jOIN HOUSE IN THE WOODS FOR HOLIDAY FUN!

As the cool crisp air rolls in, the snow begins to settle over the fallen leaves here in

Maine, and we can see our breath in the air. This time of year has always been extra

special here at House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat. Our mission is showing

our gratitude for our military heroes, bringing people together, helping them make new

friends and create great memories. What better time of year for connection, healing and

camaraderie than the Christmas season. House in the Woods will once again open their

doors to the community for a season filled with joy, connection and reflection. This is

time for neighbors, families, Veterans, and friends to gather not just to celebrate the

holidays, but to remember the importance of gathering together, sharing stories and

strengthening our community in a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast.

House in the Woods Annual FREE Community Christmas Celebration will be open

Saturday, December 6 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., and we promise it will be better than

ever. The lodge will be filled with all the sight, sounds and smells of the holiday. Guests

will be welcomed with homemade chili, hot cocoa, and fresh baked cookies, just the

kind of cozy atmosphere that will take us all back to our childhood Christmas memories.

Kids of all ages from 1 to 100 can enjoy decorating cookies, writing letters to Santa, and

taking photos with Mr & Mrs. Clause themselves while everyone soaks in spirit of the

season.

This year they have bigger and better children’s activities, games, and creative stations,

offering fun for kids of all ages. From ornament decorating to Christmas coloring tables

and hands-on winter projects, they’ve been working hard to make sure this celebration

feels magical for all of their guests.

Do you love homemade baked goodies but just don’t have the time anymore? House in

the Woods will also have a holiday bake sale featuring homemade goodies from our

incredible community of bakers. Visitors will be able to take home cookies, tiny pies,

fudge, and other traditional holiday treats, perfect for bringing to family parties, sharing

with neighbors, or enjoying at home – all for a donation supporting our Veterans. Not

only can you leave with a box of delicious treats, but every purchase will also help

support House in the Woods’ mission of Giving Back to our Veterans and military

families by providing free outdoor retreats for healing and camaraderie.

Whether you join for a quick visit or spend the entire afternoon with old and new friends,

this day is meant to be relaxed, welcoming, and full of simple holiday joy. All activities

and goodies are first come first serve. Come solo or bring your kids, your parents, your

neighbors.

Calling All Veterans for some additional Christmas fun. Join us Wednesday, December

17 from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m., we will welcome Veterans, active service members, and

military families to our December Coffee with Vets gathering. This monthly event has

become a wonderful tradition at the lodge, which for many is their HOME AWAY FROM

HOME. House in the Woods is a place where Veterans gather, stories are shared,

friendships are built and no one has to feel alone. The holidays are meant to be spent

together, the December Coffee with Vets will be a great time to sit down together over a

warm cup of coffee, lots of holiday baked goodies and remember that show them what

an amazing and loving community we are blessed to live in. Whether you stay for a few

minutes or the entire morning, please join us as we say THANK YOU for your service

and introduce you to your other local military heroes just like you. We are grateful for

your service and sacrifice.

Last but not least, as we prepare to wrap up 2025, we’re thrilled to announce a brand

new event - House in the Woods’ first-ever New Year’s Eve Celebration on Wednesday,

December 31. Join House in the Woods for an adult only, alcohol-free evening designed

for everyone looking for a positive, safe, and meaningful way to ring in the New Year.

They’ll have music, games, festive mocktails, and space to gather and connect with

friends from the area. Come early and join us for our fireworks display at 5 p.m.,

lighting up the winter sky as we count down together and welcome in a new year full of

new hope and new adventures. The New Years Eve Party will be held from 5 p.m. until

1 a.m. No RSVP necessary for New Years, stop on in!

In a world where many celebrations revolve around alcohol, late nights, or crowded

venues, House in the Woods wanted to offer something a little different - a gathering

where people can feel comfortable, have fun and make great memories, where laughter,

conversation, and connection are the focus. Whether you’ll be flying solo or bringing

friends you’ll know that you’re surrounded by warmth and joy at a celebration that

doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Bring a snack or a dish to pass if you

like.

At House in the Woods, retreats and events have always been about the

CONNECTION. Everything we stand for is about reminding people that they are loved,

appreciated and part of a community that cares. Our mission is focused on giving back

and honoring those who have served, and their families. During the holidays it’s a great

honor to welcome the entire community to come together, reconnect and spend time

together. A stronger and healthier community will be better able to support our military

families TOGETHER. Join them, as we all help strengthen a community where

everyone feels like they belong.

Join House in the Woods in December as they invite you to step into the warmth of the

lodge, gather by the fire, enjoy a coffee, a meal, a laugh, and a memory — and

celebrate the season the way it was meant to be celebrated, TOGETHER.

TOGETHER WE HEAL