Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 31
Salem Holiday Happenings
Downtown holiday season with a window contest across 30+ businesses, Small Business Saturday and Wassail Weekend.
Salem, MA: snow rules, trash delays and events
What Salem has posted for the holiday weeks: winter parking and snow rules, 2 posted holiday trash changes, 4 confirmed events. Every item links to the town's own page.
Winter parking and snow rules in Salem
Standing rule. We did not find a fixed overnight winter parking ban for Salem on its own pages; the town restricts parking when a snow emergency is declared.
Snow emergencies. Declared when 2+ inches are predicted; the ban starts automatically. All cars off city streets and sidewalks or ticketed and towed. Downtown district gets its own ban time, set per storm. Salem Snow Emergency FAQ ↗
Towing. Cars left in snow emergency locations or on streets are ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. Call the police at 978-744-0171 to find a towed car. Tow fee not published.
Alerts. A snow emergency shows as a red banner on the city homepage and on SATV, with a CodeRED call, email updates and flashing blue lights at 15 intersections. The city also lists a Regroup app (code salemma). Salem CodeRED signup ↗
Public works: Department of Public Services, 978-744-3302. Rules read November 8, 2026; confirm with the town before relying on them.
Holiday trash and recycling in Salem
Thanksgiving. The 2026 calendar highlights Thu Nov 26 as a holiday; collection is delayed one day following the holiday. Source ↗
Christmas. The calendar highlights Fri Dec 25; collection is delayed one day following the holiday. Source ↗
Collection by WM (Waste Management). Trash weekly, recycling every other week, same day. Collection runs 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on your day. WM 800-972-4545.
Christmas trees. Salem lists curbside tree pickup the week of Dec 28, 2026 on your trash day (a Friday pickup may slide for New Year's Day). No January 2027 weeks posted yet. Last year: weeks of Jan 1 and Jan 12, 2026. Source ↗
Events in Salem
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27
Santa's Arrival and Holiday Tree Lighting
Santa arrives atop the Hawthorne Hotel, then a procession down the Essex Street pedestrian mall to light the city holiday tree at Lappin Park. Kicks off Salem's Holiday Happenings season.
Opens Sun, Dec 20 · Dec 20
Salem Holiday Market
One-day indoor holiday craft and gift market in historic Old Town Hall.
Opens Sat, Nov 28 · Nov 28 - Dec 6
Christmas at The Gables
Special holiday tours of the historic House of the Seven Gables waterfront site.
Near Salem
Confirmed events within about 8 miles, nearest first.
- An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story, Beverly · Nov 15 · about 2 mi
- Manchester Friendship Tree Lighting and Seasonal Concert, Manchester-by-the-Sea · Dec 6 · about 7 mi
- Manchester Holiday Stroll and Business Open House, Manchester-by-the-Sea · Dec 4 · about 7 mi
- Santa Arrives by Boat and Jingle Bell Walk, Manchester-by-the-Sea · Dec 5 · about 7 mi