Good morning, Portland.

Several craft and holiday fairs will take place in Buxton, Gorham, Scarborough and Standish beginning Friday, Nov.

28 and lasting through Dec. 13—featuring handmade crafts, food, and seasonal gifts at venues including Buxton Centre Baptist Church and Bonny Eagle High School.

Several Maine communities will serve free Thanksgiving meals on Thursday—churches, community centers, and local groups will provide dine-in and take-out options for residents needing a holiday meal.

Portland's Monument Square will sparkle for the holiday season when its red spruce is lit this Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (the tree will remain lit until January 1) as families gather downtown (the event marks the start of local celebrations).

Six Maine events are scheduled this week—ice skating opens Friday at Thompson’s Point with skate rentals for $6, an antique postcard show runs Saturday at Fireside Inn & Suites, a winter expo and ski sale is held at Portland Expo on Saturday, a funk and soul performance takes place at Aura on Saturday, a Billy Joel tribute starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath, and a screening of Haute Couture is set for Sunday at the Hill Arts.

A report on Maine’s housing issues shows that zoning reforms make projects legal but do not cover the high costs of infrastructure needed to build homes.

In towns like Rockland, expenses for sewer, water, and roads can push a modest home’s cost over $450,000—indicating that legal changes alone will not solve the housing crisis.

University of Maine law professor Anthony Moffa and several students attended the COP climate conference in Brazil this month where global leaders discussed practical steps to meet Paris Agreement goals.

They observed the talks after the U.S. did not send an official delegation.

Law Professor Anthony Moffa and UMaine students attended the COP climate conference in Brazil this month to observe global leaders discuss commitments tied to the Paris Climate Agreement—this followed the U.S. decision not to send an official delegation.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency said that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins designated 10 of Maine's 16 counties as natural disaster areas because of drought.

The move lets the USDA Farm Service Agency offer emergency loans to farmers to replace equipment, update farms, or refinance debts — farmers must apply by May 22, 2026 or June 1, 2026.

The Maine Opioid Settlement Support Center, based at the University of Southern Maine’s Catherine Cutler Institute, is preparing to launch a public data dashboard early next year to show how local governments spend opioid settlement funds — the center has already supported over 100 technical requests and will help streamline new annual spending reports starting in January.

Small business owners and self-employed workers told Gov. Janet Mills and Rep. Chellie Pingree at a roundtable in South Portland that their insurance costs would surge if enhanced ACA tax credits expire Dec.

31 — the discussion at Greater Portland Health highlighted fears of thousands in extra monthly expenses. Lawmakers and business owners debated solutions amid rising premium concerns ahead of the coverage renewal deadline.

Health officials warned that the HIV outbreak identified in Penobscot County in October is expected to spread outside Bangor, prompting Portland and nearby communities to expand testing and harm reduction programs.

Local agencies are also bracing for federal funding cuts—further challenging efforts to keep the virus in check.

Westbrook (Blue Blazes) defeated Cony 40-20 in the Class B state championship game Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland to win its first state title and first Gold Ball in program history.

The team celebrated at Buffalo Wild Wings (in South Portland) and now plans to return next season.

Thanksgiving Celebration at Westin Portland Harborview

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The Westin Portland Harborview — No refunds — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive buffet of holiday favorites and desserts.

Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket prices vary — Embark on a magical journey with beloved Disney characters in an ice show extravaganza.

2025 The Polar Express Train Ride

2:45 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Non-refundable tickets available — Experience a magical ride to the North Pole with hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday cheer.

Tom Rush Concert

8-11 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary sounds of Tom Rush, a pioneer of American folk music.

Jim Gaffigan - Everything is Wonderful Tour

7-9 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Grammy-nominated comedian Jim Gaffigan as he brings his unique observations on life to Portland.

2025 The Polar Express Train Ride Experience

6:30 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Premium pricing available — Experience a magical journey to the North Pole with hot chocolate and holiday cheer.

Brad Terry Jazz Performance

4:00–5:30 p.m. — Cadenza — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Experience Maine jazz legend Brad Terry alongside talented musicians in an unforgettable live performance.

DIY Holiday Cork Ornaments & Mod Podge Votives

6-8 p.m. — Hardshore Distilling Company — Ages 21+ — Craft your own festive cork ornaments and decorative votives for the holiday season.

Joe DeRosa Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — General Admission available — Catch a night of laughs with acclaimed comedian Joe DeRosa as he performs live in Portland.

Maine Mariners vs Worcester Railers

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Check event page for ticket pricing — Celebrate Portland Pirates night with specialty jerseys and alumni appearances.