How are you coping with this dreary December weather? Here in southern Maine, our fingers are crossed for a healthy dumping of snow—we can all agree that it’s time to send this damp, drizzly gloom packing. Luckily, there are plenty of holiday activities on the schedule to brighten your spirits before the end of the year. Here’s our roundup for this weekend in Maine:

Something to Do:

Enjoy a curated selection of locally made goods and support your favorite Maine makers at Friday’s Holiday Art Walk at the Dana Warp Mill, organized by Kristen Camp of Campfire Pottery. Whether you’re looking for a new piece of jewelry (try Nell Ballard Designs), a festive holiday candle (Near and Native has endless options), or some brand new ceramic pieces to gift this season (Campfire Pottery will have seconds and samples on sale), you’re sure to find something to take home from one of the ten shops opening their doors. 

When: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
Where: 90 Bridge Street, Westbrook

Something to Drink:

Looking for an après-ski experience despite the lack of snow? Visit the newly launched Cabin #211, a toasty holiday pop-up on the back patio of The Danforth in Portland’s West End. Complete with pine trees, festive lighting, specialty cocktails, and light bites (there’s also a shot-ski!), this one-of-a-kind winter wonderland will transport you straight to a cozy ski lodge at the base of your favorite mountain—no goggles or boots required. 

When: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Where: 211 Danforth Street, Portland

Something to See:

After two years of pandemic cancellation, the annual Bar Harbor Gingerbread Contest is back! Hosted by the Bar Harbor Historical Society at La Rochelle Mansion and Museum, this year’s contest is sure to be an extra sweet treat. Stop by to tour the museum, admire the holiday decorations, and vote for your favorite gingerbread house. One lucky winner will receive a $500 grand prize, and two others will win $250 in the community favorite and children’s categories. 

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: 127 West Street, Bar Harbor

Somewhere to Go:

Join Fogtown Brewing Company, Little Red Flower Truck, Atlantic Art Glass, Artsworth, and Heart of Ellsworth for an outdoor marketplace in the Fogtown beer garden, featuring more than 23 local artists showcasing their handmade products and crafts. Beer, hot beverages, and Precipice Coffee will be available to quench your thirst, and Atlantic Art Glass is planning a glass-blowing demonstration you won’t want to miss.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: 25 Pine Street, Ellsworth

Something to Look Forward to:

Did you dip your toes into the sourdough bread baking fandom during quarantine? If your beloved starter has slowly died since then—or if you’re new to the bread baking world—it’s time to stop loafing around, because South Portland favorite Scratch Baking Co. just announced a series of baking workshops beginning in January. Details have yet to be released, but expect a variety of classes including Bagels 101, Beginner Sourdough, and Advanced Sourdough.

When: Launching in January
Where: To be announced

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