SeaFestival of Trees Returns to Salisbury: Holiday Wonderland Supports Historic Carousel

Seacoast’s most magical holiday tradition is back! The 13th Annual SeaFestival of Trees opens Saturday, November 22 at the Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury, transforming the oceanfront venue into a sparkling winter wonderland of more than 145 themed trees, a giant sand sculpture, Santa’s Workshop, and an indoor skating rink. The festival runs weekends through December 7, with additional special event nights throughout the season.

Now in its 13th year, the SeaFestival of Trees has welcomed more than 250,000 visitors and raised over $1 million to support the Salisbury Beach Historic Carousel, a preserved 1909 Looff-Mangels treasure. “It’s a perfect blend of holiday magic with community purpose—festival-goers experience a joyful, affordable way to celebrate the season and event proceeds preserve a piece of New England history,” said Kathy Aiello, Managing Director of the festival.

What Makes It Unique

What sets the SeaFestival of Trees apart from other regional holiday events is its scale, accessibility, and immersive experience. With more than 145 beautifully themed trees—more than most area festivals—this event fills over 20,000 square feet of oceanfront space with holiday magic. Visitors don’t need deep pockets to bring a tree home; each one is raffled off through affordable tickets instead of high-dollar auctions, making it a community celebration everyone can participate in. “We’ve designed the SeaFestival of Trees to be more than something you look at—it’s something you do,” said Aiello. “Between the skating rink, interactive play spaces, themed nights, and professionally presented trees, every guest finds a way to make their own holiday tradition here.”

Beyond the dazzling displays, and included in admission, guests can skate on the indoor Seaside Ice rink, explore interactive play areas, and enjoy performances on the Blue Ocean Music Hall stage. Themed nights, character meet-and-greets from the North Pole, Whoville, and the Ice Palace, a family-friendly scavenger hunt, and on-site dining and cocktails make the festival a full destination experience—not just a walk-through display.

Highlights of the 2025 Festival

• Dazzling Tree Displays: More than 145 creative, themed trees donated by local businesses and families. Showcase Area trees feature prizes valued at $1,000 or more — including one with a $2,000 cash prize — all raffled off to lucky winners.
• Giant Sand Sculpture: A 10-foot-tall, 8,000-pound “Christmas at the North Pole” sculpture by master sand artist Greg Grady.
• Indoor Skating Rink: Skate for free at Seaside Ice, a full-size indoor rink (rentals available).
• Santa’s Workshop & Candy Cane Forest: Walk through Candy Cane Forest, peek inside Santa’s toy shop, visit the Toy Testing Station, and take photos in Santa’s life-sized sleigh.
• Santa & Holiday Characters: Meet Santa, The Grinch, and the Snow Queen, with themed photo backdrops inspired by Whoville and the Ice Palace.

Special Events & Theme Nights

• Spirits of Christmas Gala & Tree Lighting – Nov. 21, 6–9PM. Tickets
  Kick off the season with cocktails, live music, tree awards, and the first look at this year’s displays.
  
• Holiday Dance Shows – Nov. 23, 11:30AM–4PM
  Regional studios perform festive routines on the Blue Ocean Music Hall stage.
  
• Triton Night – Nov. 25, 5–8PM
  Half-price admission for Salisbury, Byfield, Newbury, and Rowley residents.
• Elf Day – Nov. 30, 12–2PM
  Join Buddy the Elf for snowflake-making and Christmas cheer.
• Sippin’ Santa Girls Night Out – Dec. 3, 5–8PM
  Sip and shop evening with complimentary holiday cocktail sampling, coastal artisans, 92.5 The River Radio’s prize wheel, and a festive scavenger hunt.
  
• SantaCon vs. Ugly Sweater Night – Dec. 4, 5–8PM
  Santa-inspired attire and festive ugly sweaters dress code encouraged. Costume parade, karaoke, prizes, and a jolly night of fun for families and friends.
• Blades the Bruin Night – Dec. 5, 5–8PM
  Skate with Blades the Bruin and enter to win Bruins tickets and gear.
• Santa & The Grinch Brunch – Dec. 6 + 7, 10AM–Noon
  Interactive holiday brunch with music, activities, photos, and games. Tickets
• Polar Express Pajama Party – Dec. 14, 10:30AM–Noon
  Cocoa, story time, North Pole Bingo, and visits from Santa and the conductor. Ticketed event.

When will Holiday Characters be here to visit with? 

Santa’s 2025 Schedule
Donning his big red suit in a big red velvet chair, Santa poses for holiday photos. Visit with Santa and receive a candy cane. Children are invited to write their wish list on the Festival’s special Santa stationery and mail the letter in our authentic North Pole Express mailbox.

Saturday, November 22 | 11AM – 8PM
Sunday, November 23 | 11AM – 4PM
Tuesday, November 25 | 5PM – 8PM
Friday, November 28 | 11AM – 4PM + 4:30PM – 7:30PM
Saturday, November 29 | 11AM – 4PM + 4:30PM – 7:30PM
Sunday, November 30 | 11AM – 4PM
Wednesday, December 3 | 5PM-8PM
Thursday, December 4 | 5PM – 8PM
Friday, December 5 | 5PM – 8PM
Saturday, December 6 | 12PM – 3:30PM + 4PM – 8PM
Sunday, December 7 | 11AM – 4PM

Snow Queen’s 2025 Schedule
Meet the Snow Queen! Take a photo with the Snow Queen in her sparkling blue flowing gown at the ice castle wonderland gate by Seaside Ice.

Saturday, November 22 | 12PM – 4PM
Sunday, November 23 | 12PM – 4PM
Friday, November 28 | 12PM – 4PM
Saturday, November 29 | 12PM – 4PM
Sunday, November 30 | 12PM – 4PM
Thursday, December 4 | 12PM – 4PM
Friday, December 5 | 5PM – 8PM”
Saturday, December 6 | 12PM – 4PM
Sunday, December 7 | 12PM – 4PM

The Mean One’s 2025 Schedule
Look for the mean green one prancing among the trees. Capture a photo with this playful character who has a small heart and mischievous manner.

Saturday, November 22 | 2PM – 6PM
Sunday, November 23 | 12PM – 4PM
Tuesday, November 25 | 5PM – 8PM
Friday, November 28 | 2PM – 6PM
Saturday, November 29 | 2PM – 6PM
Sunday, November 30 | 12PM – 4PM
Wednesday, December 3 | 5PM – 8PM
Thursday, December 4 | 5PM – 8PM
Friday, December 5 | 5PM – 8PM
Saturday, December 6 | 2PM – 6PM
Sunday, December 7 | 12:30PM – 4PM

Admission / Hours / Location / Parking

$10 adults | $5 children under 5
Sold Only at the Door | No Advanced Ticket Sales Online

Fridays–Sundays, Nov. 22–Dec. 7, plus Nov. 25, Dec. 3 & 4.

Week 1
Friday, November 21 – Opening Night Gala (Ticketed Event)
Saturday, November 22 – 11AM–8PM
Sunday, November 23 – 11AM–5PM

Week 2
Tuesday, November 25 – 5PM–8PM
Friday, November 28 – 11AM–8PM
Saturday, November 29 – 11AM–8PM
Sunday, November 30 – 11AM–5PM

Week 3
Wednesday, December 3 – 5PM–8PM (18+ Event)
Thursday, December 4 – 5PM–8PM
Friday, December 5 – 5PM–8PM
Saturday, December 6 – 11AM–8PM
Sunday, December 7 – 11AM–5PM

Blue Ocean Event Center, 4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury, MA

Event parking is available for a fee in the adjacent parking lot called Carefree Parking steps away from Blue Ocean Event Center. Street parking is free. You can also find free parking in the Town of Salisbury Municipal Lot at the corner of Beach Road & Rt. 1A (North End Boulevard) or in the Broadway Parking Lot on Broadway. See MAP

Handicap Accessible.

Full schedule and more information at SeaFestivalOfTrees.com

Presented by Newburyport Bank with proceeds benefitting Salisbury Beach Partnership and The Salisbury Beach Carousel.

About Salisbury Beach Historic Carousel

A restored 1909 Looff-Mangels carousel, the Salisbury Beach Historic Carousel is a rare example of early 20th- century craftsmanship and seaside amusement, preserved for generations to enjoy.

Open during Festival hours, enjoy a festive holiday ride on the Salisbury Beach Historic Carousel in an enchanting pavilion, all lit up for the holidays. Located at 7 Broadway.

About Blue Ocean Event Center

Located on the Atlantic Ocean in Salisbury, MA, Blue Ocean Event Center is a state-of-the-art venue hosting weddings, corporate, and community events with stunning oceanfront views.

Visit SeaFestivalofTrees.com for more details on all of the festive events.

Sea Festival of Trees
Blue Ocean Music Hall
4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury, MA
978.462.2512