Holiday Happenings - Salem, MA

Discover extraordinary holiday gifts at Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe, a unique museum and gift shop in downtown Salem, MA. We specialize in curated curiosities, movie memorabilia, specialty teas, and locally made artisan goods—perfect for one-of-a-kind holiday shopping. Founded in 2013 by Salem historians Lara and Daniel Fury, our shop at 234 Essex Street offers a unique blend of authentic artifacts and a complimentary museum experience. This holiday season, explore movie props from Harry Potter and Ghostbusters, historical treasures, handcrafted Salem souvenirs, and specialty tea blends that make memorable gifts for everyone on your list.

Why Choose Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe for Holiday Shopping in Salem

Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe offers more than traditional holiday shopping—our free museum displays authentic artifacts from history, film, and Salem’s past, creating an adventure for every visitor.

What Makes Holiday Shopping Here Special:

• Free museum experience with movie props and historical artifacts
• Locally made artisan goods and specialty tea blends
• Expert staff, including owners Lara and Daniel Fury
• Home base for award-winning Black Cat Tours (gift certificates available)
• Pet-friendly, family-friendly, and ADA accessible
• Central Essex Street location in downtown Salem

Our collection ranges from Ghostbusters and Harry Potter memorabilia to authentic historical pieces, handcrafted local artisan goods, and specialty teas—all curated for the discerning gift-giver seeking something beyond the typical retail experience.

Holiday Gift Ideas & What Makes Us Special

Curated Collections for Every Interest

Movie & Pop Culture: Authentic props from Harry Potter, Ghostbusters, The Last Unicorn, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more—perfect for collectors and entertainment enthusiasts.

History & Artifacts: Genuine historical pieces, including Napoleon Bonaparte memorabilia and Salem maritime heritage items.

Specialty Teas: Carefully curated tea blends ideal for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.

Local Artisan Goods: Handcrafted items from Salem and North Shore makers, including knitted goods and unique creations.

Fantasy & Literary: Items inspired by Middle-earth, Fillory, and other magical realms, celebrating Salem’s storytelling tradition.

Award-Winning Tours & Experience Gifts

Home base for Black Cat Tours—voted one of USA Today’s “10 Best Ghost Tours in the US” for five consecutive years. Holiday gift certificates available for historic walking tours and evening ghost tours led by owners Lara and Daniel Fury, featured experts on Travel Channel and History Channel.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Museum + shop combination following Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “A Virtuoso’s Collection” tradition
• Locally owned by published Salem historians and authors
• Welcoming to explorers of all backgrounds (not a witchcraft supply store)
• Passionate staff eager to share the story behind every artifact
• Published authors with Black Cat Tours Press

Visit Our Salem Location

Find Us in Downtown Salem

📍 Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe 234 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970

🕐 Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Holiday hours may vary)

📞 Contact: (978) 239-9145

🌐 Website: blackcatsalem.com/curious

📱 Instagram: @blackcatcuriosityshoppe

Location: Heart of Essex Street, steps from the Bewitched Statue, easy walking distance from Salem Common

Parking: Museum Place Garage, South Harbor Garage, or metered street parking

Accessibility: ADA-compliant, pet-friendly, family-friendly, air-conditioned

Our Essex Street location makes us an ideal stop during downtown Salem holiday shopping. Combine your visit with nearby events like the Salem Tree Lighting, Wassail Weekend, and the Holiday Window Decorating Contest.

Plan Your Holiday Visit to Salem

Begin your Salem holiday adventure at the Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe, then explore the downtown area’s festive seasonal offerings.

Holiday Events Near Us:

• Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival (Nov 29) – Steps away at Lappin Park
• Wassail Weekend (Dec 14-15) – Downtown shopping celebration
• Holiday Window Contest – Stroll decorated storefronts on Essex Street
• Black Cat Ghost Tours – Evening tours departing from our location

Perfect Gifts Available: Unique presents for history enthusiasts, movie fans, tea lovers, and collectors. Tour gift certificates are available for experience gifts.

Shopping Tips: Visit weekday mornings for a relaxed experience. Photography welcome—share your finds with #SalemHolidayHappenings and tag @blackcatcuriosityshoppe.