Festival Happenings

Enjoy the Holiday Tree Stroll

Browse our maze of festively decorated trees and enjoy a little holiday sparkle. Purchase raffle tickets to enter to win your favorite trees and associated prizes!

Gaze at the Giant Gingerbread House

New England’s largest whimsical confectionary creation, designed and hand-built by Amesbury resident Jim Shalkoski, will be on display in Blue Ocean Event Center lobby. The giant sugary structure is constructed of edible gingerbread, candy, frosting and other colorful holiday sweets, while playful characters and elves are created free-hand from modeling chocolate.

Complete the Tree Scavenger Hunt

Pick up the Festival’s Tree Scavenger Hunt and spend a fun family afternoon finding hidden items on each tree! Turn in your completed form at the gift shop & kids can pick a prize.

Skate the Seaside Ice Rink

Enjoy indoor skating on our faux ice rink – free with festival admission! Bring your own skates or rent a pair for $5/person. Children’s and adults’ sizes available.

Visit with Holiday Characters

Visit with Santa, the Snow Queen, and The Grinch during peak festival hours. See below for our schedule of character appearances.

Photos with Santa & North Pole Post Office

Daily | Carousel Room

Donning his big red suit in a big red velvet chair, Santa poses for holiday photos. VVisit 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.

Santa’s Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 20 | 11AM – 8PM

Sunday, Nov. 21 | 11AM – 4PM

Friday, Nov. 26 | 11AM – 8PM

Saturday, Nov. 27 | 11AM – 8PM

Sunday, Nov. 28 | 11AM – 4PM

Friday, Dec. 3 | 5PM – 8PM

Saturday, Dec. 4 | 11AM – 4PM, 4:30PM – 8PM

Sunday, Dec. 5 | 12:30PM – 4PM

(Hours subject to change)

Meet the Snow Queen

In Front of Her Ice Castle Gates | Carousel Room

See the snow queen from everyone’s favorite movie, Frozen. Take a photo with the Snow Queen in her sparkling blue flowing gown at the ice castle wonderland gate by Seaside Ice.

Elsa’s Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 20 | 12PM – 4PM – with Special Guest Anna!

Sunday, Nov. 21 | 12PM – 4PM

Friday, Nov. 26 | 12PM – 6PM

Saturday, Nov. 27 | 12PM – 6PM – with Special Guest Anna 4-6PM!

Sunday, Nov. 28 | 12PM – 4PM

Saturday, Dec. 4 | 12PM – 6PM

Sunday, Dec. 5 | 12PM – 5PM

Watch Out for The Grinch!

Under the Grinch Tree in the Carousel Room or Roaming the Festival

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.

The Mean Green One’s Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 20 | 12PM – 6PM

Sunday, Nov. 21 | 12PM – 5PM