Good morning, Portland.

At Holiday Maker's Market this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 9-year-old Grant Traquair will sell his signature tea towels among more than 50 handcrafted goods offered by local artisans at Cliff House Maine.

The Press Herald Toy Fund is helping Maine parents facing rising medical expenses by covering holiday toy and book shopping for kids in selected counties (York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Androscoggin and Knox).

Donations, which have reached over $31K so far, will keep the Christmas spirit alive for families in need.

Dutchman's Wood-Fired Bagels in Brunswick grew from a 2022 pop-up into a beloved local shop and was invited to take part in the New York Bagel Fest last month.

Co-founder Jeremy Kratzer said the invitation marks a milestone in the shop's expanding reputation (a bright sign for the community).

Dutchman's Wood-Fired Bagels started as a pop-up in 2022 and grew into a beloved fixture in Brunswick; the shop earned an invitation to New York Bagel Fest last month.

Maine State Ballet will perform its 50th production of the Nutcracker on Dec.

6 and 7 at Merrill Auditorium. The show marks 50 years of tradition (featuring nearly 400 performers and custom costumes) and continues a cherished local ballet legacy.

Wreaths Across America held its annual tribute on Dec.

4 by placing wreaths on Maine graves and Arlington Cemetery; Karen Worcester (executive director) emphasized the event’s commitment to honor fallen soldiers and teach the value of freedom.

Federal research grants supporting Maine studies in geoscience diversity and ocean health were terminated, affecting projects at Bowdoin and UMaine; more than two dozen awards were cut and research now faces delays as officials work to secure new funding (including NOAA support) to resume vital studies.

An Arctic cold front brought snow squalls and bitter wind chills to Portland this morning, with gusts reaching 33 mph.

Bitter conditions persist today — the weekend forecast calls for light snow showers and a modest moderation in temperatures.

Maine Office of Cannabis Policy has recalled select cannabis flower and pre-rolls produced by NorCO Outdoor Cannabis due to unsafe levels of yeast, mold, microbials, and arsenic (sales span Oct.

15–Dec. 2 at 22 retail stores, including in Portland). Consumers are advised to return the products or dispose of them.

The FDA announced on Dec.

1 that over a million bags of shredded cheese sold at Walmart, Publix, Aldi and Target may contain metal fragments and are being recalled in 31 states and Puerto Rico. Portland residents are urged to check UPC codes (using FDA guidance) to see if their product is affected.

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.

Bess Jacques & The Strays Performance

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.

2025 The Polar Express™ Train Ride

5:15 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Premium pricing applies — Experience the magic of the holiday season with a delightful ride to the North Pole inspired by the classic story.

Disney on Ice: Into the Magic

7-11 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Tickets available — Experience your favorite Disney characters realizing their dreams in a spectacular ice skating show.