It’s a weekend brimming with merriment, so grab your loved ones and dive into the best that Portland has to offer this holiday season!
Get ready for Santa sightings, holiday music, and charming seasonal celebrations that will fill your weekend with festive joy. Whether you’re cozying up at The Porthole for a holiday breakfast with Santa or taking in the magic of holiday tunes at Rock My Soul’s performance, there’s something special around every corner. Don’t miss the dazzling Portland Harbor Christmas Parade of Lights or the enchanting Colonial Christmas at Tate House, complete with 18th-century traditions and live music.
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, December 13th – Sunday, December 15th, 2024
Friday the 13th
Fa-la-la-palooza | Room For Improvement | All Month Long
Room for Improvement is bringing the holiday cheer with Fa-la-la-palooza! From now through the 31st, the Wharf Pole transforms into a wonderland of tasteless holiday décor, tongue-in-cheek vibes, and a menu brimming with festive cocktails. Sip on a Buttered Rum Old Fashioned, Spicy Mezcal Hot Chocolate, or dive into eggnog galore. It’s a holiday party all month long—don’t be a square, come get in the spirits!
Portland Print Crawl | Multiple Locations | All Weekend Long
The Portland Print Crawl returns, offering a self-guided holiday tour of local print shops, including Running With Scissors, Pickwick Independent Press, Peregrine Press, Little Chair, and Strong Arm Bindery. Start by grabbing a letterpress-printed passport at any participating studio and collect unique stamps at each stop. Share your completed passport with #portlandprintcrawl24 for a chance to win a handmade poster from Pickwick! Along the way, explore holiday gifts, creative works, and festive vibes.
Ho Ho Horror Show | Geno’s Rock Club | 8:00 PM
Get ready for a frightfully festive Friday the 13th at Geno’s Rock Club! Gigi Gabor presents Ho Ho Horror Show, a holiday-themed drag and burlesque extravaganza bringing a delightfully creepy twist to the season. Enjoy electrifying performances by Cinnamon Maxxine, Amandaconda, Cherry Lemonade, and more, with stage magic by Gigi Gabor and her team of mischievous elves. Doors open at 8 PM, show kicks off at 9 PM, with dance breaks to keep the party going. Celebrate the season with chills, thrills, and holiday spills! Tickets.
Vivid Motion Dance Presents: Holly Jolly Follies | The Hill Arts | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (All Weekend)
Unwrap some holiday fun with Vivid Motion Dance! Portland’s longest-running burlesque tradition returns with a brand-new show following a delivery person navigating festive (and frisky) mishaps on their holiday route. Co-directed by Jessica Jane Means & MZ and featuring live mixes by DJ Thunder, this cheeky and charming performance promises a fresh take on being both naughty and nice this season. Tickets.
Mama Martini Presents: The Powerpop Girls | Bar Publica | 8:00 PM
The Powerpop Girls are here to save the day (and slay the stage) with a fierce lineup featuring Mama Martini, Chartreuse Money, and Tasha Tektite. Sugar, spice, and everything nice? More like sparkle, sass, and sequined perfection! Don’t miss this rowdy night of drag performances that’ll have you shouting, “Go Powerpop Girls!”
Saturday the 14th
Angels Day | Bissell Brothers | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
The tradition lives on! Angels Day 2024 has arrived at Bissell Brothers is bringing the heat with four versions of their legendary barrel-aged maple porter. Crafted by James Christopher Klecko II and packaged in bottles adorned with stunning new artwork by Nico LeBarge, this year’s release is one you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars and get ready to join on December 14th—because they’ll be saying, “See you then, ya filthy animals.”
Holiday Fete Market | Toad & Co. | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Get ready to fête (that’s French for “party,” if you didn’t know!) at Toad and Co. on Diamond Street this Saturday! Fete Market’s Holiday Market brings together a curated collection of local gifts, from art to skincare to candles, jewelry—and so much more. It’s the perfect chance to shop local and check off everyone on your gift list while supporting small businesses. Consider it a holiday shopping celebration you won’t want to miss.
Gather and Give Holiday Market | Belleflower Brewery | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Get ready for a fun festive gathering! The Gather & Give Holiday Market returns to East Bayside at Belleflower Brewing this Saturday (and then again on the 21st) and is bringing a delightful mix of local makers, live music, and holiday cheer. Featuring a selection of handcrafted goods from 15 talented local artisans – enjoy weekly festive drink specials and new beer releases from Belleflower. And the cherry on top? Ironclaus is back! The metal Santa himself, courtesy of Ironclad Eats, will be on-site collecting donations for Maine Needs—all while rocking his iconic holiday look.
Tate House Celebrates a Colonial Christmas | Tate House Museum | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Step back in time and celebrate the season at Tate House Museum! Explore the house decorated in period style, learn about colonial holiday traditions from performers in 18th-century attire, and enjoy colonial games. This year, don’t miss the live harp and lute music by the Colonial Troubadours or photo opportunities under the decorated door arbor. Sample traditional holiday foods, visit the Means House for colonial-inspired refreshments, and catch a special “FLIP” drink preparation by the tavern keeper. The day ends with a carol-filled tree lighting at 4:30 PM. Plus, enjoy a 10% discount on colonial-themed gifts from the gift shop, available for one day only! Tickets.
Holiday cheer at Salt Yard Café + Bar at the Canopy Hotel! Join for a festive day with Santa, complete with a hot chocolate bar, holiday treats, and classic holiday movies and activities. Bring the whole family—two-legged and four-legged friends are welcome—to soak up the holiday spirit and make some magical memories. A cozy celebration!
Portland Harbor Christmas Parade of Lights | Portland Harbor | 4:30 PM
The annual Portland Harbor Christmas Parade of Lights is cruising our way and lighting up the harbor! Get ready to experience the magic of the season on the water! Picture beautifully decorated boats gliding across the harbor, each twinkling with festive lights and holiday spirit. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday mood—watching the boats pass by as Santa’s cheer spreads across the waterfront. Bundle up and enjoy this unforgettable sight with friends and family. Best places to watch include along Portland’s waterfront/piers – specifically Luke’s Lobster waterfront deck, and Bug Light Park in South Portland.
The Fogcutters Superfantastic Christmas Extravaganza | State Theatre | 8:00 PM
Get ready for The Fogcutters Superfantastic Christmas Extravaganza! This 19-piece Portland-based big band is bringing their dynamic take on big band music to the stage, blending funk, rock, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop, and jazz into one unforgettable holiday performance. With 13 horns, a fiery 5-piece rhythm section, and powerhouse vocals from Megan Jo Wilson and Chas Lester, this isn’t your traditional holiday show—it’s a bold, genre-bending celebration of sound that will keep you grooving all night. Tickets.
Sunday the 15th![]()
Breakfast with Santa | The Porthole | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
It’s another chance to see Santa! Santa’s making another stop at The Porthole! Come enjoy breakfast with the big guy himself this Sunday. Don’t miss this chance to see Santa on the wharf and share some holiday cheer!
Holiday Market | Terlingua | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Make this Sunday a festive day out at Terlingua’s Holiday Market, running from noon to 5 PM in The Corral. With a stellar lineup of local vendors like Toducky Crafts, Strong Moon Metals, Kittylamb, White Pine Bath Brew, and more, it’s the perfect chance to check off your holiday shopping list while supporting small businesses. After browsing the market, treat yourself to Terlingua’s signature BBQ to end the day on a delicious note!
Rock My Soul | One Longfellow Square | 4:00 PM
Get ready for a heart-warming, spirit-soaring holiday show with Rock my Soul, the vibrant community choir from South Berwick! Spend a cozy, wintry evening with family and friends at One Longfellow Square, Portland’s Listening Room, and enjoy music that moves the soul – this energetic performance is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Plus, by supporting Rock My Soul’s public shows, you’re helping bring the joy of song to those in need—memory care facilities, nursing homes, and more. A perfect way to make your holiday season even brighter. Tickets.
Adult Pond Hockey | Thompson’s Point Rink | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Lace up your skates and get ready for some classic winter fun! Adult Pond Hockey is back at Thompson’s Point Rink, happening every Sunday night. Calling seasoned pros or just those out for some friendly competition, this is your chance to hit the ice. Must be 18 or older to play, helmets are required, and signed waivers are a must. Spots are limited to 20 participants, so secure your ticket and join the game! Sign-up.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
