We hope your turkey is fully thawed, brined, and ready to cook because Thanksgiving has finally arrived! Whether you’re hosting for the first time like the editor of Maine magazine (don’t worry—she’s got it under control), traveling near or far to be with friends and family, or just enjoying the day to yourself (we don’t blame you), be sure to revel in the time to relax and recharge. Don’t forget to support your local friends on Small Business Saturday at the variety of holiday markets popping up this weekend—it’s the official start of the holiday season, after all. Check out our reel with @itsjennybravo (dropping this Friday) to see our favorite local stores! Here’s our roundup for this holiday weekend in Maine:

Something to Eat

Our friends at Portland Food Map compiled a list of all the local restaurants offering dining and takeout this Thanksgiving for those of you still making plans for the holiday. Try a cranberry sauce jello shot at Dock Fore, autumn gnocchi at MK Kitchen in Gorham, or a traditional Thanksgiving plate with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the fixin’s at Three Dollar Deweys in the Old Port. Click here for the full list of restaurants!

When: Thursday
Where: Various locations across Maine

Something to Do

Dive right into your holiday shopping at the 15th Annual Holiday Sale at The Red Door Pottery Studio in Kittery. Browse a unique selection of clay works from Maine maker Elaine X. Fuller, plus a variety of pieces from featured artists Hillary Rousselle, Sheridan Cudworth, and Jade Ruscio. From hand thrown wedding bowls to teapots, mugs, and baking dishes, there’s plenty to choose from for whomever’s on your list.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: 44 Government Street, Kittery

Somewhere to Go

Start your season of giving at the Portland Festival of Trees, a merry fundraising event supporting the Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center’s goal of teaching local children with dyslexia how to read. Walk amongst more than 30 fully decorated Christmas trees and choose which strikes your fancy—for just $10 you can enter a raffle to take your favorite tree home with you! 

When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: 415 Congress St, Portland

Something to See

The Cape Neddick Light Station—more commonly known as Nubble Lighthouse—shines bright from its location at Sohier Park in York each winter. Though the lights turn on daily from 4 p.m. to midnight through the New Year, stop by on Saturday for the Annual Winter Lighting of the Nubble, which includes extra fun activities like caroling on the beach and a visit with Santa himself at this iconic coastal monument. 

When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sohier Park, York

Want More?

Subscribe to our newsletters to catch The Maine Weekender in your inbox on Thursdays!