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

November – 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!

November 14th: Winter Decorating

Winter Decorating: There’s nothing quite like stepping outside on a cold night and being met with the glow of sparkling lights! Volunteers and sponsors work to make Downtown Bangor inviting and cheerful during the darkest part of the year. We’ll meet in Norumbega Park, near the statue of Hannibal Hamlin. Help create bright spots around downtown and fill bridge boxes with greenery! Come be the magic makers by helping light up the winter nights Downtown!

November 19th – November 29th

Feztival of Trees: Join Anah Shrine for their 15th Annual Feztival of Trees! Visit the Gingerbread Cafe for snacks, lunches, and refreshments!

From November 19th – November 22nd and November 27th – November 29th. Check out their Facebook and website for more information on dates and times.

November 25th: Give Thanks on Thanksgiving Eve

Give Thanks: All are welcome at our Holy Eucharist St. John’s Episcopal Church celebrating the fall harvest festival gifted to us by the original inhabitants of this land!

November 25th: DJ Bill Lyons Thanksgiving Eve Dance Party

Thanksgiving Eve Dance Party: Why wait for Thanksgiving? Let’s PARTY the night before!

Get ready for an unforgettable night with DJ Bill Lyons bringing the beats and keeping the dance floor moving all night long! Grab your friends, get here early, and come celebrate Thanksgiving Eve the right way!

Wednesday, November 25 • 8PM–12AM Eat tomorrow. Dance tonight!

November 27: Plaid Friday

Plaid Friday: Avoid the lines, stress, and the hunting for parking spots that come with the typical retail places on the Friday after Thanksgiving!

Instead, sleep in and join us in Downtown Bangor for Plaid Friday, a celebration of local and independent small businesses.

Plaid Friday is the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store “Black Friday” and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.

Many Downtown Bangor retailers have special offerings ranging from expanded hours, discounts for those wearing plaid, free gift wrapping, and other surprises!

November 27th: Holiday Tree Light Show

Holiday Tree Light Show: Join Downtown Bangor for a celebration when we light the City of Bangor tree for the holidays and kick off a season of festive feelings in Downtown Bangor featuring a musical and colorful animated light show in West Market Square sponsored by Hollywood Casino!

The lighting will occur at 4:30 pm as part of Downtown Bangor’s Plaid Friday celebration.

Take a break from shopping to enjoy the show and then pop into one of Downtown Bangor’s fantastic places to shop, dine, and play!

November 28: Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday: Tis the season to buy local! Plan to do your holiday shopping at small businesses in Downtown Bangor and you’ll help support local culture while also making a tangible impact on the local economy. Many of Bangor’s independent, family-owned retailers and restaurants provide a safe, comfortable and relaxing alternative to the typical holiday shopping hustle and bustle – an opportunity to have fun, reconnect with neighbors, and shop with your values in mind.

This year local businesses encourage customers to visit Downtown Bangor on Saturday, November 28 to engage in easy shopping, dining, and community fun!

November 27 – December 27: Dr. Seuss’
How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Mr Grinch’s heart is two sizes too small and he hates Christmas. Unfortunately for him, he lives just above Whoville, and the Whos LOVE Christmas. He must endure their singing, decorating, gift giving, kindness, roast beast, and far too positive outlook. What’s a Grinch to do? Ruin Christmas, of course! With his faithful dog Max, Mr Grinch carries out a plan to stop them once and for all, only to learn a lesson about opening his heart to the real meaning of Christmas.

With new songs and based on the iconic animated film and beloved children’s book, the Grinch comes to the PTC stage! Music, mayhem, and merriment are in store for the Holidays!

Sundays November 29th – December 27th: Whoville Hot Cocoa Party

Whoville Hot Cocoa Party: Penobscot Theatre Company and The Stage Door are thrilled to host Whoville’s Holiday Party, fit for Whos of all sizes (even the Grinches too)! Join us for a sweet time where delicious treats, snacks and exquisite hot cocoa will be served. All ages will enjoy this unforgettable experience. Dressing up is encouraged! This event has very limited seating.

All Cocoa Parties will immediately follow PTCs performances of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical

December 5 – Festival of Lights Parade

The Festival of Lights Parade will be taking place on Saturday, December 5th, 2026, 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 4th: Tartan Terrors!

Tartan Terrors: Tartan Terrors bring their Celtic Invasion to the Gracie’s holiday season blending the energy of a rock show with humor and step dance. With a distinctive sound and proud tradition of making Celtic music fun and accessible to any audience, the Terrors have played stages across North America, including The Iridium, Times Square, NYC, Daryl’s House Club, Pawling, NY, Freeman Arts Pavilion, Selbyville, DE, Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival, Florence, MA, and The Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival in Dunedin, FL.

Holidays at Hill House: December 4th-23rd

December 4th-23rd. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm

Welcome to a Festive Historical Experience!
The Bangor Historical Society cordially invites you to ‘Holidays at the Hill House’, a captivating Christmas Open House at the historic Thomas A. Hill House. Join us in celebrating the holiday season amidst the grandeur of one of Bangor’s most beloved historical sites.

Located at the historic Thomas A. Hill House, 159 Union Street, Bangor. Welcome to a Festive Historical Experience!

Located at the historic Thomas A. Hill House, 159 Union Street, Bangor

Event Information:
Admission is free and open to all.
An ideal family-friendly event to create new holiday traditions. Bring your camera for picturesque moments in this historic setting.

More Information:
Visit www.bangorhistoricalsociety.org or call 942-1900 for further details.

We’re excited to share this holiday season with you at the Thomas A. Hill House. Join us for a journey through time and festive cheer!

December 5th: Mistletoe Ball/Ugly Sweater Party

Mistletoe Ball: The Mistletoe Ball is getting a holiday makeover! We’re switching things up and throwing a Mistletoe Ugly Sweater Party at The House of Entertainment!

We wanted you to be able to enjoy both the parade and the party, so grab your friends, catch the light parade, and come celebrate with us afterward. Let’s make it a full night of holiday fun in downtown Bangor!

Dig out that sweater with the blinking lights, the crooked reindeer, or way too much tinsel. We want to see it!

December 5 – 6: Festival of Trees at Husson

Festival of Trees: The Legal Studies Organization at Husson University is hosting our annual Festival of Trees Fundraiser on December 5-6 from 10am-8pm! This family friendly event includes a tree raffle, silent auction, meet and greet with Santa, cookie and ornament decorating, face painting and tattoos, and so much more! This event is put on by the students of the Legal Studies Organization with the goal to raise funds, provide hands on experience, and influential opportunities for students.

Admission is $2 and children under 12 are free
Activities listed above are $1 each

Winners of Trees and Silent Auction Items will be selected at 5pm on December 6th!

Lighting of the Bangor Community Menorah

December 6, 2026

Get ready to light up the night with Chabad of Bangor for the Bangor Public Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 6th at 4:00pm in Pierce Park on Harlow Street. Join us in downtown Bangor for a festive community Menorah Lighting celebrating the joy and spirit of Chanukah! Enjoy the lighting of the giant menorah, delicious hot latkes and fresh donuts, Chanukah gelt for the kids, and a special visit from a fire truck. Bring the whole family for an evening of Jewish pride, light, and community spirit as we share the warmth and joy of Chanukah with all of Bangor. 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 9th: Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Reimagined for 2026, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the entire family. As the original cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Guests of all ages will be on the edge of their seats as a cast of holiday characters come to life, captivating audiences while defying gravity.

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE features a world-renowned cast of performers including an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, eye-popping acrobatics, and much more. Singers, dancers, toy soldiers, and reindeer invoke the dreams behind a child’s eye on the most magical of nights. Featuring new music including beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, sparkling scenery and stunning costumes, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE the ultimate holiday gift!

December 11th: Derek Hough – Dance for the Holidays

Dance for the Holidays: Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays is a joyous celebration of the most festive time of the year! With jingle bells and sleigh bells, holiday carols and cheer, Hough’s latest dance spectacular is a show stopping event for the whole family. Fans will be thrilled and delighted as Hough and his cast of phenomenal dancers bring your favorite holiday tunes to life through dance, from the well sung classics to modern pop hits with all of the incredible choreography, exciting stage production and dance mastery that audiences have come to expect. Creative team and EMMY® winners, Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, also known as NappyTabs (Jennifer Lopez’s ‘All I Have’, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, GRAMMYs®), co-create, direct and supervise choreography for the tour.

December 12th: How to Get on the Naughty List Burlesque and Variety Show

How to Get on the Naughty List Burlesque: Join us December 12 at 8 PM at The House of Entertainment for a festive night of dazzling burlesque, playful variety acts, and holiday mischief. Expect sparkle, sass, and plenty of reasons to land on the naughty list!

Grab your friends, wear your favorite festive outfit, and trade the holiday hustle for an evening of cheeky entertainment. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, there’s a place for you here.

December 12
8 PM
The House of Entertainment

Come for the holiday cheer. Stay for the holiday tease!

December 13th: Xmas Cookie Decorating Class

Xmas Cookie Decorating Class: Cookies for Santa? Or just looking for a little holiday fun before your Christmas travels? We’ve got you covered! Join Crust to Crumbs × Dream Charm Bar on December 13th in Downtown Bangor for some festive cookie decorating! All are welcome, come get creative, make memories, and leave with something sweet!

$15 for 6 cookies!!

December 13th: Clara’s Tea Party

Clara’s Tea Party: Join Clara, The Nutcracker, The Sugar Plum Fairy, and more for an afternoon of storytelling and fun! Enjoy pizza, cupcakes, and tea/lemonade while listening to Clara tell the story of The Nutcracker!

Each child will receive a special gift from Clara and have the opportunity to take photos with the cast.

All ticket purchasers will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to see Robinson Ballet Company perform The Nutcracker live with Bangor Symphony Orchestra at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono!

Space is limited! Get your tickets TODAY!

December 13th: Advent Lessons and Carols followed by Advent Tea

Advent Lessons & Carols: Please join St. John’s Episcopal Church on the 13th of December at 4:00 pm for their annual service of Advent Lessons and Carols. This much beloved service invites you to enter into a contemplative space and into the embrace of holy scripture and sacred song. Before Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there is Advent, the time of anticipation and longing for the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. Join them for this sacred celebration of hope. The service is followed by our festive Advent Tea.

December 19th & 20th: The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker: 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, the magic ensues 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.

December 19th & 24th: Santa’s Storytime and Singalong

Santa’s Storytime and Singalong: Santa Claus is returning to Penobscot Theatre this Christmas! This time, Saint Nick will visit the Bangor Opera House for a brand new story time and sing along. Santa himself will read two holiday stories and lead a Christmas sing-a-long with his Elf, Jingles!

After the performance, everyone can have a picture taken with Santa (and make those all important last minute present requests) in the decked out PTC lobby.
Join us for a joyful event sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Suitable for all ages, but recommended for kids ages 2-8.

December 24th: Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Eve Service: St. John’s Episcopal Church invites you to join them for their 4:00pm & 9:00pm Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist. A Carol Prelude will begin 15 minutes prior to the service.

There’s a 4pm – 5:30pm service and a 9pm – 10:30pm service.

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!

November 14th: All Souls Annual Bazaar

All Souls Annual Bazaar: Join us for the All Souls Church Annual Bazaar!

Celebrate the season with handmade crafts, baked goods, treasures, and festive cheer! Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or just enjoying the community spirit, there’s something for everyone.

Saturday, November 14th 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at All Souls Congregational Church, 10 Broadway, Bangor

Bring your friends, your family, and your holiday spirit —we can’t wait to see you there!

November 28th: Wabanaki Art Market

Wabanaki Art Market: Discover the artistry of Indigenous creators at the Downtown Bangor Wabanaki Art Market on Saturday, NOVEMBER 28 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., hosted by Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness at their Downtown Bangor location on Central Street.

Explore a space that honors heritage through shared stories, skillful artistry, and inspired craftsmanship at the Downtown Bangor Wabanaki Art Market!

This pop-up market celebrates contemporary Native arts and artists during Native American Heritage Month and allows the community to directly support the living culture and sovereignty of Native artists residing in the Dawnland on Small Business Saturday – one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Offering both functional and decorative items, the market is an immersive celebration of Wabanaki traditions and creativity. In the past, it has showcased a variety of handcrafted goods including traditional beaded jewelry, ribbon skirts, baskets, ornaments, and musical instruments. It also features modern items that bring cultural art into everyday life, like hoodies, T-shirts, sublimation mugs, and tote bags, as well as handmade toiletries, holiday ornaments, keychains, and crochet and knit goods.

The Wabanaki, or “People of the Dawnland,” include Mi’kmaq Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkokmikuk, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, and the Penobscot Nation. Artists from each community are expected.

November 15th: Kris Kringle Market & Book Shoppe

Kris Kringle Market & Book Shoppe:

Holiday Shopping. Local Authors. Unique Finds.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Kris Kringle Market & Book Shoppe, a festive afternoon celebrating local authors, independent creators, and unique gifts—all happening at Nocturnem Draft-Haus!

Whether you’re searching for the perfect book lover’s gift, a stocking stuffer, something one-of-a-kind, or just an excuse to browse books while enjoying a great local venue, you’ll find plenty to discover.

November 21st – 22nd: Maine Harvest Festival

Maine Harvest Festival: We invite you to join festival friends from Greater Bangor, the great state of Maine, northern New England and Canada to experience and enjoy the fall harvest of over 100 Maine farmers, festival food producers, and made in Maine makers and their extraordinary creations as they “Celebrate Grown and Maine in Maine!” at this year’s 14th annual Maine Harvest Festival. The event is free, so stop by and check out everything the vendors have to offer!

Begin your holiday shopping with festival fiber artisans and their masterpieces and enthusiastic Maine chefs and home cooks as they showcase and share their story, demonstrate, sample and sell what makes Maine, Maine.

Bangor’s Cross Insurance Center staff and festival volunteers are anticipating over 8,000 happy shoppers who prefer to “Buy Local” as they meet and greet vendors in our 26,000 S.F. indoor Marketplace.

We are very proud of our amazing event and happily share that it was recognized in 2015 as the 5th Best Harvest Festival in the country by USA Today and in 2019 by the Greater Bangor CVB with the Eagle Award for the festival’s impact on the community and by being named a “Best Fall Festival In Maine” by Trips To Discover. Come see why for yourself!

December 4th: Krampus Secret Book Shoppe

Krampus Secret Book Shoppe: A Holiday Author Event for Those Who Like Their Stories a Little Darker

Forget the boring holiday shopping. This year, Krampus has his own book shoppe—and he’s bringing some seriously twisted stories with him.

Join us at Nocturnem Draft-Haus for an evening of authors, books, vendors, drinks, and holiday mischief. Discover your next favorite read, meet the authors behind the stories, and find unique gifts for the readers, horror fans, and book lovers on your holiday shopping list.

Friday, December 4, 2026
5 PM – 8 PM
Nocturnem Draft-Haus
56 Main St, Bangor, ME

December 5th: John Bapst Holiday Craft Fair

John Bapst Holiday Craft Fair: Join us for one of the best craft fairs in the area! Over 50 crafters will fill our auditorium and downstairs gymnasium spaces with a variety of handmade arts and crafts! You’ll find holiday decor, fresh balsam wreaths and arrangements, sewn, quilted, knitted, crocheted, and cross-stitched items, delicious foods, photography, paintings, woodwork bowls and cutting boards, scented candles, soaps, unique jewelry of all kinds, pottery & ceramics, and more! Live music and caroling by our instrumental groups and chorus make this craft fair extra festive! Admission is by free-will donation. Support our Football Boosters who will be preparing a delicious lunch. All proceeds benefit John Bapst students’ experiences in art, drama, and music.

December 5th: Christmas Craft Fair

Christmas Craft Fair: Christmas Craft Fair hosted by Tina’s Craft & Direct Sale Guru’s!

On Saturday, December 5th from 9am – 2pm.

Variety of crafters and vendors.
Free admission

December 20th: Merry Maker’s Market

Merry Maker’s Market: ’Tis the last weekend before the holidays! Join us for the Merry Maker’s Market, a festive, one-day shopping celebration featuring 100+ local makers, artists, and food purveyors.

Discover unique, handmade gifts—from cozy knits and fine art to gourmet treats, candles, ornaments, and more—perfect for that someone special on your list. Enjoy cheerful vibes, hot sips, photo-friendly décor, and plenty of gift-wrapping inspiration while you support local small businesses.

What to expect:
100+ local vendors with handcrafted and small-batch goods
Last-minute gift finds, stocking stuffers, and one-of-a-kind treasures
Festive music, seasonal bites, and cozy holiday ambiance

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!