Uncategorized – Page 28 – Salem Main Streets

Gables Tour— Christmas Banned In Salem

Dec 082013

Christmas in New England. Today a warm picture of snow outside the home with family gathered around a tree & gifts, or family gathered around the dinner table, smiling and ready for a feast of food. But ’twas not such in early Massachusetts history. And no, you can’t blame the Salem witches for that.

As part of the annual Christmas Tours of the Gables, this year you’ll find much discussion about the fact that Christmas was banned in New England for nearly two centuries. The House of the Seven Gables is offering daily, now through Dec. 31 from 10am to 5pm, a special tour blending the unique history of the mansion with the little known history of Christmas in colonial Massachusetts.

The Puritans bristled at the day being used solely for “reveling.” It was seen as sacrilegious that the day was given over to drinking, feasting and all manner of over-indulgence, instead of quiet contemplation.

Take the tour to hear the story of how the Puritans got their way outlawing Christmas in 1659 and how the holiday inched its way back into the hearts of the population so that Massachusetts officially legalized Christmas in 1856.

Explore the maritime, architectural and literary history of the house and discover Christmas’ transformation from a rowdy seasonal celebration to the peaceful family-centered traditions we recognize today. The rooms of the mansion will be decorated for the holiday tour by local interior decorators, historical societies, and florists.

200 years of history in a walking tour— and you get to see the charming rooms of the House of the Seven Gables; that is a nice present to give to your family, or just yourself.

This special tour is offered during regular hours in December except during the production of A Classic Christmas. Closed Christmas Day. Open on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, 10am-2pm. For more details on the Tour, please call 978-744-0991.

Sights and Sounds of Santa in Salem

Uncategorized No Responses »

Dec 072013

Ho Ho Ho! Had you been part of the crowd we had at the Hawthorne on Friday night, you would have been shouting that along with the bright-eyed kids anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus.

It was a great evening and we thank the moms and dads who brought their children out.

We also want to thank all the people and organizations that helped to publicize and share the news about this event so residents and neighbors could participate. There were blogs, Tweets and Facebook postings.

And we especially need to thank all those who participated in this special event: The Hawthorne Hotel, Salem Common Neighborhood Association, 62 Restaurant, Salem YMCA, Arbella Drum & Bugle Corps, Singers in Common, Brian Donnelly, the Museum Place Mall, Salem’s Vintage Photography, Witch Tees, Bewitched in Salem, Glass and Etc., and the Paul Madore Chorale – not to mention the City of Salem and our incredible Fire Department!

For those of you who could not make it there: the Vine video below (thank you Salem News & Hawthorne Hotel).

Santa Stops By The Hawthorne Hotel

Uncategorized No Responses »

Dec 062013

While there have been several sightings of Santa Claus in Salem and surrounding communities, Salem Main Streets has been informed by reliable sources that the jolly old fellow will make a full appearance 6pm tonight— at the Hawthorne Hotel.

In what has become an annual event, Santa will suddenly appear atop the roof of the Hawthorne Hotel. Using their truck ladder, Salem fireman will then help him down to the street where awaiting children (…of all ages…) will engage in cheering, smiling and delighting in his presence.

Santa will stop for cocoa and caroling at the Gazebo on Salem Common before continuing on to the Museum Place Mall; there he will sit for autographs and pictures.

Salem Main Streets would like to thank the Salem Fire Department, the Hawthorne Hotel, Salem Common Neighborhood Association, YMCA, Arbella Drum & Bugle Corps, 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, Museum Place Mall, Brian Donnelly, and Salem’s Vintage Photography for their participation in this special event.

The Hawthorne Hotel is located at 18 Washington Square, Salem, MA

Fundraisers & Fun— Kicking Off December In Salem Ma

Uncategorized No Responses »

Dec 042013

Feel like you are on a treadmill? We do here at Salem Main Streets; it has been one event after another since Halloween and we can’t stop because there are worthy causes this week which need to be publicized.

Wednesday

The Hawthorne Hotel will host a local event that has mirror images probably all over the country: a Fundraiser for the Victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan. It is set for Dec. 4 from 6 to 9pm at the Hotel. The proceeds from this evening will go to the American Red Cross in support of disaster recovery and relief efforts needed by over three million people in the Philippines.

Entertainment will be provided by The Ward Eights Band and DJ Patrick Runne. Hors d’Oeuvres will be created by the Chefs of the Hawthorne Hotel. And there will be door prizes.

Tickets may still be available; please call (978) 744-4080.

Thursday

Go Out Loud gears up for its 2nd Annual Give Out Loud campaign which is highlighted by two activities.

Victoria Station will be the site of a fun filled event that has to do with, oddly enough, food. Admission is free when you bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Salem Food Pantry (or you can just give a $10 donation at the door). Plus, there will be an Ugly Sweater Contest. Music by DJ Andrea, with special guest Gay Jim from Kiss 108. It begins at 7:30pm.

Go Out Loud is also donating 50% of all their Go Out Loud Discount (GOLD) Card purchases to HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) in Salem.

For more info go to their Facebook page, website or contact them at info@gooutloud.com

Also on Thursday is another opportunity for you to support the local economy by shopping fresh at the Salem Winter Market. Old Town Hall, from 3 to 6pm is the locale for vegetables, breads, meats, jewelry and more— grown or produced by people within driving distance of Salem.

And that brings us to Friday.

A beloved annual tradition, Santa Claus will arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel at 18 Washington Square promptly at 6pm, Dec. 6 – with assistance from the Salem Fire Department, of course. Santa’s arrival will be followed by a short stop for cocoa and caroling at the gazebo on the Salem Common. The parade will then continue to Museum Place Mall for pictures with Santa.

Salem- A “Must See” Stop For A Different Holiday Season

Uncategorized No Responses »

Dec 012013

December is here, and so begins the “other” celebration season for which Salem is gaining a reputation. Salem Ma? Ground zero to spook central, as some have called us, becomes a tourist attraction for all things relating to a warm & toasty family holiday? Yes Virginia, there is another Salem.

We will begin with Historic Salem Inc which presents one of many must-see events to be highlighted over the next few weeks: The Christmas In Salem House Tour.

Let their own words describe this favorite event of locals and tourists:

“Few communities have the rich legacy of historic houses that Salem, Massachusetts boasts. These homes, spanning four centuries, help define the character as well as the appearance of the city, and every year some of their owners invite visitors in to view their homes decked out in full holiday regalia, with the help of professional decorators and florists.”

Here is a peek at last year’s tour.

The 34th annual Christmas in Salem House Tour, Dec. 6-8, will focus this year on “Ports of Call In the Historic Derby Waterfront District” featuring nine homes.

TOUR DETAILS

Friday Night Candlelight Preview Tour, Dec. 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; for advance ticket holders only
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

HIGHLIGHTS

Historic homes, decorated for the holidays by local designers, florists and garden clubs.
Friday night Candlelight Tour of selected houses
Complimentary Salem Trolley Service
Restaurant, Shopping and Attractions Discounts
A Holiday Concert
A historic Derby Street walking tour with Jim McAllister on Saturday morning
Wine Tastings at Salem Wine Imports
A spice tasting at the Picklepot with Salem Food Tours

Historic Salem, Inc. is celebrating its 68th year as the city’s preeminent preservation group. Christmas in Salem is its primary fundraiser, and a significant portion of the proceeds will support the interior restoration of the Nathaniel Bowditch house as well as community and educational programming through the year.

For more information, please contact Historic Salem, Inc. at 978-745-0799 or info@historicsalem.org.

Older Entries Newer Entries