Step Back in Time: A Magical Colonial Christmas at Tate House Museum 2025

Experience the wonder of an 18th-century holiday as the Tate House Museum in Portland, Maine, opens its doors for a spectacular journey through time. From December 14 to December 20, 2025, this National Historic Landmark transforms into a living postcard of New England’s past, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the festive traditions of a merchant-class colonial household.

Whether you are a devoted history buff, a holiday enthusiast, or a family seeking a unique winter outing, the Holiday Tours at the Tate House Museum provide an immersive, candle-lit atmosphere that captures the spirit of early America.

Event Details: Mark Your Calendars

Experience the season exactly as it would have felt during the high-stakes days leading up to the American Revolution.

• Dates: December 14–20, 2025

• Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Daily

• Daily Guided Tours: Starting at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM

• Location: Tate House Museum, 1267 Westbrook St., Portland, ME 04102

• Phone: (207) 774-6177

A Rare Architectural Treasure

Built in 1755 for Captain George Tate, the Senior Mast Agent for the British Royal Navy, the Tate House is the only pre-Revolutionary home in Greater Portland open to the public. Known for its unusual indented gambrel roof and unpainted clapboards, the home reflects the high status of the Tate family.

While many of their Puritan neighbors in Maine viewed Christmas as just another workday, the Tates—as Anglican Londoners—celebrated with the elegance of the British gentry. During your tour, you will see the house adorned with authentic 18th-century greenery, from boxwood and holly to bayberry and pine, highlighting the natural beauty of a colonial Maine winter.

What to Expect: Immersive History and Holiday Cheer

The 2025 Holiday Tours go beyond simple decoration. Guests will be greeted by performers in period-accurate attire, sharing captivating stories of the Mast Trade, the tension of the King’s Broad Arrow policy, and the daily lives of those who worked in the Stroudwater Village.

• Colonial “Flip” and Traditional Flavors: Discover the scents of the 18th century, from spiced cider to the popular colonial drink known as “Flip.” Learn about the intricate holiday feasts that would have graced the Tate table, including Christmas pudding and Twelfth Night cakes.

• Interactive Storytelling: Hear the specific history of the Tate family during the unrest of the Revolution and the bombardment of Portland in 1775.

• Inclusive Narrative: The tours also thoughtfully address the complex social history of the era, including the stories of Indigenous people and enslaved individuals who were part of the colonial New England landscape.

Holiday Shopping at the Colonial Gift Shop

Don’t miss the Colonial Gift Shop, open daily during the event from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. It is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, including:

• Handmade ornaments and historical replicas

• Locally crafted New England artisan goods

• Educational books and unique souvenirs

Ticket Pricing:

• General Public: $20

• THM Members: $18 (Members receive 10% off at the Gift Shop!)

• Groups (3+): $15 per person

Plan Your Maine Winter Getaway: Stay at Moose River Lookout

After exploring the historic streets of Portland, escape to the serene wilderness of the Moosehead Lake region. For the ultimate Maine adventure, book your stay at Moose River Lookout.

Located in Rockwood, Maine, this premium vacation rental is the perfect basecamp for winter sports and wildlife watching. Nestled right on the Moose River, our cabin offers:

• Direct Access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails: Your backyard is the gateway to Maine’s Interconnected Trail System.

• Private Dock: Breathtaking views of Mt. Kineo and easy access to Moosehead Lake.

• Family Comfort: 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, sleeping 7 comfortably with high-speed WiFi and a backup generator.

Contact Moose River Lookout:

• Website: Moose River Lookout

• Phone: (800) 544-0300

• Email: [email protected]

• Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd, Rockwood, ME 04478

Celebrate the holidays with a blend of history and adventure. Reserve your Tate House Museum tickets today and step into the magic of a Colonial Christmas!