We’re counting down to the merriment that IS Christmas Prelude! Check out our festive programming, below.

WEEK 1: DECEMBER 3 – DECEMBER 7

Family Hat Parade Making Workshop

  • Date: Wednesday, December 3rd 
  • Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
  • Cost: $45.00 (all supplies included)
  • Faculty: Emily Bider 

REGISTER HERE

Bring the family, grab a friend or treat yourself to some festive fun! Decorate and personalize a hat to wear in the infamous Prelude Hat Parade or other holiday gatherings. If you have a hat you’d like to use aside from the provided felt gnome hat, feel free to bring your own. We’ll have the rest of the supplies with which to decorate your hat. Attendees under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Prelude Art Show Opening Reception

  • Date: Thursday, December 4th 
  • Time: 4pm-6pm
  • Location: River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave, Lower Village, Kennebunk

Join us for our winter art show opening reception featuring artwork by friends of RTA, who will donate their proceeds to us from any works sold. Stop by and peruse works, enjoy nibbles and sips, and listen to live music from RTA music students and faculty!

Family Wreath Making Workshop

  • When: Friday, December 5
  • Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
  • Cost: $80.00 per wreath (includes all supplies to decorate your wreath)

REGISTER HERE

Usher in the holiday spirit and decorate a wreath in this festive workshop! Each participant will start with a 14-inch wreath, made from fresh greens. A variety of decorating accessories to choose from will include pine cones, bows, berries and other decorative favorites. You’ll leave with a beautiful wreath to cherish all season long. This is a self-guided, adult workshop. Children ages 10+ are welcome with an adult. $80.00 per wreath (includes all supplies). 

Family Wreath Making Workshops

When: Saturday, December 6

Time: [three sessions – see below]

Cost: $80.00 per wreath (includes all supplies to decorate your wreath)

Usher in the holiday spirit and decorate a wreath in this festive workshop! Each participant will start with a 14-inch wreath, made from fresh greens. A variety of decorating accessories to choose from will include pine cones, bows, berries and other decorative favorites. You’ll leave with a beautiful wreath to cherish all season long. This is a self-guided, adult workshop. Children ages 10+ are welcome with an adult. $80.00 per wreath (includes all supplies). 

Adult Paint & Fire Prelude Keepsake Ornament Workshops

When: Saturday, December 6

Time: (Two workshops)

Cost: $30.00 [* Shipping add-on additional $10.00] 

Faculty: Jen Bremser

Channel your holiday spirit and personalize a ceramic keepsake ornament! Finished pieces will be available for pickup/shipping within 7-10 days. Locals can pick up from RTA available during office hours. *Shipping of items is available for an added fee ($10.00) for attendees who are traveling. 

Kids’ Milk & Cookies Set Workshop (Ages 5-11)

When: Saturday, December 6

Time: (Two workshops)

Cost: $45.00 [* Shipping add on additional $20.00] 

Faculty: Jen Bremser

Bring the kiddos to this jolly workshop where they can paint their own pottery! These petite plates and mugs are perfect for holiday cookies, milk and cocoa! Let them personalize a keepsake that they will have for years to come. All items will be fired in our kiln making them food safe. Finished pieces will be available for pickup/shipping within 7-10 days. Locals can pick up from RTA during office hours. *Shipping of items is available for an added fee ($20.00) for attendees who are traveling. 

Make Your Own Mixed Metal Bangles (3 hour workshop)

  • When: Saturday, December 6
  • Time: 10am-1pm (3 hours)
  • Faculty: Erin McGann
  • Cost: $110.00 (all supplies & materials included)

REGISTER HERE

Have you ever wanted to make your own jewelry? Join us for a three hour bangle-making workshop and learn the art of crafting your own unique pieces!

In this hands-on class, you’ll create three brass and three copper bangles using 8-gauge wire. You’ll learn essential jewelry-making techniques, including wrist measuring, filing, soldering, and adding hammered textures. Whether you’re making a gift or treating yourself, you’ll leave with beautiful, handmade bangles and new skills. Space is limited – sign up early to reserve your spot! For adults and teens ages 16+. 

Adult Crystal Ornament Workshop 

  • When: Saturday, December 6
  • Time: 11am – 1pm
  • Faculty: Emily Bider
  • Cost: $45.00 (all materials & tools provided)

REGISTER HERE

Join us for an enriching adult Prelude Workshop where you’ll learn to create your own unique crystal star ornaments, perfect for brightening up someone’s day! Under the expert guidance of jewelry designer, Emily Bider, you’ll explore creative techniques using assorted crystals and wire forms. All materials and tools are provided, so all you need to bring is your creativity. In this hands-on session, you’ll gain new skills while crafting beautiful, one-of-a-kind ornaments. Whether for yourself or as a gift, these shimmering creations are sure to add a special touch to any space!

Adult Paint & Sip Dock Square Tree Workshop

  • When: Saturday, December 6
  • Time: 2pm-4pm
  • Cost: $55.00
  • Faculty: Marguerite Genest 

REGISTER HERE

Enjoy a Prelude activity painting and sipping wine with friends! Channel your inner Van Gogh as we paint a Prelude themed holiday canvas. Local artist Marguerite Genest will guide you through the step by step process of developing your composition, colors and technique, using acrylic paints on a stretched 9” x 12” canvas. Glasses of Wine and mini snacks available for donation. Thank you to our Paint & Sip Sponsors.

WEEK 2: DECEMBER 12 – DECEMBER 13

Family Wreath Making Workshop 

  • When: Friday, December 12
  • Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm  
  • Cost: $80.00 per wreath (includes all supplies to decorate your wreath)

REGISTER HERE

Usher in the holiday spirit and decorate a wreath in this festive workshop! Each participant will start with a 14-inch wreath, made from fresh greens. A variety of decorating accessories to choose from will include pine cones, bows, berries and other decorative favorites. You’ll leave with a beautiful wreath to cherish all season long. This is a self-guided, adult workshop. Children ages 10+ are welcome with an adult. $80.00 per wreath (includes all supplies). 

Prelude Concert – Haloye & The Boys

  • When: Friday, December 12
  • Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
  • Cost: $10.00 per ticket (in advance) OR $15.00 day of (if available)

PRE-PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Join locally formed band “Haloye & The Boys” to celebrate Prelude with an evening of festive fun and music that includes some blues, soul, funk and holiday songs. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to secure a seat as seating space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome provided there are tickets available. Tickets are $10.00 each and all proceeds benefit River Tree Arts. 

Family Wreath Making Workshop

When: Saturday, December 13

Time: [Two sessions – see below]

Cost: $80.00 per wreath (includes all supplies to decorate your wreath)

Usher in the holiday spirit and decorate a wreath in this festive workshop! Each participant will start with a 14-inch wreath, made from fresh greens. A variety of decorating accessories to choose from will include pine cones, bows, berries and other decorative favorites. You’ll leave with a beautiful wreath to cherish all season long. This is a self-guided, adult workshop. Children ages 10+ are welcome with an adult. $80.00 per wreath (includes all supplies). 

Sugar Plum Fairy Ballet Dance Workshop, Ages 4-7 [registration required]

  • When: Saturday, December 13
  • Time: 10am-12pm
  • Ages: 4-7 years old
  • Cost: $45.00 

Instructor: Abby Nolette 

REGISTER HERE

 Enjoy some free time enjoying the festivities in and around town while your little one enjoys a ballet workshop and craft activity. No previous dance skills required – all are welcome. Students need to pre-register to reserve a spot. Ages 4-7. Space is limited to 12 attendees. Price $45.00 per student. All proceeds benefit River Tree Arts. $45.00 – 2 Hour Workshop (10-12pm). 

Little Elves Hip Hop Dance Workshop (ages 6-10) [registration required]

  • When: Saturday, December 13
  • Time: 1pm-3pm
  • Ages: 6-10 years old
  • Cost: $45.00

Instructor: Abby Nolette

REGISTER HERE

Enjoy some free time enjoying the festivities in and around town while your little one enjoys a hip hop dance workshop and craft activity. No previous dance skills required – all are welcome. Students need to pre-register to reserve a spot. Ages 6-10. Space is limited to 12 attendees. $45.00 – 2 Hour Workshop (1-3pm).