Holiday Tours at Tate House Museum 2025 | Colonial Christmas, Guided Tours & Gift Shop in Portland, Maine
- Gerry Caron
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Holiday Tours at the Tate House Museum & Gift Shop (Dec 14–20, 2025)
A Colonial Christmas Experience in Portland, Maine
Step back in time this holiday season at the historic Tate House Museum in Portland, Maine—one of New England’s most extraordinary examples of pre-Revolutionary architecture. From December 14–20, 2025, visitors can enjoy daily holiday tours, seasonal storytelling, and a charming Colonial Gift Shop filled with unique, locally crafted items.
Whether you're a history lover, a holiday enthusiast, or simply looking for a cozy seasonal outing with friends and family, the Holiday Tours at the Tate House Museum brings 18th-century Maine to life through immersive tours and festive décor reminiscent of Colonial Christmas traditions.
Event Details & Visitor Information
📍 Location: Tate House Museum,
1267 Westbrook St., Portland, ME 04102
📞 Phone: (207) 774-6177
🌐 Website: tatehouse.org
📅 Dates: December 14–20, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Tours at 1 PM, 2 PM & 3 PM)
💲 Tickets:
General Public: $20
THM Members: $18
Groups of 3+: $15 per person(Groups over 10 may contact the director for special accommodations.)
🎄 What to Expect: A Colonial Holiday Experience
During this special holiday week, the Tate House Museum opens its doors each afternoon for hourly guided tours that showcase the Tate family home as it would have appeared during the early years of the American Revolution. Expect authentic 18th-century décor, historic furnishings, period storytelling, and fascinating insights into daily life in colonial Maine.
This experience offers a rare opportunity to stand in the same rooms where the Tate family lived, worked, and navigated the political tensions leading up to America’s independence.
Perfect for:
✔ Families & small groups
✔ History buffs
✔ Holiday travelers
✔ Portland locals seeking a festive outing
🛍 Colonial Gift Shop – Open Daily (Dec 14–20, 12–4 PM)
The museum’s newly decorated Colonial Gift Shop will also be open during tour hours, stocked with:
Historical replicas
Handmade ornaments
Books & educational gifts
New England artisan crafts
Unique holiday souvenirs
Tate House Museum Members receive a 10% discount.
NEW — Integrated Section: Tate House Guided Tours (In-Season Overview)
Explore Colonial Maine Through Immersive, Guided Experiences
Beyond the special holiday programming, the Tate House Museum offers in-season guided tours that run Wednesdays–Saturdays, every hour from 10 AM to 4 PM (last tour at 3 PM).
These one-hour tours provide a comprehensive look at:
The Tate family (1755–1803)
Life in 18th-century Portland & Stroudwater Village
The mast trade and Captain Tate’s pivotal role
Period furnishings interpreted to 1760
Architectural details of the only pre-Revolutionary home in Greater Portland open to the public
Tours also include important narratives concerning Indigenous people, the presence and labor of enslaved individuals, and broader social context of early colonial New England—presented with historical accuracy and sensitivity.
🎓 Tour Pricing (In-Season)
Adults: $17
Seniors (65+): $15
Children (6–12): $8
Children 5 & Under: FreeTickets may be purchased in the Visitors Center or online (recommended for July–August).
♿ Accessibility Information
The historic structure has limited mobility access due to its age and preservation status, but staff will make every effort to assist.
Tours include walking, standing, and stairs
A first-floor–only tour may be available
Folding chairs provided upon request
No ramps, lifts, or air conditioning (fans used in hot weather)
Visitors with accessibility questions are encouraged to contact the museum directly.
🎁 Why Visit the Tate House This Holiday Season?
Authentic historic holiday décor
Fascinating colonial-era stories
Perfect for holiday outings with friends & family
Unique shopping in the Colonial Gift Shop
Limited-time holiday tours only offered once a year
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
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Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Come experience a truly one-of-a-kind Colonial Christmas in Portland, Maine!