Good morning, Bangor.

Today the Hathaway holiday lights display at Veazie Community School is set to open at 4:30 p.m.—over 100,000 lights on 500 channels will run nightly through Christmas as the Hathaway family continues its nearly 15-year tradition to raise funds for the neonatal care unit at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Many Mainers returned home after Thanksgiving as Maine airports saw short lines and most flights arrived on time.

Data from Portland Jetport showed nearly 71,000 seats available from Nov. 23 to Dec.2—Sunday was lighter than typical busy days.

Maine Christmas tree farms are seeing a busy holiday rush as families search for the perfect tree amid drought challenges—King’s Mountain Tree Farm in Orrington will be open every Thursday through Sunday until Christmas.

Governor Janet Mills declared November 28 as Maine Grown Christmas Tree Day and the local industry supports growers who generate about $19 million each season.

Tomorrow for Giving Tuesday, Bangor Daily News, Pulse Marketing Agency, Maine Community Action Partnership and local banks will team up to raise funds for emergency heating assistance—helping Mainers keep warm this winter.

Viewer donations during the livestream will be matched with up to $5,000 by the banks—ensuring aid goes to families in need.

Conservationist Bill Ginn is angry over Hawk Ridge Compost Facility in Unity Plantation, which he started 35 years ago as a recycling center and processed 150,000 dump trucks of waste.

The facility, now owned by Casella Waste Systems, will close by June due to PFAS contamination—Ginn says it has become a toxic waste site.

Officials said the emerald ash borer was found in 44 new towns this year—compared to 14 last year—with many sightings in Oxford County and towns like Bar Harbor and Belfast.

Experts said that population growth and more public awareness helped increase reports and urged Mainers to look for dead trees this winter.

Mainebiz 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes Forum

7:30-10:30 a.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Bangor — Tickets required — Gain insight from Maine CEOs sharing success stories and actionable business ideas.

Holiday Party – North

12-3:30 p.m. — Seasons — $10 for non-members — Celebrate the holiday season with lunch, crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

7-11 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Last-minute theater tickets available — Experience a unique blend of hip hop and the classic Nutcracker tale.

Hadestown Performance

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Cross Insurance Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the acclaimed musical 'Hadestown' live in Bangor, ME.

New Year's Eve Celebration

5-11:30 p.m. — Blue Sky Lounge — $199 per couple — Ring in 2026 with dinner, dancing, and a cozy hotel stay.