Many beloved events will return to the Witch City this season with Salem Holiday Happenings. From historic house tours to “A Christmas Carol”- themed trolley rides to the arrival of Santa Claus, Salem provides a unique holiday experience that can be tailored for all visitors. In addition to the Holiday-themed events this season, there are the many gems of Salem to complement the holidays including the Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, the locally owned gift shops, and a self-guided decadent hot chocolate crawl in between.
“The holidays should always include memorable experiences, marked with treats, festive decorations, and artistic inspiration,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of Destination Salem. “The holidays in Salem are one of the state’s best-kept secrets – with its historic landmarks, seaside restaurants, and business owners that provide visitors with a friendly, small-town atmosphere.”
Special Events During Salem Holiday Happenings:
- Friday, 11/26: Santa’s Arrival and Holiday Tree Lighting – Santa Claus will arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel at 6 p.m. with assistance from the Salem Fire Department. Santa’s arrival will be followed by a procession down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park, next to the Bewitched Statue, where Santa will join Mayor Kimberley Driscoll for the Holiday Tree Lighting. The tree lighting event includes carols, festivities, and more.
- Saturday, 11/27: Salem Arts Holiday Artists’ Market at Old Town Hall – This festive market offers live music and a seasonal theme featuring a variety of local artisans and crafters displaying original fine art, unique gifts, and hand-made housewares. The event takes place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Saturday, 11/27: Holiday Marketplace at Finz Seafood – This annual Holiday Marketplace hosts 30 vendors featuring hand-crafted items. The event takes place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
- Saturday, 11/27 – Thursday, 12/23: Salem Trolley and Gallows Hill Theatre present, “A Christmas Carol” – This humorous and whimsical interactive performance reanimates Dickens’ timeless seasonal holiday classic. Scrooge will ride along on the Salem Trolley as the classic tale is brought to life in a completely unexpected way.
- Saturday, 12/4: Chanukah Menorah Lighting – Join Rabbi Yossi Lipsker from Chabad of the North Shore light Salem’s Menorah at Lappin Park at 7 p.m. The event includes some Chanukah treats and a musical Havdalah service. Admission is free, and in the case of inclement weather will be moved indoors to 98 Washington Street (City Hall Annex).
- Saturday, 12/4-Sunday, 12/5: Christmas in Salem Holiday House Tours – This traditional long-standing favorite is back in person and virtual. Historic, beautiful homes are professionally decorated for this annual event spanning four centuries of Salem’s past. The weekend also includes a series of holiday-themed walking tours, wine tastings, and more.
- Thursday, 12/2 – Friday, 12/31: Christmas Fireside Tales at the Daniels House –This evening of tales in one of America’s oldest houses is devoted to stories about early Salem, Winter traditions, and the festive season.
- Throughout December: Window Decorating Contest – Downtown businesses will decorate their windows especially for the holidays, and judges will make the rounds to vote on the best windows. Participating windows must all be decorated by Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.
- Friday, 12/31: Launch! New Year’s Eve – This event hosted by Salem Main Streets will release details in the coming weeks.
Information on additional events, as well as shopping, dining, and accommodations can be found through Destination Salem.
About Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a destination recognized around the world for its rich history, which includes the tragic Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the glorious maritime era that left its indelible mark on Salem through architecture, museums, and artifacts, and for its month-long celebration of Halloween.
About Destination Salem
As the destination marketing organization for the City of Salem, Destination Salem cooperatively markets Salem as one of Massachusetts’ best destinations for families, couples, domestic, and international travelers who are seeking an authentic New England experience, cultural enrichment, American history, fine dining, unique shopping and fun. For more information, visit Salem.org.
Creative Collective’s #NonprofitNovember to highlight nonprofits, foundations, and community organizations North of Boston
This November, Creative Collective is launching #NonprofitNovember, a social media campaign geared towards bringing awareness to local nonprofits and encouraging the public to support. Nonprofit and community organizations foster civic engagement, leadership, and growth for cities, and the role they occupy as cultural touchstones and educational hubs in North Shore communities is difficult to miss.
