Holiday Window Contest

The Holiday Window Contest returns for 2024!

The holidays are here, and Salem is dressed for the season with trees, wreaths, and ribbons. To top it off, over 30 downtown businesses have decorated their windows especially for a friendly holiday competition!  Judges nominated by Salem Main Streets made the rounds last week to vote on the best windows.

“We had some truly fantastic windows this year, as always,” said Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets Executive Director. “We give the judges the freedom to create new award categories based on what they see each particular year – but even then, we didn’t manage to squeeze in all the windows we loved!”

Some award categories highlight good retail practice, like making use of products or lighting in the display, or different themes and styles, like most nostalgic. “I was especially impressed by how well the businesses this year interpreted their own brands through their window displays,” said Sullivan. “I encourage everyone to take their time and look closely at the competing windows to see how many fine details went into the tableaus.”

A full set of images can be found online at  https://bit.ly/SMSwindows2024

Best Overall: Pamplemousse

Best Use of Product: Re-find, Runner-Up: Salem Bespoke Boutique

Best Nostalgic Window: Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe, Runners-up: Emporium 32 and Turner’s Seafood

Best Upcycled Window: Roost

Best Use of Lighting: Mark Your Spot, Runner-up: Wolf Next Door Coffee

Best “Only in Salem” Window: Black Veil Shoppe, Runners-Up: Nocturne, COVEN, and Witch City Wicks

Kid’s Choice: Harrison’s Comics & Pop Culture

Salem Main Streets shout-out: Salem Flea Marketplace, for a contest newcomer with less than traditional windows who still managed to make a festive exterior!

Other participating businesses include ASCEND, The Boutique, Circle of Stitches, Die With Your Boots On, Garcon Super Slice, The Good Witch of Salem, J. Mode, Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry, Longboards, Marine Hall Mercantile Shop, Melt, Modern Millie, Moody’s Home & Gifts, Moons Gift Shop, Orchid, The Ossuary, and Peabody Essex Museum Shop