Daily editionSunday, December 7th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 7th of December.
Community
The Toy Fund has seen a surge in holiday toy and book requests that now benefit over 4,800 Maine children; organizers report a year-to-date total of $41,267 (up from last year's 3,800 requests) and are ordering more gifts while urging local contributions.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A parade in Westbrook honored Westbrook High’s first state championship football win and its gold-winning marching band while community members, city police, and fire crews gathered along Main Street to celebrate the teams’ achievements (a historic first for the school).
WGMERead more
Today, Wreaths Across America begins its procession in Maine with planned stops in Milbridge, Ellsworth, Hermon, Gardiner and Portland where volunteers honor military veterans; the journey continues Monday from Biddeford before heading toward Arlington for National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 13.
WMTWRead more
Education
More than two dozen Maine schools have added nature-based playgrounds featuring logs, rocks, and gardens to encourage outdoor play and learning; Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School (Brunswick) used a $350k grant to create a space where students explore nature.
Experts say these spaces help build problem-solving skills and environmental awareness.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
A Maine community is rallying behind 3-year-old Bailey battling brain cancer with the fundraiser 20 for Bailey running from Dec. 5 to Jan. 14, as participants donate $20 and perform 20 acts of kindness to help offset treatment costs.
WMTWRead more
Sports
The Maine Celtics won their seventh straight game Saturday at home against College Park, pulling away in the third quarter with standout plays from Amari Williams, Kendall Brown, and Ron Harper Jr. who scored 32 points while Boston Celtics owner Bill Chism and Brad Stevens attended.
WMTWRead more
Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton opened its slopes the earliest ever this season on Saturday after running snowmaking machines for hours.
Additional snow expected on Sunday will extend terrain for skiers (promising a strong season).
FOX23Read more
Deering girls basketball won 52-47 over Portland Friday, with Angelina Keo scoring 19 points and Blake Gayle adding 15 (the team outscored its rival 31-19 in the second half).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cheverus girls basketball beat South Portland 51-46 on Friday in Portland after erasing a 16-point deficit in a season opener.
Senior guard Kylie Lamson led the comeback with 17 points in a rematch of last year’s state final.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
UMaine men's hockey lost to UNH 3-2 at Alfond Arena on Saturday.
Coach Ben Barr said culture issues cost the Wildcats in a game that saw early scoring fade — they now prepare to face UMass Lowell on Wednesday at Cross Insurance Arena.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Ron Harper Jr. scored 32 points & Amari Williams had a double-double as the Maine Celtics won 117-95 in a G League game on Saturday in Portland.
The teams will face off again today at 1 p.m. at the Portland Expo.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
2025 The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Friday, December 19th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, December 20th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Tickets available — Experience your favorite Disney characters realizing their dreams in a spectacular ice skating show.
Maker's Market
Sunday, December 21st, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Thompson's Point — Free entry — Explore local Maine artisans, enjoy mimosas, and embrace the community spirit.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 · 5:15 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Premium pricing — Experience a magical journey to the North Pole on a festive train ride filled with holiday cheer.