Salem’s Official Holiday Experience Guide
November 28 – December 31, 2025
Presented by Salem Main Streets & Creative Collective
From the spectacular Tree Lighting to charming window displays, discover all the festive events, special promotions, and seasonal delights that make Salem the North Shore's premier holiday destination.
Introducing Holiday Happenings
Salem businesses asked for cohesive holiday marketing—like Haunted Happenings, but for the holidays.
The result: Holiday Happenings – a professionally curated website and marketing platform showcasing everything magical happening in Salem during the holiday season.
WEBSITE SPONSORS
SPONSORS
DEIULIS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
BLACK CAT CURIOSITY
DIE WITH YOUR BOOTS ON
NOCTURNE
PUB & CLOTH
MODERN MILLIE
THE CABOT/OFF CABOT
PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM
FEATURED EVENTS
Santa Claus is coming back to town in 2025! Join Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem as we celebrate two of our most beloved annual traditions – Santa's Arrival and the lighting of Salem's Holiday Tree – all in one evening. Santa Claus will arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel (18 Washington Square W) promptly at ... Read More Kick off your holiday shopping with exclusive deals and promotions from over 50 participating downtown businesses. The holidays are here, and Salem is dressed for the season with trees, wreaths, and ribbons. To top it off, downtown businesses decorate their windows every year for a friendly holiday competition! Judges nominated by Salem Main Streets make the rounds the first weekend of December to vote on the best windows. Some award categories highlight good retail practice, like ... Read More
Featured
Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival
Salem Common
Small Business Saturday
Holiday Window Contest
Holiday Happenings Vendor Search
all Vendor Categories
for visitors
Plan Your Salem Holiday Visit
Make the most of your holiday visit to Salem with our curated resources:
- Interactive Business Directory - Find shops, restaurants, and services with current hours and special offers
- Holiday Passport Program - Collect stamps for exclusive rewards and prizes
- Parking & Transportation - Easy directions and parking options for stress-free visits
Suggested Itineraries - Half-day and full-day plans for every interest
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Supporting Our Downtown Together
Holiday Happenings is a collaborative initiative between Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective, working together to create a vibrant, sustainable holiday season that benefits our entire community.
Your participation helps fund:
- Downtown holiday decorations and lighting
- Free community events and entertainment
- Local business promotion and support
- Year-round downtown improvements
DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC
Sign up for weekly updates featuring:
Upcoming events and activities
Exclusive promotions and deals
Behind-the-scenes stories
Last-minute gift ideas
Dining specials and seasonal menus