Salem Events Dec 10-14: Wassail Weekend & Holiday Guide 2025
As the holiday season reaches its peak, Salem offers a week of celebration that culminates in the beloved Wassail Weekend—two days of festive shopping, special promotions, and community cheer throughout downtown. From Wednesday through Sunday, December 10-14, you’ll find 18+ carefully curated events spanning nightly ghost tours exploring Salem’s haunted holiday history, glass-making workshops, holiday rock concerts, solstice celebrations, and complete Wassail Weekend programming across Saturday and Sunday. This is Salem’s mid-December sweet spot—after the early December rush but before the final holiday weekend, when downtown businesses pull out all the stops with exceptional experiences.
Whether you’re a local resident looking for midweek holiday activities, a visitor planning a December getaway, or someone seeking that perfect combination of shopping, experiences, entertainment, and Salem’s signature ghost tours, this five-day stretch delivers. This comprehensive guide breaks down all 18+ events, organized day by day, with complete details on times, venues, costs, and what to expect—from Witch City Walking Tours’ family-friendly Ghosts of Christmas Past to Salem Night Tour’s darker Twisted Christmas Tour, from glass ornament workshops to Luminare Christmas! at The Cabot.
PS. While exploring this article we are sharing some of the awesome window decorating contest entries which you can also explore!
Wednesday, December 10: Kick Off the Week with Creativity
Mid-week activities set the tone for the days ahead. Wednesday offers a hands-on creative experience plus Salem’s nightly holiday ghost tour—perfect for those who want to make their own decorations by day and explore haunted holiday history by night.
Blow Your Own Glass Ornament at North Shore Glass School
When: Wednesday, December 10 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: North Shore Glass School, Salem
Step into the magical world of glass blowing and create a keepsake ornament that will grace your tree for years to come. North Shore Glass School’s afternoon workshop gives you the rare opportunity to work with molten glass, experiencing firsthand the ancient art of glass blowing in a safe, guided environment.
No prior experience necessary—that’s the beauty of this workshop. Professional instructors walk you through every step: selecting your color palette, learning to handle tools, understanding heat and timing, and most importantly, the thrilling moment when you blow air into molten glass and watch it transform. The glass starts around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, glowing orange-hot, and through careful manipulation becomes a beautiful ornament bearing your creative stamp.
The process is straightforward but requires attention and guidance:
- Color Selection: Choose from an array of vibrant glass colors
- Gathering Glass: Watch as instructors gather molten glass from the furnace
- Shaping: Learn basic glass-shaping techniques
- Blowing: Experience the magic moment of blowing your ornament
- Finishing: Instructors complete the piece and place it in the annealing oven
Your finished ornament will need to cool slowly in an annealing oven overnight to prevent cracking. You’ll pick it up the following day or arrange shipping if you’re visiting from out of town. This cooling period is essential—rushing it would shatter the glass—so plan accordingly if you need to ship it home.
Why This Workshop Matters: In a world of mass-produced decorations, a hand-blown glass ornament carries profound meaning. Every year when you hang it on your tree, you’ll remember the heat of the furnace, the thrill of shaping molten glass, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
Perfect For: Couples seeking creative date experiences, individuals wanting to learn a new skill, anyone seeking unique handmade ornaments, visitors wanting a memorable Salem experience.
Practical Tips:
- Wear closed-toe shoes (required for safety)
- Tie back long hair
- Arrive 10 minutes early for safety briefing
- Bring a container for transporting your ornament when you pick it up
- Book in advance as these workshops fill quickly
Ghosts of Christmas Past: A Haunted Holiday Stroll
When: Wednesday, December 10 | Nightly (check schedule for exact time)
Where: Downtown Salem (meeting location provided with ticket)
Cost: Check event listing for pricing
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Tags: @witchcitywalkingtours
End your Wednesday with Salem’s signature holiday ghost tour, running nightly through December 28. Presented by Witch City Walking Tours (Holiday Happenings Website Sponsor), this all-ages experience explores 400 years of haunted holiday history in Salem’s atmospheric winter streets.
This isn’t your typical ghost tour—it’s specifically designed around holiday history and traditions, making it perfect for families and anyone seeking Salem’s unique blend of history, mystery, and seasonal celebration. The tour traces Christmas traditions from their European origins through Salem’s complex relationship with holiday celebrations, revealing stories you won’t find in history books.
What Makes This Tour Special:
The tour provides a historical journey through Salem’s relationship with Christmas and winter celebrations:
- Puritan Salem: When Christmas was actually banned and celebrations meant fines
- Victorian Era: How Salem embraced elaborate Christmas traditions
- Holiday Hauntings: Ghost stories specifically connected to the winter season
- 400 Years of History: From colonial times to present day
Thoughtful Touches: Every guest receives complimentary hot apple cider and hand warmers—practical comfort that transforms a winter walk into a cozy evening experience. This attention to guest comfort sets the tone: you’re not just enduring winter for a tour, you’re embracing it with warm cider in hand and heated pockets.
Why Book This Tour:
Witch City Walking Tours brings professional expertise to Salem ghost tours. Their guides are trained historians and storytellers who balance entertainment with accuracy, creating experiences that satisfy both skeptics and believers. The holiday-specific focus means you’re getting content curated for this season, not generic ghost stories with holiday decorations added.
The all-ages designation is intentional. Unlike some ghost tours that veer into horror territory, this experience is designed for families—spooky enough to be entertaining, historical enough to be educational, and atmospheric enough to feel like a real Salem experience.
Perfect For: Families with children of all ages, history enthusiasts wanting holiday-specific content, visitors seeking authentic Salem ghost tour experiences, couples looking for atmospheric evening activities, anyone who loves the combination of history and storytelling.
Booking Tips:
- Tours run nightly, so you can slot this into any evening of your Dec 10-14 visit
- Book in advance during peak Wassail Weekend (December 13-14)
- Dress warmly—you’ll be outside for 90 minutes even with hand warmers
- Meeting location provided with ticket confirmation
- Tours proceed rain or shine (snow makes it extra atmospheric!)
Thursday, December 11: Holiday Rock Takes The Cabot
Thursday brings professional entertainment to the North Shore with a holiday concert that reimagines Christmas classics through a rock and roll lens, plus Salem’s nightly ghost tour for those wanting to explore the city’s haunted holiday history.
Luminare Christmas!
When: Thursday, December 11 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: The Cabot, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA
Cost: Tickets from $51-99 (VIP packages available)
Tags: @thecabot
Get ready for a holiday rock experience that transforms traditional Christmas into an electrifying celebration. Luminare Christmas!, led by John Blasucci—veteran keyboardist for Dennis DeYoung (STYX) and former lead keyboardist for Mannheim Steamroller—brings stunning visuals, reimagined Christmas classics, and spirited original music to The Cabot’s beautifully restored 1920s theater.
This isn’t your church choir’s Christmas concert. Luminare Christmas! approaches the holiday through the lens of rock musicianship, theatrical staging, and contemporary arrangement. Think classic Christmas songs you know and love, but performed with the energy and technical excellence of arena rock. The show blends holiday nostalgia with modern production values, creating an experience that appeals to both traditional Christmas lovers and those seeking something fresh.
John Blasucci brings serious credentials to this production. His work with Dennis DeYoung means he knows how to deliver theatrical rock performances that balance musicianship with showmanship. His Mannheim Steamroller background means he understands how to arrange Christmas music in ways that surprise and delight while respecting the source material.
The Experience:
- Visual Spectacle: Professional lighting and production values
- Musical Excellence: Rock arrangements of Christmas classics
- Original Material: New holiday songs that expand the Christmas repertoire
- Theatrical Performance: Showmanship that goes beyond just playing music
- Audience Engagement: Interactive moments that bring the crowd into the celebration
VIP Package Available: For the ultimate experience, VIP packages include:
- Access to “Jam Before The Show” (intimate acoustic warm-up)
- Meet & greet photo opportunity with Luminare Christmas!
- Opportunity to have ONE item autographed
- Note: VIP Package does NOT include show ticket—must be purchased separately
The Venue: The Cabot is a North Shore treasure, a beautifully restored theater that opened in 1920 as “the most impressive auditorium of its size east of New York.” The 828-seat venue provides excellent sightlines and acoustics, creating an intimate concert experience despite its size.
Getting There:
- Address: 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
- Parking: Metered and unmetered street parking on Cabot Street and side streets
- Municipal Lots: Pond Street (one block away), Beverly Depot (10 Park Street)
- Box Office: Opens 3pm show days, or one hour before showtime
Perfect For: Rock music fans, couples seeking date night entertainment, families with older children/teens, anyone tired of traditional Christmas concerts, music lovers who appreciate high-level musicianship.
Pro Tip: The Cabot’s main floor (orchestra level) is fully accessible, while balcony seating requires stairs. Book tickets in advance for best seat selection, as holiday concerts often sell out.
Ghosts of Christmas Past: A Haunted Holiday Stroll
When: Thursday, December 11 | Nightly (check schedule)
Where: Downtown Salem | 90 minutes | @witchcitywalkingtours
Salem’s nightly holiday ghost tour continues Thursday—perfect if you’re staying overnight after the Luminare concert or if you’re a local looking for Thursday night activities. See full tour details in Wednesday’s section above.
Friday, December 12: Solstice, Shopping & Two Ghost Tours
Friday brings two very different but equally festive daytime experiences—a solstice portrait session and an evening shopping event that transforms Church Street—plus TWO evening ghost tours for maximum haunted holiday options.
Solstice Light Up The Dark
When: Friday, December 12 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Witch Pix, 172 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
Cost: FREE
Tags: @witchpix
Witch Pix isn’t your typical photo studio—it’s an award-winning costume photo experience with over 400 handcrafted costumes and four themed sets including Olde Salem Village, Witch Cottage, Burying Point, and Magick Broom. For the solstice experience, the focus shifts to the evergreen-decorated village and cottage sets, creating a winter wonderland backdrop perfect for holiday portraits.
The solstice theme adds intentional meaning to your portraits. Participate in candlelit ceremony, write positive intentions for the new year, and create portraits that mark this turning point in the solar year—when darkness reaches its peak and light begins its return.
What to Expect:
- Drop-in format throughout the day (no reservation needed)
- Evergreen-decorated sets with winter atmosphere
- Opportunity for candlelit ceremonies and intention-setting
- Professional theatrical backdrops
- FREE participation (though additional services may be available for purchase)
Photography Tips:
- Solid colors and natural fabrics photograph beautifully
- Consider bringing simple props (candles, greenery, books)
- The afternoon provides best natural light
- Plan for 30-60 minutes depending on desired shot variety
Perfect For: Individuals and families seeking meaningful holiday portraits, anyone drawn to solstice celebrations, photographers looking for unique backdrops, couples wanting romantic winter photos.
Church Street Cheer
When: Friday, December 12 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Church Street, Salem (multiple locations)
Cost: FREE (shopping optional)
Tags: Various businesses along Church Street
As evening falls, Church Street transforms into a festive shopping destination with a makers market, pop-up shops, live music, and unique gift opportunities. This holiday shopping event brings together multiple Church Street businesses in a coordinated celebration that makes evening shopping feel like a neighborhood party.
Church Street offers an alternative to downtown’s Essex Street pedestrian mall—it’s where locals shop, where neighborhood businesses create intimate shopping experiences, and where you’ll find unique finds that aren’t on every tourist’s itinerary. Featured participants include Die With Your Boots On, Residence Candles, and other Church Street merchants creating special experiences for the evening.
What You’ll Find:
- Pop-up shops featuring local makers
- Extended shopping hours at Church Street boutiques
- Live music creating festive atmosphere
- Unique gifts you won’t find in chain stores
- Local artisans and crafts people
- Small business personal service and expertise
Why Church Street Matters: While tourists flock to Essex Street, locals know Church Street is where Salem’s neighborhood retail character thrives. These are the shops where owners know customers by name, where inventory is curated with care, and where supporting local business feels personal and meaningful.
Getting There:
- Church Street runs parallel to Essex Street, one block south
- Street parking available (metered until 6pm, free after)
- Walking distance from downtown Salem attractions
- Easily combined with dinner at nearby restaurants
Perfect For: Holiday shoppers seeking unique gifts, locals wanting to support neighborhood businesses, anyone tired of crowded mall shopping, visitors looking for authentic Salem retail experiences.
Pro Tip: Start at one end of Church Street and work your way down, popping into each participating business. The live music and outdoor atmosphere make this feel like a holiday block party rather than just shopping.
The Twisted Christmas Tour: Salem’s Untold Holiday History
When: Friday, December 12 | 5:00 PM
Where: Downtown Salem (meeting location provided with ticket confirmation)
Cost: Book online at salemghosttours.com
Duration: 60 minutes
Tags: @salemnighttour
Friday evening brings Salem Night Tour’s “Twisted Christmas Tour”—running every Friday and Saturday in December at 5:00 PM. This 60-minute journey explores the darker side of Christmas history, perfect for those who want their holiday tours with a twist of rebellion and historical intrigue.
In Puritan Salem, even a whiff of Christmas celebrations meant fines. This extraordinary tour unravels tales of illicit holiday gatherings, tracing their roots to Europe’s earliest celebrations and exploring the unforeseen consequences of mischievous Christmas caroling in Salem’s historic streets.
What You’ll Discover:
Puritan Christmas Bans:
Salem’s Puritan founders didn’t just discourage Christmas—they outlawed it. Celebrating December 25 could result in fines, public shaming, and community ostracism. The tour explores why the Puritans viewed Christmas as dangerously Catholic and pagan, and how Salem residents risked punishment to maintain holiday traditions in secret.
Illicit Holiday Gatherings:
When celebrations are forbidden, they become acts of rebellion. Learn about the underground Christmas parties, secret gift exchanges, and clandestine caroling that kept holiday spirit alive during Salem’s most restrictive era. These weren’t innocent gatherings—they were political statements about religious freedom and cultural identity.
European Origins:
The tour traces Christmas traditions back to their pre-Christian roots in European winter solstice celebrations. Discover how Saturnalia, Yule, and other pagan festivals evolved into the Christmas we recognize today, and why Puritans rejected these “heathen” origins.
Victorian Ghost Stories:
Before Hallmark movies, Victorians told ghost stories at Christmas. The tour dives into this tradition, exploring why winter solstice and Christmas became prime times for supernatural tales. Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” popularized the tradition, but Salem had its own local ghost stories perfect for dark December nights.
Why This Tour Stands Out:
Salem Night Tour (Holiday Happenings Social Media Sponsor) specializes in theatrical, story-driven experiences that go beyond typical ghost tours. Their guides don’t just recite facts—they perform history, bringing colonial Salem and Victorian traditions to life through immersive storytelling.
The “Twisted” in the title is earned. This isn’t a sanitized, family-friendly version of Christmas history. It’s the real story: religious persecution, cultural rebellion, banned celebrations, and the dark folklore that pre-dated modern commercial Christmas. It’s history that challenges assumptions and reveals the complex, often troubling origins of beloved traditions.
Perfect For: Adults and older teens interested in historical deep dives, anyone tired of saccharine Christmas content, history buffs who appreciate nuance and complexity, visitors wanting Salem’s signature dark storytelling applied to holidays, couples seeking atmospheric evening dates.
Practical Information:
- Runs every Friday and Saturday in December at 5:00 PM
- Also runs: December 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
- 60 minutes duration (shorter than Ghosts of Christmas Past)
- Meeting location provided with ticket confirmation
- Book advance at salemghosttours.com
- Tours proceed rain or shine
Combine Your Evening: The 5:00 PM start time works perfectly with Church Street Cheer (5:00-9:00 PM). Do the tour first, then head to Church Street for festive shopping, or reverse the order and end your evening with haunted history.
Ghosts of Christmas Past: A Haunted Holiday Stroll
When: Friday, December 12 | Nightly | 90 minutes | @witchcitywalkingtours
Friday evening offers a choice between two ghost tours with different vibes:
- Twisted Christmas Tour (5:00 PM): Darker history, adults/older teens, 60 min
- Ghosts of Christmas Past (Evening): All-ages, includes hot cider & hand warmers, 90 min
See full details for each tour in their respective sections above.
Saturday, December 13: Wassail Weekend Begins
Saturday launches Wassail Weekend—Salem Main Streets’ initiative to encourage shopping local during the holiday season. Multiple events create a full day of festive experiences, capped off with two evening ghost tour options.
Wassail Weekend
When: Saturday, December 13 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Continues Sunday)
Where: Throughout downtown Salem
Cost: FREE (shopping optional)
Tags: @salemmainstreets
Salem Main Streets presents Wassail Weekend, a two-day celebration encouraging residents to shop local and enjoy downtown during the holiday season. Think of it as Salem’s answer to Small Business Saturday, but stretched across an entire weekend with coordinated special promotions, extended hours, and festive atmosphere throughout the district.
The concept is simple but powerful: give people compelling reasons to spend their holiday shopping dollars locally rather than at malls or online. Participating businesses offer special promotions, extended hours, gift-wrapping services, and holiday hospitality. Roaming carolers provide soundtrack. Downtown beautification—wreaths, ribbons, the Holiday Tree—creates visual magic. It’s downtown Salem showing off exactly what makes local shopping special.
“Wassail” itself refers to the traditional spiced cider often served during winter celebrations—a warming drink shared among community. That spirit of warmth and community defines Wassail Weekend: neighbors supporting neighbors, relationships mattering more than transactions, and the recognition that vibrant downtowns require active participation from residents.
What’s Happening:
- Special promotions at participating downtown businesses
- Extended shopping hours (many stores open late)
- Complimentary gift wrapping at select locations
- Roaming carolers providing musical entertainment
- Festive atmosphere with holiday decorations
- Hot cocoa and seasonal treats at various locations
- Window Contest voting continues
How to Experience Wassail Weekend:
- Morning: Start with brunch (Trade House offers Brunch with Santa)
- Midday: Explore shops with special Wassail promotions
- Afternoon: Take advantage of unique experiences (chocolate fountain at Whimsy’s, wassail tasting at Salem Bespoke)
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at downtown restaurants
- Continue Sunday: Return for day two of deals and experiences
Perfect For: Anyone doing holiday shopping, locals wanting to support downtown businesses, visitors seeking authentic Salem retail experiences, families making holiday traditions.
Brunch with Santa at Trade House
When: Saturday, December 13 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Trade House Salem, 156 Derby Street
Cost: Check event listing for reservations
Tags: @tradehousesalem
Start Wassail Weekend morning with a festive family brunch featuring Santa himself. Trade House—Salem’s modern American neighborhood pub opened in spring 2025—transforms for the holidays with over 1,000 ornaments, twinkling lights, towering wreaths, and festive atmosphere that makes brunch feel like stepping into a holiday celebration.
What’s Included:
- Meet & greet with Santa Claus
- Holiday photo opportunities (dedicated photo corner)
- Kids’ brunch menu options
- Full adult brunch menu
- Festive holiday atmosphere
Trade House specializes in modern American comfort food with globally-inspired dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their brunch menu likely features hearty favorites alongside creative seasonal offerings. The restaurant’s location steps from Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Pickering Wharf makes it perfect for a full day of waterfront exploring after brunch.
Perfect For: Families with young children, grandparents treating grandkids to holiday memories, anyone wanting a festive brunch with photo opportunities.
Reservation Recommended: This is a ticketed/reservation event. Book in advance to secure your spot, especially if you have a large group or want a specific time slot.
Wassail at Salem Bespoke
When: Saturday, December 13 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Salem Bespoke Boutique
Cost: FREE
Tags: @salembespoke
Salem Bespoke, the curated fashion boutique known for thoughtfully selected clothing and accessories, offers complimentary tastings of Coffein Coffee—a small woman-owned business roasting handcrafted coffee in small batches and packaged in coffin-shaped boxes for dark, gothic aesthetic.
This is shopping elevated by hospitality. Browse Salem Bespoke’s carefully curated selection of quality clothing, receive personal styling assistance, and enjoy artisan coffee while you shop. It’s the kind of experience that makes local retail special—where owners invest in creating atmosphere and connection, not just completing transactions.
What’s Special:
- Complimentary Coffein Coffee tastings all day
- Browse curated fashion and accessories
- Personal styling services available
- Gothic-aesthetic coffee perfect for alternative shoppers
- Special Wassail Weekend promotions
Perfect For: Fashion enthusiasts, coffee lovers, anyone shopping for quality clothing gifts, supporters of women-owned small businesses.
Whimsy’s Chocolate Fountain for Wassail Weekend
When: Saturday, December 13 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Whimsy’s Sweet Life
Cost: $5 per dip
Tags: @whimsys26
The chocolate fountain at Whimsy’s Sweet Life flows with delicious possibilities during Wassail Weekend. For just $5 per dip, choose your treat—fresh fruit, brownies, cookies, marshmallows—and coat it in flowing chocolate. It’s indulgent, photogenic, and exactly the kind of special experience that makes Wassail Weekend memorable.
Dipping Options Available:
- Chocolate Chip Brownie
- Double Marshmallow
- Krispy Rice Treat
- Fresh Strawberry
- Fresh Banana
Perfect For: Families with kids, couples on dates, anyone with a sweet tooth, Instagram-worthy moments, afternoon pick-me-up during shopping.
Pro Tip: Come during off-peak afternoon hours (around 2pm) to avoid lines. Perfect mid-shopping break before continuing your Wassail Weekend explorations.
Evening Ghost Tours
The Twisted Christmas Tour
Saturday, 5:00 PM | 60 minutes | @salemnighttour
Ghosts of Christmas Past
Saturday, Evening | 90 minutes | @witchcitywalkingtours
Cap off your Wassail Weekend day with evening ghost tours—choose the darker historical focus (Twisted Christmas) or the all-ages family-friendly option (Ghosts of Christmas Past). See full tour details in earlier sections.
Sunday, December 14: Wassail Weekend Continues
Sunday brings day two of Wassail Weekend plus creative workshops that cap off the week with hands-on experiences, and one final opportunity to catch the nightly ghost tour before your week concludes.
Sip & Shop at Trade House
When: Sunday, December 14 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Trade House Salem, 156 Derby Street
Cost: FREE
Tags: @tradehousesalem
Trade House continues Wassail Weekend celebrations with an afternoon of sipping and shopping that connects to Salem’s neighborhood traditions. Step back into the spirit of Salem’s old Derby Street neighborhood—where shops, bakeries, and gathering halls once lined the waterfront, and neighbors came together over good food, strong coffee, and community.
This Sunday afternoon event blends Trade House’s restaurant atmosphere with a marketplace vibe, creating a hybrid experience where you can enjoy drinks, browse goods, and soak in community spirit. It’s Salem’s historic trading legacy reimagined for contemporary neighborhood gathering.
What to Expect:
- Afternoon drinks and light fare available
- Browse curated goods and gifts
- Extended hours for casual Sunday shopping
- Derby Street waterfront location
- Neighborhood gathering atmosphere
Perfect For: Locals extending their Wassail Weekend, visitors wanting Sunday afternoon activities, anyone seeking relaxed social shopping experiences.
Petrykivka Christmas Ornament Paint & Sip
When: Sunday, December 14 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Check event listing for venue
Cost: Check event listing (proceeds benefit Ukrainian humanitarian aid)
Tags: TBD
Learn the beautiful Ukrainian folk art of Petrykivka painting while creating your own decorated Christmas ornaments. This hands-on workshop welcomes all skill levels—you don’t need to be an artist to attend. Instructors guide you through the distinctive floral patterns and vibrant colors that characterize this UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition.
Petrykivka painting originated in the village of Petrykivka, Ukraine, where generations of artists developed a distinctive style of decorative painting featuring stylized flowers, fruit, and wildlife in bright, joyful colors. The technique uses specific brush strokes to create intricate patterns that look complex but follow learnable principles.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic Petrykivka brush techniques
- Traditional color combinations
- Floral pattern designs
- How to adapt patterns to ornament surfaces
Important: All proceeds from this workshop go toward Ukrainian humanitarian aid through established charitable organizations. Your participation supports both cultural preservation and critical humanitarian work.
What’s Provided:
- All painting supplies and materials
- Christmas ornaments ready for decoration
- Instruction and guidance
- Examples and patterns to follow
Perfect For: Anyone interested in folk art, supporters of Ukrainian relief efforts, people seeking meaningful handmade ornaments, artists wanting to learn new techniques, families doing creative activities together.
No Experience Needed: This is explicitly designed for beginners. If you can hold a brush, you can create beautiful Petrykivka ornaments.
Holiday Glass Ornament and Magnet Workshop at the Black Box Theater
When: Sunday, December 14 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: The Black Box Theater at The Lost Library, 215R Essex Street
Cost: Check event listing
Tags: @lostlibrarysalem
Let your imagination sparkle this season with a glass ornament and magnet-making workshop hosted in The Lost Library’s atmospheric Black Box Theater. This hands-on creative experience takes place in one of Salem’s most distinctive venues—the intimate performance space where Krampus comedy and gothic cabarets happen, now transformed into a creative workshop studio.
The Lost Library provides the perfect setting for holiday crafting. Known for its occult bookshop featuring upside-down Christmas trees and Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired displays, the venue brings gothic charm to traditional holiday crafts. The Black Box Theater offers an intimate, focused space for creative work.
What You’ll Create:
- Custom glass holiday ornaments
- Decorative magnets
- Using fused glass techniques (likely)
- Personalized designs reflecting your style
Workshop Format:
- Approximately 2 hours of hands-on creativity
- All materials and instruction included
- Small group setting for personalized attention
- Finished pieces ready to take home (or pick up after firing if kiln process required)
Perfect For: Crafters at all levels, families with older children/teens (check age requirements), anyone wanting unique handmade decorations, visitors seeking creative Salem experiences, goths who want holiday ornaments with edge.
The Venue Bonus: Workshop at The Lost Library means you can browse their unique collection of occult books, magical supplies, and Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise before or after your class. It’s shopping and crafting combined in Salem’s most atmospheric retail space.
Ghosts of Christmas Past: A Haunted Holiday Stroll
When: Sunday, December 14 | Evening | 90 minutes | @witchcitywalkingtours
End your December 10-14 week with a final ghost tour through Salem’s haunted holiday history. Sunday night tours have special atmosphere—quieter streets, reflective mood, perfect closure to your Wassail Weekend. See full tour details in Wednesday’s section.
Retail Must-Visits During Your December 10-14 Week
While you’re downtown for events, workshops, and ghost tours, make time to explore Salem’s unique retail landscape. These Holiday Happenings sponsors and participants offer the kind of distinctive shopping experiences you won’t find at malls—from custom fine jewelry to gothic candles, from handcrafted wands to vintage fashion.
Fine Jewelry & Custom Gifts
Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry | 24 Front Street | @jennistuartjewelry
Holiday Happenings Website Sponsor Jenni Stuart specializes in custom fine jewelry with ethical sourcing and 100% recycled precious metals. Perfect for engagement ring shoppers, those seeking meaningful heirloom pieces, or anyone wanting the permanent bracelet experience. Same-day appointments available, expert craftsmanship, personalized service. This is where Salem proposes.
The Sea Wych | @theseawychsalem
Where the ocean meets the mystical, this nautical-meets-magic boutique features sea glass jewelry, maritime antiques, mermaid-inspired items, and coastal decor. Perfect for ocean lovers who also appreciate Salem’s supernatural side. Unique gifts that blend Salem’s naval history with metaphysical interests.
Gothic & Alternative
Witch City Wicks | 302A Essex Street | @witchcitywicks
Salem’s premier gothic candle company and producer of Grave Tidings market. Hand-poured soy candles featuring unique gothic-inspired scents in beautiful vessels. Founded in 2011, this woman-owned business creates candles that capture Salem’s mystical character. Also produces the Grave Tidings haunted holiday market (Dec 6-7).
Blackcraft Salem | @blackcraftcult
Gothic apparel and lifestyle brand featuring alternative fashion, dark aesthetic clothing, and statement pieces. Three locations: main store, Blackcraft Coffee (for gothic café vibes), and Haunt at Blackcraft (immersive experience): bold designs, quality craftsmanship, celebration of alternative culture.
Nocturne | @nocturnesalem
Dark romantic home goods, apothecary items, and gothic decor. Features candles, crystals, tarot decks, and dark art. Creates moody, beautiful spaces for those drawn to a darker aesthetic. Perfect for gothic enthusiasts and collectors of the unusual.
Magical & Mystical
The Lost Library | 215R Essex Street | @lostlibrarysalem
Salem’s occult bookshop featuring upside-down Christmas trees and Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired displays. Rare books, magical supplies, occult items. Also hosting glass ornament workshops in the Black Box Theater during this week (Sunday, Dec 14). Shopping and workshop location combined.
Wynott’s Wands | @wynottswands
Handcrafted wand shop offering custom wands, magical items, wizarding gifts. Each wand individually crafted for meaningful magical gifts. Interactive shopping where customers find their perfect wand. Perfect for Harry Potter fans, collectors, and anyone seeking unique experience gifts.
Salem Plant Witch | @salemplantwitch
Botanical shop featuring plants, planters, plant care supplies with mystical twist. Unique houseplants, succulents, air plants, plant-themed gifts. Perfect for green witches and plant lovers seeking living gifts that grow with recipients.
Fashion & Vintage
Modern Millie | @modernmilliesalem
Vintage and retro-inspired fashion boutique with carefully curated vintage clothing and accessories. Sustainable fashion through vintage finds, timeless looks from past decades. Participating in Window Contest with storewide 15% off sale. Perfect for vintage enthusiasts and eco-conscious shoppers.
Die with Your Boots On | @diewithyourbootson
“Salem’s premier gothic, alternative, and heavy metal fashion destination since 2018. Family-owned boutique celebrating fearless fashion for all bodies with size-inclusive clothing up to 6X+. Features platform boots, creepers, vintage horror tees, and leather jackets from indie brands like Foxblood, Cat Coven, and Pretty Snake. Community-focused with support for HAWC Northshore, Salem Pantry, and local causes.
Salem Bespoke Boutique | @salembespoke
Curated fashion boutique with thoughtfully selected clothing and accessories emphasizing quality and craftsmanship. Personal styling services, boutique shopping experience. Hosting Wassail Weekend coffee tasting (Saturday 11am-5pm) with complimentary Coffein Coffee samples. Free gift with purchase over $100, participating in Window Contest.
Sweet Treats & Gifts
Whimsy’s Sweet Life | @whimsys26
Confectionery and dessert boutique creating whimsical treats, custom cakes, sweet delights. Beautiful designed desserts, creative confections. Hosting the chocolate fountain during Wassail Weekend (Saturday 12-4pm, $5 per dip). Gift baskets, special occasion treats, edible gifts.
Moons Gift Shop | @moonsgiftshop
Gift shop featuring unique gifts, home décor, seasonal items, specialty products. Curated selection of thoughtful presents and decorative items. Free gifts with multiple purchase tiers, discount promos on select items. Participating in Window Contest.
Why Shop Local During Wassail Weekend
These businesses are the reason Wassail Weekend exists—to drive foot traffic to locally-owned shops during the challenging post-October season when tourism drops dramatically. Your shopping dollars directly support:
- Local Owners: Many are Salem residents who reinvest in the community
- Unique Inventory: Curated selections you won’t find at chain stores or online
- Personal Service: Owners and staff who know products intimately and provide expert guidance
- Community Vitality: Vibrant downtowns require active local participation
- Economic Impact: Local businesses generate 3x more local economic benefit than chains
During Wassail Weekend especially, many offer special promotions, extended hours, gift wrapping services, and festive atmosphere. The combination of coordinated shopping events plus these unique retail experiences is what makes downtown Salem special during the holidays.
Planning Your Shopping:
- Saturday is busiest—arrive early or plan for afternoon
- Sunday typically calmer, good for leisurely browsing
- Most shops within easy walking distance of each other
- Combine shopping with dining at Trade House, Gulu Gulu, or other downtown restaurants
- Don’t miss the Window Decorating Contest while you shop—vote for your favorite!
Practical Planning Information
Getting Around Salem
Parking:
- Municipal garages on Church Street, Museum Place
- Street parking: Metered until 6pm weekdays, 8pm Saturdays
- Sunday parking generally easier than Saturday
Public Transit:
- Commuter Rail from Boston North Station to Salem (30-35 minutes)
Walking:
- Downtown Salem is entirely walkable
- Church Street to Essex Street: 5-minute walk
- Derby Street waterfront: 10-minute walk from downtown center
Weather Preparation
Mid-December in Salem: 30-40°F, potentially snowy or rainy, sunset around 4:15 PM
Pack: Warm winter coat, waterproof boots, gloves, hat, scarf, umbrella
Why December 10-14 Matters
This mid-December week represents Salem’s holiday season at its most intentional. It’s past the early December rush but before the final pre-Christmas frenzy. It’s when downtown businesses make their biggest push for local support through Wassail Weekend. It’s when creative workshops fill because people are finally ready to make their own decorations. It’s when The Cabot brings professional entertainment to the North Shore. And it’s when Salem’s signature ghost tour companies—Witch City Walking Tours and Salem Night Tour, both Holiday Happenings sponsors—demonstrate how to blend holiday celebration with historical education.
The tours matter particularly this week. While tourists often associate Salem exclusively with October, the holiday ghost tours prove that Salem’s storytelling power extends year-round. These aren’t generic tours with Christmas decorations added—they’re deeply researched historical experiences that explore how Salem specifically, and New England broadly, has navigated the complex cultural terrain of Christmas celebrations.
Most importantly, it’s when community matters most. Wassail Weekend isn’t just about shopping—it’s about neighbors supporting neighbors, recognizing that vibrant downtowns require active participation, and choosing local over convenient. The workshops aren’t just crafts—they’re creating heirlooms and memories. The concert isn’t just entertainment—it’s bringing people together for shared joy. The tours aren’t just walks through dark streets—they’re connecting present celebrations to centuries of tradition and change.
Whether you attend one event or all eighteen, you’re participating in Salem’s holiday story. You’re supporting local businesses, learning new skills, creating traditions, exploring history, and being part of a community that celebrates both the commercial and creative sides of the season
About Holiday Happenings
Part of Salem’s official holiday guide, bringing together local businesses and seasonal events. Presented by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry and Witch City Walking Tours.
Co-organized by Creative Collective and Salem Main Streets, in partnership with Destination Salem and the City of Salem.
Explore More Holiday Happenings:
Supporting local businesses and community celebrations.