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 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28th, with assistance from the Salem Fire Department. Organizers recommend arriving to the Salem Common by 5:45 p.m. to catch the arrival. Bring the whole family out for carols, festivities, and fun!

Santa’s arrival will be followed by a procession down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park (next to the Bewitched Statue at the intersection of Essex Street and Washington Street), where we will join Santa and Mayor Dominick Pangallo for the Holiday Tree Lighting. Costumed carolers from History Alive will provide seasonal serenades!

Participants are encouraged to bring lanterns and electric candles are highly recommended!

The Johnson-Mitchell Family of Middleton generously donated this year’s tree. Salem Main Streets would like to thank the City of Salem, the Hawthorne Hotel, and the many other community partners who make these special events possible.

Please thank these local businesses for sponsoring this special free community event! Salem Wax: Ghosts of Holidays Past Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry Witch City Walking Tours And donations from residents!

THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE!

SCAM ALERT: This event is FREE and not ticketed. Please be aware that duplicate events are sometimes created and may ask you to buy tickets or sign up via email. Please report those and make sure all event details come through the Salem Main Streets event.