5 Memorable Things to Do in Maine Before the New Year
The holidays will come and go…
but what will you remember? Maybe, for better or worse, you will get to be with some family you haven’t seen since last Christmas and they will leave a “lasting impression.” Maybe you will get the ugliest Christmas sweater ever made and be able to disgust those around you for years to come.
Why leave it to chance while there is still time to make it a Holiday Season to remember? Here are some memories in the making:
Gather the ones you love into the car and head to Boothbay for Gardens Aglow:
A Covid-safe, drive-through, light show and display that will inspire awe for all ages of gawkers. I suggest you BYOC (Bring Your Own Cider) and put your smart phones in airplane mode as you roll through a blazing garden where, at times, you are the caterpillar in a giant world. Tickets must be purchased on-line, in advance.
Gardens Aglow
Coastal Maine Botanical Garden
Boothbay, Maine
https://www.mainegardens.org/
Freeport Sparkle is an event that brings people from all over the world.
It begins the first weekend in December with a Parade of Lights which has been known to feature a jovial Santa on a fishing boat decked in twinkle lights who brings to life a magical talking Christmas tree. This colorful kickoff is followed by an entire month of music, arts, culture and celebration. Have you ever heard the phrase “Nothing is free?” Well, it’s a lie. You can head to 95 Main Street in Freeport to L.L. Bean and get a FREE pair of Rental Ice Skates and skate for FREE on their new skating pond amongst twinkling Christmas lights and seasonal music. When you finish, grab a FREE hot cocoa, enjoy a stroll through the bedazzled town, and take in the scenes from this night to remember. Did I mention that is all FREE?
For a list of events for Sparkle and all year long, see Arts & Cultural Alliance of Freeport and the calendar at Meetinghouse Arts.
Freeport Sparkle
Arts & Cultural Alliance & Meetinghouse Arts
Freeport, Maine
https://www.visitfreeport.com/sparkle-celebration/
Choo, Choo, Choose to make it a Christmas not to be forgotten on the
Narrow Gauge Railroad’s Polar Express.
These train’s are older than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and are still chugging down the tracks to offer you a night to remember just outside of Portland’s shining Old Port. Polar Express, steam Engine #3, built in 1913, will pull your decorated train while you listen to Christmas music and take in views of Casco Bay. Reservations for your caboose must be made in advance.
Narrow Gauge Railroad
Portland, Maine
https://www.porttix.com/tickets-and-events/polar-express/
The Magic of Christmas bubbles from a symphonic cauldron at this perennial homage to Christmas.
Performed in the magnificent Merrill Auditorium it is easy to feel the gravity of the moment while the North Star glistens above this musical celebration. After seeing over 20 performances, I am still amazed at how each year has been a unique night to remember (especially for those around me as I took part in the crowd favorite sing-a-long where I was always off key).
Watch online version in your our living room until Jan 1st!
Magic of Christmas
Merrill Auditorium
Portland, Maine
Portland Symphony Orchestra
Finally, if you want to put an exclamation point on 2021, try Seacoast Adventure Park.
Whether or not speed is your style, the exhilaration of sliding downhill on a comfy tube lifts spirits to new heights. Twelve lanes of gliding delight start December 27th and you can be jettisoned to the top of the hill by an express lift; all the fun and none of the work. You can even go at night, under moonlight, and ride doubles with someone you love. Make sure you get your tickets on-line and check for tubing updates due to weather. P.S. They have a snack bar where you can revel in your bravery while sipping something sweet.
Seacoast Adventure Park
Windham, Maine
https://www.seacoastadventure.com/snow/pricing/
There are many reasons we will each remember 2021. We each have the chance to write on the slate of our lives. This is yours.