Though the days may be shorter and the sun sets earlier in winter, Seaside keeps it merry and bright during the holidays, when festive decorations adorn downtown shops and starfish lights illuminate the winter evenings. From jolly events to sparkling light displays, here are ways to join in celebrating Seaside’s holiday spirit.

Kick Off the Holiday Festivities 

The fun starts right after Thanksgiving with the Yuletide in Seaside Holiday Festival and Market, a two-day event (November 28-29, 2025) that has both family-friendly activities and shopping booths featuring a variety of local artisans. Bring the kids for crafts, games and pictures with Santa. For many, Seaside’s annual Parade of Lights (November 28, 2025) marks the launch of the holiday season. The magical display of holiday cheer ends at the pocket park near the Carousel Mall, where the lighting of the Community Tree takes place. 

Does your ideal holiday outing involve putting on fancy attire and sipping tea in the Victorian Butterfield Cottage? If so, the Seaside History Center Museum’s popular holiday tea is for you. The event, held November 28-29, 2025, invites you to enjoy period-appropriate trimmings, warm beverages in vintage teacups and decadent pastries. Tickets go on sale in October and sell out fast, with proceeds benefiting the Butterfield Cottage Preservation Appeal.

Gingerbread Competition and Holiday Passport Program 

Participate in the Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Passport Program for a chance to win exciting prize packages from local businesses through December 21, 2025. Passports are available at the Seaside Welcome Center.

Kids can get their face painted, decorate gingerbread people and enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus at the Safeway Providence Festival of Trees, an annual tradition held at the Seaside Convention Center on December 6, 2025. Stroll through a wonderland of beautifully decorated trees and vote for your favorite at the free open house. You can also purchase tickets to the gala benefit dinner, which includes a live and silent auction.

Seaside businesses will put their creative baking skills on display for the fourth annual gingerbread competition. Beginning on December 1, 2025, a collection of Seaside’s favorite hotels, shops and restaurants will compete to see who can make the best traditional gingerbread house or creative structure. View the entries for yourself by following a map of participating businesses, then vote for your favorite online or at the Seaside Welcome Center by December 18, 2025.

Add More Cheer to Your Holiday Shopping

Some of Seaside’s events help turn your holiday shopping into joyous, city-wide fun. Stop into the Seaside Welcome Center to pick up your Holiday Passport, then visit each of the participating businesses to get a stamp — shopping for everyone on your Christmas list as you go. Return completed passports to the Seaside Chamber of Commerce through the Welcome Center to be entered into a drawing for prizes. While out and about in downtown Seaside, keep your eyes peeled for hidden starfish ornaments creatively tucked away in shop windows, displays and storefronts. The Hidden Starfish Hunt takes place from November 8 to December 31, 2025. Track your discoveries on a hunting form, which you can find at participating businesses or the Seaside Downtown Development Association, for a chance to win prizes. 
For Christmas treasures and gifts, head into Tipton’s (319 Broadway St.) in downtown Seaside, which spreads its holiday spirit all year long with a noteworthy supply of fanciful holiday decoration. Nearby Tis the Season (220 Broadway St) is brimming with ornaments, games, and old-school and modern toys. Don’t forget about stockings! Stop into one of Seaside’s candy stores for sugary delights: Seaside Candyman (21 N. Columbia St.), Portland Fudge Company (102 Broadway St.), Phillips Candies (217 Broadway St.) and Schwietert’s Cones & Candy (406 Broadway St.) and Candy Fun 101 (1111 N. Roosevelt Drive). For everyone else on your list, explore Seaside’s many locally owned shops filled with one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else.