Portland Maine Christmas: A Holiday Guide

The holiday season is a magical time of year, and Portland, Maine, is a fantastic place to experience it. With its picturesque streets, festive atmosphere, and abundance of holiday events, Portland is the perfect destination for a Christmas getaway. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this holiday guide will help you make the most of your time in Portland during the Christmas season.

From ice skating to holiday markets, Portland offers a wide range of activities and events to get you in the holiday spirit. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what Portland has to offer during the holiday season, including its most popular events, best places to shop, and top recommendations for holiday dining.

Portland Maine Christmas Events

One of the best things about Portland during the holiday season is its wide range of events and activities. From festive parades to holiday markets, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The holiday season officially kicks off in Portland with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This free event takes place in Monument Square and features the lighting of a beautiful Christmas tree, as well as caroling, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Portland Holiday Market

The Portland Holiday Market is a great place to find unique gifts and decorations. The market features a wide range of local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to gourmet foods. You can also enjoy festive music and hot cider while you shop.

Ice Skating at the Rink at Thompson's Point

Ice skating is a classic holiday activity, and Portland has its own outdoor ice skating rink at Thompson's Point. The rink is open from late November to early February and offers public skating sessions, as well as ice hockey leagues and skating lessons.

Best Places to Shop in Portland During the Holidays

Portland is a shopper's paradise, with a wide range of unique boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores. Here are some of the best places to shop in Portland during the holidays:

Exchange Street

Exchange Street is the heart of Portland's shopping district, with a variety of boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores. You'll find everything from unique clothing stores to gourmet food shops and home decor stores.

Arts District

Portland's Arts District is a great place to find unique gifts and decorations. The district is home to a variety of art galleries, studios, and boutiques, featuring the work of local artists and artisans.

Old Port

The Old Port is a charming shopping district located on the waterfront. You'll find a variety of boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores, as well as some of Portland's best restaurants and bars.

Holiday Dining in Portland

Portland is a foodie's paradise, with a wide range of excellent restaurants and bars. Here are some top recommendations for holiday dining in Portland:

Fore Street

Fore Street is one of Portland's most popular restaurants, and it's a great place to enjoy a holiday meal. The restaurant serves up delicious farm-to-table cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Duckfat

Duckfat is a popular restaurant in Portland's Old Port, serving up delicious sandwiches and salads. The restaurant is known for its creative menu items, including its famous duckfat fries.

Eventide Oyster Co.

Eventide Oyster Co. is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood, including oysters, lobster, and mussels. The restaurant also serves up delicious cocktails and has a fun, festive atmosphere.

Portland Maine Christmas Lights and Displays

One of the best things about Portland during the holiday season is its beautiful Christmas lights and displays. Here are some of the best places to see holiday lights and decorations:

Monument Square

Monument Square is the heart of Portland's holiday decorations, featuring a beautiful Christmas tree and festive lights. You can also enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Congress Square

Congress Square is a charming park in the heart of Portland, featuring beautiful holiday lights and decorations. You can also enjoy ice skating, hot cocoa, and festive music.

Eastern Promenade

The Eastern Promenade is a scenic waterfront park with beautiful views of the Portland skyline. During the holiday season, the park is decorated with festive lights and decorations, making it a great place to take a winter stroll.

We hope this guide has helped you plan your holiday trip to Portland, Maine. With its wide range of events, activities, and attractions, Portland is the perfect destination for a festive and fun holiday getaway. Whether you're a local or just visiting, we're sure you'll fall in love with Portland's holiday charm.