Winter Holidays in Bangor 2025

Bangor Celebrate the Holidays 1

Celebrate the Holidays in Bangor, Maine!

There’s so much happening in Bangor this holiday season! Make Bangor part of your holiday experience for shopping, entertainment, and more! From markets to Christmas carols to a parade, Bangor knows how to get ready for a celebration! There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays this December!

West Market Square holiday tree, Bangor, Maine 2026, by Justin Russell Photography

December

From markets to Christmas carols to a parade, Bangor knows how to get ready for a celebration! There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays this December!

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December 5-23: Holidays at Hill House

Holidays at Hill House: Enjoy the holiday spirit with the Bangor Historical Society at the Thomas Hill House, a historic home filled with festive decorations and cheer

December 4-28: Cinderella

Cinderella: The timeless enchantment of this classic fairytale comes to life just in time for the holidays. In a far off kingdom, a young girl, Cinderella, is made to serve her wicked stepmother and her cruel stepsisters. Despite her situation, Cinderella remains kind and good and hopeful that a wish might be granted and that her life might be transformed. Will she make it to the Ball to meet the Prince? It’s possible! Kings and Queens, Princes and Fairy Godmothers, mice and magic all come together to tell this heartwarming tale, with extraordinary songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein and all of the hopeful magic you need for the holiday season.

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December 4-21: Another Kick in Your Dickens

Another Kick in Your Dickens: A Christmas Carol like you’ve never seen it before—because it changes every night.
This adults-only holiday comedy from ImprovAcadia and Penobscot Theatre Company is back after two sold-out runs in 2018 and 2022. With improvised songs, wild plot twists, and more wigs than sense, this unscripted spin on the Dickens classic is fast, filthy, and full of holiday cheer.

Don’t miss your shot to laugh your way through the most unpredictable Christmas show in Maine!

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December 6 – Festival of Lights Parade

The Festival of Lights Parade will be taking place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, starting at 4:30 pm in downtown Bangor.

Our 2025 theme is “Unite for Good”. As in the past, the Bangor Rotary will present a spectacular nighttime parade, featuring entries that convey the many ways of celebrating winter in Maine! Come early to get a great viewing spot!

Christmas Karaoke

December 13: Christmas Karaoke

Christmas Karaoke: Step into the sparkle of the season at Christmas Karaoke! Sip on craft cocktails, don your favorite holiday glam, and belt out Christmas classics in the holiday spirits of The Stage Door. Whether you’re channeling Mariah, Bing, or the Ghost of Christmas Party Past, this is your night to shine. Karaoke starts after PTC’s production of Cinderella ends (around 9:30pm)

December 13: Tis The Season at Peakes Auditorium

Tis The Season: Morita’s School of Dance Presents “Tis The Season”


Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Peakes Auditorium (Bangor High School)

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December 14: Christmas on Broadway

Christmas on Broadway: Join us for 𝓒𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓶𝓪𝓼 𝓸𝓷 𝓑𝓻𝓸𝓪𝓭𝔀𝓪𝔂!
Get into the Christmas spirit with a 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 in-person only event full of lively dancing, joyous music, and a special visit from Santa himself! Whether you’re bringing family, friends, or just yourself, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come celebrate the true joy of Christmas with 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵!


𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀: December 13th & 14th | 7PM
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 1033 BROADWAY BANGOR, MAINE

December 14: Tuba Christmas & Bangor Band Sounds of the Season

Tuba Christmas & Bangor Band Sounds of the Season: Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1:00pm & 2:00pm. At Peakes Auditorium – Bangor High School

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December 14 – Lighting of the Bangor Community Menorah

Get ready to light up the night with Chabad of Bangor for the Bangor Public Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 14, at 4:00pm in Pierce Park on Harlow Street. They will have the full Chanukah vibe going! Music. Doughnuts. Latkes.  Dreidel drop and gelt. And of course, light atop the 9-foot-menorah!

All community members are welcome! Bring the energy and joy and celebrate the Festival of Lights together!

December 15: Pizza with Santa

Pizza with Santa: Save the Date!
Santa’s coming back to Hero’s for our annual Pizza with Santa event! When: Monday, December 15th

This is a reservation-only event and it sells out every year, so mark your calendars and start planning with your crew.
Keep an eye out for ticket sales coming soon!

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December 20 & 21: Santa’s Storytime & Singalong

Santa’s Storytime & singalong: Santa Claus is coming to Penobscot Theatre this Christmas! Join us for a holiday storytime that is sure to put you in a joyful spirit. Santa himself will read a story and lead a Christmas sing-a-long with his Elf sidekick at the piano!

After the performance, everyone can have a picture taken with Santa (and make those all important last minute present requests). Photos with Santa will be taken using your personal phone, so please have it ready for a quick and easy photo opportunity!

This production will be at 51A Main Street in Bangor. Suitable for all ages, but recommended for kids ages 2-8.

December 20 & 21: The Nutcracker Ballet

The Nutcracker Ballet: A holiday tradition for all ages, Bangor Symphony Orchestra proudly presents the annual production of The Nutcracker with the Robinson Ballet and Bangor Area Youth Choirs. Beloved by audiences throughout Maine, please join us for a magical afternoon as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Nutcracker grace the stage of the Collins Center for the Arts as the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Bangor Area Youth Choirs, and Music Director and GRAMMY-award winning Conductor Lucas Richman bring Tchaikovsky’s score to life. Arrive early to shop at the BSO’s Nutcracker Store, offering a variety of holiday gifts, Nutcrackers, and treats

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December 21: Musica Sacra

Musica Sacra: Enjoy choral and instrumental Christmas favorites performed by the St. John Youth and Adult choirs, led by Director Kevin Birch.


There is no admission fee, donations will go towards supporting food assistance in our community

A image of the lit Christmas tree in downtown Bangor by Chris Olmstead Photography

Holiday Craft Fairs & MARKETS

Tis the season of craft fairs! Craft fairs, pop ups, and markets abound this time of year and Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or just enjoying the community spirit, there’s something for everyone. For those who simply love a good market, we have a list just for you!

And don’t miss annual favorites like the All Souls Annual Bazaar on November 15th and the John Bapst Holiday Craft Fair on December 6th which will have plenty of crafts, art, baked goods, and other homemade gifts!

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Tue
16

European Midweek Holiday Markets

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We’re gearing up for the holiday season!Join us at Ingrid’s European Gift Shop & Sunnyside Greenhouse for our extra midweek holiday Markets.Our vendors will have the best of local and worldwide-inspired foods and gifts.Come see what you can find, and support local small businesses!
Wed
17

"Love Notes To Self" Art Reception & Sale

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Join us at DREAM, also know as Dream In Gold, for an inspiring evening celebrating the artwork of Maine artist Edner Fago and her newest exhibit, Love Notes To Self. Edner’s work explores healing, self-discovery, and the quiet power of creating “love notes” to one’s inner self. Her career spans broadcasting, documentary filmmaking, and a […]
Sat
20

Bangor's European Market

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A weekly market hosted by Ingrid’s German Gift Shop with local & word-wide meats, seafood, produce, artisanal baked goods, and gifts!
Sat
20

Crafts in the Brick

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Crafts in the Brick!Handmade Treasures • Local Makers • Community Vibes– Date: Saturday, December 20– Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM– Location: Salty Brick Market, 35 Main Street, Downtown Bangor Join us for the last Saturday before Christmas at Crafts in the Brick! This pop-up market is all about creativity, community, and shopping local. From […]
Sat
20

Merry Makers Market

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Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 20th, and join us at the Merry Makers Market—your last chance to complete your holiday shopping in style! Skip the ordinary and explore over 100 local artisans offering unique, handcrafted gifts and services. From thoughtful presents for friends to perfect surprises for loved ones, you’ll find something for everyone […]
Sat
20

Night Market at Chimera Coffee

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Imagine it— a winter night in West Market Square. Lights twinkling all around, fluffy snowflakes falling from the sky, and a cozy coffee shop where inside, a gathering of artists are nestled in with their hand-crafted goods. You walk through the doors and can’t help but notice the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm […]
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Bangor Winter Farmers Market

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 WINTER Bangor Farmers Market is held every 1st and 3rd Sunday through April at the Seadog Restaurant banquet room, 26 Front St, far left entrance! 11-1pm  We are doing a promotion this winter season, Bring A Friend To Market! Bring someone new to the market and you will get a $5 Bonus Bucks Voucher good for anything at […]
Tue
23

European Midweek Holiday Markets

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We’re gearing up for the holiday season!Join us at Ingrid’s European Gift Shop & Sunnyside Greenhouse for our extra midweek holiday Markets.Our vendors will have the best of local and worldwide-inspired foods and gifts.Come see what you can find, and support local small businesses!
Sat
27

Bangor's European Market

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A weekly market hosted by Ingrid’s German Gift Shop with local & word-wide meats, seafood, produce, artisanal baked goods, and gifts!
Sat
03

Bangor's European Market

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A weekly market hosted by Ingrid’s German Gift Shop with local & word-wide meats, seafood, produce, artisanal baked goods, and gifts!
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Downtown Countdown

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Downtown Bangor with one of Maine’s largest, free* public New Year’s Eve celebrations, Downtown Countdown. Each year crowds gather in West Market Square to watch the ball get thrown into the square and celebrate the New Year. Businesses throughout Downtown will have events happening throughout the day and evening. The evening is jam-packed with music, dancing, kid-friendly activities, karaoke, games, a ball drop, and more!

Spend your afternoon enjoying food and drink specials, activities for families, music, entertainment, dancing, and parties throughout Downtown Bangor before gathering just before midnight for the dropping of the big, bright, Bangor beachball!

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Wed
31

Midnight at the Museum

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Celebrate curiosity, community, and a sparkling start to the New Year – Maine Discovery Museum style! This one-of-a-kind family fundraiser supports MDM’s exhibits and programs. Your ticket includes:· Portland Pie Co. pizza, drinks, and snacks· Hands-on activities· World Map Dance Party· Bubble Countdown at “Midnight” (6 PM—don’t tell the kids!) Ring in the New Year, […]
Wed
31

A Fairy Tale Ball New Year's Eve Party

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This year the theme is “Fairy Tale Ball”. Come in costume or your dancing shoes because this year there will be a dance party!Games, planetarium, crafts, and a dance party are just a few things happening throughout the library. This event is for families with children only. Please note that library services (such as checking […]
Wed
31

New Year's Eve Bash @ Happy Endings

December 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm – January 1, 2026 at 2:00 amcalendar-multiday-dark
Drink specials, live music, party favors and more! 5pm-2am!
Wed
31

Midnight on the Orient Express: A New Year's Eve Experience

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One night in 1926, the Orient Express—the ultimate in luxurious train travel—is speeding East toward Istanbul. Passengers include the famous, the wealthy, and the glamorous elite of high society—or at least, people who claim to be members of the elite. Aboard a train, who can tell if anyone is really who they claim to be? […]
Wed
31

DJ Artie V for a Roaring 20s New Year's Eve

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DJ Artie V will be performing live at The Sound Stage Lounge on December 31st at 8pm for a special New Year’s Eve party at Hollywood Casino. The theme of the party is the ROARING 20s, so don’t be a flat tire, be the big cheese and be sure you’re looking spiffy for a night […]
Wed
31

New Years Masquerade Party

December 31, 2025 at 9:00 pm – January 1, 2026 at 2:00 amcalendar-multiday-dark
Time to ring in the New Year in style. This year we are rocking our masquerade party with DJ Bill Lyons on stage playing your favorite hits to dance the night away. Get here early to avoid the line.
Wed
31

Downtown Countdown 2025

December 31, 2025 at 11:30 pm – January 1, 2026 at 12:05 amcalendar-multiday-dark
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Downtown Bangor with one of Maine’s largest, free* public New Year’s Eve celebrations, Downtown Countdown. Each year crowds gather in Bangor’s historic Downtown to watch the ball get thrown from on high to celebrate the New Year. Businesses throughout Downtown will have events happening throughout the day and evening. The evening […]