Thank you to all who assisted with Santa’s Arrival this past weekend: the City of Salem, Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, the Salem Fire Department, The Dejas, the Hawthorne Hotel, Bill Legault, Lindsey Roman, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Marley Properties, Witch Tees, Museum 
Place Mall Businesses and 62 Restaurant and Wine Bar.
The holiday season continues with a festive atmosphere downtown Salem, great events fantastic shopping and dining. Mark your calendars for Dec. 16 Salem Open House Night!
You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, we’re telling you why…Santa arrives to bring holiday cheer to Salem tonight! 
Gather the whole family and head down to the Salem Common at 5:30 p.m. to await Santa’s big arrival. Free hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows will be provided by 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, free candy canes will be handed out by Santa’s helpful elves, and holiday music will be performed by The Dejas.
During this annual tradition, Santa will make his descent from the top of the Hawthorne Hotel around 6:00 p.m. with help from the Salem Fire Department. On the ground, Mayor Driscoll will welcome Santa to town and guide the crowd down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to the Museum Place Mall where children can sit on his lap and tell him what they desire most for Christmas. Don’t miss out on this favorite (and free) event!
This Thursday after the Winter Farmers’ Market ends at 6 pm, be a part of candlelight vigil for a global cause at Lappin Park in support of World AIDS Day 2011, December 1. Mayor Kim Driscoll will read a proclamation, and the keynote speaker will be Jim Campbell. Music will be provided by Kevin LeTourneau.
This event is sponsored by Mayor Kim Driscoll, Gulu Gulu Café, The Dejas, Gary Gill, Prism LBGT Health of Northeast Behavioral Health, Salem Chamber of Commerce, Café Polonia and Kevin LeTourneau.
Need to do some holiday decorating and start checking off items on your holiday shopping list? Make the Salem Winter Farmers’
Market your one-stop place to shop! Starting this Thursday, December 1, from 2 – 6 in Artists’ Row the Winter Market will sell wreaths, kissing balls and Christmas trees as well as the usual delicious produce and other local items.
For those on your holiday list, consider a gift basket of local market items- from cheese to spreadable fruit to specialty teas. Visit the Salem Arts Association building (across from the Lobster Shanty) for arts and crafts – they make unique and lovely gifts! A limited number of free tote bags will be distributed by market sponsor Salem Five Bank.
In the small building, Talent Conquest TV Show, presented by Debra Crosby and Mamadou Diop, will feature musical entertainment by winners Rosanne Casio and Rick Cardin. The two musicians will keep you entertained with their folk world vibe as you shop. Visit all four of the market buildings each Thursday in December from 2-6 pm!
From December 3-4, come down to Salem’s beautiful historic McIntire District for the 32nd Annual Christmas in Salem Historic House Tour. Visit thirteen 18th and 19th century homes decorated in holiday grandeur. An annual favorite holiday event in Salem, the Christmas in Salem Historic House Tour has made history itself by being one of America’s oldest and largest historic house tours. Join the tradition that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
Anxious to see the homes all decked out? On Friday, December 2, advanced ticket holders will have the opportunity to attend a preview of the big event with a candlelight tour of four selected homes. Today, November 30, is the last day to purchase tickets in advance so be sure to reserve your spot!
Tickets purchased in advance are for $25 for HSI members and $30 for non-members. Tickets purchased on the days of the event will be $35. In the event of snow, the tour will be moved to Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Click here for tickets and more information about the Christmas in Salem Historic House Tour.
