Deering Center Winter Solstice Gathering
4-6:30 p.m. Saturday. Brentwood Farms Community Garden, 200 Brentwood St., Portland, free. On Facebook.
Here’s a chance to slow down for a bit and reflect on the shortest day of the year. The Deering Center Winter Solstice Gathering is an annual event presented by the Deering Center Neighborhood association, and all are welcome. You’ll find a candlelit spiral path to walk through, along with a bonfire to warm yourself by. At 6 p.m., the winter solstice ceremony starts, and about a half hour later, you’ll leave feeling renewed and hopeful.

Sing! It’s Christmas
7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington St., Bath, free. chocolatechurcharts.org
The tradition started decades ago and is still going strong. On the final Monday before Christmas, families, friends and anyone who feels like belting out some holiday tunes gather at the Chocolate Church Arts Center.  William Lederer, the center’s executive director,  is the featured performer and you can also expect a visit from a certain white-bearded fella.

Skate with Santa
10 a.m. to noon Sunday. Androscoggin Bank Colisee, 190 Birch St., Lewiston, $5, $3 for kids, additional $3 for rental skates. On Facebook.
It’s a special public skating session at the Colisee – but at no extra cost. The one and only Santa Claus will be visiting with skaters on the ice and off, before he gears up for his annual trip to chimneys around the globe. In addition to some face and skate time with Saint Nick, all skaters will receive a free hot chocolate. That’s a merry sweet deal.