Known for its charming towns and scenic coastlines, Maine is a naturally beautiful state featuring vibrant and eclectic New Year’s Eve activities and events. There’s plenty of entertainment ranging from elegant ballroom galas to quaint community celebrations with interesting traditions. Maine also offers many family-friendly New Year’s activities featuring top-notch entertainment such as inflatable theater shows, magic tricks, and fireworks. The following New Year’s Eve activities include the premier destinations in Maine.
Welcome in the New Year in an elegant ballroom at the Denim & Diamonds New Year’s Eve Gala at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. Hosted in the beautiful Columbus room, this spectacular event features live music performances, a lavish buffet, scrumptious desserts, party favors, dancing, and a champagne toast in an upscale setting.
Join the Portland Elks Lodge in Portland for an evening with amazing music, food, and dancing in an inviting atmosphere. Attendees enjoy tasty appetizers such as stuffed mushrooms and shrimp cocktail, a delicious dinner buffet with entrees ranging from beef tips to chicken scampi, a delightful dessert and coffee station, and live entertainment followed by a midnight champagne toast.
Capture a memorable moment with the kids at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, a rustic mountain lodge hosting the Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring an inflatable theater show followed by evening fireworks. Adults can relax and rejuvenate at the resort complete with a 30-person outdoor hot tub, fitness area, sauna, steam room, and hearty meals.
Watch a giant blueberry drop this New Year’s Eve at the annual New Year’s Eve Kennebunk celebration. The tradition involves the dropping of a wild Maine Blueberry twice from a church steeple. There’s also ice skating nearby at The Waterhouse Center for more family fun on New Year’s Eve.
Welcome in the New Year with a community-wide celebration in the quaint, historic town of Gorham. Families gather to enjoy an exciting mix of entertainment for all ages including award-winning storytelling, magic tricks, music, and other local talents. This afternoon event is followed by an evening fireworks display.
Stop by the historic State Theatre in Portland for a 1990’s themed concert featuring on-the-rise musicians and celebratory festivities. Don’t forget to take time to appreciate the theater’s Moorish and Art Deco architecture before you head out to the Broken Arrow restaurant for a five-course New Year’s Eve dining experience.
Head to Eastport to watch the descent of a four-foot maple leap followed by a falling eight-foot, 20-pound sardine sculpture. Kissing this giant sardine is considered “good luck” and draws in a large crowd. This favorite local tradition also features many local establishments (shops, restaurants, galleries, etc.) open late for the festivities.
Ring in the New Year “Maine Street” style at the colorful New Year’s Eve Bash. Hosted at the Maine Street nightclub, known for live karaoke and drag shows, this lively party features two dance floors of entertainment, dancing, DJ performances, fun party favors, pizza, and champagne toast at midnight.
Enjoy an evening of good food and spirits at Seasons Grill Restaurant in Portland. Known for their great selection of beer with pub food, this grille and bar offers New Year’s Eve festivities featuring live music entertainment, dancing, party favors, a cash bar, and confetti blast in casual, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.