Good morning, Portland.

The Salvation Army is holding a 24-hour Red Kettle Blitz to raise funds for local human services.

Volunteers ring bells at several Portland sites, including Falmouth Walmart, Monday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Tuesday from 6 a.m. (supporting food, shelter, and relief).

AAA forecasts 4.6 million New Englanders will travel for the holidays, with 3.9 million driving; a Tuesday night storm will drop 3-6 inches of snow in metro Portland and the Midcoast (travelers should plan ahead) plus a Friday storm may further affect trips (check flight status).

Robbie Foundation is running its 'Wrapping for a Reason' fundraiser at Maine Mall where donations get presents wrapped to support children with developmental disabilities.

The event started last Thursday and will continue through Christmas Eve.

Students at Portland High School raised $806 through an online auction for Maine Needs on Dec.

22. Teacher Jose Gouveia started the project that featured 17 art pieces (community, trust, ripple effect) to help support local families amid cold weather.

Maine's cannabis industry is cautiously optimistic about a federal executive order shifting marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which may allow for more research and tax deductions (though it does not legalize the drug) while industry leaders worry that tighter federal oversight could disadvantage local businesses.

Gritty McDuff’s brewpub brewed nearly 400 gallons of Christmas Ale at its Portland facility for the holiday season — the traditional ale conditions for 10 to 12 days before being served on tap at both Auburn and Portland locations.

The ShineOnCass Foundation held its 5th annual Blue Christmas ceremony Sunday night for families in Oakland to honor lost loved ones with blue candles and local music featuring Joan Kennedy and her daughter.

The event supported the foundation’s mission to empower youth through kindness.

Local birders can enjoy winter birding tips as experts note that familiar species like chickadees and nuthatches become easier to spot when feeders boost activity in areas from Portland Harbor to nearby parks (advice covers seed choices and feeder cleaning).

With open enrollment closed, the Maine Bureau of Insurance reported about 5,700 cancellations and noted roughly 61,000 residents, including former trucker Gray Stabley, could face a jump in ACA premiums from $2.45 to roughly $1,100+ when subsidies end at year’s close, forcing tough coverage choices.

Southern Maine bars & restaurants, markets & movie theaters will have special Christmas Day hours from early morning until late night, with venues in Portland, Waterville and Augusta.

Residents can plan holiday outings based on varied timings for food and film.

Sugarloaf ski resort is set to offer ski lessons, gear rentals and family events during school vacation weeks.

Director Jessica Sechler detailed the resort’s plans as local ski destinations prepare to welcome visitors.

Thornton Academy senior Stella Foy became the 2025 Varsity Maine Girls Golfer of the Year after winning the Class A state championship by one stroke.

Battling arthritis (severe health challenges) and illness, Foy showed grit and plans to inspire more girls in golf.

SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training

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

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

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

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.

New Year's Eve Gala: The Golden Age of Hollywood

7 PM - 12:30 AM — Après — $60 single, $80 couples — Celebrate the New Year with old Hollywood glamour, dancing, and a champagne toast.

LAST CALL Comedy Showcase

9:30 PM — Empire Comedy Club — $10 — Enjoy a fast-paced showcase featuring local and visiting stand-up comics with drink specials.

Primal Soup (Phish Tribute) Live Performance

8-11:30 p.m. — Bayside Bowl — $15 adv, $25 door — Maine's premiere Phish tribute act returns for an all-ages show.

Script Club – Lend Me a Tenor

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Portland Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion of 'Lend Me a Tenor' moderated by Portland Stage’s Literary Manager Todd Brian Backus.

Bess Jacques & The Strays Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Tickets required — Experience a fusion of jazz, Americana, and more with Bess Jacques & The Strays.