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Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,240
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
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Like many small American towns, Seaside celebrates the holidays with nostalgia and a bygone spirit. Beginning Thanksgiving Day weekend with the showing of the beloved Nutcracker Ballet and ending with a New Year’s Eve spectacular celebration, Seaside celebrates the most wonderful time of the year by preserving traditions and making memories.

Some Seaside events have been around for years, decades even. This year, Seaside is celebrating the 29th anniversary of the Seeing Red Wine Festival and the 10th anniversary of our Halloweener Derby. Both of these events were dreamed up by locals and longtime Seasiders. Each became a mainstay of the town, maintained as integral traditions.

This year, the town is excited to announce the start of a new tradition — the Seaside Holiday Market. “We hope this new event will get everyone into the holiday spirit,” says events director Kevin Boyle. “Consider Germany, with its centuries-old Christmas markets, or Disney World’s special Christmas events. Both of these offer immersive holiday experiences, which easily become long-time memories. We want to bring these experiences to our guests and locals.”

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An ice skating rink is a new addition to Seaside this holiday season. Photo courtesy Artificial Ice Events

The Seaside Holiday Market will be in the Seaside Lyceum, which recently was recognized with a Special Award from the Congress for The New Urbanism (CNU) after the completion of the expansive addition of a stage, arcade and new colonnades, to name a few of the highlights of the project.

The market features photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, special vendors selling Christmas fare, and for the first time in Seaside — ice skating. Well, almost ice skating. “A company in Boston offers something called Synthetic or Artificial Ice Rinks. They’ve done work with Disney, ESPN, and a lot of events in the Southwest,” says Boyle. “It definitely feels like you’re skating on ice, it’s a lot of fun.”

Artificial or synthetic ice is made up of a special plastic polymer that best resembles the consistency of a giant white cutting board. The synthetic ice rink is pieced together in 4’ × 8’ sheets and is then sprayed with a special solution that reduces friction and enhances glide and speed, closely mimicking the traditional ice skating experience. “Our hope is that this becomes something guests come back to do year after year, and locals feel like they come back every weekend,” Boyle says. “We want to drum up some holiday excitement for our town and merchants.”

Guests can purchase tickets and reserve a 30-minute skating time on the rink, including skate rentals. With the ticket, they receive a photo with Santa, face painting from 4 to 7 p.m. and a free treat and beverage. Each ticket allows guests to come and go as they please, giving them a chance to visit the retail shops and restaurants around town. They also have access to special market vendors selling holiday food, crafts and more. Some of the vendors are familiar faces from the Seaside Farmers Market.

The market takes place all weekends in December — Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 9 p.m. Face painting is from 4 to 7 p.m. during those event days. And kids can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the market on the weekends prior to Christmas.

Holiday Schedule

NOVEMBER
The Nutcracker Ballet – Sun., Nov. 24, 5 p.m.
Holiday Farmers Market – Tues., Nov. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Holiday Movie Night: “Elf” - Fri., Nov. 29, 7 p.m.
South Walon Holiday Parade – Sat., Nov. 30, 9 a.m.
Turn on the Town – Sat., Nov. 30, 5 p.m.

DECEMBER
Holiday Market – Fri. - Sun., 3-9 p.m.
Holiday Pops Concert - Sat.,Dec. 14, 5 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Celebration - Tues., Dec. 31, 5-10 p.m.

To see a calendar of events online, visit us at seasidefl.com/events.

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Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,240
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
UPDATE: Seaside Holiday Market

The Seaside Holiday Market is a new tradition for the Christmas season in Seaside, Florida. The market will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 3:00 p.m. throughout the month of December. Dates are December 6 - 29. Visit market vendors selling holiday food, crafts, and more. Some vendors will be familiar faces from the Seaside Farmers Market. Kids can enjoy getting their faces painted from 4 - 7PM and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the market on the weekends prior to Christmas.

Seaside Holiday Market
December 6-29, 2019
Fridays & Saturdays 3-8pm
Sundays 3-7pm
Seaside Lyceum

Seaside Holiday Market features photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus (on weekends prior to Christmas), face painting, special vendors selling Christmas fare, and for the first time in Seaside — ice skating. Well, a different kind ice skating perfect for Florida featuring a synthetic ice rink closely mimicking the traditional ice skating experience.

Guests can purchase tickets and reserve a 30-minute skating time on the rink, including skate rentals. With the ticket, they receive a photo with Santa, face painting from 4 to 7 p.m. and a free treat and beverage. Each ticket allows guests to come and go as they please, giving them a chance to visit the retail shops and restaurants around town. They also have access to special market vendors selling holiday food, crafts and more. Some of the vendors are familiar faces from the Seaside Farmers Market.

What a wonderful time of year to enjoy the beautiful festive lights and events throughout the holidays in Seaside! Coastal Living named Seaside on its list of “The 20 Best Christmas Towns in Florida” in 2018. The beach town will light up with beautiful holiday lights and decor starting Saturday November 30th with the South Walton Holiday Parade (9am) and later in the day (5pm) Turn on the Town! Christmas tree/town lighting with Santa.

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Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,240
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
Annual South Walton Holiday/Christmas Parade
Sat, Nov 30th at 9:00am
The parade begins at 9AM in Seagrove Beach and proceeds west to the town of Seaside. Meet Santa in town after the parade! He'll return for our Turn on The Town festivities at 5PM in the Amphitheater.

DOWNLOAD PARADE REGISTRATION FORM HERE
 

Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,240
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
DATE CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER:

Join us SUNDAY, November 24th at 5:00pm as the Merchants of Seaside present the eighth annual performance of the Nutcracker ballet featuring Ballet Pensacola.

Under the direction of Ballet Pensacola Artistic Director and General Manager Richard Steinert, the one-time performance of Acts 1 & 2 is free and open to the public.

Bring your blankets and chairs and find your perfect spot on the Seaside Amphitheater lawn for this holiday tradition in Seaside!

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Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,240
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
What a wonderful time of year to enjoy the beautiful festive lights and events throughout the holidays in Seaside! Coastal Living named Seaside on its list of “The 20 Best Christmas Towns in Florida” in 2018. Come out and join your friends for old and new holiday traditions this season!

Kick off the holidays with the South Walton Holiday Parade on Saturday after Thanksgiving and enjoy old and new traditions this season in Seaside, Florida.

The South Walton Holiday/Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. in Seagrove Beach and proceeds west to the town of Seaside. Meet Santa in Seaside after the parade. Registration is open for the Annual South Walton Holiday Parade! Download the 2019 Parade Registration Form at seasidefl.com.

At Sunset, it’s party time in the amphitheater with holiday festivities and of course pictures with the jolly-bearded one. Soon, the master of ceremonies asks all the kids to the stage to sing to the crowd of smiling faces, and after jingle bells, the count down begins in unison to “Turn on the Town.”

Seaside Holiday Schedule of Events 2019

The Nutcracker Ballet
Sunday Nov 24 @ 5:00 p.m. Seaside Amphitheater
Join Ballet Pensacola for the Eighth annual performance of the ballet that launched a national holiday tradition, the Nutcracker, based on the critically acclaimed Russian ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Don’t miss this special event!

Holiday Movie Night: Elf
Friday Nov 29 @ 7:00 p.m. Seaside Amphitheatre
Enjoy the start of the holiday weekend with a special Central Square Cinema holiday movie under the stars in the Seaside Amphitheater Friday night at 7pm. Bring the whole family out for the hilarious holiday classic Elf starring Will Ferrell. Remember your favorite blankets and chairs for a relaxing evening after the busiest shopping day of the year. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

South Walton Holiday Parade
Saturday Nov 30 @ 9:00am along Scenic Hwy 30A Seagrove Beach to Seaside
Grab your spot along Scenic Hwy 30A for the Annual South Walton Holiday Parade, Nov. 30 at 9:00 a.m. Residents and visitors share in the glory as participants march or ride 1.5 miles down Scenic Highway 30A from Seagrove Plaza decked in their Christmas best on festive holiday floats. The parade ends in Seaside as visitors welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to town. Registration for parade participants is required. Please visit www.seasidefl.com.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!)
Saturday Nov 30 @ 4:00 p.m. Seaside Amphitheater
The Seaside REP Theatre presents their smash-hit holiday comedy Every Christmas Story Ever Told…And Then Some. The panhandle’s premier professional theatre reimagines the script every year, providing fresh jokes and spectacle each holiday season, making “Every Christmas Story” a show locals and visitors come back to year after year. This is a free and non-ticketed event in the amphitheater just before Turn on the Town.

Seaside Turn on the Town
Saturday Nov 30 Seaside Amphitheater @ Sunset
The celebration continues with Turn on the Town at the conclusion of the parade as Santa and Mrs. Claus take the stage in the Seaside Amphitheater. Santa, master of ceremonies for the evening, will invite all of the kids to join him in front of the stage for a sing-a-long before magically brightening up the town. Then, the countdown begins in unison to “Turn on the Town” and exactly on cue, the magnificent 24-foot tree lights up. All of downtown Seaside is illuminated with bright, holiday lights! Following the lighting, bring your camera for photos with the jolly man.

Seaside Holiday Market
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December: Fri & Sat (3-8pm) and Sun (3-7pm) | Seaside Lyceum
The Seaside Holiday Market is a brand new tradition in Seaside, Florida. The market will be open weekends (Fri-Sun) starting at 3:00 p.m. throughout the month of December. Dates are December 6 - 29. Visit market vendors selling holiday food, crafts, and gifts. Some vendors will be familiar faces from the Seaside Farmers Market. Kids can enjoy getting their faces painted and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the market on the weekends prior to Christmas.
Skating on an Artificial Ice Rink is a new activity in the Lyceum next to the Holiday Market.

Holiday Pops Concert feat. Sinfonia Gulf Coast
Saturday, Dec 14 @ 5:00 p.m. Seaside Amphitheater
Don’t miss this special holiday performance from Sinfonia Gulf Coast guaranteed to get everyone into the holiday spirit! Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy every minute of the holiday scene at the beach. You'll want to visit Seaside Merchants, shops and restaurants, so come out early, stay late and have a night on the town.

MORE Holiday Happenings in Seaside:
Every Christmas Story Ever Told at The REP Theatre
December 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, & 23 at 7:30 pm | December 15, 20, 21, 22, and 23 at 2 pm
Back for its 10th year, The REP Theatre’s holiday smash hit, Every Christmas Story Ever Told, returns with all of your favorite Beloved Holiday Classics packed into one 90-minute show of high-energy jolly and hilarity! 3 REP actors, armed with a bazillion props and costumes, send up everything from Charles Dickens and Dr. Seuss to Jimmy Stewart and Chewbacca in this ever-evolving REP favorite. It’s the perfect way to get ready for the season, beat the festive fatigue, and share some holiday cheer. This show is family-friendly and great for audiences of all ages! Visit LoveTheREP.com for tickets.

Seaside Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays year round from 9am til 1pm in the Seaside Amphitheater.

First Friday Art Walk takes place in select merchants/shops. Come out on Friday, December 6 to visit merchants to see special artist showcases and store exhibits taking place along Central Square. First Friday Art Walk takes place year round in Seaside.

Seaside Holidays 2019.jpg
 

Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,240
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
Seaside Holiday Market
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December: Fri & Sat (3-8pm) and Sun (3-7pm) | Seaside Lyceum
The Seaside Holiday Market is a brand new tradition in Seaside, Florida. The market will be open weekends (Fri-Sun) starting at 3:00 p.m. throughout the month of December. Dates are December 6 - 29. Visit market vendors selling holiday food, crafts, and gifts. Some vendors will be familiar faces from the Seaside Farmers Market. Kids can enjoy getting their faces painted and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the market on the weekends prior to Christmas.
Skating on an Artificial Ice Rink is a new activity in the Lyceum next to the Holiday Market.

Seaside HOliday Market 2019.jpg
 

Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,240
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
Seaside Holiday Market
It's the most wonderful time of the year in Seaside - a simple, beautiful life! Check out The Seaside Holiday Market happening weekends in December. The market features photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, special vendors selling Christmas fare, and for the first time in Seaside — artificial ice skating.

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Holiday Pops Concert feat. Sinfonia Gulf Coast
Saturday Dec 14 | 5pm

Don't miss this special holiday performance from Sinfonia Gulf Coast guaranteed to get everyone into the holiday spirit!

Bring your blankets and chairs and join us on Saturday, December 14th at 5pm in the Seaside Amphitheater for a wonderful night of music under the stars!

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Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,240
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
FB_IMG_1576354831692.jpg

Saturday Dec 14
The Seaside Holiday Market is open today (3-8pm) and Sunday (3-7pm)! See you around town for holiday shopping, Santa and festivities

Holiday Pops Concert feat. Sinfonia Gulf Coast
Saturday Dec 14 | 5pm

Don't miss this special holiday performance from Sinfonia Gulf Coast guaranteed to get everyone into the holiday spirit!

Bring your blankets and chairs and join us on Saturday, December 14th at 5pm in the Seaside Amphitheater for a wonderful night of music under the stars!
 
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