Schedule:
10am to 5pm - gift shopping in wiscasset village
The Village’s remarkable collection of shops and galleries is open. On-site owners are ready to assist shoppers, searching for just-right gifts for everyone on the list, with advice and suggestions.
Drawing for Dining raffle in participating shops.
Take a chance on a FREE raffle for $100 gift certificates to local restaurants: Water St. Kitchen & Bar, Jodie’s Cafe & Bakery, and Back River Bistro.
10am to 4pm - Holiday Gift Shop
The Holiday Gift Shop is a seasonal pop-up shop featuring a curated collection of artisan wares, holiday greens, and gifts for guys and gardeners. Located in the Nickels-Sortwell barn on Federal St.
Wreaths around the holidays
Wiscasset area businesses decorate wreaths in the spirit of the season and shoppers vote for their People’s Choice favorite. Wreaths are donated to Toys for Tots’ families after Marketfest
basket to the brim raffle
Featuring merchandise and hand-made items from local artisans and shops. Raffle tickets available for purchase in the Holiday Gift Shop on Federal St..
Chocolate Samples
The Chocolate Pan offers samples to browsing shoppers, 2 to 4pm.
10am to 11:30am - Paper Star Workshop
Learn to create your own paper star ornaments in this hands-on workshop with paper artist Joelle Webber. Bring your scissors if you have them; all other materials provided. $10 suggested donation to support St. Philips’ Church programs. Registration in advance recommended, but not essential. Leave a message: Hosted by St. Philip’s Church, 12 Hodge St.
10am to noon - Children’s Christmas Sale at the Wiscasset Public Library
Children shop for family members with the help of friendly Elves. All items priced modestly. Parents wait upstairs, and the children rejoin them after shopping with purchased gifts wrapped. Drop-in. Proceeds support the efforts of Friends of the WPL. 21 High St.
10:30am to 3pm - Nickels-Sortwell House Tours
The historic Nickels-Sortwell House, built in 1807, opens its doors to visitors for a glimpse into another era - festooned with seasonal florals inspired by history. $5. Wiscasset residents and Historic New England members; others, $10. Advance timed tickets recommended; walk-ins welcome. 121 Main St.
11am to 12:30pm - Kissing Ball Workshop with Mare LeMay
Make your own Kissing Ball for holiday decorating in this workshop with basket-maker and flower farmer Mare LeMay. Mare will guide you through every step and you’ll take home a beautiful, evergreen kissing ball for your home. Class is limited to 8 students with advance registration. $30 class fee includes materials. To register, send your message to [email protected]; fees are payable at the door. 62 Middle St., Wiscasset, ME.
11am to 3pm - Wreath-Making Demo and Sale
Watch Desiree Bailey make wreaths on the sidewalk as you shop. Take home a few tips or take home a few wreaths! Main St.(Rte. 1), Wiscasset Village.
11am to 2pm - caroling in the village with the Heart ‘n soul quartet
Enjoy the harmonies of the Heart ‘n Soul Quartet as they circulate through the Village, stopping at the Holiday Gift Shop and other in-town locations.
2pm - Christmas Cookie Challenge
A flock of home bakers each presents a dozen seasonal cookies for this holiday challenge. Appearance, crumble, seasonality, presentation, and FLAVOR! Judges sample and choose the BEST. A Christmas Cookie sale follows with proceeds donated to Feed Our Scholars. Hosted by AEkeir Brew Pub (lower level), 111 Main St.
noon to 3pm - horse-drawn wagon rides around the village
Hop on board Woodfield Farm’s horse-drawn wagon for a pleasant ride around the town or a shuttle to your Village destination. FREE to all
4-6pm - Lounge Time at Water St. Kitchen & Bar
Take a break from shopping with a snack! Help yourself to COMPLIMENTARY tasty bites in the lounge, 4pm to 6pm. Show your recent receipt from any Village shop to receive a Holiday cocktail at $8 during open hours: noon to 3pm; 4:30pm to 9pm. 15 Water St.
Back River Bistro’s Marketfest Specials
Enjoy your holiday purchases even more when you present a Village shopping receipt for a Mushroom Toast app discounted to $10; “Town Favorite” cocktails discounted to $8. (The Town Favorite is a specialty cocktail of gin and elderflower created by bartender, Erin, when neighbors asked her to “make something special.” And so she did: light, refreshing, with a lemon citrus finish.) Open hours: 4 to 8pm. 65 Gardiner Rd.
Christmas tree lighting and carols on wiscasset common at dusk
A long Wiscasset tradition is the annual tree lighting on the Common accompanied by the angelic voices of schoolchildren. A Wiscasset Parks & Rec. Dept. event. 4:00pm.
6:30-9:30pm - Snow Ball
Dance to local rock band, Deadly Desire, and enjoy a cash bar and light bites for purchase. $10.pp. This is an adult dance, but childcare is available on site with services provided by high school seniors - donations requested - who are raising funds for the Class of 2025. Wiscasset Community Center, 242 Gardiner Rd.
