About this event
What to expect
Salem Main Streets’ Holiday Window Contest begins Friday, December 4, 2026, in downtown Salem. Every year, downtown businesses dress their windows for the holidays in a friendly competition, and judges selected by Salem Main Streets make the rounds to pick the best. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy downtown in December: take a walk and see who went all out.
In the windows
Decorated storefront windows throughout downtown Salem. Award categories have recognized good retail practice, like using products or lighting in the display, along with themes and styles such as most nostalgic. The 2026 list of participating businesses will be added here as Salem Main Streets confirms it.
Plan your visit
- Begins: Friday, December 4, 2026
- Where: Storefronts throughout downtown Salem
- Admission: Free. Window-shopping is on the house.
- Participating businesses: to be announced
For downtown businesses
The Window Contest is free to enter. Businesses that want to take part should notify Salem Main Streets by Wednesday, December 2, 2026 at kylie@salemmainstreets.org.
Official information
The Holiday Window Contest is a Salem Main Streets event. See Salem Main Streets’ Window Contest page for official updates, and find more of the season on our Holiday Happenings events calendar.
Details last checked: November 2, 2026 (dates confirmed in Salem Main Streets’ October 30 announcement to downtown businesses).
The practical details
Where to go and who’s hosting
Related Events
Keep exploring
Make a day of it in Salem.
Pair this event with local shopping, dining, and more seasonal happenings around downtown.
Holiday Happenings is produced in partnership by Creative Collective and Salem Main Streets.