CAMDEN — The First Congregational Church of Camden will host several festive events during ‘Christmas by the Sea’ weekend in Camden, December 1-3, 2023.

On Friday, December 1, at 12 noon, ‘Christmas by the Sea’ weekend will kick off with a fun and festive holiday variety show, led by Director of Music, Matthew Mainster. Selections for piano, organ, baritone saxophone, a variety of string instruments, and voice will be featured. This concert will be presented free of charge courtesy of First Congregational Church’s Friends of Music program. Donations welcomed in support of the Friends of Music program.

On Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Holiday Craft Fair will be held in the Pilgrim Room, featuring a variety of fine crafts made by local artisans. Shop for jewelry, wood crafts, needle felting, wreaths, soaps, quilting, ornaments, knit hats and mittens, pet gifts, holiday decorations, and more.

Also on Saturday, December 2, at 4 p.m., the church will host the seventeenth annual Ringing in the Season handbell concert. This year’s concert will feature Choral Bells of the First Congregational Church of Camden, Penobscot Bay Ringers, also of Camden, handbell soloists Debra Hall of Rockport and Felicia Robinson of Warren. This concert is free of charge, with donations welcomed in support of Camden Area District Nursing Association. Seating for the handbell concert will begin at 3:30 p.m., and attendees will be treated to pre-concert music by cellist Kay Allan of Thomaston starting at 3:45 p.m.

“Come and enjoy the crafts, music, and holiday cheer in downtown Camden,” said the Church, in a news release.

For more information about these events, please contact The First Congregational Church at 236-4821.