Welcome to the ultimate guide for holiday fun in Portland! Discover all the top festive events and attractions. Whether Portland is your permanent address or your temporary haven, this guide is your holiday companion.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with The Nutcracker, a timeless ballet that captivates audiences of all ages. Experience the grandeur of a Victorian Christmas with intricate decor and historical charm at Christmas at Victoria Mansion. And the Portland Christmas Tree Lighting is something you definitely don't want to miss, illuminating the city with festive cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Portland
- The Nutcracker
- Christmas at Victoria Mansion
- Portland Christmas Tree Lighting
- Holiday Parade of Lights
- A Christmas Carol
- Holiday Ice Skating
Portland Holiday Light Displays
Portland Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community gathering to illuminate a massive tree in Monument Square
Description:
Portland's Monument Square bursts into brilliance as the city's towering Christmas tree illuminates. This annual tradition brings together thousands of residents and visitors to witness the spectacle. The tree, typically sourced from a local Maine forest, stands as a symbol of community spirit. Live performances by local choirs fill the air with joyful melodies. You can join in the countdown to the grand lighting moment, a tradition that has marked the start of Portland's holiday season for over 100 years.
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Portland Christmas Tree Lighting
Holiday Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade in Portland Harbor
Description:
Portland Harbor sparkles with a procession of boats adorned in twinkling lights. This unique maritime parade showcases the city's rich nautical heritage. Vessels of all sizes, from small dinghies to large yachts, participate in this floating spectacle. Spectators line the shores, watching as the illuminated fleet glides across the dark waters. The event highlights Portland's strong connection to the sea, a relationship that has shaped the city's history for centuries. You can vote for your favorite decorated boat, adding to the community spirit of this cherished tradition.
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Portland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Professional ballet performance of a holiday classic
Description:
The Portland Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's masterpiece to life on stage. Graceful dancers pirouette and leap through the Land of Sweets, accompanied by the iconic score. This production showcases local talent, with many dancers hailing from Maine's prestigious ballet schools. You can marvel at the intricate costumes, each handcrafted by skilled artisans. The Nutcracker has been a Portland holiday tradition since 1978, captivating audiences young and old with its timeless story of Clara's magical journey.
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A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Immersive theater experience of Dickens' classic tale
Description:
Portland Stage brings Charles Dickens' timeless story to life with a fresh, immersive twist. This adaptation plunges the audience into Victorian London, surrounding them with the sights and sounds of the era. The production incorporates innovative staging techniques, blurring the lines between performers and spectators. You can witness Scrooge's transformation up close, feeling the weight of his chains and the joy of his redemption. This reimagining of "A Christmas Carol" has become a beloved Portland tradition, captivating audiences for over three decades.
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Portland Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Victoria Mansion
What to Expect:
Historic mansion decorated in period-specific holiday decor
Description:
Victoria Mansion transforms into a 19th-century holiday spectacle. Each room of this Italian villa-style home boasts elaborate decorations true to its Victorian roots. The mansion, built in 1860, stands as a testament to the opulence of Portland's shipping magnates. Visitors can explore the ornate interiors, adorned with authentic period furnishings and seasonal embellishments. The air carries the subtle scent of pine and spice, transporting you back in time. This annual event has been a cherished Portland tradition for over three decades.
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Holiday Ice Skating
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Portland
Description:
Portland's Thompson's Point transforms into a winter playground with its outdoor ice skating rink. The rink offers a unique perspective of the city skyline, allowing skaters to glide beneath the stars and city lights. This activity revives Portland's long-standing ice skating tradition, which dates back to the frozen ponds of the 19th century. The crisp winter air fills your lungs as you circle the rink, surrounded by the sounds of laughter and blades on ice. You can warm up afterwards with locally-sourced hot beverages from nearby vendors.
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Nearby Events
Kora Shriners FEZtival of Trees (Lewiston)
What to Expect:
Charity event featuring elaborately decorated Christmas trees
Description:
Lewiston's Kora Shrine Center transforms into a forest of festive firs during the FEZtival of Trees. This unique event showcases dozens of elaborately decorated Christmas trees, each sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Visitors can marvel at the creative themes and intricate ornaments adorning each tree. The FEZtival raises funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children, continuing the Shriners' century-long tradition of philanthropic work. You can participate in raffles to win your favorite tree, complete with all its decorations and gifts.
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Kora Shriners FEZtival of Trees
South Portland HolidayFest (South Portland)
What to Expect:
Multi-day celebration with diverse community events
Description:
South Portland's HolidayFest unites the community through a series of diverse events. This multi-day celebration includes everything from tree lightings to craft fairs, showcasing the city's vibrant spirit. Local businesses and organizations contribute unique activities, creating a tapestry of holiday experiences. The festival highlights South Portland's rich history, with events taking place in historic locations throughout the city. You can participate in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt, exploring the city while seeking festive clues.
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Gardens Aglow (Boothbay)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed with over 650,000 LED lights
Description:
Boothbay's Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens dazzles with an extraordinary light display. Over 650,000 LED lights transform the gardens into a luminous landscape, creating intricate designs and whimsical scenes. This event showcases the beauty of Maine's natural environment in a unique way, blending horticulture with artistry. Visitors can stroll through illuminated paths, discovering new vistas around every corner. The Gardens Aglow tradition began in 2015, quickly becoming one of New England's premier holiday light events.
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Festival of Lights Parade (Brunswick)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with illuminated floats and marching bands
Description:
Brunswick's streets come alive with the Festival of Lights Parade, a small-town celebration with big charm. Illuminated floats, created by local businesses and community groups, glide down Maine Street, casting a warm glow on spectators. The parade features lively marching bands, filling the air with jubilant holiday tunes. This event highlights Brunswick's strong community spirit, a tradition dating back to the town's founding in 1739. You can warm up with hot cocoa from local vendors as you watch the procession of lights pass by.
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Freeport Sparkle Celebration (Freeport)
What to Expect:
Town-wide celebration with a focus on local businesses and artisans
Description:
Freeport's Sparkle Celebration transforms the town into a hub of holiday activity. This event shines a spotlight on local businesses and artisans, showcasing the town's unique character. Streets bustle with pop-up markets, featuring handcrafted goods and local delicacies. The celebration pays homage to Freeport's history as a center of Maine craftsmanship, a tradition dating back to the 18th century. You can participate in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt, exploring the town's shops and historical sites.
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Christmas by the Sea (Kennebunkport)
What to Expect:
Coastal town celebration blending maritime traditions with holiday cheer
Description:
Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude event brings holiday cheer to this charming coastal town. The celebration blends maritime traditions with festive activities, creating a unique seaside holiday experience. Lobster boats adorned with lights parade through the harbor, while carolers in Victorian attire stroll the streets. This event highlights Kennebunkport's rich maritime history, which dates back to the 17th century. You can witness the lighting of the lobster trap tree, a distinctive symbol of Maine's coastal heritage.