Enjoy a weekend of fun in Seaside with movie, farmer’s market, parade, Santa Claus and tree lighting

The Merchants of Seaside welcome the holidays with events for the entire family. on Nov. 26. and 27. Combine the small-town atmosphere of a beach community parade, throw in a dash of Santa Claus, add a festive farmers market and mix with the official lighting, and you have the perfect makings to kick off the Holiday season in beautiful Seaside.

The festivities begin on Fri., Nov. 26  at 7 p.m. with their holiday edition of Central Square Cinema featuring a Christmas comedy guaranteed to have you and the entire family rolling on the lawn. Grab your blankets and head down to the Seaside Amphitheater with a giant mug of hot cocoa for this holiday movie under the stars.

The holiday fun continues on Sat., Nov. 27 with the Seaside Farmers Market from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The market features a variety of local vendors featuring fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and even some special holiday treats. Stop by and see our friends behind Raw & Juicy in the Amphitheater.

Then stake your spot along 30A for the Annual South Walton Holiday Parade. This Seaside tradition begins at 4 p.m. in front of Seagrove Plaza. Residents and visitors share in the glory as participants march 1.5 miles down Scenic Highway 30A from Seagrove decked in their Christmas best on festive holiday floats. The parade ends in Seaside as they welcome Santa to town aboard a vintage fire truck.

Parade participants should meet at the Seagrove Plaza at Garrett Realty no later than 3:15 p.m. with decorated entries. Registration for parade participants is required; please visit www.seasidefl.com/holidayparade to download a registration form.

The celebration continues with Turn on the Town at 5 p.m. as the one and only, Santa Claus, asks all the kids to join him in front of the stage to sing along to a few verses of jingle bells. Then, the countdown begins in unison to “Turn on the Town.” “…Three, two, one…” and with a flick of a big switch the magnificent 24 ft. tree magically lights up and all of downtown Seaside is illuminated with holiday lights. Then, make sure to stick around to have your picture taken with the jolly man from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

In an effort to give back to those who are less fortunate, Seaside asks that you bring a new, unwrapped toy when visiting with Santa to be donated to Caring and Sharing of South Walton County. These toys will help make Christmas much brighter for those children in Walton County who may not normally receive a present under the tree. For more information on this great, local organization, you can find them online at: www.caringsharingofsouthwaltoncounty.org.

There’s no better time to get a jump on holiday shopping. Seaside’s eclectic mix of art galleries, fine and funky apparel, toys and more, make it easy to find that perfect present for everyone on your list.

Events are made possible by the arts and entertainment fee collected by The Merchants of Seaside. For more information visit them online at: www.seasidefl.com.