If you’re looking to get out and celebrate Christmas, but, like many, will be busy ON Christmas or Christmas Eve, then this is the weekend for you, and Portland has plenty to choose from.
From holiday costume contests, to Portland’s annual Parade of Lights, burlesque and more, there are plenty of ways for you to get out there and celebrate the season.
More of a holiday humbug this year? Don’t worry, we have some fun for you to check out as well.
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, December 16th – Sunday, December 18th
Friday the 16th
‘Twas the Night Before…Burlesque! | St. Lawrence Arts | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (All Weekend)
Still cheeky, still irreverent, and still a lot of fun, Vivid Motion Dance returns with its new holiday burlesque ‘Twas the Night Before…Burlesque! Santa and her sexy reindeer will liven up your evening in Vivid Motion’s retelling of the classic poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. There are no children snuggled anywhere in this show, but there are plenty of mischievous elves to shake things up. What presents will come to life this year? Who will win the Hot Wheels race? What’s in the big green box? So many questions – and all will be revealed! Tickets here.
Liturgy with Elizabeth Colour Wheel, Infant Island, and Lepra | SPACE Gallery | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Liturgy is the project of composer, artist and philosopher Hunter Ravenna Hunt-Hendrix, whose yearning, energetic “transcendental black metal” exists in the space between metal, experimental music and sacred ritual. Its other members are Mario Miron (guitar), Tia Vincent-Clark (bass) and Leo Didkovsky (drums). Celebrated for their fusion of sincere emotion, compositional complexity, stylistic innovation and intense live energy, the band was founded in the context of Brooklyn DIY. Tickets here.
Three Little Kittens | Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Multiple Dates + Times)
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine present the early-childhood production of Three Little Kittens in Maddy’s Theatre. This production follows three kittens who are faced with the ultimate predicament: they have misplaced their mittens, and they must be found before Mother Cat finds out! Especially geared for children from birth to age five, Three Little Kittens helps introduce young audiences to the theatre with sensory play, interactive dialogue, and age-appropriate themes. Tickets here.
Saturday the 17th
Portland Parade of Lights | Portland Waterfront | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
The City of Portland invites you to join in on the Parade of Lights of Portland’s favorite tugboats, lobster boats, and ferry boats! Spectators can take in the lights display at plenty of waterfront spots including DiMillo’s and the Maine State Pier.
Hope Fore the Holidays: A Holiday Bash to Smash the Stigma | US Custom House | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
A holiday bash with The Tulip Project to smash the stigma surrounding mental health. Celebrate the season with an evening of holiday cheer, friends and family. Tickets include live holiday music from Portland’s finest musicians: Max Cantlin (guitar), Colin Winsor (bass) & Pete Dugas (piano); Allagash beer on tap, plus wine and other festive libations; sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres; and holiday spirit galore and stories of HOPE. Tickets here.
The Fogcutters Superfantastic Christmas Extravaganza | State Theatre | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Fogcutters are a 19-piece big band from Portland with a different perspective on the format of the classic big band: writing and playing original music unencumbered by a singular music style, and influenced by musical masters of the past and present. The result is a unique sound and eclectic style that is anything but traditional. This is not your grandfather’s big band! Tickets here.
Happy Hour: Walking Foodie Tour | Maine Day Ventures | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
On this 2-3 hour jaunt with Maine Day Ventures enjoy light appetizers, creative cocktails and local craft beer along with a healthy dose of history and tales from Portland’s past. You will traverse the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to visit three distinctively different restaurants and pubs for an educational, delicious and definitely happy two plus hours! Tickets here.
Pajama Party & Toy Drive | Blackstones | 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Pajama Party and Toy Drive! From 9 PM to midnight Blackstones will be rocking’ around the Christmas tree accepting unwrapped, child-friendly gift or cold, hard cash, to be donated to Operation Santa.
Holiday Party Costume Contest | Three Dollar Dewey’s | 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Grab your best costumes and dance your jingles off, Three Dollar Deweys is hosting a reindeer and elf themed Holiday Costume Contest. Night includes prizes for ‘Best Costumes’, $5 drink specials, and DJ David Skye. No cover. 21+ event.
Sunday the 18th
Wild Offering Winter Magic Market | Wild Offering | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join old friends and new for Wild Offering’s first ever pop-up market! They are thrilled to share their space with the dreamiest vendors; Saudade Flore, Monstera Vintage Decor, and Elmwood Vintage for some beautifully curated indulgences geared toward ritual self-care and the magic of self-expression. Just in time for last-minute gift shopping for yourself or your loved ones. Wild Offering will be sippin, vibin, and most likely playing dress up.
Holiday Market | Root Wild Kombucha | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Root Wild Kombucha’s own Holiday Makers’ Market with local vendors: Wild Sol Jewelry, Sol Glow Ritual, Teeny Tree Co., Becca Garibaldi Ceramics, and The Magic Sprout. Food will be available next door at Onggi Ferments for lunch from 11:30am-2:30pm or for pastries from Quanto Basta. As always, Root Wild is BYOF, so please feel free to bring your own snacks, lunch, dinner, etc.
Craft Fair & Vinyl Sale presented by Jimmy Drinks World | Geno’s Rock Club | 1:00 pM – 5:00 PM
Christmas punks assemble! Jimmy Drinks World is partnering with Geno’s Rock Club to throw you the craft fair/ vinyl sale / Christmas drag extravaganza of your DREAMS! There will be local makers of all kinds, pop punk drag from your favorite queens, boozy (and n/a) festive drinks, and pictures with emo santa. They will be raising money for Geno’s to do some updates to their space.
Kitsch-Mas Wreath Workshop with Electric Flora and East End Vintage | Definitive Brewing Company | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Hands on non-traditional wreath-making workshop with Electric Flora! Electric Flora will show you how to make a festive and funky holiday wreath to bring some non-traditional holiday spirit into your home. East End Vintage has lovingly sourced gorgeous glass blown antique ornaments to accent the Kitsch take it up a notch! Come for the wreaths & stay for the vibes. Enjoy a complementary delicious Definitive Brewing Co. beer as well. Tickets here.
For more events, head to our full Events Calendar here.