Visitors flock to Seaside year-round to ride the historic carousel, play Skee-Ball, fly kites and browse antique shops. During the holiday season, Seaside brings all of that same classic family fun — and more — to its annual monthlong holiday celebration. Expect to see Santa, tree lighting, gingerbread, and even more traditional crafts and events. Here’s what you can see and do in 2024.
Yule Festivities Around Town
The charming Yuletide in Seaside kicks off Thanksgiving weekend and runs through December. Point your sleigh toward downtown for some time-tested and very merry festivities. Seaside’s annual Parade of Lights (November 29, 2024) officially launches the festivities with a kid-approved celebration of magical costumes and lights. This year’s parade will begin at Necanicum Drive at First Avenue, turn onto Broadway and wrap up at the pocket park near the Carousel Mall. Watch the lighting of the Community Tree after the parade, and keep your eyes peeled for Santa.
Fancy a cup of tea with a dainty finger sandwich? Dress in your finest and stroll over to the Seaside History Center Museum for its popular holiday tea event, November 29-30, 2024. This elegant service offers hot beverages served in vintage teacups, accompanied by local sweet and savory pastries. Don’t miss the shingle-clad Victorian Butterfield Cottage on-site, decorated with period-appropriate holiday trimmings. Tickets go on sale in October and sell out fast. All proceeds go to the Butterfield Cottage Preservation Appeal.
A highly anticipated holiday classic, the Tour of Lights invites visitors to see some of Seaside’s finest seasonal home decorations and vote for their favorite during the month of December. Soak up the wonder as you drive by the beautifully lit-up residences on the tour. Visit the website for addresses and map links, or stop by Grocery Outlet for a printed map.
Gingerbread house (Photo courtesy of Seaside Museum)
Gingerbread, Santa Sightings and Trimmed Trees
Starting December 4, 2024, Seaside businesses will compete for the third year in a row to see who can make the best traditional gingerbread house — or try for wild with another creative structure. Pop into the participating stores for a firsthand look — maps are available here and at the Seaside Welcome Center — then head over to the Hillcrest Inn and vote for your favorites by December 18, 2024.
Kids can decorate cookies and take part in classic holiday activities at Candy Cane Lane, plus have their photo taken with Santa at the Safeway Providence Festival of Trees, an annual tradition held at the Seaside Convention Center on December 7, 2024. 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 and tree auction that follows.
Phillips Candies (Photo by Don Frank)
Stuff Their Stockings With Local Gifts and Candy
Seaside’s holiday shopping season officially launches on November 29, 2024, with the two-day Seaside Artisan Fair at the Convention Center. This annual shopping extravaganza showcases one-of-a-kind works from over 90 Pacific Northwest artists and includes handmade wreaths, art and woodworking, as well as goodies such as fudge and hot cocoa. Santa will be available for photo opportunities, so bring your little elves.
For even more gift ideas, head to Tipton’s (319 Broadway Street) in downtown Seaside, where it’s Christmas year-round. There you’ll find Old World and fanciful holiday decorations. Nearby Tis the Season (220 Broadway Street) has a treasure trove of both old-school and modern toys. Then hit up one of Seaside’s candy stores for the kids’ stockings: Seaside Candyman (21 North Columbia Street), Portland Fudge Company (102 Broadway Street), Phillips Candies (217 Broadway Street) and Schwietert’s Cones & Candy (406 Broadway Street). You can also browse Seaside’s many locally owned shops and find a classic Seaside gift for everyone on your list.
