A guide to spending the holidays in Portland, ME
A guide to spending the holidays in Portland, ME
by Bre Goode
Hear those sleigh bells ring? Jingling, ring tingle tingling too? Then it must mean the holidays are finally here and we can’t think of a more magical and festive place to celebrate the spirit of the holidays than in Portland, Maine!
…And while Santa puts the finishing touches on his lists, we have rounded up our personal list to spending the holidays in Portland, including shows, events, dining experiences and more! Check it out.
Visit the Monument Square Tree
Photo: The Aritsan Agenda/ Anthony Di Biase
No holiday season in Portland is absolute until you visit Portland’s signature Christmas tree. Lighting up Monument Square every year, you can enjoy the beauty of this year’s tree in-person day or night, as well as, virtually through Portland Downtown’s TREECAM. Illuminated against the backdrop of Monument Square and Our Lady of Victories Monument, this year’s blue spruce tree is standing tall at 40 feet and has traveled all the way from Hartley Street in Portland!
The Porthole’s Lobster Trap Tree
Can’t get enough of the Christmas trees? Head on down to the Old Port and visit Portland Regency and Spa’s iconic lobster trap tree or keep going until you hit Portland’s waterfront where you will spot Luke’s Lobster’s own take along Portland Pier. Getting in on the holiday cheer, The Porthole additionally has a lobster trap tree for holiday enthusiast can check out (Mark your calendars for The Porthole’s annual Let It Glow Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 7th!) Paying homage to the lobsterman and woman roots of Maine, these lobster trap trees are equally as fun in the day as when illuminated at night.
Shop ‘Til You Drop in the Heart of the Old Port
It is the season of giving after all! The Old Port is known for its local shops and boutiques, and thus makes it the perfect place to cross those names off your Christmas list. All within walking distance from each other, here are few suggestions to push you in the right direction.
Photo: @ameliasellsmaine
For the individual who just can’t get enough of the Pine Tree State or interested in something quirky, head on over to The Maine Souvenir Shop, a locally motivated shop built on the promotion of Maine. Ideal for locally made Maine gifts, treats, art, and clothing.
If you’re searching for the fashionista in your life, look no further than Bella Funk on Exchange St., which is a boutique that offers women’s clothing and more for the creative lifestyle.
Photo: @bellafunk
For the cool kid? Mocean Skateboards on Exchange St. offers everything from skateboards to vintage vinyl and apparel featuring art from local artists. For your cannabis-loving friend? Stop on into Jar Cannabis or Fire on Fore for the latest and greatest in the growing world of cannabis.
Designs By CC | Photo: Artisan Agenda
Shopping for the family? Does dad need a new book? Make a stopover at Sherman’s Bookstore on Exchange Street, while mom might enjoy the one-of-a-kind custom-made jewelry from Designs By CC or D. Cole Jewelers, a family-owned shop specializes in handcrafted platinum, gold, and sterling silver jewelry pieces. A gift for your beloved family pet? Choose from a range of fun and festive toys, treats, leashes, collars, and more from the most adorable mom-and-pop pet shop, Uncommon Paws.
Photo: Fete Market @ Toad & Co.
Looking to hit your list all at once? Saturday, December 14th, 2024 from 12pm – 5pm, Fete Market is teaming up with Toad & Co., a clothing store creating their own line of eco-friendly clothing for men and women, for the Holiday Fete Market. This indoor market with feature over 30 local makers, illustrators, candles, perfect last minute gifts, and treasures to make your holiday season special!
On Sunday, November 24th, December 1st and 15th, 2024 from 10 AM – 3 PM join Thompson’s Point as they host Maker’s Market for another year. Featuring an extensive list of local artists, makers, farmers, craftspeople, and more, the best part about Maker’s Market (aside from supporting local) is the fabulous mimosas and Bloody Marys available for purchase as you shop.
Novel, Portland’s first and only book bar and cafe, is celebrating the season of giving with another Boozy Book Fair: Holiday Edition on Friday, December 6th from 5pm – 9pm. Debuting their new downstair event space, ‘The Archive’, Novel will be hosting the event alongside Back Cove Books, Greenhand Books, and Coast City Comics. Chat with local booksellers, buy gifts for loved ones and sip while you shop! Novel will be selling books, gift items, and merchandise.
Plan a Tour at Victoria Mansion
Photo: Victoria Mansion
Christmas at Victoria Mansion (a house museum with original Herter interiors from the 1860s) is a can’t miss event. The result of local and up-and-coming florists, designers, artists, and fellow non-profits organizations coming together to utilize the backdrop of the Mansion’s interior design to create unique decorations that emulate Victorian-era splendor. Now in its fourth decade, Christmas at Victoria Mansion welcomes thousands of visitors each year from the end of November through the beginning of January.
Tours are self-guided and offered Tuesdays through Sundays 10 AM – 4 PM with the last admission at 3 PM. Tickets are now available and it’s recommended that you purchase tickets online in advance here.
Hop on the Polar Express
All aboard the Polar Express at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum! Drawing over 23,000 passengers in 2023, this rolling history museum has become a holiday tradition for families alike.
The fun begins at Portland’s Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal, where the Conductor will board passengers onto the 9 historic coaches decked out for the holidays. Once aboard, children are handed authentic golden tickets by the Conductor and will see Santa waving to all aboard as he prepares his sleigh for departure. Christmas music will fill the cars as the steam locomotive, powered by beloved Steam Engine #3, thunders to the “North Pole”. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served onboard by the magical chefs. Once at the North Pole, a very special guest boards the train and hands out the first gift of Christmas.
Coach seating, first-class seating and presidential class tickets are available online.
Train times run at 1:30 PM, 2:45 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:30 PM, AND 7:45 PM on select dates between Sunday, November 17th – Monday, December 23rd.
Enjoy the Magic of Christmas
Now in its 45th year, watch the beloved holiday tradition, the Magic of Christmas, in-person from Friday, December 13th – Sunday, December 22nd at Merrill Auditorium. A family-friendly performance presented by the Portland Symphony Orchestra, this year’s show will be led by Music Director Eckart Preu and will soar to dazzling heights as Cirque de la Symphonie joins! You can celebrate the season with Christmas classics new and old – including the beloved “Sleigh Ride!” and “And We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by purchasing your tickets today online!
View the Portland Parade of Lights Along the Waterfront
Photo: Down East Magazine
The City of Portland invites you to join in on the Christmas Parade of Lights of Portland’s favorite tugboats, lobster boats, and ferry boats! Happening Saturday, December 14th, 2024 at 4:30 pm, the Parade of Lights takes place out on Casco Bay but spectators can take in the lights display at plenty of waterfront spots including the Maine State Pier, Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier, and Bug Light Park in South Portland.
Dine Your Heart Out
Fra-Gee-Lay Cocktail at Blyth & Burrows
Dine your heart out in this foodie city! During this time of year, local restaurants put on their holiday best and deck their own halls with festive wreaths, garlands, lights, poinsettias, trees, holiday cocktails and specials.
Starting soon, you can head on over to Blyth & Burrows for their own take on a holiday movie classic, A Christmas Story, with their “Fra-Gee-Lay” cocktail made with Roasted Chestnut Bourbon, Creme de Cacao, Cynar, Mole Bitters, Egg…”It must be Italian!”
November 20th, 2024 Update: cocktail is not on the menu yet but will return for the holidays soon!
Photo: ViA VECCHiA Holiday Decor by Elder Farm & Forage
ViA VECCHiA
To dine in the classiest of holiday decor, head to ViA VECCHiA a small plates Italian restaurant in the Old Port. Beautifully draping floral arrangements of poinsettias, roses and more across the dining room, the holiday spirit is only enhanced with ViA VECCHiA’s holiday cocktail menu (available now)
Photo: Holiday Decor at Papi by Elder Farm & Forage
At Papi, the Puerto Rican celebration of Navidad is already in full swing! Their decked-out front door is just the start—step inside for some serious festive vibes and a taste of the season with their famous Coquito. Back by popular demand, this World Famous Sanabria Family recipe features Don Q Cristal, coconut, sweetened milk, and fresh-grated cinnamon—a creamy, dreamy sip of the season.
Photo: Coquito cocktail from Papi
Photo: @hitchedwillie
Over in the West Bayside area, Batson River Brewing & Distilling is once again going above and beyond with their “Holiday Camp.” Becoming THE holiday destination (and the perfect place for a holiday selfie or group shot to share on your socials), upon arrival, you are greeted with festive cheer in the form of extravagant Christmas trees, Christmas lights, holiday cocktails, wreaths, presents and more! Up and ready now!
Attend Holiday Shows!
Photo: @megshorette
With the holiday spirit high in town, the list of events and holiday shows is quite long! Mark your calendars for the following shows:
- Rock My Soul at One Longfellow Square on Sunday, December 15th, 2024. An evening of R&B, pop, soul, and doo-wop flavored arrangements of Christmas carols and popular holiday favorites. Tickets.
The Fogcutters Superfantastic Christmas Extravaganza! at State Theatre on Saturday, December 14th, 2024. The Fogcutters, a a 19-piece big band from Portland, Maine, offer a unique sound and eclectic style that is anything but traditional. Tickets.
- … and Portland Conservatory of Music Presents Home for The Holidays from Thursday, December 26th – December, Saturday 28th, 2024. An evening of fun, camaraderie, and excellent music. Each night presents different groups of musicians, making for 3 unique shows. Tickets.
For the full list of holiday happenings head to our Events Calendar here!
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