Visitor's Guide 2024-2025

SHED THE WINTER BLUES

Mainers don’t shy away from the winter weather—they treasure the less busy season and its many delights. I n the cooler months, Maine’s largest metro area heats up with performing arts, award-winning cuisine, professional ice hockey, engaging exhibitions, and exhilarating winter festivals. And Portland offers great culture at a fraction of the cost found in other major cities. With a symphony orchestra, acclaimed art museum, theater and dance troupes, Broadway classics, and musical headliners, you’ll be surprised at how much you can see and do over the course of a weekend in Greater Portland… then elated to discover spending far less than in other cities! From Portland to Freeport, Gorham to Boothbay, festive lights and outdoor fun are everywhere. The spectacular Gardens Aglow at Boothbay’s Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens wows with 650,000 LED bulbs—that’s nearly 60 miles of lights! Freeport’s Sparkle weekend and Portland’s nautical Parade of Lights on Casco Bay also ensure revelers get out and about. Traditional outdoor winter activities like ice-skating, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling can all be found right in Greater Portland while some of the best skiing in the East is a nearby day trip or overnight excursion. And outdoor ice-bars and fire-pits really let you cozy up to winter.

PHOTOS, FROM TOP: SHAMROCK SIGNATURE; COREY TEMPLETON; BRIAN ALLENBY/ PINELAND FARMS

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