Sea Festival of Trees | Sundays

Experience the joy and excitement of Salisbury’s most popular holiday tradition with glittering trees, indoor ice skating, Santa visits and more - Massachusetts

As one of New England’s must-see holiday traditions, the 12th Annual SeaFestival of Trees fundraiser opens Saturday, November 23, at the Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury, MA. With over 135 extravagantly themed trees, a full-size indoor skating rink, a spectacular giant sand sculpture, and Santa’s Workshop, this immersive winter wonderland has grown into a cherished event for all ages. The Festival runs on weekends through December 8, plus Tuesday, November 26 and Thursday, December 5, with special events and themed evenings bringing magic to every visit.

SeaFestival of Trees

This year’s festival promises awe-inspiring sights and experiences, from an Elf-themed Candy Cane Forest with towering striped canes and an 8-foot narwhal, to a stunning 10-foot-tall Christmas tree sand sculpture created by master sculptor Greg Grady. Kids will delight in visiting Santa’s Workshop, where they can explore toy-stuffed curio cabinets and play at a Toy Testing Station with timeless classics like Etch A Sketch.

With proceeds benefiting the Salisbury Beach Historic Carousel, the SeaFestival of Trees has welcomed more than 250,000 visitors over the years and raised over $1 million to help preserve this cultural icon. “It’s a joyful event where families can experience the season’s wonder while supporting our historic carousel,” said Kathy Aiello, managing director of the festival.

What to Expect at the SeaFestival of Trees:

  • Dazzling Tree Display
    • Explore over 135 beautifully themed trees donated by local businesses and families, each illuminated with holiday magic. Themes range from beloved characters and winter wonderlands to beachy and whimsical motifs. Some trees include gifts valued at $1,000 or more, and each tree will go home with a lucky winner in the Festival’s tree raffle. Visitors can purchase a raffle card with 25 entries for only $5, choosing their favorites for a chance to win.
  • Giant Sand Sculpture
    • An 8-foot wide, 10-foot-tall sand sculpture of Santa’s North Pole Christmas, meticulously crafted by Master Sculptor Greg Grady from 8,000 pounds of sand.
  • Indoor Skating Rink
    • No winter coats needed! The synthetic Seaside Ice rink offers free skating, with rentals available for all ages.
  • Santa’s Workshop, Candy Cane Forest, and Santa’s Sleigh
    • Walk through a forest of candy canes, peek inside Santa’s toy-making shop, and capture a memory in Santa’s giant hand-carved, life-sized sleigh.
  • Photos with Santa + North Pole Post Office
    • Capture a festive photo with Santa in his big red velvet chair, then write a letter to him on special holiday stationery and send it straight to the North Pole with our North Pole Express mailbox.
  • Special Appearances and Immersive Photo Spots
    • The Snow Queen and Green Grinch will make scheduled appearances, with themed backdrops straight from Whoville and the Ice Palace.

Special Events & Theme Nights:

  • Spirits of Christmas Gala & Grand Tree Lighting (November 22, 6pm-9pm)
    • Kick off the holiday with a festive gala, complete with live music, tree awards, cocktail samplings, and a sparkling first view of the decorated trees.
  • Elf Day (November 24)
    • Bring out your inner elf with games, a make your own paper snowflake craft, and Buddy the Elf himself.
  • Holiday Dance Shows (November 24, 1pm-4pm)
    • Lively holiday performances by regional dance schools on the Blue Ocean Music Hall stage.
  • Triton Night (November 26, 5pm-8pm)
    • Half Price festival admission for all Salisbury, Byfield, Newbury, and Rowley residents and students.
  • Sippin’ Santa Girls Night Out (December 5, 5pm-8pm)
    • Sip a complimentary holiday cocktail sampler, shop at local coastal-themed artisan tables, spin the prize wheel with 92.5 The River Radio, and try the fun adult-themed scavenger hunt.
  • Bruins Night (December 6)
    • Don your favorite Bruins gear for a night on the ice, with a chance to win Bruins tickets.
  • Polar Express Pajama Party (December 7, 10:30am-12pm)
    • Enjoy a cozy, story-filled morning with cocoa and brownies, dancing, a keepsake silver bell for each child, North Pole Bingo, and a visit from Santa! Ticketed event.
  • Santa & The Grinch Holiday Brunch (December 8, 10am-12pm)
    • This popular Naughty and Nice brunch features table visits and photos with the jolly old fellow and the mean green one, filled with music, interactive games, and more. Ticketed event.

Festival Hours & Admission

  • Admission: $10; children 5 and under, $5.
  • Location: Blue Ocean Event Center, Salisbury, MA.
  • Hours: Open weekends November 23-December 8, with additional hours on November 26 & December 5. Full schedule at SeaFestivalOfTrees.com or call the hotline at 978-462-2512.

For more information on special events, character appearance schedules, and ticketing, please visit SeaFestivalOfTrees.com.

About Salisbury Beach Historic Carousel
A preserved 1909 Looff-Mangels carousel, a rare treasure in historic preservation, housed on Salisbury Beach and open year-round.

About Blue Ocean Event Center
A state-of-the-art event venue on the Atlantic, hosting corporate, wedding, and social events with stunning oceanfront views.

SEA FESTIVAL OF TREES HOURS (subject to change)

  • Saturday, November 23         11am-8pm
  • Sunday, November 24             11am-5pm
  • Tuesday, November 26           5pm-8pm
  • Friday, November 29              11am-8pm
  • Saturday, November 30         11am-8pm
  • Sunday, December 1               11am-5pm
  • Thursday, December 5            5pm-8pm
  • Friday, December 6                 5pm-8pm
  • Saturday, December 7             11am-8pm
  • Sunday, December 8               11am-5pm  Tree Raffle Winners Drawn 5pm
When: 
Saturdays, November 23-December 7, 2024 11am-8pm
Sundays, November 24-December 7, 2024 11am-5pm
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 5-8pm
Fridays, November 29 & December 7, 2024 11am-8pm
Thursday, December 5, 2024 5-8pm
Prices: 
Adults: $10 per person; Children (Ages 5 & under): $5
Phone: 
978.462.2512
Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Music Together - Wednesday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
9:30 am to 11:15 am

Thursday, April 3

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Ukrainian Egg Workshop at NTL

Ukrainian Egg Workshop at the Newbury Town Library in Massachusetts
Back by popular demand! Kati Bourque will present a brief history on Ukrainian Easter Eggs and teach you how to create your own egg.  All materials will be provided and you will go home with an egg that you made! This program is geared towards teens and adults, as you will be handling a raw egg, a...
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Friday, April 4

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Music Together - Friday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

Saturday, April 5

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Yukan Fool's Run | Half Marathon & 5k

Yukan hosts the Fool's Dual Half Marathon and Half Marathon in Gloucester Massahcusetts
Yukan hosts the Fool's Dual Half Marathon and Half Marathon in Gloucester Massahcusetts! Jump into spring with beautiful ocean views as you run along the scenic coastline on Cape Ann. Kids 5K only $10.00! (12 & under, Open to ages 6 and up)
9:00 am

Music Together - Saturday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
9:15 am to 11:15 am

Vernal Pools | Family Nature Series

Vernal Pools - Family Nature Series with Essex County Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs
Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs team up for this event for all ages! What sound do frogs make? Turns out, they make a lot of different sounds! Come meet the residents of the vernal pools to learn who says ribbit, quack, chirp, peep and more!​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We recommend...
10:00 am to 11:30 am

Girls in STEM Session at Acera School

Acera Schools Girls in STEM Hands-On Science Event for K-8 Kids in grade K-8
Do you know a girl who is curious about science? Join Acera School on Saturday, April 5th from 10AM to 12PM for an exciting – and FREE – morning of interactive STEM! The event will be held at Acera School, located at 5 Lowell Ave in Winchester. Free on site parking is available.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Sunday, April 6

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 pm