Where To See Santa In The Salem Area

SALEM, NH — Santa Claus will be back in the Salem area this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they've been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families' holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there's nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. In the Salem area, kids have several chances:

• Through Dec. 24, families have a chance to visit Santa each day at the Mall at Rockingham Park, located at 99 Rockingham Park Blvd.

Jolly old Saint Nick will appear on the Lower Level in front of JCPenney from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Families have an opportunity to prepare for their Santa meeting by reserving a time slot online. Photo packages will be available for purchase following the Santa experience.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 10, families can enjoy Crumbl Cookies with Santa at the Mall at Rockingham Park. The event will feature fresh-baked cookies from Crumbl Cookies, along with crafts, music and more.

• On Saturday at Tuscan Village, located at 9 Via Toscana Dr., Santa will appear from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The event will begin at noon with live music, face-painting and wine sampling. At 6 p.m. Tuscan Brands Founder Joe Faro will illuminate the Tuscan Village Christmas tree. Guests are encouraged to hang around to enjoy Christmas carolers and dancers.

• On Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21, at Smolak Farms, located at 315 South Bradford Street in North Andover, Massachusetts, the barn plays host to Santa and his helpers. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

Photos with Santa are free. Children also can write a letter to Santa and have hot cocoa with Mrs. Claus. Every hour (11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.), Mrs. Claus will read a Christmas-themed book.

• On Dec. 10 at the Aviation Museum, located at 27 Navigator Rd. in Londonderry, Santa will arrive by helicopter. Santa touches down at 11 a.m. and will visit with kids until 1 p.m.