Seaside is one of the Coast’s most beloved destinations for holiday shopping and seasonal celebrations. Plan a visit around these holiday festivities, and come anytime for one-of-a-kind gifts and the misty views of the beach in November and December.
Seasonal Festivities
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Seaside fully embraces its holiday spirit with the three-day Holiday Gift Fair, which features the handmade crafts and gifts of dozens of talented vendors and includes a free, family-friendly Holiday Parade of Lights on Friday evening. On Saturdays from late November through mid-December, take a break from holiday shopping with afternoon Gingerbread Tea at Butterfield Cottage (570 Necanicum Drive), a charming 1890s beach home operated by the Seaside Museum and Historical Society and decked for the season.
Gift Hunting
Many shops around town have especially impressive selections of holiday-themed goods, including Tiptons (319 Broadway St.), with its year-round selection of Santa and elf figurines, scented candles, snow globes and miniature winter villages. Be sure to try one of the tasty caramels and chocolates. And if you’re in search of a whimsical, personal way to reimagine your holiday cards this year, bring the family to Flash From the Past Old Time Photos (300 Broadway St.), where you all can pose for an old fashioned-style portrait clad in vintage gear, from Western cowboy hats to Roaring ’20s flapper fashion.
More Shops and Events
Find a full calendar of events, including other holiday festivities, here. And no matter the time of year, you can plan a treasuring-hunting trip through Seaside’s many independent boutiques, homespun souvenir shops and other locally owned stores.