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Dec
7
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Christmas at Victoria Mansion @ Victoria Mansion
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Christmas at Victoria Mansion @ Victoria Mansion | Portland | Maine | United States

Christmas at Victoria Mansion

During the holiday season, many of our community’s leading and up-and-coming florists, designers, artists, and fellow non-profit organizations use the backdrop of the Mansion’s interior design to create unique decorations that emulate Victorian-era splendor. Now in its fourth decade, this annual event welcomes thousands of visitors each year from the end of November through the beginning of January.

2024 Season Theme: Stories of the Season

This year, our designers are taking inspiration from holiday tales of the past, some drawing from well-known 19th century stories and others drawing from regional folklore. Our 2024 season will run from November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025.

In addition to our decorated house tours, we are pleased to host the return of two favorite events: Night of the Nutcracker with Portland Ballet on Sundays, December 8th and 15th, and A Magical Dickensian Celebration, performed by British actor Andrew Harris on Thursday, December 19th. Our “Stories on the Staircase” series for young visitors will also return to the Mansion every Monday morning at 10am, and we will be bringing back our brand new program for our youngest visitors, their stuffed animals, and their caregivers: the Ruffi Stuffie Sleepover!

Victoria Mansion’s annual Holiday Gala will take place this year on Thursday, December 5th. Please visit our event page for more information.

Our Designers

Our team of decorators donate their time, talent, and materials. Thank you to our 2024 Stories of the Season designers:

Season Details

Stories of the Season runs from November 29th, 2024 – January 5, 2025. Open Tuesdays-Sundays, 10am-4pm, with tours every half hour starting at 10am, final admission 3pm. Final admission 12pm on December 24th and 31st. Closed Mondays; closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.


Tickets are on sale now on our Plan Your Visit page.

Ticket prices:

Adults: $19.25
Senior citizens (62+): $17.25
College students: $8.00 with valid student ID
Students age 6-17: $6.00
Children under 6: Free
Family rate: $41.75
– Family Rate applies to 2 adults and up to 5 children age 6-17 of the same household
Museums for All – tickets for SNAP/EBT cardholders: $2.00 with valid ID and EBT card, good for up to 4 tickets
Victoria Mansion members: Free

All tickets reflect a small service charge to defray costs of our ticketing service.

Additional ticketing information can be found on our Plan Your Visit page.

For groups of 10 or more, please see our Group Tours page before booking.

Odd Fellows Holiday Craft Bazaar @ 651 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Odd Fellows Holiday Craft Bazaar @ 651 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101, USA | Portland | Maine | United States

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Odd Fellows Holliday Bazaar is back again on December 7th! Featuring 30 local artists selling their work, it’s THE place to be to get all your holiday gifts – and maybe a thing or two for yourself!

And, while you’re in the Corner, pick up a Woodfords Weekend Bingo Card and visit any of 25 local businesses/organizations to get a BINGO. Each card with a bingo will be entered to win one of many prizes provided by Woodfords Corner businesses. Walk the Corner, shop local!

COMFORT AND JOY: CHRISTMAS IN OLDE NEW ENGLAND @ Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street, Portland.
Dec 7 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
COMFORT AND JOY: CHRISTMAS IN OLDE NEW ENGLAND @ Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street, Portland. | Portland | Maine | United States

Comfort and Joy: Christmas in Olde New England

 

Saturday, November 30 at 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM

Saturday, December 7, 14, 21 and 23 at 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM

 

“…the coal & wood are still burning warmly and tempt me to sit awhile longer…”

~ Anne Longfellow Pierce in a letter to her sister Mary on December 24, 1850

 

Looking to warm your hands and your heart this season? Keep a cozy and very merry holiday with us at MHS! Tour the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, fitted with the trimmings of a 19th century Christmas and learn about the New England holiday traditions of long ago.  What yummy treats might the Longfellows have enjoyed this time of year?  Did they hang stockings for St. Nicholas on Christmas eve? What games did they play and which songs did they sing?  After touring the house, stop by our museum shop to find unique gifts for everyone on your list and receive a 10% discount on your purchases!

Tickets for these special holiday tours of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House include a guided tour of house.  Tours are limited to 12 guests, will last approximately 45 minutes, and will depart from the Museum Store at 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM on Saturday, November 30 and Saturday, December 7, 14, and 21.  Ticketholders will receive a 10% coupon good towards any purchases they make in the Museum Store on the day of their visit. 

 

Cost: $15 adults; $5 for 17 years old and younger, free for guests under 5; free for MHS members

Location: Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street, Portland.

Holiday Blitz! Caravan Artisan Market at Allagash @ Allagash Brewing Co.
Dec 7 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Holiday Blitz! Caravan Artisan Market at Allagash @ Allagash Brewing Co. | Portland | Maine | United States
CARAVAN ARTIST MARKET is popping up at Allagash Brewing’s gorgeous & atmospheric space in ‘THE CELLARS!’ – 100 Industrial Way Portland Maine.
A two day event, mixed amongst beautiful barrels of specialty rare brews -Saturday December 7th & Sunday December 8th, both days from 11am-4pm.
Experience high quality holiday shopping from 30+ curated & amazing Maine artists & makers.
From original art, printmaking, pottery, leather, jewelry at every price point, wood working; cutting boards & charcuterie, to skin care, felted children’s toys, florals, stationary, stickers & prints to hand bound journals, elixirs & holistic teas to sheep skins, & hand knit wool socks, hot sauce to chocolate, AND locally made casual & adventure apparel!
Unlock The Cellars – usually a ticketed admittance – for FREE!
A family friendly event, with food offerings from Black Salt Dining, caffeine from Vagabond coffee, AMAZING HOLIDAY SHOPPING, AND/or of course delicious specialty libations only available at The Cellars location – on tap direct from the source: Allagash Brewing!
Merry Madness at Botanically Curious @ Botanically Curious
Dec 7 @ 11:00 am
Holiday Market at The Porthole @ The Porthole
Dec 7 @ 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Holiday Market at The Porthole @ The Porthole | Portland | Maine | United States

It’s beginning to look a lot like we have it going ONNNNN Swipe for a look at all the upcoming excitement this season

Before the party is the before party Thanksgiving Eve with party band @afterdarkmaine starts at 6 PM!

Our Holiday Maker’s Market on Dec. 7 will feature @andifawcettmusic

SantaCon in Portland begins at 4 PM later that day, just before our Let It Glow tree lighting celebration at 6 PM

Don’t worry if you miss out that weekend — we are THEEE final stop for the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl on Dec. 14, and we’re closing it out with another After Dark party

ANOTHER chance to see Santa?!? WE KNOW HIM!!!! Join us for breakfast Sunday, December 15 to visit with our special guest! He’ll be on the wharf from 10 AM until noon ✨

Send this to that friend who can’t get enough of the holidays

Gather and Give Holiday Market at Belleflower Brewery @ Belleflower Brewery
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Gather and Give Holiday Market at Belleflower Brewery @ Belleflower Brewery | Portland | Maine | United States

⭐️ The Gather & Give Market: A weekly holiday market in East Bayside Coming this December!

Join us for the return of our holiday market! This year, we are inviting in 15 local makers, local musicians, and a whole bunch of holiday cheer. With weekly festive drink specials, new beer releases and of course…

IRONCLAUS! @ironcladeats will be here each Saturday taking donations for @maineneeds while dressing as our favorite metal Santa

Stay tuned for more information including the full list of makers, drink menu, and more about how to donate. Cheers!

⭐️❄️ Creative by @abbiecatscreative

SPACE Pop-Up Shop @ SPACE
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
SPACE Pop-Up Shop @ SPACE | Portland | Maine | United States

Voila! SPACE Pop-Up Shop is open! Curated by SPACE staff, the Pop-Up Shop has stacks of independent and artist-made works for sale, including books, records, prints, cards, clothes, kids stuff, tapes, paintings, and more — all from a broad sphere of artists we’ve worked with, know, and love.

Swing through our limited-time, seasonal store, open in our 534 Gallery through December 20th — coincidentally the window of the shopping season! All the stuff in our shop bears the creative labors of artists a degree or two away from your world or ours, and are guaranteed to make for memorable, treasurable gifts.

Hours
Thursday 12-6 pm
Friday 12-6 pm
Saturday 12-4 pm
…and by chance!

Maine State Ballet | The Nutcracker @ Merrill Auditorium
Dec 7 @ 2:00 pm
Maine State Ballet | The Nutcracker @ Merrill Auditorium | Portland | Maine | United States

Maine State Ballet ushers in the holiday season with its classic production of The Nutcracker at Merrill Auditorium from November 29th through December 8th. Artistic Director and former New York City Ballet dancer Linda MacArthur Miele directs and choreographs the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel through the Land of Sweets to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. Costumes and scenery by Associate Director Gail Csoboth. Robert Lehmann returns as Conductor of the Maine State Ballet Orchestra and Choir.

ADULT, SENIOR 65+, and CHILD 12 & UNDER prices available for this event online.
GROUP 10+ prices available by phone or in-person.
Per ticket service fee varies from $3 – $10 depending on ticket price.

The Polar Express Train @ Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
Dec 7 @ 2:45 pm – 7:45 pm
The Polar Express Train @ Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum | Portland | Maine | United States

THIS is the Polar Express!

All aboard…. to the North Pole!

Maine Narrow Gauge warmly invites you to experience the Polar Express™ Train Ride! This magical train runs on select dates every holiday season.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride is the largest annual fundraiser for the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum. This theatrically-driven Christmas train has become an annual tradition for thousands of families, drawing over 23,000 passengers in 2023!

The fun begins at Portland’s Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal. Browse holiday and train-themed souvenirs. Before you know it, an enchanting scene is enacted at the station with live actors – they set the scene before your journey to the North Pole and invite you to come on the train.

The Conductor boards passengers onto the nine historic passenger coaches decked out for the holidays. Once on board, children are handed authentic golden tickets by the Conductor. Costumed chefs appear and serve hot chocolate and cookies to everybody on the train. Christmas music fills the cars as the steam locomotive blows its whistle, the wheels start turning, and your roundtrip ride to the North Pole begins.

Once at the North Pole, a very special guest boards the train and hands out the first gift of Christmas. The train begins its return journey back to Portland. Upon arrival, the atmosphere feels a little more magical, and passengers are inspired to believe in things that they can’t see.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride is staffed by volunteers and is the largest annual fundraiser for the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum. Thank you for your support! Your ticket purchase contributes to the continuity of our entirely unique historic railroad.

Presidential Class details: Passengers riding “Presidential Class” receive our most deluxe level of service! These passengers enjoy premium individual cushioned seating, get a commemorative limited-edition ceramic mug to remember their train ride, and can take home a copy of the Polar Express book signed by Santa Claus, on loan from the North Pole Library. (1 copy per grouping of 4 [or fewer] guests).

First Class passengers get to ride in one of Maine Narrow Gauge’s restored turn-of-the-century train cars (with individual padded seating), as well as receive a limited-edition ceramic mug as a unique souvenir of their train ride to the North Pole.

All passengers get the experience of riding on a brilliantly decorated train powered which may be powered by an authentic steam engine, as well as receive hot chocolate, a cookie, a brief visit from Santa, and the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.

Are you interested in volunteering? Please contact Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad if you want to play a part of this very special magical event! Contact [email protected].

Be ready to board at least 20 minutes prior to the train’s departure! The Polar Express™ Train Ride leaves exactly on time.

Unfortunately, we cannot hold the train for any latecomers. We have a very tight schedule to keep to get everyone to the North Pole and back in time for Christmas!

An entire train car may be rented for your party, depending on availability. However, no group discount is available at this time.

Sunday, November 17: *Just added!
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Friday, November 22: *Just added!
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, November 23:
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Sunday, November 24:
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Friday, November 29:
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, November 30:
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm| 6:30pm | 7:45pms

Sunday, December 1:
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Friday, December 6
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, December 7
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm* | 7:45pm

Sunday, December 8
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Thursday, December 12 *Just added!
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Friday, December 13
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, December 14
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm* | 7:45pm

Sunday, December 15
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Thursday, December 19
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Friday, December 20
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, December 21
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm* | 7:45pm

Sunday, December 22
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm

Monday, December 23
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm* | 7:45pm

* denotes peak night pricing. Experience the magic on peak nights: join us on our most popular Polar Express departures and enjoy a festive atmosphere unlike any other! Due to high demand, these select dates are premium priced. Book early to guarantee your spot for the most enchanting Polar Express ride.