Salem Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Salem's So Sweet is a beloved annual festival celebrating chocolate and ice sculptures. Visitors can explore dazzling ice creations throughout town, enjoy sweet treats and special deals from local businesses, and participate in the fun Chocolate Hearts Challenge game. The event kicks off with a festive party and late-night shopping.

Salem transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Holiday Happenings. This festive season invites visitors to celebrate, shop, and dine amidst charming decorations. Highlights include the historic Christmas in Salem House Tour and the magical arrival of Santa Claus atop the Hawthorne Hotel. Ring in the New Year with...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Salem Yule Marketplace, hosted within the historic Old Town Hall. This unique event transforms the venue into a festive hub, showcasing two floors of curated vendors offering goth and goth-friendly creations. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts and artisanal goods perfect for the holiday season, all...

Salem Main Streets' Wassail Weekend invites visitors to embrace the holiday spirit by shopping local in the heart of downtown. Discover unique finds and special promotions at various businesses, and enjoy a delightful brunch beforehand. On Sunday, keep an eye out for Santa Claus and festive carolers spreading cheer throughout...

Discover unique, handmade treasures at the Peabody Institute Library's third annual Winter Arts & Crafts Fair. This vibrant market, held during the Peabody Main Streets Holiday Stroll, features local artists showcasing their crafts. Find the perfect gift for any winter holiday celebration while supporting local creators and enjoying a festive...

Discover the warmth of the holiday season at the 54th Annual Marblehead Christmas Walk. This signature New England event transforms the historic town into an enchanting winter wonderland. Enjoy a festive weekend featuring preview shopping, a tree lighting ceremony, Santa's unique arrival by lobster boat, a vibrant parade, an artisan...

Experience the best of New England's culinary and artisanal talent at the Craft & Specialty Food Fair. This three-day event in Topsfield showcases a vibrant marketplace brimming with exquisite handmade crafts and delectable specialty foods. Discover unique gourmet treats, watch live demonstrations, and savor the flavors of local food innovators.

Step back in time at the Dickens Holiday Marketplace and Craft Fair, a festive event transforming the RMHS Main Street hallway into a winter wonderland. Discover unique treasures from over 50 artisan vendors, enjoy the sounds of strolling carolers and live musical performances, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit...

Step back in time at the Middle Street Walk, a cherished holiday tradition. Explore historic churches and buildings, browse local crafts, and enjoy festive food. Highlights include a Gingerbread House Contest, live music, horse-drawn hay rides, and a unique Lobster Trap Tree lighting ceremony. It's a day of community, history,...

Step into a winter wonderland at The Venetian Weymouth's Holiday Pop-Up, returning for its third year. The entire restaurant is transformed into a dazzling spectacle with thousands of ornaments, lush greenery, and sparkling lights, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Guests can savor delicious Italian cuisine, including a special 3-course holiday...

Discover unique, handcrafted art and holiday decorations at The Loading Dock Gallery's annual Winter Lights event. This festive showcase features over 30 local artists and artisans, offering a perfect opportunity to find extraordinary gifts and seasonal decor. Browse three rooms filled with beautiful artwork and embrace the spirit of local...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Tyngsborough Festival of Trees, a celebration of New England charm. Wander through three historic buildings showcasing intricately decorated Christmas trees, each available for raffle. Enjoy live music, festive workshops, and unique gifts from local artisans. Children can write letters to Santa, while everyone...

Experience the magic of the West Acton Village Holiday Stroll! This festive event invites you to explore local businesses offering special deals, participate in a village-wide hunt for prizes, and enjoy the sounds of carolers. Meet Santa Claus and enter a raffle for a chance to win a special basket....

Step aboard the Salem Trolley for a unique and interactive performance of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' This beloved holiday classic is brought to life in a humorous and whimsical way, offering a completely unexpected experience as you ride along with Scrooge. Now in its 39th season, this show sells...

Get ready for a joyous and raucous holiday celebration as the Squirrel Nut Zippers bring their Christmas Caravan Tour to town. They deliver a unique musical experience, blending festive hits with their signature sound inspired by early 20th-century jazz and folk music. Prepare for an unforgettable night that captures the...

Step into the holiday spirit with North Shore Music Theatre's 35th anniversary production of 'A Christmas Carol.' This beloved musical ghost story follows Ebenezer Scrooge on a transformative journey, featuring dazzling special effects and traditional carols. It's a timeless tale of redemption and the true meaning of the season, perfect...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a Candlelight concert at the Simons Theatre. This special event features a captivating performance of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" suite, alongside beloved holiday classics like "O Holy Night" and "Greensleeves." Let the enchanting melodies and the warm glow of candlelight transport you into...

Prepare for an unforgettable evening with the world-renowned tenor, Andrea Bocelli, as he graces the stage at TD Garden. Bocelli will perform a captivating selection of music, including cherished holiday songs from his chart-topping album 'A Family Christmas,' alongside his most beloved arias and crossover hits. This concert promises an...

Boston Ballet presents Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker, a breathtaking holiday spectacle. Journey with Clara on Christmas Eve through a magical world filled with dancing bears, a growing Christmas tree, and an epic battle with the Mouse King. This production features technically challenging choreography, stunning sets and costumes, and the enchanting...

Discover the magic of 'Midwinter Revels: A Scandinavian Story for Christmas,' a cherished holiday tradition. This captivating production weaves together festive Scandinavian songs and dances with an enchanting story inspired by Gregory Maguire's 'Matchless.' Experience the warmth and light of a tale set on a northern island, brought to life...

Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of New Orleans with the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band as they present their 'Creole Christmas' concert. This special performance features a delightful mix of beloved New Orleans jazz classics and festive holiday tunes, all infused with the band's signature vibrant style. It's a...

Get into the holiday spirit with Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright. This acclaimed brass ensemble delivers a joyous and festive musical celebration, perfect for the season. Experience their signature blend of virtuosity and warmth as they perform beloved holiday tunes.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with Merrimack Repertory Theatre's production of 'A Christmas Carol.' This beloved classic tells the transformative story of Ebenezer Scrooge, brought to life by talented actors in a captivating stage performance. It's a perfect outing for families and anyone looking to embrace...

Experience the grandeur of Handel's Messiah at the annual Community Messiah Sing hosted by UU Wellesley Hills. This beloved event welcomes everyone from the congregation and surrounding community to join in song or simply enjoy the performance. Featuring professional soloists and a chamber orchestra, with music director Suzie Cartreine conducting...

Experience the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, brought to life by the Commonwealth Ballet. This enchanting performance features stunning choreography, elaborate costumes, and captivating sets, telling the magical story of Clara's adventure. A special sensory-friendly performance is also available, offering a more relaxed and inclusive experience for all audiences.

Step into a festive wonderland as "Christmas in Salem" unveils the charm of historic homes, each meticulously adorned for the holiday season. This cherished annual event invites visitors to explore unique architectural gems and discover captivating stories from different neighborhoods, all while celebrating the inauguration of the holiday season. It's...

Step back in time this holiday season at Hammond Castle Museum's 7th annual 'Deck The Halls' celebration. Explore rooms transformed with festive trees, twinkling lights, and elegant décor, each with a unique holiday theme. Discover playful elves, nutcracker guards, and even menorahs honoring Hanukkah. For an extra magical experience, join...

Step into a world of wonder at SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light, an annual event transforming Mount Auburn Cemetery into an illuminated wonderland. Wander through captivating outdoor light and sound artworks, and find a moment of peace indoors with live music and candle lighting. It's a perfect opportunity to reflect...

Experience the Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights, a spectacular drive-through event showcasing over a mile of dazzling displays. Featuring more than 1 million LED lights, this attraction boasts the longest light tunnel in New England, offering a magical journey through a winter wonderland from the comfort of your vehicle.

Join the Town of Weymouth for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival. This beloved event brings the community together to celebrate the start of the holiday season with festive cheer, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

Immerse yourself in a holiday wonderland by the sea at the Sea Festival of Trees. This beloved tradition showcases thousands of glittering Christmas trees, offers seaside indoor ice skating, and features visits from Santa and popular characters. It's a festive celebration supporting the historic Salisbury Beach Carousel.

Ring in the New Year with a spectacular celebration at the Doubletree Hilton Danvers. This 'Hoppin' New Year's Eve Party' promises an unforgettable night filled with music, dancing, and festive cheer. Guests can expect a delightful dining experience and a vibrant atmosphere to welcome the upcoming year in style.

Get ready for the 4th annual Downtown Salem Holiday Parade! This family-friendly event brings holiday magic to the heart of downtown with dozens of colorful floats, festive characters, and live musical performances. The parade culminates in a joyous tree lighting ceremony, creating a truly magical experience for all.

Embrace the holiday spirit at the Yule Make Music Family Bell + Caroling Celebration! Join a joyous stroll through downtown Salem, ringing bells and singing carols. Later, enjoy live music and karaoke at local venues, perfect for all ages. It's a free, community-focused event to celebrate the season.

Join Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem for a cherished dual tradition: Santa's grand arrival and the festive lighting of the city's holiday tree. Witness Santa's spectacular entrance from the Hawthorne Hotel, followed by a joyful procession to Lappin Park. The evening culminates with the illumination of the...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a delightful 'Breakfast with Santa' event hosted by Finz Seafood and Grill. This cherished tradition offers a wonderful opportunity for families to gather and create lasting memories. Children can share their holiday wishes with Santa himself, making it a truly enchanting experience.

Experience the magic of the 9th Annual Peabody Holiday Stroll, a festive community celebration across downtown Peabody. Enjoy a day filled with Reindeer Games, Santa's Workshop, and creative craft activities. Witness live music, dance performances, and a special 'Touch a Truck' event. The festivities conclude with caroling and a tree...

Embark on a magical journey aboard the North Pole Express, a festive train adventure that sold out last year! This enchanting experience departs from the Anderson Woburn Transportation Center, offering a delightful escape filled with holiday music, entertainment, and a live retelling of 'The Night Before Christmas.' Don your favorite...

First Night Boston is a cherished New Year's Eve tradition offering a spectacular celebration of arts and community. Attendees can enjoy live music, dazzling fireworks, intricate ice sculptures, and a vibrant parade. This free, family-friendly event transforms the city into a festive hub with diverse performances across multiple venues, welcoming...

Step back in time at The Old Manse for a captivating holiday tour. This historical colonial home is beautifully transformed for the season, offering an enchanting journey through New England's festive traditions. Discover the magic of Christmas as it was celebrated during the Hawthornes' time, blending rich history with unforgettable...

Unleash your creativity and craft thoughtful, handmade gifts at this festive soap-making workshop. Design two custom goat's milk soaps using delightful seasonal scents and natural ingredients, perfect for last-minute Christmas presents. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at Modest Roots Brewing Co. while you create unique, skin-nourishing soaps.