January 31, 2025

Experience Winter Magic at Salem’s 23rd Annual Chocolate & Ice Festival

by cns2020
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Salem transforms into a winter wonderland this February as the beloved Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Festival returns for its 23rd year. This cherished tradition combines the sparkle of illuminated ice sculptures with the warmth of chocolate treats and Valentine’s Day celebrations, creating a magical weekend experience for visitors and locals alike. Salem’s 23rd Annual Chocolate & Ice Festival

A Weekend of Sweet Delights

The festival kicks off with an exclusive opening celebration on Friday, February 7th at the PEM Connect Space. This ticketed fundraiser, generously sponsored by St. Jean’s Credit Union, offers attendees a unique evening featuring commemorative glasses, wine tastings, and special goodie bags filled with local sweets. As guests explore downtown Salem, they’ll discover participating businesses offering additional wine tastings and treats, all while enjoying live music on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.

Illuminated Ice Sculpture Trail

The festival’s crown jewel features 30 stunning ice sculptures throughout downtown Salem. This year brings an enhanced viewing experience with two magical nights of illumination:

  • Friday evening showcases illuminated sculptures along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and Lappin Park
  • Saturday evening expands to include all sculptures across town, creating a breathtaking winter art walk

The sculptures come alive with light from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. both evenings, weather permitting. For those wanting to explore the full sculpture trail, the Salem Trolley offers convenient transportation around town for just $3 per person on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Discover the downtown district with our interactive map showcasing ice sculpture locations, each identified by a numbered marker. Easily find sculpture titles and sponsors using our detailed legend. Follow the color-coded labels to learn about installation sites and lighting times, making sure you don’t miss a thing!.

Local Business Celebrations

The festival brings together Salem’s vibrant business community with special events and promotions throughout the weekend:

Friday Highlights

  • Witch Pix celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special potion party
  • Preview opening of “Georgia Made This” at 12 Front Street, showcasing local teen entrepreneurship
  • Jenni Stuart Custom Goldsmith Pop Up Market

Saturday Features

Sunday Delights

  • “Steeped in History” tea experience at The House of the Seven Gables
  • Speed Dating event at Jolie Tea Company

Even more events are happening in Salem for the weekend celebration! 

Chocolate Hearts Challenge

Visitors can participate in the “Chocolate Hearts Challenge” by exploring over 40 participating businesses displaying unique Salem’s So Sweet signage. This free scavenger hunt adds more fun to shopping and dining adventures, with chances to win exciting prizes.

Plan Your Visit

The 2025 Salem’s So Sweet Festival runs from February 7-9, with most activities free to the public. Kickoff party tickets are available for $40 at salemsosweet.com. The festival is made possible through support from local businesses and organizations, including Salem Witch Museum, Witch City Walking Tours, Peabody Essex Museum, and others.

For the latest updates and complete event details, visit salemsosweet.com or follow the festival on Facebook at facebook.com/salemsosweet.

Don’t miss Salem’s sweetest weekend of the year – where winter wonder meets chocolate delights in the heart of historic Salem.

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Salem Main Streets

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Salem Main Streets’ (SMS) mission is the continued revitalization of downtown Salem as a vibrant, year-round, retail, dining and cultural destination through business retention, recruitment, and promotion of the downtown district. SMS produces and supports numerous community events and initiatives throughout the year, including the Salem Farmers’ Market, Salem Arts Festival, Salem’s So Sweet, and the October Information booth. SMS
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