If you’ve missed the thrill of Seaside holidays the last couple of years, you’re in for a treat. Yuletide in Seaside events are back in full force, just in time for Santa to plan a personal appearance or two. The fun kicks off Thanksgiving weekend and runs through December. Featuring jolly parades, the annual tree lighting, a gingerbread-house contest, local gift fairs and Santa photos, Seaside’s upcoming celebrations are sure to get your crew in the holiday mood.
Shop Locally Made Gifts and Enjoy the Lights
Seaside’s holiday season officially launches on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, with the two-day Seaside Artisan Fair at the Convention Center. This annual shopping extravaganza showcases works from over 80 Pacific Northwest artists and includes handmade wreaths, candles, gourmet olive oils and wooden toys. The fair runs through Saturday and is the ideal place to buy gifts on your holiday list. Warm up with hot cocoa and get your family’s picture taken with Santa, too.
After shopping at the fair on Friday, catch the annual Parade of Lights that same evening. The parade features costumes and lights galore, beginning at Necanicum Drive at First Avenue, turning onto Broadway and wrapping up at the pocket park near the Carousel Mall. Watch the lighting of the Community Tree after the parade — the kids will love meeting Santa.
One of Seaside’s most festive yearly events, the Tour of Lights, offers visitors to see some of Seaside’s finest DIY home decorations. Catch the holiday spirit as you drive by the beautifully lit-up residences on the tour. Follow along the links to a map on the website or head to Grocery Outlet for a printed map.
Spot the Reindeer and Gingerbread Houses
The whole family will love creative holiday displays at local businesses participating in the Window Decorating Competition. Help your kids spot all the reindeer in the windows on the Reindeer Trail Scavenger Hunt and win a special prize.
For the first time this year, Seaside businesses will compete to see who can create the most fantastical holiday gingerbread house. Stop by each of the participating stores and see the houses, then head over to the Hillcrest Inn to vote for your favorites.
Sip Tea and Marvel at Trimmed Trees
The Seaside Historical Society Museum is hosting a traditional high tea on November 25-26, 2022. Nibble on sweet and savory pastries, and sip a variety of teas elegantly served in vintage teacups while enjoying live music. This is also an excellent chance to see the shingle-clad Victorian Butterfield Cottage (570 Necanicum Drive) dressed in all her Christmas trimmings. Unfortunately, tickets have already sold out for this year’s event. Be on the lookout for cancellations or overflow tickets online; tickets cost $25 each.
The Safeway Providence Festival of Trees is celebrating its 25th year at the Seaside Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. See stunning Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, designers, florists and residents. Kids can take part in fun holiday activities like ornament making. The open house is free, but you’ll need to purchase tickets to the gala benefit dinner and tree auction that follows.
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Stuff Your Stocking With Toys, Candy and More
Head to Tipton’s Decor (319 Broadway Street) in downtown Seaside where it’s Christmas year-round. You’ll find Old World ornaments and whimsical holiday decorations, and nearby Tis the Season (220 Broadway Street) has a treasure trove of toys. Then hit up one of Seaside’s candy stores for the kids’ stocking stuffers: Seaside Candyman (21 North Columbia Street), Phillips Candies (217 Broadway Street), Rascals (300 Broadway Street) and Schwietert’s Cones & Candy (406 Broadway Street). If you have holiday shopping to do, and of course you do, browse Seaside’s many locally owned shops to find something unique for everyone on your list.
