Dancers share a snack Nov. 29 during a dress rehearsal for “A Nutcracker Christmas” at the Franco Center in Lewiston. The Dance Center of Auburn staged performances Friday and Saturday at the Franco Center at 46 Cedar St. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque peers through the fire pit Nov. 30 at Lost Valley ski area in Auburn, where he plans to spend more time after leaving office. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Mike Small tends to his poinsettias Nov. 27 at Small’s Greenhouse at 726 Summer St. in Auburn. This is Small’s 40th season cultivating the plants, a process that begins with cuttings in July. Growing 700 poinsettias annually, Small emphasizes he does not need to retain numerous details in his mind about the plants. “I have knowledge in my hands and in my eyes,” he says. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

The Kora Temple on Main Street in Lewiston is aglow for the holidays Nov. 27 in this time-lapse photograph. The temple’s annual FEZtival of Trees concluded the previous weekend and the tree winners were announced Nov. 26. The list can be found at www.facebook.com/feztivaloftreez. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Aaron Sypek of Gray casts for trout Nov. 30 at Range Pond State Park in Poland. “I am hoping for a nice brown or rainbow, but the only thing I have had luck with is the brookies,” he says of the brook trout he has caught this late in the season. “I’m good for about 30 minutes out here. It’s a good way to ice my knees.” Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Ella Labelle, right, of the Edward Little/Leavitt/Poland girls hockey team reacts after Red Hornets goalkeeper Izzy Jalbert made a save during a Nov. 25 game against Biddeford/Kennebunk/Thornton Academy/Wells at Norway Savings Bank Arena. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Auburn Public Works Department employee Ryan Walter, in bucket, and Mike Dailey, hidden behind the bucket, work Nov. 28 to connect power to holiday decorations on the Anniversary Park bell tower in Auburn. The Light the Park tree lighting and grand opening of the Christmas Shopping Village were held Dec. 1 at the park at 8 Second St. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Amelia Pullen, left, gives last-minute direction Nov. 29 to dancers rehearsing for “A Nutcracker Christmas” at the Franco Center in Lewiston. The Dance Center of Auburn staged performances Friday and Saturday at the Franco Center at 46 Cedar St. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Nick Roy holds his daughter, Scout, on Dec. 1 as she picks her favorite ornament from one of the trees at Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub in Auburn. They are there to support Brayden Bashaw at his final “Ornaments for Hope” fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Maine. “He owes his perfect smile to my wife,” Roy says. “She’s been cleaning his teeth since he was 3.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal