Daily editionMonday, December 8th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 8th of December.
Community
Community members gathered at a Portland memorial on Sunday to honor lives lost at Pearl Harbor, with veterans, families, and survivors sharing remembrances.
The ceremony featured a three-volley salute and the laying of wreaths (84 years since the attack) in tribute to the sacrifices made.
FOX23Read more
Culture
Local historic sites are showcasing holiday displays that bring 19th-century Christmas traditions to life.
Tours & events are set for Dec. 13 & 20 at the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Tate House Museum & Victoria Mansion, while festive trolley & train rides in nearby towns offer a taste of vintage celebrations.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
This week, holiday events create festive cheer with Bossov Ballet’s Nutcracker at Waterville Opera House on Friday-Sunday, Christmas by the Sea in Ogunquit, and Holiday at Hadlock in Portland offering free hot chocolate + cookies for families.
An Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl, Fogcutters and Rock Orchestra feature live music.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
A U.S. District Court judge denied a request by Maine and the DOJ to ease reporting and oversight in a settlement that mandates community-based mental health services for children with disabilities — a measure that advocates support.
WMTWRead more
Health
Death cafes in Maine provide free guided sessions where residents discuss end-of-life choices including planning under Maine’s Death with Dignity law.
In York, a recent meeting at the Public Library — a local gathering spot — helped one resident ease grief as she prepared with family for her husband’s passing.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
In Bath, Bath Housing renovated historic buildings and added affordable units with a local partner—The Szanton Company.
State authorities are now partnering with developers and leveraging new funding to address the housing crisis; a pilot program helping neighboring towns starts in coming weeks.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine Coast Heritage Trust and MidCoast Regional Housing Trust plan to renovate a farmhouse & barn at Erickson Fields Preserve in Rockport to create nine workforce housing units for the missing middle.
The project is set to finish renovation of the homestead by mid-2026 while planning additional barn-dominiums.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Amari Williams posted a triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists to help the Maine Celtics defeat the College Park Skyhawks 118—95 on Sunday at the Portland Expo, matching their franchise record with an eighth consecutive win while improving their home record to 6—0 this season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Local ski areas opened yesterday as fresh snow and cold temperatures spurred Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton and Lost Valley in Auburn to kick off an early season compared to last year; additional resorts like Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Saddleback had also begun operations before this weekend.
WGANRead more
Abbie Derosier was named Miss Maine Field Hockey Sunday at the Augusta Civic Center as the state's top senior – she beat Skowhegan’s Grace Mayo.
The Brewer goalie led her team with a 92% save rate and will join Division II play at Assumption University.
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.