Winter Solstice Lantern Walk
5-6 p.m. Dec. 21. Houghton Graves Park, Orr’s Island. Free. hhltmaine.org
Celebrate the winter solstice with a lantern walk and bonfire with the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust. Walk along a short, easy trail lined with lanterns and luminaria. You are encouraged to bring a lantern to carry. At the end of the trail, warm up with songs, fire, hot cocoa and sweet treats. All are welcome at this free, family-friendly event.
Sunday Snow Shoeing with Santa
1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23. Nordic Heritage Sport Club, Presque Isle. Free. www.nordicheritagecenter.org
Little known fact: Santa loves to snowshoe. Join the big guy on the trails at the Nordic Heritage Sport Club for a guided hike, or explore the trails on your own. $2 snowshoe rentals available or BYO snowshoes. The lodge will be open at noon for hot cocoa and visits with Santa before hitting the trails.
Bombers & Bathrobes: Christmas Vacation Primal Fitness
9-10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 23. Wolfpack Fitness, Auburn. $5. www.facebook.com/WolfPackWorldWide/
This is a “Christmas Vacation”-themed outdoor workout. Really, an ode to Cousin Eddie. Wear a bomber hat and bathrobe in his honor and Wolfpack Fitness founder Luke Robinson will donate of your admission (which is only $5, BTW) to a charity/non-profit of the group’s choosing. Dress for the weather – the workout is outdoors!
Foulmouthed New Year’s Mile
Noon Jan 1. Foulmouthed Brewing, South Portland. Adults $25, children $15. runsignup.com
It's a one-mile run. We can do one mile, right? A one-mile run that ends with beer?! YES! It's the inaugural Foulmouthed New Year's Mile. After the race, each participant will receive a commemorative Foulmouthed New Years Glass Mug and each adult participant will receive one free craft beer pour into their hard-earned mug!
Celebrate the New Year with a frigid dip!
Dip and Dash
11 a.m. New Year's Eve. Back Cove & East End Beach, Portland. $35 (additional fundraising encouraged). www.nrcm.org
Start with a 5K around Back Cove. End with a plunge into the cold water off East End Beach. You can just run, just plunge, or do both! Participants are encouraged to raise additional donations for the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
Lobster Dip
Noon New Year's Day. On the beach in front of The Brunswick, OOB. Raise a minimum of $100. www.somaine.org
A popular annual event, the Lobster Dip benefits Special Olympics Maine. It brings out bold souls - many in great costumes - for a plunge in the water.
First Day Hikes
Bureau of Parks and Lands hosts free First Day Hikes on New Year's Day. More info on www.maine.gov
2 p.m. Jan. 1. Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park. Free
A leisurely 0.3-mile guided walk to enjoy 'Winter in the Woods' and learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided after the hike.
Noon Jan. 1. Lily Bay State Park. Free
A leisurely 3-mile hike near Moosehead Lake to investigate the wonders of the season. There will also be a 1-mile hike for beginners. Snacks and hot drinks provided at end of hike along with a warm bonfire.
Snowshoeing in a Santa suit or swimming in icy cold water.
Shannon Bryan from FITMAINE.COM has activities all over the state, from Presque Isle to Portland, to keep the blood pumping over the holidays.