The elves have begun to work their magic at the Opera House, transforming it into a winter wonderland in preparation for the fast approaching Festival of Trees and Gingerbread Spectacular over next week's Harborlights Weekend. As in past years, Kevin Kiley is serving as the grand designer for both the first floor as well as the gallery and bar decorations. The final decorating will take place this Sunday, November 25 throughout the day. Members of the community interested in helping are encouraged to stop by the House and lend a hand during the afternoon.

With the holiday shopping and gift giving season ahead, now is the time to pick up one or more of the $10 gift certificate tickets available for sale at the Opera House office. They can be used toward ticket purchases throughout 2008 and 2009 and might just be the perfect gift for a friend or family member who likes music or theater.

Upcoming shows in 2008 include Enter the Haggis, George Winston, J. Geils, the Old Time Opry, Gaelic Storm, Colin Hay, Kate Schrock, Alasdair Fraser, Butch Thompson, the New Black Eagles Jazz band and many others. The office is open for gift certificate sales Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last week's gingerbread house classes led by Pat Kiley helped to spur on a number of bakers, young and old. The houses decorated by the younger set during the 3 p.m. class and the house decorated by the wine-drinking adult class that evening are both on display in the Opera House lobby. See if you can decide which is which. If you plan to create an edible creation, there is still time to sign up for the Gingerbread Spectacular. Call the office at 633-6855 or sign up via e-mail at info@boothbayoperahouse.com. In any case, plan to visit the House on Saturday, December 1 to take a peak at these magical creations.

Volunteer Elise Andersen is busy organizing for this year's Artisans Festival on December 8. The festival is a terrific place to do holiday shopping while supporting some of the region's finest craftspeople and artists. Even if you have your shopping completed consider stopping by to listen to the music and catch up with friends. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The only official sit-in-your-chair-and-look-towards-the-stage show on the line-up for the month is the Bing Crosby inspired Holiday Show and community sing-along on Saturday, December 22. Among others Jeff Rojo will be performing on classical guitar and Kevin Kiley on piano, Caitlin Brackett will dance, Paul Noah and Kit Sherrill have promised to bring their Marley and Scrooge characters to the stage. A community carol sing along is planned as part of the evening too.

All of the December events at the Opera House are offered free to the community. Please mark your calendar for one or more of them and stop by and share a bit of the season.