Christmas in SEASIDE®
Christmas in SEASIDE® is a season of familiar traditions, festive gatherings, and the simple joy of being together. Picture a beach town dressed in twinkling lights, storefronts adorned for the season, and neighbors and visitors gathering to celebrate. From beloved annual events to quiet evenings spent wandering through town, the holidays here have a way of feeling both magical and like coming home. It’s the kind of Christmas that invites you to slow down, make memories, and start traditions of your own.
From the magic of Turn on the Town and seasonal sips at Daytrader’s Miracle Bar to photos with Santa, twinkling Christmas lights, holiday shopping, and even a little time to unwind with private yoga, there are so many ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re visiting with family, planning a festive weekend with friends, or simply looking to soak up the spirit of the season, there’s something special waiting for you in SEASIDE®. Explore the holiday events and experiences below as you plan your visit and make a few traditions of your own.
Miracle at The Daytrader returns to SEASIDE®, bringing Northwest Florida’s only Miracle Pop-Up Bar back to town for a festive holiday experience. Guests can enjoy whimsical décor, nostalgic Christmas touches, and inventive seasonal cocktails beneath The Daytrader’s thatched roof, where tiki culture meets holiday cheer in a playful, over-the-top celebration. Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM throughout the holiday season, Miracle at The Daytrader welcomes guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
The holiday season begins in SEASIDE® on November 22 with a special performance of The Nutcracker Ballet Act II, performed by Ballet Pensacola in the Amphitheater at 5:00 PM. This timeless holiday classic is a cherished seasonal tradition for both locals and visitors and the perfect way to kick off the festive season.
Central Square Cinema invites you to enjoy a Holiday Movie Night on November 27 at 7:00 PM with a showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey. Bring a blanket, towel, or lawn chair and settle in beneath the twinkling lights of Central Square for a festive evening of holiday entertainment in the heart of SEASIDE®.
One of SEASIDE®’s most cherished holiday traditions returns on Saturday, November 28, with the annual Turn on the Town and Holiday Parade celebration. This beloved event brings the community together for a festive day filled with holiday cheer, beginning with a lively parade along Hwy 30A. Following the parade, guests can enjoy a special live performance by Emerald Coast Theatre Company at Krier Plaza before gathering in the SEASIDE® Amphitheater for the evening’s highlight: the lighting of the town. The festivities continue at the Christmas Village, where guests can visit Santa and take photos with him until 8:00 PM. From the parade to the tree lighting, Turn on the Town is a treasured SEASIDE® tradition that captures the charm of a classic small-town Christmas and creates memories to carry through the holiday season.
The SEASIDE® Holiday Market returns December 5–6, bringing a festive weekend of holiday shopping to the heart of town. Browse a thoughtfully curated collection of local artisans, unique makers, and creative vendors offering one-of-a-kind finds and special gifts for the season. Whether you’re searching for something meaningful for someone on your list or simply enjoying a stroll through town, the Holiday Market is a wonderful way to gather, shop local, and take in the spirit of Christmas in SEASIDE®.
The holiday season is a wonderful time to shop small and find something truly special in SEASIDE®. From thoughtful gifts and festive finds to timeless pieces you’ll treasure long after the season ends, our merchants offer shopping experiences as unique as the town itself. As you check off your holiday list, take time to explore the shops around town, discover something unexpected, and support the small businesses that make SEASIDE® so special. Every purchase is a chance to give a little back to the community and share the spirit of the season with the people who make this beach town feel like home.
One of the sweetest traditions of the holiday season is a visit with Santa Claus! From December 12–23, Santa will be in SEASIDE® each evening from 4 to 6 PM, ready to hear little ones’ Christmas wishes and make the season a bit more magical. Bring the family to enjoy the twinkling lights, share a special moment with Santa, and create holiday memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
To close out 2026, join us as we welcome 2027 with an evening of family fun, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display. From 4–9 PM, Central Square will feature festive activities, arts and crafts, face painting, and a photo opportunity in front of the iconic Post Office. Live music begins at 5:30 p.m., leading up to the fireworks at 9 p.m. Find your spot in the Amphitheater or along the beach, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and gather with family and friends for a memorable evening as we ring in the new year together.
Interested in planning a special celebration for the holiday season? Click here and fill out our inquiry form for more information.
