Daily editionMonday, December 1st, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 1st of December.
Community
Seven-year-old Riley Tardiff, a devoted New England Patriots fan from Lyman, has made red, white, and blue beaded bracelets that players and fans have embraced—she will send over 300 bracelets to twenty NFL teams and donate extras to local children's hospitals.
FOX23Read more
Yarmouth homeowner Molly Dilorenzo held a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Saturday night to revive the tradition after it was paused during the pandemic+ residents gathered and collected 1,800 signatures urging its return to Village Green Park.
The town council will discuss the proposal next week.
FOX23Read more
Yarmouth residents revived a holiday tradition when homeowner Molly Dilorenzo held a tree lighting ceremony on Saturday night after a petition gathered 1,800 signatures to restore the tree in Village Green Park.
The town council will discuss the tradition's return next week.
WGMERead more
Culture
A new guide shows how to choose Maine-made, passive-aggressive Christmas gifts that let you send a message while supporting local makers — it features options like a $160 blanket for a rich cousin, a $45 sachet for a grandparent, hydration cream for an out-of-state uncle, and a spice set for a home cook. The piece offers creative ideas for those forced into holiday gift exchanges who want to blend humor with local charm.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Portland Museum of Art plans to acquire four downtown properties on Free Street from MaineHealth to move its administrative staff and free up McClellan House for public use—this will also open up parking and support local art district businesses.
The museum is about two-thirds toward a $100 million goal and is adding a new wing at the former Children’s Museum site.
WGANRead more
Portland’s rock trio Weakened Friends will headline a show at the State Theatre on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.—the event is part of their national tour for the release of their third album Feels Like Hell, which features a cover of Torn.
The band members, Sonia Sturino, Annie Hoffman and Adam Hand, will bring fresh energy to local fans as they perform live.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Historical photos show the arrival of Portland’s holiday tree to Monument Square over several decades, with local families donating trees including a 50-foot blue spruce in 1978.
The images capture key moments in the city’s long-standing festive tradition — a cherished marker of local pride — for residents to enjoy.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Maine Celtics beat Westchester Knicks 122-95 yesterday in White Plains as Stefan Todorovic scored a career-high 31 points off the bench—Kendall Brown added 23 and Hayden Gray recorded a double-double to extend their winning streak to six games.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Newport native Cooper Flagg scored a season-high 35 points in the Mavericks’ 114-110 win over the Clippers on Saturday in Inglewood—he shot 13-for-22 and grabbed eight rebounds as Klay Thompson added 17 points in a crucial fourth quarter that secured the victory.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Seven-year-old Riley Tardiff from Lyman has been making handmade red—white—blue beaded bracelets for New England Patriots players and fans since last season; she will create over 300 bracelets for NFL teams and donate many to children’s hospitals across New England.
This effort has made her a beloved team ambassador in the local sports community.
WGMERead more
Accidents
The Maine Department of Transportation estimates that Maine sees between 5,400 and 6,000 car crashes each winter season (from December through March), which accounts for about 20% of all crashes statewide.
AAA Northern New England reported that drivers face increased risks as winter issues bring between 37,000 and 45,000 service calls each month.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
Tom Rush Concert
Thursday, December 4th, 2025 · 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
Friday, December 5th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, December 6th, 2025 · 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
Sunday, December 7th, 2025 · 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
Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Hardshore Distilling Company — Ages 21+ — Craft your own festive cork ornaments and decorative votives for the holiday season.
The Wood Brothers Live Concert
Friday, December 12th, 2025 · 7:30-9:00 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of The Wood Brothers blending folk and roots music.
Designing Women Portland Maine Market
Saturday, December 13th, 2025 · 9 AM - 4 PM — Ocean Avenue School — Suggested $3 donation — Experience a vibrant market with local exhibitors supporting community education initiatives.
2025 THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Sunday, December 14th, 2025 · 5:15 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical roundtrip journey to the North Pole with hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday carols.
A Victorian Nutcracker
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the magic of a classic ballet in the heart of Portland.
Bess Jacques & The Strays Performance
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Ticket info not provided — Experience an eclectic mix of jazz, Americana, and faux-tango-pop with Bess Jacques & The Strays.