Plan your holiday adventure in South Portland Gardens with our detailed event guide. From locals to holiday tourists, this guide showcases the best of South Portland Gardens's festive season.
One of the highlights of the winter calendar is the Portland Tree Lighting, where the community gathers to witness the enchanting illumination of the city’s centerpiece tree. With festive music and joyful interactions, this event sets the mood for the season. Additionally, the Magic of Christmas brings the spirit of holiday cheer to life, featuring delightful performances and crafts that capture the imagination. And the Polar Express is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering an immersive experience that transports guests into the heart of a beloved holiday tale. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around South Portland Gardens
- Portland Tree Lighting (Portland)
- Magic of Christmas (Portland)
- Christmas at Victoria Mansion (Portland)
- Christmas at Victoria Mansion (Portland)
- Polar Express (Portland)
- Victorian Nutcracker (Portland)
- Portland Festival of Trees (Portland)
- L.L. Bean Wonderland (Freeport)
- Freeport Sparkles for the Holiday (Freeport)
- Gardens Aglow (Boothbay)
See these and even more events listed below!
South Portland Gardens Holiday Light Displays
Gardens Aglow
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display with nature-inspired sculptures and themed areas.
Description:
Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features over 750,000 LED lights illuminating 14 acres of central gardens, including nature-inspired sculptures and themed areas. This annual event offers a unique and immersive experience with special early bird pricing available before Thanksgiving.
Where: Boothbay | More Info: Gardens Aglow
Portland Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Live tree lighting with local music and chorale singers.
Description:
Join Portland's 40th Annual Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square, featuring a joyful sing-along with Thomas Lauderdale and Pink Martini, local musicians, and chorale singers. The event highlights the holiday season with over 9,500 colorful LED lights illuminating the city's 75-foot Douglas-fir, generously donated by Stimson Lumber Company.
Where: Portland | More Info: Portland Tree Lighting
Parade of Lights Along the Waterfront
What to Expect:
Lighted boat parade to benefit Toys for Tots.
Description:
The Casco Bay Summertime Parade of Lights is a free charitable event featuring a lighted boat parade to stimulate boating activity and creative boat decoration, with the mission of helping others who are less fortunate. Over 160 boats participate, collecting toys and raising funds for the Toys for Tots Organization.
Where: Portland | More Info: Parade of Lights Along the Waterfront
Gardens Aglow
What to Expect:
Spectacular outdoor light display with nature-inspired sculptures.
Description:
Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features over 750,000 LED lights illuminating 14 acres of central gardens, including nature-inspired sculptures and themed areas. The event includes special early bird pricing and is open on select dates from November 16 to December 31.
Where: Boothbay | More Info: Gardens Aglow
South Portland Gardens Holiday Markets and Shopping
Rockland Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Local artisans and crafters supporting a humane society.
Description:
The 44th Annual Festival of Lights Craft Show in Rockland, Maine, features over 40 local artisans, crafters, and artists showcasing their work. A suggested $2 donation supports the Pope Memorial Humane Society, providing food, shelter, and medical care to local homeless pets.
Where: Rockland | More Info: Rockland Festival of Lights
Portland Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local vendors and Santa Land.
Description:
The Portland Holiday Market at the Portland Expo Center offers a unique shopping experience with over 100 vendors selling handmade arts and crafts, holiday decor, specialty foods, and more. Meet Santa Claus and capture family photos by the 25-foot illuminated Christmas tree.
Where: Portland | More Info: Portland Christmas Market
South Portland Gardens Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express
What to Expect:
Theatrically-driven Christmas train ride with authentic steam engine and festive decorations.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride is a theatrically-driven Christmas train experience where passengers ride historic passenger coaches decorated for the holidays. The journey begins at Portland's Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal, where passengers receive hot chocolate and cookies. The train, powered by an authentic steam engine, takes passengers to the North Pole, where Santa and his helpers board the train to deliver the first gift of Christmas. All passengers receive a silver sleigh bell, and First Class and Presidential Class passengers enjoy additional amenities like limited-edition ceramic mugs and a signed Polar Express book.
Where: Portland | More Info: Polar Express
Magic of Christmas
What to Expect:
Unique blend of classic and new holiday music.
Description:
The Magic of Christmas at Merrill Auditorium features a delightful combination of nostalgic traditions and unexpected surprises. Enjoy perennial favorites like the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah and "Sleigh Ride" performed in a distinctly unique PSO fashion. New traditions include the Maine Christmas Song, and specially selected brand-new selections heard for the first time each year.
Where: Portland | More Info: Magic of Christmas
Victorian Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with Portland-inspired sets and costumes.
Description:
Portland Ballet presents a unique retelling of the classic Nutcracker story, set in Portland's Victoria Mansion with characters from the city's past. The performance features live music by the Portland Ballet Orchestra and is a delightful holiday treat for all ages.
Where: Portland | More Info: Victorian Nutcracker
Christmas at Victoria Mansion
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed holiday decorations and events.
Description:
During the holiday season, Victoria Mansion is transformed into a Victorian-era splendor with unique decorations created by local florists, designers, and artists. The event features decorated house tours, special events like the Night of the Nutcracker with Portland Ballet and A Magical Dickensian Celebration, and family-friendly activities like Stories on the Staircase and the Ruffi Stuffie Sleepover.
Where: Portland | More Info: Christmas at Victoria Mansion
Gingerbread Spectacular
What to Expect:
Unique gingerbread structures from local and professional bakers.
Description:
The Gingerbread Spectacular at the Boothbay Harbor Opera House features a display of dozens of gingerbread structures, including castles, cabins, windmills, and lighthouses. This holiday event showcases confectionery magic with creative gingerbread creations from novice and professional bakers.
Where: Boothbay Harbor | More Info: Gingerbread Spectacular
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
A comedic take on a holiday tradition focusing on Jacob Marley's journey.
Description:
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol is a holiday play by Tom Mula, directed by Dawn McAndrews. It tells the backstory of Jacob Marley, the first spirit to visit Ebenezer Scrooge, who is condemned to eternal hell but has one chance to be freed by redeeming Scrooge. The play explores themes of redemption and friendship.
Where: Monmouth | More Info: Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Fogcutters Superfantastic Christmas Extravaganza
What to Expect:
Unique blend of funk, rock, afro-cuban, and hip hop in a classic big band format.
Description:
The Fogcutters Superfantastic Christmas Extravaganza is a high-energy holiday show featuring a 19-piece big band from Portland, Maine. With a unique blend of funk, rock, afro-cuban, and hip hop, the Fogcutters deliver an infectious groove and stunning impact. The event includes stellar vocals by Megan Jo Wilson and Chas Lester, showcasing their own eclectic style that is anything but traditional.
Where: Portland | More Info: Fogcutters Superfantastic Christmas Extravaganza
Christmas at Victoria Mansion
What to Expect:
Victorian-era decorations and performances inspired by holiday tales.
Description:
During the holiday season, Victoria Mansion is transformed into a Victorian-era wonderland with unique decorations inspired by holiday tales and regional folklore. The event features decorated house tours, special performances, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Portland | More Info: Christmas at Victoria Mansion
South Portland Gardens Other Holiday Activities
Freeport Sparkles for the Holiday
What to Expect:
Interactive talking Christmas Tree and festive food trucks.
Description:
Freeport's Sparkle Celebration is a vibrant holiday event featuring a Parade of Lights, Santa's arrival, and a talking Christmas Tree. Enjoy gift certificate giveaways, special deals, and festive activities like food trucks and holiday tunes.
Where: Freeport | More Info: Freeport Sparkles for the Holiday
L.L. Bean Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday traditions and classic winter sports.
Description:
L.L. Bean's Northern Lights celebration transforms the Freeport campus into a winter wonderland with Santa visits, real reindeer, free hot cocoa, and various holiday activities.
Where: Freeport | More Info: L.L. Bean Wonderland
Portland Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Raffles and auctions featuring decorated trees and holiday items.
Description:
The Portland Festival of Trees is an annual event featuring over 30 decorated trees, raffles, a silent auction, and a craft fair. It benefits the Portland Children's Dyslexia Center by teaching children with dyslexia how to read. The event includes activities like an Elf Academy Scavenger Hunt, Teddy Bear Hospital, and photos with Santa.
Where: Portland | More Info: Portland Festival of Trees
Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude
What to Expect:
Unique blend of holiday traditions and local culture.
Description:
Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude is a 11-day celebration featuring tree lightings, Santa's arrival by lobster boat, caroling, and a lively street festival with sub-zero ice carving, food vendors, and live music.
Where: Kennebunkport | More Info: Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Portland (3 miles)
- South Portland (4 miles)
- West Scarborough (6 miles)
- Biddeford (12 miles)
- Sanford (27 miles)
- Auburn (32 miles)
- Lewiston (32 miles)
- Rochester (40 miles)
- Dover (41 miles)
- Portsmouth (45 miles)