Things to do in Portland in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Portland. The weather is usually really cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 26—37°F (-3—3°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Portland during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, attend the Portland Symphony Orchestra's Magic of Christmas, visit the Portland Observatory, and more!

Portland has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Portland. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Portland in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Portland in December

Top experiences in December
Visit the Wadsworth-Longfellow House
This historic home, once belonging to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is beautifully decorated for the holidays in December. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the house and see how the Longfellow family celebrated the holidays in the 19th century.
Attend the Portland Symphony Orchestra's Magic of Christmas
This annual holiday concert at the Merrill Auditorium features the Portland Symphony Orchestra performing classic holiday music, along with special guest performers and sing-alongs. It's a beloved tradition in Portland and a great way to celebrate the season with music.
Visit the Portland Observatory
The Portland Observatory is a historic maritime signal tower that offers stunning views of the city and harbor. In December, you can experience the beauty of the city covered in snow from the top of the observatory, making for a truly unique and picturesque experience.
Attend the Old Port Sparkle Weekend
This annual event in December features festive activities such as tree lightings, holiday shopping, and live music throughout the Old Port district. It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and experience the charm of Portland during the winter season.
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Take a holiday-themed food tour
Portland is known for its vibrant food scene, and in December, many restaurants and eateries offer special holiday-themed dishes and treats. Taking a food tour allows you to sample these seasonal delights while learning about the city's culinary culture.
Attend the Merry Madness Shopping Event
This annual event in downtown Portland features extended shopping hours, special discounts, and festive entertainment at local shops and boutiques. It's a great way to find unique gifts and support local businesses while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
Go ice skating at the Thompson's Point Rink
In December, the outdoor ice skating rink at Thompson's Point is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Skating against the backdrop of the city skyline and the Fore River is a magical experience that captures the essence of winter in Portland.
Go on a holiday brewery tour
Portland is home to numerous craft breweries, and in December, many of them offer special holiday brews and events. Going on a brewery tour allows you to taste these seasonal beers and experience the festive atmosphere at local breweries.
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Holidays in Portland in December
December

There are no holidays in Portland in December

Other notable holidays
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Weather in Portland in December

Temperatures on an average day in Portland in December

The average temperature in Portland in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 37°F (3°C) to a low of 26°F (-3°C). Some would describe it as really cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Portland, July, has days with highs of 76°F (24°C) and lows of 63°F (17°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 32°F (0°C) and lows of 20°F (-7°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Portland in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
37°F
highs
26°F
lows

General weather summary

Really cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
37%
Chance of rain
0.197 in
Amount
13.9 mph
Wind speed
87%
Humidity
9.0 hrs
Daylight length
7:05 AM
Sunrise
4:06 PM
Sunset
40%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 37°F (3°C) and a low of 26°F (-3°C), it generally feels really cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Portland in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Portland has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Portland that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Portland for December.
Portland Museum of Art
1. Portland Museum of Art
4.6
(1815)
Art museum
Museums
I.M. Pei-designed museum known for its paintings by Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth & Edward Hopper.
Old Port
2. Old Port
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
The Old Port is a quaint historic district with cobblestone streets and brick buildings housing clothing boutiques, gourmet food stores, and souvenir shops. It’s also a nightlife hot spot where pubs, breweries, and cocktail bars draw young crowds, and a lively dining scene includes stylish New American restaurants and traditional seafood spots by the waterfront. Ferries depart to Casco Bay Islands from the pier.
Allagash Brewing Company
3. Allagash Brewing Company
4.8
(1210)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Belgian-style beer maker with rustic-industrial decor featuring a taproom & food options.
Victoria Mansion
4. Victoria Mansion
4.6
(939)
Historical landmark
Museums
This 19th-century Italian villa–style home with an ornate interior offers tours & a museum shop.
Commercial St
5. Commercial St
5.0
(10)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Built in the 1850s, this thoroughfare features retail & entertainment in industrial surrounds.
Eastern Promenade
6. Eastern Promenade
4.9
(57)
Notable street
Nature & Parks
Road offering access to waterfront promenade & park with playgrounds, sports fields & picnic areas.
DiMillo's Old Port Marina & Gift Shop
7. DiMillo's Old Port Marina & Gift Shop
4.2
(42)
Gift shop
Nature & Parks
Hadlock Field
8. Hadlock Field
4.7
(2060)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Ball field home to the Portland Sea Dogs, with seating for 7,000+, plus a lighthouse.
Casco Bay Lines
9. Casco Bay Lines
4.6
(1711)
Ferry service
Transportation
Ferry trips including sunset & sunrise cruises, plus tours of Casco Bay on a working mail boat.
Casco Bay Lines
10. Casco Bay Lines
4.6
(1711)
Ferry service
Transportation
Ferry trips including sunset & sunrise cruises, plus tours of Casco Bay on a working mail boat.
Portland Observatory
11. Portland Observatory
4.6
(648)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Seasonal tours of the only remaining wooden maritime signal tower (built circa 1807) in the U.S.
Shipyard Brewing Company
12. Shipyard Brewing Company
4.4
(555)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Established brewery of craft beer & sodas offering tours with tastings & logo merchandise.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
13. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
4.5
(727)
Tours
Rail museum
Coastal rides in a quaint old train, with ocean views & a conductor providing historical info.
Casco Bay Lines
14. Casco Bay Lines
4.6
(1711)
Ferry service
Transportation
Ferry trips including sunset & sunrise cruises, plus tours of Casco Bay on a working mail boat.
Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House
15. Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House
4.5
(158)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
1800s home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, with estate furnishings, a garden & tours.
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
16. Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
4.5
(1138)
Children's museum
Museums
Interactive kids' museum known for its camera obscura, also with science & job-related activities.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Portland?

Get inspired for your trip to Portland with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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