Daily editionSunday, December 14th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 14th of December.
Community
Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook invites visitors this weekend to meet Santa and goats in holiday sweaters from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event costs $5 per person with season pass discounts and includes animal visits (mini horses, alpacas, etc.), ice cream, lunch and wagon rides starting Dec. 19.
WMTWRead more
Few Acres Farm in Auburn will host its annual Pony Snuggles event on December 21 to offer free equine therapy with horses Missy — Sunshine — and Cash; visitors may groom, feed, or simply relax, and RSVP is required.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Chabad of Maine hosts a grand menorah lighting today at 4:30 p.m. in front of City Hall with a celebration at Portland High School’s Chestnut Street entrance.
The event launches a week-long series that includes a 'Can-ora' of donated canned goods (Kitchen of Kindness).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
At Saturday's Holiday at Hadlock, Santa arrived in his red helicopter while the Sea Dogs hosted free festivities on Hadlock Field, featuring s'mores, mini games, and face painting for all ages.
Families enjoyed hot chocolate+photos with Santa and helpers at this long-standing community event.
FOX23Read more
Government
Residents in the Knightville neighborhood have not received consistent mail for several weeks — raising concerns about bills and important notices.
A USPS spokesperson said a new carrier is on the route and deliveries are expected to resume early next week.
WMTWRead more
Health
The U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rule would reclassify nursing degrees — excluding advanced practice nursing from federal loan benefits — and may widen financial gaps for students, a change that could strain Lewiston hospitals and clinics while prompting calls for congressional review.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Semifinalists for the Fitzpatrick Trophy have been announced to honor top senior high school football players known for excellence on and off the field.
Players include Connor Ayoob (Thornton Academy) and Tony Bongomin (Westbrook) among others representing local teams.
WMTWRead more
Accidents
On Friday night, Westbrook fire crews quickly extinguished a blaze at the Cintas uniform supplier when a dryer dropped garments onto a conveyor belt and filled the building with smoke (investigators are now assessing damage).
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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.
SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training
Thursday, December 25th, 2025 · 9 AM - 1 AM — Portland, ME — Early Bird $1299, Regular $1499 — Enhance your agile skills in a hands-on workshop designed for leaders and managers in portfolio management.
Polar Express Train Ride
Friday, December 26th, 2025 · 5:15 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical journey to the North Pole aboard a festive train ride this holiday season.
Maine Mariners vs Trois-Rivières Lions
Saturday, December 27th, 2025 · 3:00 – 4:30 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Watch an exciting hockey matchup featuring the Maine Mariners and Trois-Rivières Lions.
Technology Tutoring at Peaks
Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 · 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Peaks Island Community Center — Free entry — Enhancing digital skills for all levels of computer users in a community setting.