Start the winter holiday season with a visit to Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest!

The festivities begin on Friday, Dec. 5, with shopping the Village’s unique shops and galleries. For families, kids are invited to visit Santa who arrives in the Village via a light parade extravaganza in early evening. Join him for cocoa, treats, and crafts for kids! Pet the live sheep and enjoy s’mores around the fire pit. Food options and spiked beverages make this a block party for all to enjoy!

The Holiday Gift Shop in the Nickels-Sortwell House barn on Federal St., open on Friday through Sunday, offers an assortment of local and regional artisan wares for holiday gifts. A display of wreaths decorated by local businesses is always an anticipated feature. Be inspired then cast a ballot for your favorite!

Saturday, Dec. 6, offers more shopping, the Christmas Cookie Challenge, a free raffle for restaurant gift certificates, children’s shopping at the library, ice carving on the sidewalk, a free horse and wagon shuttle, workshops, and historic Nickels-Sortwell House tours. At dusk, the Town Common hosts schoolchildren singing holiday favorites and the lighting of the town tree.

Sunday, Dec. 7, features shopping, holiday craft workshops, a free horse and wagon shuttle, and more seasonal fun! Once the daytime activities wrap, put on your dancing shoes for the Snow Ball, an adult community dance party.

For all the details, visit the calendar on the Marketfest web site: www.wiscassetholidaymarketfest.com.