What's Happening This Weekend...

The Velveteen Rabbit
December 9-20
Penobscot Theatre
The classic “toy story” comes to life in this modern theatrical adaptation of the favorite children’s book. A holiday treat for the whole family. $20.
www.penobscottheatre.org

Holiday Celebration
December 10
Southwest Harbor
This daylong event includes a craft fair 9 am–3 pm, a community tree lighting with Santa at 5:30 pm, photos with Santa at the Harbor House 6–7:30 pm, and late night sales at select Southwest Harbor merchants 8–midnight.
244-3713

Searsport Victorian Christmas
December 10-12
Searsport
Head to this quaint seaside town for open houses at museums, homes, and bed and breakfasts.
548-6372

Candy Cane Capers
December 11
Belfast United Methodist Church
This is an opportunity for children ages 5–12 to shop for their families at little cost. Each child is given $1 in candy cane money and each gift is tagged and wrapped for them. Refreshments served. 9 am.
www.belfastumc.org

Bar Harbor Merchants Association Open House
December 11
Downtown Bar Harbor
Sigh up for raffles and enjoy the holiday cheer. Santa is in town 12–3 pm and carolers will be singing in the streets and in the shops.
www.barharbormerchants.com

Downtown Family Festival
December 12
Downtown Ellsworth
Sponsored by the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, this family friendly festival features food, live music, caroling, and more. 11 am.
www.ellsworthchamber.org

The Compassionate Friends Annual Worldwide Candlelighting
December 12
Cary Library, Houlton
One of only four sites in Maine to hold this international event, it honors families who have lost their children. 7 pm.
532-1302

Down East Singers Present: A Holiday Concert
December 12
Camden Opera House
The works of Kirke Mechem are featured in this year’s show, including “The Seven Joys of Christmas,” and “Birthdays in Round Numbers.” Also on the program will be Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria” and Heinrich Schütz’s “Also Hat Gott die Welt Geliebt.” 2:30 pm.
www.camdenoperahouse.com

Holiday Open House
December 12
Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor
Don’t miss the 4th Annual Holiday Open House and all the crafts, games, and holiday treats that go along with it. Free.
288-3519

Verdi's Don Carlo
December 12
Collins Center for the Arts
In this Metropolitan Opera Live Broadcast, director Nicholas Hytner makes his Met debut with this new production of Verdi's profound, beautiful, and most ambitious opera. 1 pm. $24.
www.collinscenterforthearts.com