This is it—the weekend that transforms Salem into New England’s ultimate holiday destination. From Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 7th, Salem hosts nearly 20 incredible events spanning every corner of the holiday spectrum. Whether you’re drawn to elegant historic house tours or gothic holiday markets, Victorian traditions or Krampus comedy, glass-making workshops or artist open studios, this weekend delivers it all.
We’re talking about three full days of holiday magic that cater to every taste, every age group, and every definition of what makes the season special. Families seeking wholesome traditions will find Santa visits and reindeer crafts. Gothic souls craving alternative celebrations discover Grave Tidings market and Krampusnacht cabaret. Art lovers encounter open studios and glass-making workshops. History enthusiasts tour elaborately decorated historic homes. And everyone—absolutely everyone—finds something that makes their holiday season complete.
This comprehensive guide breaks down all 19+ events across the weekend, organized by day and time, so you can craft your perfect Salem holiday experience. Whether you’re planning a full three-day immersion or just a Saturday afternoon visit, consider this your insider’s roadmap to the most magical weekend of Salem’s holiday season.
Friday, December 5: When Tradition Meets the Twisted
Friday sets the tone for an extraordinary weekend, offering five diverse events that range from the elegantly traditional to the delightfully dark. It’s a day that asks: How do you want to celebrate? And then answers: However you choose.
Christmas in Salem – Boughs and Blooms (Begins Friday, Continues All Weekend)
When: December 5-7, 2025 | Various times
Where: Various historic homes throughout Salem
Cost: $40-120
Tags: @historicsaleminc
The weekend opens with Salem’s most elegant tradition. Historic Salem Inc. presents the 46th annual Christmas in Salem house tour, a beloved event that transforms private historic residences into elaborately decorated holiday showcases.
This isn’t your typical holiday home tour. These are significant historic properties—some spanning four centuries—that help define Salem’s architectural character and appearance. Each year focuses on a different neighborhood, with homeowners opening their doors to reveal homes fully decked out in holiday splendor. Both returning tour-goers and first-timers explore unique histories and architectural stories while experiencing how Salem’s most beautiful homes celebrate the season.
The self-guided tour allows you to move at your own pace, spending as much time as you’d like at each property. You’ll see everything from Federal and Colonial architecture to Victorian and Colonial Revival homes, each decorated with period-appropriate holiday decor that honors both the home’s era and contemporary design sensibilities.
Proceeds from the tour support Historic Salem’s mission to preserve Salem’s historic resources for future generations and maintain the Nathaniel Bowditch House, a National Historic Landmark serving as the organization’s headquarters. When you purchase a ticket, you’re not just gaining access to beautiful homes—you’re investing in Salem’s architectural preservation.
Pro Tip: Purchase tickets in advance as tours can sell out. The weekend pass gives you flexibility to visit homes across all three days. Start with the most architecturally significant homes early in the weekend, then revisit your favorites. Photography policies vary by home, so check before you shoot.
Perfect For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, interior design fans, anyone seeking elegant holiday inspiration, and visitors who appreciate the craftsmanship of historic preservation.
Solstice Light Up the Dark
When: Friday, December 5 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Witch Pix, 172 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970 (at Witch City Mall, opposite Peabody Essex Museum)
Cost: FREE
Tags: @witchpix
Begin your Friday with a winter solstice celebration that blends photography, intention-setting, and theatrical photo experiences. Witch Pix, Salem’s award-winning costume photo studio, opens its doors for a special solstice experience where visitors can capture portraits on beautifully decorated sets featuring Olde Salem Village and Witch Cottage environments adorned with evergreen and winter elements.
This isn’t just a photo opportunity—it’s a mindful practice welcoming the return of light. Participants are invited to perform candlelit ceremonies and write positive intentions for the coming year, creating a meaningful moment of reflection during the busy holiday season. The combination of Witch Pix’s theatrical sets, natural greenery, twinkling lights, and intentional ritual creates an experience that’s both photogenic and spiritually grounding.
Witch Pix specializes in costume photo experiences with over 400 handmade costumes and multiple themed sets. Their solstice celebration creates the perfect backdrop for everything from family photos to solo portrait sessions. Bring your own camera or smartphone, and take advantage of this free opportunity to create memorable images in Salem’s premier photo studio.
Tea & Cake Tasting at Jolie Tea Company
When: Friday, December 5 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Recurring weekly)
Where: Jolie Tea Company
Cost: FREE
Tags: @jolietea
Take a civilized break from holiday shopping with Jolie Tea Company’s weekly tea and cake tasting. This recurring Friday afternoon event showcases seasonal tea blends and holiday-inspired flavors, offering a warm respite from December’s chill and an opportunity to discover new favorites.
Jolie Tea Company specializes in premium loose leaf teas, carefully curated from around the world. Their knowledgeable staff guides you through tasting notes, brewing techniques, and the stories behind each tea. The holiday season brings special seasonal blends—think spiced chais, winter fruit infusions, and cozy black teas perfect for cold weather sipping.
The cake pairings aren’t an afterthought; they’re thoughtfully selected to complement each tea’s flavor profile. You’ll discover which teas enhance chocolate, which brighten citrus cakes, and which create the perfect balance with spiced holiday treats.
This free tasting serves multiple purposes: it’s a genuine community offering, an educational experience for tea lovers, and an opportunity to discover gifts for the tea enthusiasts on your holiday list. Many visitors end up purchasing teas, accessories, or gift sets after discovering favorites during the tasting.
Pro Tip: This event happens every Friday afternoon, so if you can’t make December 5th, you have other opportunities throughout the season. Arrive early in the two-hour window for the fullest selection and most detailed guidance from staff.
Perfect For: Tea lovers, anyone seeking a calm moment during holiday chaos, gift shoppers looking for unique presents, and visitors who appreciate the ritual of a proper tea service.
The Twisted Christmas Tour: Salem’s Untold Holiday History
When: Friday, December 5 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Downtown Salem (meet at designated location)
Cost: $30
Tags: @salemnighttour
As evening falls, Salem Night Tour presents its special seasonal offering that explores the shadowy side of Christmas history. The Twisted Christmas Tour reveals stories you definitely didn’t learn in elementary school—tales of illicit holiday gatherings, dangerous Christmas caroling, Victorian ghost stories, and the surprising fact that in Puritan Salem, even a whiff of Christmas celebration could land you in serious trouble.
This hour-long walking tour through downtown Salem blends meticulous historical research with dynamic storytelling, creating an experience that’s equal parts educational and entertaining. Your guide shares how Christmas was actually banned in Puritan New England, explores the origins of traditions we now take for granted, and reveals the sometimes-dark history behind beloved holiday customs.
Back by popular demand for its second year, this tour has become a seasonal staple for locals and visitors who want to understand the full, complex history of how we came to celebrate Christmas the way we do. It’s perfect for history buffs, ghost tour fans, and anyone who appreciates “dark academic” approaches to familiar subjects.
Salem Night Tour commits to their passion for educating people about the city’s lesser-known stories by running tours every night, all year long. The Twisted Christmas Tour represents their dedication to uncovering the fascinating stories that don’t make it into mainstream holiday narratives.
Krampus Comedy Show
When: Friday, December 5 | 7:15 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: The Black Box Theater at The Lost Library, 215R Essex Street
Cost: $30
Tags: @lostlibrarysalem
End your Friday evening with something completely different: Krampus Comedy Show, where holiday spirit collides with hellish humor. This stand-up comedy event celebrates the darker side of December, embracing the Krampus tradition of acknowledging that not everyone finds the holiday season filled with unending joy.
Expect chilling chuckles, devilish wit, and comedy that gives voice to all those complicated feelings we’re not supposed to have during the “most wonderful time of the year.” The comedians lean into themes of family dysfunction, holiday stress, seasonal depression, gift-giving anxiety, and all the messy human experiences that come wrapped in tinsel and expectation.
Held at The Black Box Theater inside The Lost Library—Salem’s premier occult bookshop—the venue itself sets the tone. Imagine comedy in a space adorned with upside-down Christmas trees, surrounded by rare books on the occult, with an audience that appreciates humor that ventures into the shadows.
This isn’t crude comedy for shock value; it’s smart, self-aware humor that acknowledges the gap between Norman Rockwell holiday fantasies and actual human experience. It’s for adults who can laugh at the absurdity of seasonal expectations while still finding meaning in their own imperfect celebrations.
Saturday, December 6: The Biggest Day of the Season
Saturday delivers the weekend’s highest concentration of events—nine incredible offerings spanning from 11:00 AM through late evening. This is the day when Salem’s holiday season truly peaks, with something happening at every hour and options for every interest.
Adopt a Reindeer Craft at The Good Witch of Salem
When: Saturday, December 6 | 11:00 AM
Where: The Good Witch of Salem, 281 Essex Street
Cost: FREE (Limited to 8 children, pre-registration required)
Tags: @goodwitchofsalem
Start your Saturday morning with wholesome family magic. The Good Witch of Salem hosts a special craft session where children create their very own reindeer to take home. This hands-on experience welcomes all ages, though children 3 and older may be dropped off with a parental consent form.
The intimate setting—limited to just 8 children—ensures each participant receives attention and guidance. The craft itself becomes a keepsake, a tangible memory of a special Salem holiday experience that children will proudly display year after year.
The Good Witch of Salem specializes in creating welcoming spaces for spiritual seekers, families, and anyone drawn to metaphysical practices. The shop offers crystals, tarot decks, spiritual supplies, and classes throughout the year, making it a genuine community resource beyond just holiday events.
Important: Pre-registration is essential. This popular event fills quickly, so if you’re reading this before the weekend, secure your spot immediately. Contact The Good Witch of Salem directly to register.
Private Holiday Shopping Experience at Wynott’s Wands
When: Saturday, December 6 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Wynott’s Wands
Cost: $25
Tags: @wynottswands
For magical gift shopping without the crowds, Wynott’s Wands offers an exclusive two-hour private shopping experience. Your $25 ticket includes complimentary gift wrapping, hot cocoa, holiday treats, and most importantly, an unhurried atmosphere to explore their collection of handcrafted wands.
Each wand at Wynott’s is individually crafted, making every piece unique. The private shopping format allows time to examine the craftsmanship, learn about different woods and materials, and find the perfect wand for every wizard on your list—whether they’re Potterheads, fantasy enthusiasts, or collectors of artisan-made objects.
The gift wrapping service alone makes this worth the admission. During December’s shopping crunch, having someone else beautifully wrap your purchases while you sip cocoa feels like pure luxury. You leave with perfectly wrapped gifts and the satisfaction of supporting a local artisan business.
Booking: Spaces are limited for this private event. Book tickets in advance through Wynott’s Wands or the Holiday Happenings event calendar. If December 6th is sold out, check if additional private shopping times are available.
The Wynott’s Experience: Beyond this special event, Wynott’s Wands offers custom wand creation and an interactive shopping experience year-round. The shop has become a destination for visitors seeking magical gifts and experiences that connect to Salem’s mystical character.
Gallows Hill Artists Open Studios
When: Saturday, December 6 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Gallows Hill Artist Studios, 16 Proctor Street (3rd Floor)
Cost: FREE
Tags: @gallowshillartists
Step behind the scenes at Salem’s premier artist studio collective. Gallows Hill Artists opens its doors for a rare public glimpse into where Salem’s creative magic happens. This historic warehouse space houses 12+ resident artists working in diverse mediums—painting, photography, illustration, jewelry, glass arts, wearable art, and more.
During open studios, you’re invited to watch artists at work, ask questions about techniques and inspiration, view works in progress, and purchase original art directly from creators. It’s an intimate, authentic experience that big galleries simply can’t replicate. You’re not just buying art; you’re connecting with the person who made it, hearing their story, and understanding the vision behind each piece.
The space itself tells a story. Located in a building originally constructed around 1900 as part of The Arthur J Mulholland Company (one of Salem’s great tanneries), this survivor of the Great Salem Fire of 1914 overlooks Proctor’s Ledge—the actual site of the 1692 hangings. The juxtaposition of dark history and vibrant creativity adds profound meaning to the space.
Featured artists include:
- James Bostick – Photography
- Kyle Bromley – Mixed Media
- David Burr – Painting
- Carol Cross – Glass Arts
- E.B. Goodale – Illustration and Printmaking
- Joey Higgins – Photography
- CJ Karch – Photography and Puppetry
- Dale Ducillo Lewinski – Painting and Jewelry
- Katherine Miura – Painting
- Linda Mullen “Grace and Diggs” – Wearable Art and Immersive Environments
- Jessica Murdock – Painting and Drawing
- Plus rotating guest artists and makers
Why Buy at Open Studios: When you purchase art directly from artists, 100% of your money goes to the creator. No gallery commission, no middleman markup—just direct support for Salem’s creative community. Many artists offer open studio discounts or are willing to discuss commissions for custom work.
Getting There: Located on the third floor at 16 Proctor Street. Important: There is no passenger elevator, so be prepared for stairs. Parking is available in the lot on Proctor Street, with additional parking at Gallows Hill Park near the ball field.
Grave Tidings Haunted Holiday Market
When: Saturday, December 6 | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Continues Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Where: Old Town Hall, Derby Square
Cost: $5-20 (VIP options available)
Tags: @witchcitywicks
Here it is—the event that many consider the highlight of Salem’s alternative holiday season. Witch City Wicks presents Grave Tidings, Salem’s premier gothic holiday market featuring 50+ dark artists, alternative craftspeople, and vendors who celebrate the beautiful, shadowy side of the season.
This isn’t a craft fair with a few gothic vendors thrown in. Grave Tidings is a curated experience where every single artist, maker, and vendor shares an aesthetic that embraces the dark, the unusual, the Victorian, the mystical, and the macabre. It’s where Krampus meets handcrafted excellence, where mourning jewelry sits alongside contemporary dark art, where holiday cheer wears black velvet and lace.
What You’ll Find:
- Gothic and Victorian-inspired jewelry
- Dark art prints, paintings, and original illustrations
- Alternative holiday ornaments and decorations
- Handcrafted candles and ritual supplies
- Tarot decks, oracle cards, and divination tools
- Taxidermy, oddities, and curiosities
- Horror-themed gifts and collectibles
- Occult and witchy home décor
- Wearable art with dark romantic aesthetics
- Artisan perfumes and apothecary items
- Books on dark arts, witchcraft, and alternative spirituality
- Custom metalwork and leather goods
- And so much more
The market takes place inside the historic Old Town Hall at Derby Square, a setting that perfectly complements the gothic aesthetic. As evening falls and the lights dim, the atmosphere becomes even more magical—twinkling lights against historic architecture, the hum of creative energy, and a community of people who appreciate beauty in unexpected places.
VIP Experience: VIP tickets offer early entry, allowing you to shop before general admission crowds. For serious collectors or anyone seeking specific items, early entry significantly increases your chances of snagging one-of-a-kind pieces before they sell. Many artists bring limited quantities of their most popular items, and VIP entry gives you first access.
Holiday Photoshoot at Ledger Restaurant
When: Saturday, December 6 | Various times throughout the day
Where: Ledger Restaurant, 125 Washington Street
Cost: FREE
Tags: @ledgersalem
Transform your holiday photos from basic to breathtaking by shooting at one of Salem’s most stunning interiors. Ledger Restaurant, housed in the former Salem Savings Bank building (circa 1818), opens its doors for holiday photoshoots in a space that radiates old-world elegance and historic charm.
The interior features soaring ceilings, vintage architectural details, an authentic bank teller window, oak tables, chandeliers, and factory-style windows that create natural light magic. The restaurant’s holiday decorations complement rather than overwhelm the space’s inherent beauty, resulting in photos that feel both festive and timeless.
This free opportunity gives you access to a professional-quality backdrop without hiring a photographer or renting a studio. Bring your own camera or smartphone, dress in your holiday finest, and create images worthy of holiday cards, Instagram posts, or family albums that will be cherished for decades.
What Makes This Special: Most people’s holiday photos happen in their living rooms or at outdoor locations with winter-bare trees. Ledger provides a rare opportunity to create images with real visual impact—the kind of photos that make people ask, “Where did you take that?”
Extend Your Experience: Ledger is renowned for its modern New England cuisine developed by James Beard-nominated Chef Daniel Gursha. Consider making a dinner reservation (Wednesday-Sunday) or Sunday brunch reservation to complete your Ledger experience with an exceptional meal.
Fused Glass Holiday Ornaments – Evening of Glass (21+)
When: Saturday, December 6 | 6:00 PM
Where: North Shore Glass School
Cost: $65
Tags: @northshoreglassschool
Turn your Saturday evening into a creative adventure with North Shore Glass School’s 21+ “Evening of Glass” workshop. This hands-on class guides you through creating your own fused glass holiday ornament—a unique piece you designed that will grace your tree for years to come.
No prior glass experience is necessary. Professional instructors from North Shore Glass School walk you through every step: selecting colors, arranging your design, learning about glass fusing techniques, and understanding how flat pieces transform into finished ornaments. All materials are included in your $65 ticket.
The 21+ designation creates a slightly different atmosphere than daytime family workshops. Think creative date night, friends’ outing, or solo artistic exploration in a relaxed, adult environment. Conversation flows freely, the energy is social yet focused, and the shared creative experience often leads to new friendships.
The Technical Side: Glass fusing requires kiln firing, which means you won’t take your ornament home the same night. North Shore Glass School fires your piece in their kiln and schedules pickup within a few days—perfect timing for holiday decorating or last-minute gift-giving.
Krampusnacht Cabaret at The Lost Library
When: Saturday, December 6 | 8:00 PM
Where: The Black Box Theater at The Lost Library, 215R Essex Street
Cost: FREE
Tags: @lostlibrarysalem
End your Saturday evening by diving deep into alternative holiday celebration. Krampusnacht Cabaret transforms The Lost Library’s intimate Black Box Theater into a space where dark holiday performances, live music, and gothic revelry honor the shadow side of the season.
This free event celebrates Krampus—the horned figure from Alpine folklore who punishes naughty children while St. Nicholas rewards the good. American culture tends to sanitize and sweeten everything, but European traditions have always acknowledged that darkness and discipline are part of the holiday narrative. Krampusnacht embraces that complexity through performance art that’s beautiful, haunting, provocative, and thoroughly entertaining.
What to Expect:
- Live musical performances with dark, atmospheric arrangements
- Theatrical presentations exploring Krampus folklore and traditions
- Gothic burlesque and performance art
- Dark poetry, storytelling, and spoken word
- Audience participation and interactive elements
- A community atmosphere celebrating alternative aesthetics
The Lost Library provides the perfect setting—an occult bookshop transformed for the holidays with upside-down Christmas trees suspended from high ceilings and animatronic figures inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Black Box Theater’s intimate setting creates an immersive experience where performers and audience share space in close proximity.
Who Should Attend: This event is for adults who appreciate gothic aesthetics, alternative holiday celebrations, live performance art, and Salem’s vibrant underground arts scene. If you’ve ever felt that traditional holiday programming is saccharine or one-dimensional, this is your antidote.
The Lost Library: Even if you can’t attend Krampusnacht Cabaret, The Lost Library deserves a visit. This occult bookshop offers rare books, magical supplies, occult items, tarot decks, and a shopping experience unlike anywhere else in Salem. It has become a must-visit destination for anyone interested in magic, mysticism, and the metaphysical.
Salem Main Streets Holiday Window Decorating Contest
When: Ongoing throughout December
Where: Downtown Salem storefronts
Cost: FREE to view
Tags: @salemmainstreets
As you move between Saturday’s events, keep your eyes open for the white Salem Main Streets Window Contest decals marking participating businesses. The annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest transforms downtown into an outdoor gallery where local businesses compete for recognition in several categories.
Judges evaluate windows based on a number of considerations, including creativity, good retail practices such as use of product and lighting, and how well it captures the spirit of the business.
Turn it into a scavenger hunt, Instagram contest, or friendly debate about which windows deserve recognition.
The contest encourages downtown foot traffic, supports local businesses, and adds festive charm to every downtown stroll. It’s free entertainment that enhances any Salem visit during the holiday season.
Sunday, December 7: The Weekend Finale
Sunday brings the weekend to a satisfying close with three final events—including the second day of the Grave Tidings market and exceptional Krampus-themed experiences.
Grave Tidings Haunted Holiday Market – Day 2
When: Sunday, December 7 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Old Town Hall, Derby Square
Cost: $5-20
Tags: @witchcitywicks
The gothic holiday magic continues into Sunday with six additional hours of Grave Tidings market. If you visited Saturday, Sunday offers a chance to return for items you’ve been contemplating or to shop with fresh eyes. If you missed Saturday entirely, you still have a full afternoon to explore everything this extraordinary market offers.
Sunday’s slightly shorter hours (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM versus Saturday’s 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM) and daytime-only schedule create a different energy than Saturday evening’s atmospheric darkness. Some shoppers prefer Sunday’s more relaxed pace, while others loved Saturday’s gothic nighttime vibe. If possible, experience both!
Krampus Glass Ornament Workshop at The Black Box Theater
When: Sunday, December 7 | Time 2:00PM
Where: The Black Box Theater at The Lost Library, 215R Essex Street
Cost: $30
Tags: @northshoreglassschool @lostlibrarysalem
North Shore Glass School brings their glass-making expertise to The Lost Library for a special Krampus-themed ornament workshop. This event combines the technical skill of glass fusing with the dark aesthetic of Krampus celebrations, resulting in ornaments that are definitely not your grandmother’s Christmas decorations.
The workshop format is similar to the Saturday Evening of Glass experience, but the Krampus theme adds an edge. You’ll create ornaments featuring darker colors, horned designs, or other elements that honor the mischievous Alpine folklore figure who’s become a symbol of alternative holiday celebrations.
Who Should Attend: Anyone who loves the combination of hands-on creativity and alternative holiday aesthetics. If you want holiday ornaments with personality and edge, this workshop delivers. Your finished pieces will be conversation starters for years to come.
The Venue: Holding a glass workshop at The Lost Library creates perfect synergy between two businesses that understand Salem’s alternative aesthetic. The occult bookshop setting adds another layer of meaning to creating dark holiday art.
Pickup: Like all glass fusing workshops, your finished ornament requires kiln firing. North Shore Glass School will notify you when pieces are ready for pickup at their main studio location.
Krampus Visits Whimsy’s Sweet Life
When: Sunday, December 7 | Time 3PM-5PM
Where: Whimsy’s Sweet Life
Cost: FREE
Tags: @whimsyssweetlife
The weekend reaches its delightfully twisted conclusion when Krampus himself makes a special appearance at Whimsy’s Sweet Life, Salem’s beloved confectionery and dessert boutique. This free event brings folklore to life as the horned holiday figure greets visitors at a shop specializing in whimsical treats and custom creations.
The juxtaposition is perfect: Krampus—the figure who punishes naughty children—visiting a candy shop filled with sweet delights. It’s playful, slightly irreverent, and captures the weekend’s theme of celebrating both light and shadow in holiday traditions.
Families can bring children for photos with Krampus (a far more memorable holiday photo than standard Santa shots), shop for holiday treats and custom confections, and experience a tradition that’s common in Central Europe but still novel in New England.
Photo Opportunity: Bring your camera for photos with Krampus. These images will stand out in your holiday photo collection, offering something far more unique than typical holiday snapshots. Children who are old enough to understand that it’s someone in costume (versus believing it’s a “real” Krampus) tend to find the experience exciting rather than frightening.
Practical Weekend Planning Tips
Accommodation
If you’re traveling to Salem for the weekend, book accommodation early. Salem’s hotels, inns, and Airbnbs fill quickly during holiday weekends. Downtown locations offer walkability to all events, while slightly further options may require parking or rideshares but often cost less.
Transportation & Parking
Public Transit: The MBTA Commuter Rail runs from Boston’s North Station to Salem, with the Salem station walkable to downtown events. Weekend service runs regularly, making this an excellent car-free option.
Driving: If driving, arrive early Saturday morning to secure parking. Key options include:
- Church Street parking garage (closest to downtown action)
- Proctor Street lot (near Gallows Hill Artists)
- Gallows Hill Park (for artist studios)
- Street parking throughout downtown (check signage carefully)
Walking: Once you’re downtown, everything is walkable. The furthest distance between events is about 15-20 minutes on foot.
Dining Strategy
Salem’s restaurants will be busy all weekend. Make dinner reservations in advance for popular spots. For spontaneous meals, consider:
- Early lunches (11:00-11:30 AM) before crowds
- Late lunches (2:00-3:00 PM) after lunch rush
- Early dinners (4:30-5:30 PM) before evening reservations
Many downtown cafés offer quick bites, coffee, and pastries perfect for fueling between events without committing to full sit-down meals.
What to Wear
December in Salem means cold weather. Layer up with:
- Warm coat suitable for outdoor walking
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate shoes with good traction
- Layers you can remove indoors (venues can be warm)
- Accessories: hat, gloves, scarf for outdoor events
Many events move between indoor and outdoor spaces, so dressing in layers prevents overheating indoors while keeping you warm outside.
Get the Full Holiday Happenings Experience
This December 5-7 weekend is the peak of Salem’s holiday season, but it’s not the only magic happening. Holiday Happenings programming continues throughout November and December with additional events, markets, tours, and experiences.
Explore More:
Stay Connected:
- Instagram: @creativecollectivema
- Instagram: @salemmainstreets
- Follow #HolidayHappenings for real-time updates and community content
Questions or Special Needs? Most participating businesses are happy to answer questions about accessibility, parking, specific products, or booking details. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly via Instagram, email, or phone.
About Holiday Happenings
Holiday Happenings is Salem’s comprehensive holiday shopping and events guide, bringing together local businesses, seasonal events, and community celebrations in one platform.
Supported by Website Sponsors Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry and Witch City Walking Tours, along with Social Media Sponsors Salem Wax/The Lost Library and Salem Night Tour/Wynott’s Wands.
Co-organized by Creative Collective and Salem Main Streets, in partnership with Destination Salem and the City of Salem.
Supporting local businesses and community celebrations throughout Salem’s holiday season.