In case you missed the holiday carolers downtown Salem…
Salem Main Streets invites groups to come downtown Salem and add cheer with caroling weekends in December. Carolers included the Meeting House Church, First Baptist Church, the Unitarian Church and Debra Crosby of Debra Crosby’s A Quest Actor’s Studio with one of her talented performers (pictured). 
There is still time to do your last minute shopping at lots of great stores downtown Salem and enjoy the holiday windows now through December 25. Buy a Salem gift check at the Salem Chamber of Commerce for those hard to shop for individuals – they have over 40 businesses in Salem where they can use the gift check. Shop Local, Shop Salem!
The ballots are all in and the viewers have spoken – Marketplace Quilts is the Viewer’s Choice Winner for the 2009 Holiday Window Contest. Congratulations to Marketplace Quilts and the lucky ballot winner: Jerry Gould of New Hampshire. Jerry wins a fantastic stocking filled with wonderful items from participating downtown stores including: A wooden toy truck from Cruncy Granola Baby, Sea Salts and other items from Laura Lanes Skin Care, a gift certificate from Living With Pets, a quilt calendar from Marketplace Quilts, a ladies wallet from Quintessentials, a $75 make up lesson from Rouge Cosmetics, a signature coffee cup from Roost, Candles from Signatures, and a gift certificate from Thai Place. Come downtown to do your last minute holiday shopping and enjoy the windows now through December 25.
This year’s Holiday Window Contest has some fierce competition for Most Whimsical and Most Original Windows. which will be judged by the SMS Design Committee. You, too, can participate in the contest by voting for your favorite window at all participating businesses. Voting ballots will be entered in a free raffle for a holiday stocking on December 11. Come downtown and view the windows, you won’t be disappointed. For a contest program stop by 265 Essex Street or 
Yes, this Friday Santa will finally be arriving in Salem atop the Hawthorne Hotel around 5:30 p.m. All festivities which were planned for the event last Friday will occur this Friday, December 4. Santa and Mayor Driscoll will light the downtown tree at about 6:15 p.m. After the lighting Santa will be available in the Museum Place Mall for photos with children. Come enjoy the holiday music and festivities. The Salem High School Alumni will be providing hot chocolate on the common and the Gathering will provide caroling at both locations. It promises to be a fun evening for all.