“A Christmas Survival Guide,” City Theater, Biddeford

Dec. 16, Friday, 7pm, “Yuletide Concert with Great Bay Sailor 2016,” songs of Brittany; carols of the British Restoration (mid-17th century); ancient ceremonial marches; “pub carols” born in the countryside near Sheffield England; familiar settings from the well-known Anglican Ceremony of Carols; music that tells the Christmas story with an Appalachian accent; Irish songs, both tender and raucous; seasonal selections from the British Music Hall; and lovely tunes and airs to make the season dance, $15, Parsons Center, 140 Lindsay Road, York. FMI: 207-363-4974, oldyork.org.
Dec. 16-18, Friday-Sunday, 7:30pm/Fri. and Sat, 2pm/Sun, “A Christmas Survival Guide: a Miniature Christmas Spectacular,” This show is full of music and laughs. Armed with a copy of “A Christmas Survival Guide” and an optimistic attitude, the characters learn to cope with the stresses of the season in ways that are both hilarious and heartwarming. “Ho Ho Hilarious! The funniest Christmas revue around!” $20, City Theater, 205 Main Street, Biddeford. FMI: 207-282-0849, www.citytheater.org.
Dec. 17, Saturday, 2-4pm, “Celebrate Winter Solstice,” The solstices, marking the longest (summer) and shortest (winter) days of the year, have been celebrated by many cultures since ancient times. The ancient construction known as Stonehenge in England may have been designed, among other purposes, to pay special honor to these days. This year’s winter solstice occurs on Wednesday, December 21 at 5:44 am, but we’ll host our celebration early with history and lore, poetry and a solstice story. We’ll begin the program indoors and then go out to watch the sun as it prepares to set and enjoy the beauty of nature. On our walk we’ll identify a few plants in their winter form and learn some fun and interesting natural history, register, $7, $15/family of 5 or more, Wells Reserve at Laudholm, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells. FMI: 207-646-1555, www.wellsreserve.org.
Dec. 17, Saturday, 7pm, “Christmas Ball,” live music with “On Tap,” dancing, 50/50 raffle, benefits Make a Wish Foundation, $25, The Old Village Inn, 250 Main Street, Ogunquit. FMI: 207-646-7088, www.theoldvillageinn.net.
Dec. 18, Sunday, 10am-1:30pm, “Berwick Winter Farmers’ Market,” over 20 vendors selling locally-grown, raised, or made products including: meat, vegetables, mushrooms, cheese, bread, baked goods, jams, pickles, body products, Lebanese food. Kids’ get a bag of free freshly-popped locally-grown popcorn, and we will have live music, Berwick Town Hall, 11 Sullivan Square, Berwick. FMI: 603-969-6454, berwickfarmersmarket.wordpress.com.
Dec. 18, Sunday, 2-4pm, “Carols on Ice,” music, skating, holiday sing-a-long exhibition by North Atlantic Figure Skating Club, refreshments and treats, free, Waterhouse Center, 51 Main Street, Downtown Kennebunk. FMI: 207-985-2102, www.chamber.gokennebunks.com.
Dec. 18, Sunday, 4pm, “Bar Mills Community Church Christmas Cantata: Behold that Star!,” The BMCC Choir along with other local talent will be telling the story of the Nativity by lifting up the voices in many joyous carols and hymns. Come fill your spirit with the sights and sounds of Christmas. This is an event that all your family and friends will enjoy, free, Bar Mills Community Church, 13 Hermit Thrush Drive, Buxton. FMI: 207-310-4215, www.barmillscommunitychurch.org.