12 Days Of Cheer In Salem: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Salem. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Salem feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Wander through the glowing displays at LaBelle Lights.

LaBelle Lights in nearby Derry transforms the grounds of LaBelle Winery into a sparkling outdoor trail filled with millions of twinkling lights. The experience runs on select dates through January 18, 2026, and features themed scenes, photo spots and plenty of room to wander at your own pace. New this season is Candy Cane Lane, where snow falls each evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. — a fun stop for families and a great spot for photos. Tickets, dining options and add-ons are available online.

2. Lace up for public skate at the Salem Icenter.

The Salem Icenter is an easy weekend stop for winter fun, with public skate sessions on Saturdays and Sundays and extra holiday-week hours between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Admission is $8, rentals are $6 and kids 4 and under skate free — but be sure to bring cash. Visit their website for the full list of skate times.

3. Warm up with a cozy drink at Farmhouse Roasters.

Farmhouse Roasters has a relaxed, welcoming feel — the kind of café where you can settle in with a latte and let the morning take its time. Their beans are roasted in small batches, giving every cup a fresh, distinct flavor, whether you’re into single-origin pour-overs or something more traditional. If you’re hungry, the menu also includes breakfast and lunch favorites, making it a great spot to warm up and catch your breath during a busy December.

4. Catch a live holiday performance at the Seifert Performing Arts Center.

The Seifert Performing Arts Center offers a comfortable, community-oriented space for live performances, with a 700-plus–seat auditorium and clear sightlines throughout. Their holiday schedule includes The Nutcracker (Nov. 29–30), the Play Among the Stars Holiday Concert (Dec. 6) and the NH Phil Holiday Pops (Dec. 20–21). Whether you’re going with family or meeting friends, it’s a nice way to bring a little local holiday spirit into the month. Head to their website for ticket details.

5. Stroll the twinkling trail at Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield.

About 30 minutes from Salem, Holly Jolly Journey transforms the woods at Mel’s Funway Park into a glowing winter walk filled with themed scenes and millions of lights. The trail opens November 28 and runs on select evenings through January 11, guiding you past the Zoo of Lights, Candy Cane Lane, an illuminated Ice Cave and a North Pole–themed finale. Along the way, you’ll find photo spots, holiday music and food and drink stations serving cocoa, s’mores and seasonal cocktails. Timed-entry tickets are required, and the trail closes one hour after the final entry time each night.

6. Browse locally made holiday gifts at Locally Handmade.

Inside the Rockingham Mall, Locally Handmade brings together a changing mix of New England makers, offering candles, soaps, jewelry, small-batch clothing and unique home décor. Around the holidays, the shop adds winter-themed pieces and one-of-a-kind gifts that feel more personal than big-store options. With new items coming in regularly, it’s a simple way to support local artisans while crossing off holiday errands.

7. Sip, stroll and shop at Tuscan Village’s Holiday Shoppes.

Now through December 24, Tuscan Village is transformed into a charming open-air marketplace with more than 50 local artisans selling handmade gifts, décor and seasonal treats — all set under twinkling lights. November hours run Friday through Sunday, with Thursday evenings added in December. Check their website for the full schedule before you go.

8. Explore centuries of holiday traditions at Candlelight Stroll.

If you’re up for a 40-minute drive, Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke is a great December outing featuring historic homes lit by candles, holiday music in the background and costumed roleplayers sharing what winter looked like here centuries ago. It runs on select dates from December 5–21, with arrival times at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., and even includes a new Daylight Stroll on December 14. Outside, you’ll find carolers, reenactors and vintage-style skating performances (weather permitting), plus warm cider and a grove of decorated holiday trees. Parking isn’t available on-site, so check the website for tickets and logistics.

9. Keep the creativity flowing at Hammar’s Studio this season.

Hammar’s Studio is a welcoming space in Salem where people of all ages can explore art, cooking and hands-on projects in an easygoing, encouraging environment. Kids can join winter holiday art day camps from December 22–30, while adults can drop in for classes ranging from painting to creative cooking. It’s a great place to try something new or let the kids burn off some creative energy during the holiday rush. Visit their website to see what’s on the schedule this December.

10. Grab a wood-fired slice and a winter pint at Border Brewery.

About as local as it gets, Border Brewery & Barbecue pairs rotating small-batch brews with wood-fired pizzas and slow-smoked barbecue. The tap list changes frequently thanks to a team that likes tinkering with recipes, so there’s almost always something new to try. The pizzas come out blistered and smoky from the oven, perfect for cold-weather comfort food. It’s a great stop when you want a casual winter meal with plenty of flavor.

11. Make time for Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’ at The Music Hall this December.

About 40 minutes from Salem, The Music Hall in Portsmouth hosts the Ogunquit Playhouse’s beloved production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas on select dates from December 3–21. The show features Broadway-level talent, iconic songs like “Blue Skies” and “Sisters” and big, elegant dance numbers that feel tailor-made for the historic theater’s setting. It’s a charming way to wrap a little nostalgia into your holiday season. Tickets are available online.

12. Spend a winter afternoon bowling at Merrimack Ten Pin.

Merrimack Ten Pin, about a 30-minute drive from Salem, is a family-friendly bowling center open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Kids can use lightweight balls, bumpers and ramps, and there’s space for everything from casual games to league nights. On weekends, glow bowling takes over (Fridays starting at 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.), with neon lighting, music and lane-side food and drinks. Check their website for lane availability.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Salem!

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