Santa's Arrival & Holiday Tree Lighting
Visitors gather to watch Santa Claus arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel with assistance from the Salem Fire Department. Following the arrival, participants join a procession down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park. The celebration concludes as Santa, the mayor, and carolers gather to light the holiday tree.
What to Expect
Watch Santa arrive atop the Hawthorne Hotel before a lantern-lit procession.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Salem
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Salem Main Streets
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-season visitors
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m.; organizers recommend arriving by 5:45 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Get to the Salem Common a little before Santa's arrival, because organizers recommend being there early so you don't miss him on the hotel roof.
- Bring a lantern for the procession and put an electric candle in it, which organizers strongly recommend over a real flame.
- Dress for the weather, since everything happens outdoors and goes ahead rain or shine.
- Follow the crowd down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park by the Bewitched Statue for the tree lighting with Santa and the mayor.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Santa arrive?
Santa shows up on top of the Hawthorne Hotel with help from the Salem Fire Department. Watch from the Salem Common.
What happens after Santa arrives?
Everyone follows a procession down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park, next to the Bewitched Statue. Santa, Mayor Dominick Pangallo and carolers light the holiday tree there.
Should I bring anything?
Bring a lantern to carry in the procession, store-bought or homemade. Electric candles are highly recommended for safety.
What if the weather is bad?
The event goes ahead rain or shine.
More Christmas Events Near Salem
More Christmas Events near Salem
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.