For full listings of what’s going on all week in the Old Port, be sure to visit our Events page.
Friday, December 18: ‘Twas the weekend before Christmas and all through the Old Port visions of Christmas celebrations danced in our heads! Hopefully you finished up all your shopping last weekend, so this weekend you can spend your time relaxing and enjoying some Christmas cheer while waiting for the big guy in red to make his appearance next Friday. Start your pre-Christmas weekend at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine for their production of “Santa’s Reindeer Present: The Nutcracker,” featuring the reindeer from the North Pole as they produce their own version of the famous ballet for an audience of elves and fellow reindeer. Showtime is at 4 p.m. and tickets are just $10. Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 142 Free Street.
Saturday, December 19: Pretend you’re Eminem in “8 Mile,” by stopping by Bull Feeney’s for the 4th annual Carol Slam Portland. The carol slam, which as you may have guessed is modeled after poetry slams, invites would-be carol composers to write their own holiday songs. Submissions will be performed by the Carol Slam Choir and the audience will vote for their favorite carol. The winner doesn’t get a record contract, but they DO get a wreath – the Christmas season’s highest badge of honor. Free to attend, but you will certainly want to hoist a pint or two of Christmas cheer while you’re there. 2:30 p.m., Bull Feeney’s, 375 Fore St.
Sunday, December 20: If you are ready to go all in on Christmas spirit, or are struggling to find it, then Portland Symphony Orchestra has you covered with their annual performance of the Magic of Christmas. The orchestra will perform a selection of Christmas favorites, ranging from “O Come All Ye Faithful” to “Here Comes Santa Claus.” Be sure to arrive early as Ray Cornils will be performing a prelude of Christmas organ music for an hour prior to show time. Tickets start at $32 and the Sunday shows are at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street.
