Tis the season!

Light Up Your Holidays in Downtown Portland, Maine

As the holiday season approaches, downtown Portland, Maine, is ready to sparkle with its annual Light Up Your Holidays festivities, proudly presented by Hood® Eggnog! This cherished tradition, organized by Portland Downtown, aims to celebrate the magic of the holidays while inviting local businesses to join the fun. With four exciting events lined up, there are ample opportunities for businesses to engage and benefit from this vibrant community celebration.

Overview of Light Up Your Holidays Events & Programs

Portland Winter City Lights Programming: A winter wonderland of dazzling light displays created with artist Pandora LaCasse.
Monument Square Tree Lighting: The festive illumination of the tree in Monument Square with music and family activities.
Merry Madness Shopping Tour: Two weeks of exclusive deals at participating downtown businesses to promote local shopping.
Holiday Window Display Contest: A competition for businesses to decorate storefronts and earn community votes and prizes.

Let’s dive deeper into each event and explore how your business can get involved.

1. Portland Winter City Lights Programming

When: November 29 to January

What it is: For over 25 years, Portland has transformed into a winter wonderland, enchanting locals and visitors alike with breathtaking light displays across parks, trees, and streets. This year, the festivities feature a partnership with renowned artist Pandora LaCasse, promising a spectacular visual treat that embodies the holiday spirit.

How to get involved: Local businesses can sponsor this magical program to help bring the lights to life. Your support will not only enhance the beauty of downtown but also promote your business as a community supporter. For more details, email info@portlandmaine.com.

2. Monument Square Tree Lighting

When: November 29

What it is: The flagship event of the holiday season, the Monument Square Tree Lighting attracts around 5,000 attendees for an evening of joy and celebration. Enjoy a dazzling tree lighting, live music, dance performances, outdoor movies, and exciting giveaways. This event annually occurs on Black Friday and returns this November 29, 2024.

How to get involved: Local businesses are encouraged to invite friends and family to join in the festivities, creating a lively atmosphere that may lead to increased customer traffic. Interested in sponsoring? Your contribution will help ensure the event’s success. Contact info@portlandmaine.com for more information.

3. Merry Madness Shopping Tour

FREE to downtown businesses. *Unsure if your business is considered “downtown”? Check out a map of Portland, Maine’s downtown boundaries here.

When: November 29 to December 15

What it is: The Merry Madness Shopping Tour is a two-week holiday adventure where shoppers collect stamps from participating downtown businesses while enjoying exclusive deals. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also attracts an estimated 1,200 to 1,400 shoppers.

How to get involved: Submit a special holiday offer through our online form by October 10, 2024, to be included on our Light Up Your Holidays map. Offers must be available November 29 through December 15. Businesses will receive a register sign, window cling, and “shopper stickers” for customers who make purchases between November 29 and December 15. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, which will further boost visibility for your business during this bustling shopping season. For details, reach out to info@portlandmaine.com.

Register Your Business For Merry Madness!

Business Name*
Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Phone*
Website
Social Media Handle
How would you like your special offer, deal, or experience to read?*
Submit special holiday offers (15 words or less) available from November 29 to December 15.
Contact Name*
First Last
Contact Email*
Enter Email Confirm Email

4. Holiday Window Display Contest

FREE to downtown businesses. *Unsure if your business is considered “downtown”? Check out a map of Portland, Maine’s downtown boundaries here.

When: November 29 to December 15

What it is: The Holiday Window Display Contest invites downtown businesses to showcase their creativity through festive decorations, transforming Portland into a charming holiday scene. Community members will vote for their favorite displays, with prizes including advertising opportunities up for grabs. Additionally, all participating businesses will receive professional photographs of their windows at no cost.

How to get involved: Register your business by October 10, 2024, to have your window included on our Light Up Your Holidays map. If you need assistance connecting with local artists for your display, we’re here to help! Simply email info@portlandmaine.com. We require all decorations to remain on display from November 29 to December 15, with the option to keep them up through the end of December. This will help ensure your display is beautifully captured by a professional photographer.

Register Your Business For The Holiday Window Display Contest!

Business Name*
Business Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Contact Name*
First Last
Contact Email Address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Would you like to be connected with a local artist to assist with your display?
- Yes
- No
- I would like to learn more.
Our Holiday Window Display will be completed by Nov 29 and will remain up through Dec 15*
- Yes

Become a 2024 Light Up Your Holidays Sponsor

Join us in making this holiday season unforgettable! As a sponsor of the Light Up Your Holidays festivities, you’ll play a vital role in transforming downtown Portland into a magical winter wonderland. Your support helps fund exciting events and enhances community spirit, all while providing your business with valuable exposure to thousands of attendees. Fill out this form to explore sponsorship opportunities and be part of the holiday cheer!

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