Invite 73 // Dec 25

Happy Holidays! I hope you're in the company of family and friends today and not in your email inbox. However, if you do find yourself reading this, I hope it inspires you to look ahead to the new year with optimism and an active mindset.

This week's newsletter features several New Year's Day events that promise to kick off the new year with a bang, including several polar plunges, winter races, and hikes. Happy Holidays, and see you next year!

✌️ MJ

Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event page before heading out.

Polar Bear Dip & Dash

Tue, Dec 31 | Portland | Donation Based

Start the year with a warm-up 5k walk/run followed by a polar plunge at Willard Beach to support NRCM's efforts to mitigate climate change.

​Learn more​

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Lobster Dip

Wed, Jan 1 | Old Orchard Beach | Donation Based

Take the plunge into the icy waters of the Atlantic at Old Orchard Beach to support Special Olympics Maine.

​Learn more​

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Cobscook Winter 20k/10k

Wed, Jan 1 | Pembroke | Paid

Celebrate the New Year with a set of Downeast races hosted by the Bold Coast Runners Run Club. Choose from 3 race lengths and bring a dish to share at the post-race potluck.

​Learn more​

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Plunge for a Purpose

Wed, Jan 1 | Bristol | Donation Based

A polar plunge option for the Midcoast folks with proceeds supporting Hearty Root's mission to provide outdoor learning opportunities for Midcoast youth.

​Learn more​

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New Year’s Day Open House at Beech Hill

Wed, Jan 1 | Rockport | Free

Hike to the top of Beech Hill for stunning coastal views, a warm fire, and hot chocolate in the cozy and historic stone cabin.

​Learn more​

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Pop-up sledding Party

Sat, Jan 4 | Nobleboro | Free

Every Saturday in the winter, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust hosts sledding parties at Salt Bay Farm, which feature free sled rentals, a warm campfire, and hot cocoa (weather permitting).

​Learn more​

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WinterKids Family Day at Lost Valley

Sun, Jan 5 | Auburn | Free

Sign up for the Winter Kids app and get access to free youth lift tickets and discounted adult tickets at Lost Valley Ski Area.

​Learn more​

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Sunday Ski Club

Sun, Jan 5 | Jefferson | Free

RSVP today for Hidden Valley Nature Center's Sunday Ski Club, which brings together XC skiers of all ages and skill levels every Sunday for a social day of skiing and instruction.

​Learn more​

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Ladies Winter Classic Pond Hockey Tournament

Sat, Feb 8 | Cape Elizabeth | Paid

Put together a team and register today for the first-ever Ladies Hockey tournament at the Cape Community Ice Rink.

​Learn more​

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Alpine Feast 2025

Sat, Mar 1 | Carrabassett Valley | Paid

It's not too early to register for Maine Huts and Trail's marquee annual event, which features a day of fine dining in the backcountry at their Stratton Brook Hut.

​Learn more​

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Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Previously Featured & Upcoming

​Gardens Aglow | Wed, Nov 27 - Tue, Dec 31 | Paid​

​Climb for a Cure | Thu, Dec 26 | Donation Based​

​News Years Eve at Maine Huts and Trails | Tue, Dec 31 - Wed, Jan 1 | Paid​

​Inclusive Ski Touring: Open to All Program | Sun, Jan 5 - Sun, Mar 16 | Paid​

​Beginner Cross Country Ski Trip at Medawisla Lodge | Mon, Jan 20 - Thu, Jan 23 | Paid​

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Trail Log: Share your Experience

Have you attended any of these recent activities? Use the quick check-in links(30 seconds or less) to log your attendance and share your experience.

📝 Skate with Santa & Friends - Thu, Dec 12​

📝 Portland Trails Hike - Sat, Dec 14​

📝 Tiger Hill Community Forest Harvest Tour - Sat, Dec 14​

📝 Full Moon Hike - Sun, Dec 15​

📝 December Forest Playgroup - Wed, Dec 18​

📝 Welcome to Winter - Thu, Dec 19​

📝 Winter Solstice Yoga - Sat, Dec 21​

📝 Winter Solstice Lantern Walk - Sat, Dec 21​

📝 Portland Bike Party: Soltice Giving Ride - Sat, Dec 21​

📝 Winter Solstice Lantern Walk - Sat, Dec 21​

📝 Seaside Santa Dash - Sat, Dec 21​

Your responses help us decide which events to feature again and motivate the newsletter's continued creation.

The Maine Outsider is your invitation to get outside. Our mission is to connect you with outdoor organizations offering impactful events and experiences around the state.

We monitor 300+ organizations but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let us know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!