Daily editionFriday, December 26th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of December.
Community
Nearly 36 volunteers worked through the holidays to gather toys and books for over 4,000 Maine children in six counties (76th year of the drive) as donations continue to support the toy fund.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Families gathered at Payson Park on Christmas Eve to enjoy fresh snowfall as locals sled and engage in friendly snowball fights.
The community embraced winter fun while celebrating a true white Christmas.
FOX23Read more
Education
Cape Elizabeth's new middle school design features a building shaped like a V with improved safety and flexible learning spaces after voters approved the project.
Architects will finalize details (this winter) and school officials plan bids in May and ground in July, with construction finishing by the 2028 school year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Maine officials say early winter ice on local lakes can vary in thickness and warn recreationists to test the ice before skating or snowmobiling.
They advise checking several spots for at least 4 to 6 inches of solid ice (and carrying safety gear) to stay safe.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
On Christmas Eve, families enjoyed outdoor fun at Payson Park in Portland as fresh snow spurred sledding and spirited snowball fights.
The winter day offered a cheerful break from holiday chores.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
Throwback to the 80s New Year's Eve Party
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 · 7-11:30 p.m. — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — $25 per person — Dance the night away with Jetport FM and enjoy a dessert bar and champagne toast at midnight.
LAST CALL Comedy Showcase
Saturday, January 10th, 2026 · 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
Friday, January 16th, 2026 · 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
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 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
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Tickets required — Experience a fusion of jazz, Americana, and more with Bess Jacques & The Strays.
Winter Concert Series: Sigrid Sibley & Shannon Allen
Friday, January 23rd, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village — Ticket details not provided — Experience beautiful acoustic music in support of local cultural arts.
Higher Ground - A Tribute to Stevie Wonder
Saturday, January 24th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — Portland House Of Music and Events — Ticket prices vary — Experience New England’s premier soul band pay homage to the legends of soul music.
Burns Night Celebration
Sunday, January 25th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant — Ticketed event — Celebrate Scotland's beloved poet with traditional food, live music, and cask beer.