $7 for ages 13 to 20; $5 for ages 5 to 12; free for children under age 5. 358-9354. Lessons at 7:15 p.m., dance at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Contra Dance, with the Big Moose Band and caller Chrissy Fowler, College of the Atlantic (Gates Center), Bar Harbor. $6; $1 for children; $2 for family dance. 288-5015. Family dance at 6:30 p.m., lessons at 7:30 p.m., dance at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Copy the Story Link