Santa's Arrival and Holiday Tree Lighting

Santa Claus is coming back to town in 2023! Join Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem as we celebrate two of our most beloved annual traditions – Santa’s Arrival and the lighting of Salem’s Holiday Tree – all in one evening.
 

Santa Claus will arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel (18 Washington Square W) promptly at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24th, with assistance from the Salem Fire Department, of course. Organizers recommend arriving to the Salem Common by 5:45 p.m. to catch the arrival. Bring the whole family out for carols, festivities, and fun!
 

Santa’s arrival will be followed by a procession down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park (next to the Bewitched Statue at the intersection of Essex Street and Washington Street), where we will join Santa for the Holiday Tree Lighting. Costumed carolers from History Alive will provide seasonal serenades!

Participants are encouraged to bring lanterns (store-bought or homemade) to carry in the procession. Safety first, though - electric candles are highly recommended!

THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE!

SCAM ALERT: This event is FREE and not ticketed. Please be aware that duplicate events are sometimes created and may ask you to buy tickets or sign up via email. Please report those and make sure all event details come through the Salem Main Streets event.