Last updated: November 11, 2024
Holiday cheer has arrived in South Portland! Use our guide to find all the best festive fun. For South Portland insiders and outsiders alike, this guide is your passport to festive fun.
One enchanting highlight of the season is Christmas at Victoria Mansion, where the historic home dazzles with period decorations and seasonal displays. The Polar Express at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a whimsical train ride that captures the magic of the beloved story. And the Portland Parade of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a stunning array of illuminated floats and festive spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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South Portland Holiday Light Displays
Portland Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Santa Claus parade with illuminated floats and a toy drive.
- Description
- The Portland Parade of Lights is an illuminated community parade featuring Santa Claus and festive floats, with a toy drive benefiting Christmas Kids Year Round.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Portland Parade of Lights
South Portland Holiday Markets and Shopping
Merry Madness
- What to Expect
- Collecting stickers at participating retailers for a chance to win exciting prizes.
- Description
- Merry Madness is a two-week shopping extravaganza in downtown Portland, Maine, promoting local businesses and offering exclusive discounts and prizes to shoppers.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Merry Madness
Portland Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique artisan holiday shopping with local vendors and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Portland Holiday Market at the Portland Expo Center offers a unique shopping experience with over 100 new vendors selling high-quality artisan holiday items, local food and drink, and unique gifts. Visitors can explore handmade arts and crafts, photography, health and body products, clothing, and specialty foods. The event features a stunning 25-foot illuminated spruce tree and roaming carolers, making it a great place to capture holiday memories and meet Santa Claus.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Portland Christmas Market
South Portland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Victoria Mansion
- What to Expect
- Victorian-era holiday decorations inspired by historical tales.
- Description
- During the holiday season, Victoria Mansion is transformed into a Victorian-era splendor with unique decorations created by leading florists, designers, and artists. The event draws inspiration from holiday tales of the past, including 19th-century stories and regional folklore. It features decorated house tours, the return of favorite events like the Night of the Nutcracker and A Magical Dickensian Celebration, and special programs for young visitors.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Christmas at Victoria Mansion
The Polar Express at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
- What to Expect
- Theatrically-driven Christmas train ride with authentic steam engine and costumed chefs.
- Description
- The Polar Express at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad is a theatrically-driven Christmas train ride that offers a unique holiday experience. Passengers board at Portland's Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal and are served hot chocolate and cookies by costumed chefs. The train is powered by an authentic steam engine and features beautifully decorated historic passenger coaches. Once at the North Pole, Santa hands out the first gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell—to every child. The return journey includes carols and sing-alongs led by Santa's elves, creating cherished memories.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : The Polar Express at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Magic of Christmas
- What to Expect
- Nostalgic holiday concert with unique PSO performances.
- Description
- The Magic of Christmas is a beloved Maine holiday classic featuring a delightful combination of nostalgic traditions and unexpected surprises. It includes perennial favorites like the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah and "Sleigh Ride," as well as new traditions like The Maine Christmas Song. The event is narrated by Margaret Hamilton, best known for her role in The Wizard of Oz.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : The Magic of Christmas
A Victorian Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- Unique ballet performance blending classic story with Portland's history.
- Description
- A Victorian Nutcracker is a retelling of the classic story of a young girl's Christmas Eve dream, brought on by a curious gift of a nutcracker. The performance features live music by the Portland Ballet Orchestra and takes place in historic locations such as Victoria Mansion, with characters pulled directly from Portland's past.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : A Victorian Nutcracker