The Christmas season in Seaside adds even more magic to an already magical town. Palm trees draped in Christmas lights, Christmas trees sparkling brightly, thousands of lights on Coleman Pavilion overlooking the Gulf, an interactive light show at the Amphitheater, stores and venues lit up and aglow with cheer - it's a dreamland, soft and warm and having fun.
Florida in winter is that special time when the crowds diminish and people come for their own particular visit, enjoying off-season rates and a peaceful getaway. The locals get to unwind too, and join in the celebrations. The winter sunsets are spectacular, and the mild weather enables people to gather in comfort and enjoy the moments.
Seaside, that gem of the Emerald Coast, beckons during the Christmas season as an especially enchanting destination. Called by Travel & Leisure one of the greatest trips in the country, hailed by Time for its astounding design achievement, and lauded by Newsweek as being the best thing since Versailles, it took the editors of Southern Living to call out the Seaside charm for Christmas, explaining why Seaside, Florida is Even Better During Christmastime.
December in Seaside
December features the regular Farmers Market each Saturday morning at the Amphitheater, offering gourmet treats and exotic delights as well as the staples to take home to your cottage kitchen.
Close out that market trip with a Holiday Show from the world class performers of the REP Theatre, happening 11 am - noon in front of the Seaside Post Office: Every Christmas Story Ever Told. A magical holiday tradition, this lively show happens on weekends through much of the month and several weekdays - check the show page for details.
And check out that Post Office - America's most famous selfie location - all decked out for Christmas:
Circle back to the Amphitheater on that Saturday afternoon for an afternoon of live music from various performers as you relax and enjoy the day. Musical Saturday afternoons happen all through December.
If you get thirsty from shopping, the Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant (by Coleman Pavilion) has a helping hand for you with its seasonal Miracle pop-up bar through December 30, offering its famously wild and unusual refreshments - see the cocktail menu here. It's a winter wonderland all in itself at Miracle:
Meanwhile outside in the Seaside wonderland, the Amphitheater hosts a special performance on December 9, the Holiday Pops Concert performed at 5-6 pm by Sinfonia Gulf Coast. Relax after your exhausting day, bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy the seasonal classics, and the lingering effects of the sunset.
By mid-December you can feel Christmas Day looming ever closer, and just in time on December 16 through the 21st, Santa himself comes to visit with photo opportunities for all - complimentary, no less - and this happens at the Lyceum Tree (between Seaside Yacht Club and Cabana on Central Square) from 4-6 pm daily.
December 25 offers a break from the festivities for everyone to enjoy their own special day. The venues and amenities of the town are still available to serve you, but check ahead to see who's open and what's on the menu that day (Miracle is open for sure, and plenty of restaurants are offering a Christmas Eve dinner). Best option may be to get your supplies in beforehand and gather the crew around the dining table in your luxury guest cottage and...Merry Christmas!
How do you follow Christmas? Only New Year's Eve will satisfy, and it beckons for more celebration. The evening festivities fill Central Square on that Sunday, December 31, 5-9 pm, with face painting for the kids, arts & crafts to explore, and a live music performance from Monsters of Yacht. Nationally acclaimed coast to coast, and in from Nashville, this band is guaranteed to keep you dancing through the evening.
Oh, and FIREWORKS! It's a family friendly show starting about 9PM after the concert, over the Gulf of Mexico and viewed perfectly above the Seaside Amphitheater.