Holiday Happenings - Salem, MA

Holiday Gifts & Souvenirs | Salem Trolley Depot – Salem MA

Discover holiday treasures at Salem Trolley Depot, downtown Salem’s beloved gift emporium celebrating over three decades on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. Since 1991, owner Betty Bouchard has welcomed visitors and locals alike with an eclectic collection that seamlessly blends Salem history, seasonal magic, and pop culture charm. Located at 191 Essex Street, this “strange little store in a great little city” combines the practicality of being Salem’s authorized trolley ticket location with the enchantment of a curated gift shop featuring everything from Jim Shore collectibles to hand-blown witch balls.

Holiday Gift Collections & Seasonal Treasures

This holiday season, Trolley Depot shines as Salem’s premier destination for collectors and gift-givers seeking something special. The shop’s year-round Christmas department features Jim Shore Heartwood Creek figurines, Old World Christmas ornaments, Snow Babies figurines, and Byers’ Choice Carolers—each piece selected for quality and collectibility. You’ll find ornaments representing every interest: sports, hobbies, military service, careers, weddings, and baby’s first Christmas, plus pewter ornaments depicting Salem’s iconic landmarks.

Beyond traditional holiday décor, Trolley Depot’s diverse inventory includes quality screen-printed t-shirts and sweatshirts (no cheap transfers here), unique jewelry, fun socks and scarves, blown-glass witch balls, and books covering both Salem’s colonial history and contemporary witchcraft practices. What sets this shop apart is its genuinely eclectic mix—where else can you find Wizard of Oz collectibles alongside Harry Potter merchandise, Halloween treasures year-round, and pet-themed gifts? The shop expanded in 2015 to accommodate this ever-growing selection, and the friendly staff provides knowledgeable assistance planning your entire Salem experience.

Visit Salem’s Downtown Gift Destination

Salem Trolley Depot welcomes holiday shoppers at 191 Essex Street, perfectly positioned on Salem’s car-free pedestrian mall where you can browse multiple shops, grab lunch at local restaurants, and soak in the historic downtown atmosphere. The shop’s ADA-compliant entrance ensures accessibility for all visitors, and its pet-friendly policy means your four-legged companions can join you while shopping (they might even receive a treat from the welcoming staff).

Holiday Hours:

• Daily: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Location Details:

• 191 Essex Street, Salem MA 01970
• Essex Street Pedestrian Mall (car-free zone)
• Across from Old Town Hall
• Steps from Derby Square and Salem Common

Contact Information:

• Phone: (978) 745-3003
• Toll-Free: (800) 821-8179
• Email: depot@trolleydepot.com
• Instagram: @trolleydepot

Getting There: The pedestrian mall location makes Trolley Depot easily accessible on foot from anywhere in downtown Salem. Street parking is available on surrounding streets, with the closest parking garages at Museum Place Mall (3-minute walk) and North Street Garage (5-minute walk). If arriving by commuter rail, the shop is a pleasant 10-minute walk from Salem Station.

Why Choose Trolley Depot for Your Holiday Shopping

After 34 years serving the Salem community and countless visitors, Trolley Depot has earned its reputation as downtown’s go-to destination for quality gifts and authentic souvenirs. Unlike shops that chase trends with cheap merchandise, this family-owned business carefully curates its inventory to include items that will be cherished long after the holidays end. Jim Shore collectors know they’ll find the latest releases alongside classic favorites. Book enthusiasts discover titles you won’t find at chain stores. Families appreciate the range of price points and the genuinely helpful service.

The shop’s commitment to quality extends to its signature t-shirt and sweatshirt collection—consistently praised as “Salem’s best” for good reason. Instead of using iron-on transfers that crack and fade, Trolley Depot offers properly screen-printed designs that withstand countless washings while maintaining their vibrant appearance. It’s this attention to detail, across all product categories, that keeps customers returning year after year.

Whether you’re a Salem regular returning for that perfect addition to your Jim Shore collection, a first-time visitor seeking authentic souvenirs that capture the city’s essence, or a local resident hunting for distinctive holiday gifts, Trolley Depot delivers an experience that feels both personal and professional. Stop in during your holiday visit to downtown Salem and discover why generations of shoppers have made this “strange little store” their essential Salem destination.

Shop Online: Can’t make it to downtown Salem? Browse selections at trolleydepot.com or call toll-free at 800-821-8179 to place an order. The shop ships nationwide, bringing Salem’s unique magic directly to your doorstep.