by New Year’s Eve 2025 in Maine is shaping up to be a memorable celebration with fireworks, community events, and family‑friendly festivities across several cities and towns. Whether you’re looking for a traditional fireworks display over scenic landscapes or a local celebration with food, music, and community spirit, this guide covers the major events planned for December 31, 2025, along with approximate timings and what to expect. Please note that exact schedules and firework times may be subject to change as organizers finalize their plans closer to the date.
Auburn – New Year’s Auburn Celebration
Auburn’s annual New Year’s Auburn event is one of the state’s most anticipated celebrations, offering early evening fun that culminates with fireworks over the Great Falls. This family‑friendly celebration takes place in the heart of downtown’s Festival Plaza, featuring live music, local food and drink offerings, and a festive atmosphere before the night ends with a fireworks show.
The event begins in the afternoon and continues through the early evening, with fireworks planned to light up the sky at around 8:30 p.m., making it a great option for families with children who want to celebrate early in the evening.
Old Orchard Beach – Last Blast New Year’s Eve Beach Party
Old Orchard Beach hosts the Last Blast New Year’s Eve Beach Party, a coastal celebration that combines bonfire festivities and fireworks. As the sun sets on December 31, locals and visitors gather downtown to enjoy hot cocoa, live music, and a community bonfire made from last season’s Christmas trees.
The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., providing a picturesque backdrop over the beach and ocean. This event is ideal for those seeking a unique seaside experience to ring in the New Year before midnight.
Gorham – New Year Gorham Celebration
The New Year Gorham event offers a full day of entertainment culminating in an evening fireworks show. The celebration includes family‑oriented activities such as skating, glow room dance parties, face painting, and interactive attractions throughout the afternoon and early evening. The grand finale of the event is the fireworks display, which typically takes place in the evening to cap off a day of fun for all ages.
Rangeley – Saddleback Fireworks
While specific official details for 2025 are still being finalized, previous celebrations in Rangeley, Maine included fireworks at Saddleback Base Lodge, often scheduled around 7:30 p.m. during New Year’s Eve festivities. These celebrations generally combine outdoor winter activities, live music, and community gatherings, with the fireworks show serving as a highlight of the night. Families and ski enthusiasts alike can enjoy an alpine atmosphere paired with a night sky filled with lights.
Presque Isle – Star Lighting Celebration and Fireworks
Presque Isle has revived its New Year’s Eve tradition with the Star Lighting Celebration in Riverside Park, featuring a community party and fireworks show. Although the specific timing for 2025 is not yet fully announced, past celebrations have included fireworks following festivities in the early evening, along with live music and community countdowns. This event offers a charming small‑town experience that brings residents together to welcome the New Year with light and celebration.
Additional Event Ideas and Community Activities
In addition to the major fireworks events, there are several local celebrations throughout Maine that may include firework components or festive entertainment leading up to New Year’s Eve. Kennebunk hosts a fun double blueberry ball drop — once at 9 p.m. and again at midnight — paired with community entertainment and festive activities.
Bangor’s downtown area often features a large illuminated beach ball drop and community gathering with lights, music, and festive cheer. Eastport presents the unique Maple Leaf & Great Sardine Drop, a coastal New England tradition with a community celebration as midnight approaches.
Fireworks Timing Overview
Below is a simplified summary of the known and expected fireworks timings across Maine for New Year’s Eve 2025:
- Auburn: Fireworks over Great Falls around 8:30 p.m.
- Old Orchard Beach: Beach fireworks at 7:30 p.m.
- Gorham: Evening fireworks following community festivities
- Rangeley / Saddleback: Fireworks around 7:30 p.m.
- Presque Isle: Fireworks following Star Lighting Celebration (timing to be confirmed)
These times offer options for both early viewers and those planning to stay out later into the night.
Safety and Planning Tips for New Year’s Eve in Maine
- Check local announcements: As event details are finalized closer to December 31, confirm fireworks times and locations through official city or event pages.
- Arrive early: Popular community celebrations can draw significant crowds, so arriving early ensures a better viewing experience.
- Dress warmly: Maine’s winter weather can be cold and windy on New Year’s Eve, especially at outdoor beach or park events, so dress in layers and prepare for chilly conditions.
- Follow safety guidelines: Respect barriers and safety instructions set by event organizers, and always watch fireworks from designated viewing areas.
Conclusion
Maine’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in 2025 offer a variety of fireworks displays and community events that appeal to residents and visitors alike. From the early‑evening family‑friendly fireworks over the falls in Auburn to the beachside celebration in Old Orchard Beach, there are options throughout the state to fit different preferences and schedules.
Events in towns like Gorham, Rangeley, and Presque Isle add unique local traditions that showcase Maine’s community spirit. By planning ahead and checking final schedules as the date approaches, you can enjoy a safe and festive New Year’s Eve with fireworks lighting up the Maine sky as 2025 turns into 2026.
