Good morning, Portland.

A South Portland woman donated her large Barbie collection that the Press Herald Toy Fund auctioned to buy holiday presents for Maine children.

The auction netted over $600 so far — collectors from across the country bought rare dolls — and the funds will be used to meet the high demand for gifts this season.

Portland held its annual tree lighting Friday night in Monument Square as residents began the holiday season.

The 40-foot red spruce (donated by the Portland Housing Authority) was installed last week and will remain lit for the year.

Molly Dilorenzo, a Yarmouth resident, is reviving a 35-year tree lighting tradition today at 5 o'clock on Bridge Street after the pandemic halted the event.

She organized the gathering following town concerns over the lack of an official vote and Romeo’s Pizza is providing treats — families are welcome to join.

Bates College alum Perla Figuereo won $4.56 million when she won Season 2 of Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge earlier this month.

She beat 455 other players — including her brother — in games based on the hit series.

Students at Maine College of Art & Design — known for hands-on art programs — will host two selling events in early December: the Holiday Sale on Dec.

5–6 at the Porteous Building on Congress Street and an 'Art of Selling Out' pop-up shop from Dec. 1 to 7 at 49 Oak St., where they will learn to price and market handmade goods. These events give students real-world experience in balancing creative work with business practice.

Maine lawmakers, local banks, and AARP worked with Sen. Carney and community groups to draft a bill to protect vulnerable adults from online scams—LD 1445 was passed and signed on June 9.

The new law gives bank and credit union staff and law enforcement more power to stop scammers.

Portland is ranked the sixth U.S. city for the biggest home value increase since 2019—prices have surged over 75% on average, adding nearly $290,000 per home compared to pre-pandemic values.

The Maine Realtors Association predicts the market will level out as local residents drive future demand.

The Maine Mariners snapped a four-game road losing streak on Friday night in Norfolk when Lynden McCallum scored his eighth goal and Jacob Hudson added a goal early in the third period for a 3–2 win over the Norfolk Admirals.

Luke Cavallin made 23 saves — helping to keep Norfolk from scoring a fourth goal.

Iraq War veteran Ronnie Simpson of Portland nearly lost his life in a February 2024 storm and is now preparing to compete in the Global Solo Challenge in fall 2027 while raising $1 million in sponsorships for his new campaign—he plans to set sail from Portland and test his endurance on the open ocean. This new attempt follows his previous near-fatal race, marking a bold effort to complete a solo circumnavigation.

The Maine Celtics won their first road game of the season by beating the Westchester Knicks 98-84 on Friday night in White Plains—Hayden Gray scored 24 points and Hason Ward recorded a triple-double with 10 blocks.

All five Celtics starters scored in double digits as the team extended its winning streak to five.

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.

Magic of Christmas Concert

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Merrill Auditorium — Ticket info not provided — Experience the festive celebration of joy and music featuring the Portland Symphony Orchestra and special guests.

A Victorian Nutcracker

7-8:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the magic of a classic ballet in the heart of Portland.