I’m seriously hoping the snow storm we get this weekend isn’t going to whomp on this Cheap Date idea, because it’s got everything squeal-worthy: wine, horses and fireworks.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, the third annual Holiday on the Harbor in Rockport Village begins and here's your Cheap Dates itinerary.

Rayr Wine Shop is kicking off a wine tasting at 2:00-5:00 p.m. There are two things to love about this. 1) It's free. 2) It starts at 2:00 p.m. People living in the south cannot appreciate how early we need to get our wine on, because in their time zone, they're still hours away from sunset, whereas at 5:00 p.m. in early December in Maine, most of us are trying to get a fake bake tan out of our light therapy boxes into order to stave off the Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D).

If you've not ever been to a Rayr wine tasting, you're in for a real treat. Going to their shop feels like being invited into someone's really nice home. "Oh, please have some wine." "Oh, thanks I would love some." (Wink at the person next to you and mouth the words: "Classy.")

Afterwards, there will be free horse drawn carriage rides; something you've got to try at least once in your life. At 3:00 p.m. Bay Chamber Concerts will be presenting the Songs of Solomon Gospel Choir from Harlem at the Rockport Opera House. At sunset, 1,000 luminaries will line Pascal Avenue from Hoboken Gardens at Highway 1, through the village, around to CMCA on Russell Avenue and down to the harbor. (Pascal Avenue will be closed to traffic from West Street to Maine Street from sunset to about 7:00 p.m.) Caroling by the ocean will commence with fireworks at 5:00 p.m.

Okay, the caroling....that's either your bag or it isn't. But, allow that piece of charcoal that doubles for your heart to open itself up to the possibility of watching people sing while holding candles by the ocean. It's actually pretty awesome.

Businesses in the village will be open late that day and parking will be easy at the old RES. See you there!

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com