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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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)
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
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!
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
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
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!
Bangor's European Market
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!
Winter Decorating
Maine Harvest Festival
DJ Bill Lyons Thanksgiving Eve Dance Party
Plaid Friday
Downtown Bangor Holiday Tree Lighting and Hollywood Casino Light Show
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical
Small Business Saturday
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical
Whoville Hot Coco Party
