13th Annual Fundraiser Opens November 22 at Blue Ocean Event Center
(Salisbury, MA) — The 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
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. Ticketed event. - Polar Express Pajama Party – Dec. 14, 10:30AM–Noon
Cocoa, story time, North Pole Bingo, and visits from Santa and the conductor. Ticketed event.
Festival Hours & Admission
- Admission: $10 adults | $5 children under 5
- Location: Blue Ocean Event Center, 4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury, MA
- Hours: Fridays–Sundays, Nov. 22–Dec. 7, plus Nov. 25, Dec. 3 & 4.
Full schedule and more information at SeaFestivalOfTrees.com
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.
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.
