Salem’s Most Romantic Happenings 2025

Valentine’s & Salem’s So Sweet Events 2025

Welcome to our guide to Salem’s most romantic and sweet events this February! The 22nd annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival returns with a weekend full of dazzling ice sculptures, chocolate treats, and romantic activities throughout downtown Salem. From handcrafted glass art to family-friendly activities, we’ve curated the perfect selection of Valentine ‘s-themed experiences to warm your heart during winter.

Salem’s So Sweet Festival

When: Friday, February 7 – Sunday, February 9, 2025,

Where: Throughout Downtown Salem

Organizer: Salem Main Streets & Salem Chamber of Commerce

Cost: Free to view ice sculptures; various costs for special events

Salem’s beloved winter festival returns for its 22nd year, transforming the city into a romantic winter wonderland. This cherished celebration combines the sweetness of chocolate with the sparkle of ice sculptures throughout downtown Salem.

Festival Highlights:

• Beautiful ice sculptures are displayed throughout downtown, with special illumination Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• The Chocolate Hearts Challenge – a fun QR code game with prizes (Saturday & Sunday)
• Special treats and Valentine’s deals at local shops and restaurants
• Extended shopping hours at participating stores
• Family-friendly activities throughout the weekend

Salem’s So Sweet Kickoff Event

When: Friday, February 7, 2025 | 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Starting at PEM Connect Building, 135 Essex Street

Cost: $40 per person

Organizer: Salem Main Streets

Start your festival weekend with this special fundraising event! Choose from three timed entry sessions (4:50-5:30 PM, 5:30-6:10 PM, or 6:10-6:50 PM) and enjoy:

• A commemorative wine glass and complimentary pour
• Goodie bag filled with sweet treats
• Special tastings at participating shops
• Live music along Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
• Evening ice sculpture illumination
• Extended shopping hours until 8:00 PM

Pre-registration is required at salemsosweet.com 

Salem’s So Sweet Kickoff Pop-Up Market 

When: Friday, February 7, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry, 79 Washington Street, Salem

Join us for an enchanting evening of shopping and sampling from local Salem favorites while celebrating the start of Salem’s So Sweet Festival. This unique pop-up market brings together some of the area’s most beloved artisans and makers.

Featured Vendors:

• French Press Candle Co. – Small-batch artisan candles inspired by classic fragrances
• Love Letter Confections – Beverly-based artisanal chocolate and confectionery company
• Tim McAuliffe Pottery – Handcrafted ceramic pieces
• Boards for Days Charcuterie – Custom charcuterie boards and grazing tables
• Biss Botanicals – Botanical-inspired gifts and products
• Far From The Tree Cider – Salem-based craft cider maker

Special Feature: Signature sips will be served to Salem’s So Sweet ticket holders

Shop small and share the love while exploring treats and gifts from some of Salem’s favorite local vendors. Perfect opportunity to find unique Valentine’s Day gifts while supporting local artisans.

Witch Pix Potion Party

When: February 7-8, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Witch Pix Studio, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Add some magical flair to your festival experience with Witch Pix’s special Potion Party! This enchanting evening features:

• Spellbinding ice sculpture display
• Complimentary themed photo opportunity
• Magical treats and refreshments
• Bewitching atmosphere under the evening stars

Perfect for capturing memorable moments during the festival’s evening ice sculpture illumination.

Valentine’s Day Fused Glass Workshop

When: Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Where: North Shore Glass School, 16 Proctor St, Unit C, Salem, MA

Organizer: North Shore Glass School

Start your Valentine’s celebration early with a creative and hands-on experience crafting beautiful keepsake-fused glass hearts and flowers. Perfect for crafters of all ages, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to create something special for your loved ones or yourself.

This engaging class welcomes kids, teens, and adults alike, making it an ideal activity for families or anyone looking to explore their artistic side. Under expert guidance, you’ll learn the fascinating process of fusing glass while creating heartfelt decorative pieces that will last a lifetime.

For registration and more details, visit: North Shore Glass School Weekend Classes

The Love Letter Market

When: Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Where: Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA

Organizer: Creative Collective

Cost: Free admission

Join us for Salem’s first Love Letter Artisan Market during the annual Salem’s So Sweet Festival. Browse over 30 local artisans, creators, and chocolatiers at the historic Hawthorne Hotel!

Highlights include:

• Handcrafted Valentine’s gifts and treasures
• Local artisanal chocolates and sweet treats
• Love letter writing station
• Special wishes collection for Salem’s 400th anniversary
• Surprise activities throughout the event

Perfect timing to find unique, locally-made Valentine’s gifts while supporting Salem’s creative community.

Salem’s So Sweet at The House of Seven Gables

When: Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Where: The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA

Organizer: Salem Park Recreation and Community Services

Cost: Free (Pre-registration encouraged)

Join The House of the Seven Gables and the City of Salem’s Park, Recreation, and Community Services Department for a delightful afternoon of Valentine’s festivities and historic charm.

This family-friendly event features an exciting array of activities including:

• An outdoor scavenger hunt combining chocolate facts with House of Seven Gables history
• Free ground passes to explore the historic site
• A special Valentine’s card-making workshop with local artist Linda Abbene (1:00-2:30 PM)
• Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies

Note: While the event is free, pre-registration is recommended to ensure adequate supplies for all participants. The mansion will be closed for the annual shutdown, but the grounds will be open specifically for this event.

For registration, Visit Salem Recreation

Steeped in History: Love Brews Here

When: Sunday, February 9, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Where: The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA

Organizer: Hamilton Hall

Cost: $70 for Gables members, $85 for non-members

Step back in time with this elegant Valentine’s tea service featuring a unique historical twist. This special event includes:

• Traditional afternoon tea service by Vintage Tea & Cake Company
• Selection of finger sandwiches and sweet treats
• Staged reading of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s love letters
• Historical presentation about tea traditions
• Custom hand fan decorating activity
• Exploration of the romantic courtship between Nathaniel Hawthorne and Sophia Peabody

All proceeds benefit preservation and education at The Gables. Pre-registration is required through The House of the Seven Gables website.

Valentine’s Night Glassblowing Special

When: Friday, February 14, 2025, | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: North Shore Glass School, 16 Proctor St, Unit C, Salem, MA

Organizer: North Shore Glass School

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a truly unique and romantic experience at North Shore Glass School. This special evening class combines the magic of glassblowing with the artistry of fused glass creation.

Participants will enjoy:

• Creating their own blown-glass heart
• Crafting colorful fused glass flowers
• Watching a captivating glassblowing demonstration
• Taking home unique, handmade Valentine’s keepsakes

This memorable experience is perfect for couples, friends, or anyone looking to make their Valentine’s Day extra special. No prior experience is necessary – our expert instructors will guide you through every step.

For booking and more information: Evening Events at North Shore Glass School

Happy Hearts Teddy Bear Tea Party

When: Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA

Organizer: The Good Witch of Salem

Join the Good Witch of Salem for a magical family-friendly tea party at the historic Hawthorne Hotel. This enchanting event offers something special for everyone in the family:

• Delicious spread of tea sandwiches, fresh fruits, muffins, and pastries
• Sweet treats and delightful refreshments
• Stuff-your-own panda bear activity for children
• “Love potion” brewing experience
• Valentine’s card crafting station

Perfect for families looking for a magical and memorable Valentine’s celebration. Pre-registration required through the Good Witch of Salem’s website.