The season to be jolly is bringing with it a sleighful of holiday events. From tree and menorah lightings to grand theatrical productions, there’s something for every level of holiday spirit to enjoy in Maine. 

For even more holiday happenings, head to pressherald.com.

Gardens Aglow

Through Dec. 31. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay, $10-$23. mainegardens.org.

Now in its 11th year, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens annual Gardens Aglow lights display is bigger and better, with added displays and enhanced technical features. As you stroll around the garden’s 14 acres, you’ll encounter giant wooden trolls, a fairy house village and displays that use more than 750,000 LED lights.

Northern Lights

Through Dec. 24. Discovery Park and L.L. Bean campus, Freeport. llbean.com.

L.L. Bean’s annual holiday Northern Lights celebration is packed with all sorts of cheerful, free things do. A new feature this year is the Winter Spectacular projection show at the Camp L.L. Bean tent. Northern Lights also features writing letters at Santa’s Cabin, festive photo ops, holiday screen printing, live music and visits with Santa Claus, among other memory-making experiences.

Monument Square Tree Lighting

4-6:30 p.m. Friday. Monument Square, Portland. portlandmaine.com.

Gather one and all for the annual magical moment when the Monument Square holiday tree is lit with much fanfare in downtown Portland. The schedule includes free hot cocoa, holiday photo booth, a screening of “Elf,” a Buddy the Elf look-alike contest, carol singing and a performance by the a cappella group Pine State Pitches. It’s a perfect way to shine on Black Friday.

Christmas at Victoria Mansion

Friday-Jan. 4. Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St., Portland, $19.25, $17.25 seniors, $8 college students, $6 children 6-17, free for 5 and under. victoriamansion.org.

Victoria Mansion gets decked out big time at Christmastime. Ten rooms are decorated by local designers who infuse the 156-year-old home with nostalgic holiday joy. This year, the designers are taking inspiration from the mansion’s long partnership with the Portland Ballet. Other events at the mansion this season include Stories on the Staircase, The Nutcracker Gala, Night of the Nutcracker and Making Christmas Merry & Bright with Dickens.

‘The Nutcracker’

1 & 6 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. York Community Auditorium at York High School, 1 Robert Stevens Drive, York, $34, $34, $26 seniors, 12 and under. thedanceannexstudio.com.

The Dance Annex presents its ninth annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Clara’s visit to the Land of the Sweets features guest artists, members of the Annex Contemporary Dance Company and more than 60 local students. With dancing snowflakes, an epic battle and the enchantment of the Sugar Plum Fairy, “The Nutcracker” continues to be a holiday classic.

Maine State Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

2 p.m. Friday to Sunday. 2 & 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Dec. 7. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, $7-$101. porttix.com.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Maine State Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” The story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince has charmed generations of audiences with its adventure through the Land of Sweets, home of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This year’s show features two new dancers in the role of Clara. All told, 53 professional company members and 300 additional dancers populate Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with joy and enchantment. Robert Lehmann will conduct the Maine State Ballet Orchestra and Choir.

‘Who’s Holiday’

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 & 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. Through Dec. 7. Cumston Hall, 796 Main St., Monmouth, $25 – $40. theateratmonmouth.org.

The character of Cindy Lou Who, whom we first met when she was a little more than two, is a beloved character in the classic Dr. Seuss holiday tale “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Here’s your chance to see what happened to her, all these years later. Written by Matthew Lombardo, “Who’s Holiday” is a wild and wacky romp as Who recounts that legendary Christmas Eve when she encountered The Grinch. What path has her life taken since that glorious meal of roast beast with a redeemed Grinch? Grab a ticket and find out.

‘White Christmas’

Dec. 3-21. The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, $68.50-$133.50. themusichall.org.

The Ogunquit Playhouse’s production of Irving Berlin’s musical “White Christmas” is being staged just over the bridge at the gorgeous Music Hall in Portsmouth. With songs like “Happy Holidays,” “Blue Skies,” and the famous title song, this is the holiday show you’ve been dreaming of. The show features none other than Ogunquit Playhouse regular and “All in the Family” star Sally Struthers.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Dec. 4-23. Footlights Theatre, 190 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, $25. thefootlightstheatre.com.

Michael J. Tobin, executive artistic director of Footlights Theatre, stars in an immersive production of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol.” Using special effects, music and some holiday magic, the tale of Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge and a trio of ghosts will be told in a unique way in the intimate space of the Falmouth theater.

Copper Beach Tree Lighting

6 p.m. Dec. 5. Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland. portlandmuseum.org.

Portland Museum of Art lights its more than 100-year-old copper beach tree during a festive celebration. Classical Uprising will present excerpts and sing-along carols from their family-friendly concert series, Sing We Noël, The Telling Room will recite nature and seasonally inspired poems to welcome the season, and the tree is lit at 6:30 p.m. Plus, it’s First Friday so entry to the museum is free, and the store will be offering discounts and treats.

Freeport Sparkle Celebration

Dec. 5-14. Downtown Freeport. visitfreeport.com.

For more than three decades, Freeport has shone brightly during its Sparkle Celebration. This year the event kicks off with the Parade of Lights, marking the arrival of Santa Claus, who brings the town’s famous talking Christmas tree to life. Other schedule highlights include the Sparkle Stroll and Frosty Frolic.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Dec. 6-24. Portland Stage, 25 Forest Ave., Portland, $32-$66. portlandstage.org.

Portland Stage is one of several theaters staging a production of “A Christmas Carol” this holiday season. Can you blame them? There’s a reason why the Dickens story is universally adored. Their take will feature fabulous costumes, sensational music and of course some legendary ghosts. The theater is offering pay-what-you-can performances at 2 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 and at noon on Dec. 7.

Gingerbread Spectacular

Dec. 12-14. Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, free, donations welcome. boothbayoperahouse.com.

For a delicious feast for your eyes, head to the annual Gingerbread Spectacular. You’ll peruse gingerbread castles, cabins, farms, cottages and myriad other structures constructed by Midcoast community members and bakers. Vote for your favorite while enjoying live music and a holiday bake sale presented by The Friends of the Opera House. You can even participate in the silent auction to win one of the gingerbread houses.

Holly Jolly Follies

7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 18-20. The Hill Arts, 76 Congress St., Portland, $25, 18-plus. vividmotiondance.org.

Vivid Motion Dance wants to spice up your holidays with a dance show that features modern, ballet and burlesque. A live DJ will keep the jams coming as Portland’s longest-running burlesque tradition delights and dazzles with sass to spare. You’ll see the troupe perform to holiday classics and ’90s and pop tunes from the likes of Daddy Yankee, Christina Aguilera, Niall Horan and Madonna. If you’re low on funds, there’s a pay-as-you-wish show on Dec. 11. RSVP to [email protected].

‘A Christmas Carol’

7 p.m. Dec. 12, 2 & 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 2 p.m. Dec. 14. The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston, $35, $15 for 18 and under. thepublictheatre.org.

The Public Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” is an adaptation created specifically for them that is now performed globally. With a cast of six actors and a fiddler, Dickens’ tale will be told on an impressive set as its message of hope and redemption is delivered.

Portland Harbor Parade of Lights

4:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Portland Harbor. On Facebook.

The Portland Harbor Parade of Lights celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Upwards of 40 boats festooned with holiday lights will be cruising around Casco Bay. Good viewing spots include the Maine State Pier on Commercial Street and Fore Street toward the Eastern Promenade.

Grand Menorah Lighting

4:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Portland City Hall., 398 Congress St., Portland. chabadofmaine.com.

The annual lighting of the Grand Menorah takes place on the first day of Hannukah on the steps of Portland City Hall. Details are still forthcoming on other parts of the celebration, including live music and an indoor party with food and entertainment.

Wells Christmas Parade

2 p.m. Dec. 14. Steps off at the Rotary Club of Wells and proceeds to Wells Junior High School. wellschristmasparade.com.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Wells Christmas parade. The grand marshals are Gary Leech and Ken Creed, who started the parade back in 1985. Expect plenty of holiday cheer, local celebrities, music and floats. Cookies and cocoa will be available at the start and finish of the parade.

Hanukkah Mexicana

5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 20. Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington St., Bath, $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $10 for ages 5-12, free for 4 and under. chocolatechurcharts.org.

Put a Mexican twist on Hanukkah this year by heading to the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath. The Hanukkah Mexicana celebration includes a mariachi performance by Veronica Robles and her all-female band. You’ll also hear klezmer music by Casco Bay Tummlers, and a combination of both acts performed by Kleziachi. The event also features readings by Ilan Stevens and Margaret Boyle, authors of Sabor Judio: The Jewish Mexican Cookbook. Mexican-Jewish foods inspired by the book will be available, and there will even be a dreidel piñata to take swings at.