Celebrate Christmas at Hammond Castle Museum

SPONSORED CONTENT | Written by Destination Salem

If you are spending the holiday season in Salem and looking for something magical just beyond the city, Hammond Castle Museum is an easy and beautiful escape. Located less than thirty minutes up the coastline, the Museum offers a Christmas experience filled with vintage charm, artful details, and a sense of seasonal wonder that makes it a perfect addition to your winter plans.

Step Into Deck the Halls

Each year the Museum transforms for Deck the Halls, a museum-wide holiday installation celebrating the beauty of the season through rich greenery, glowing trees, and inspired decorative elements. Every room is dressed for Christmas with its own character and color story. The effect is warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed to highlight the architectural beauty of the Museum itself.

Visitors will find lush garlands, sparkling trees, a whimsical 3D printed gingerbread-style model of the Museum, nutcracker displays, and a pair of menorahs honoring the full spirit of the season. This year’s presentation includes elevated design work created in partnership with Elaine Quinn Interiors, bringing a fresh artistic touch to a much-loved tradition.

Deck the Halls is open daily through January 4, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Seasonal Events That Bring the Museum to Life

In addition to daily admission, the Museum hosts a series of special events that give the season even more sparkle.

Deck the Halls by Candlelight
These guided evening tours take place on the first three Thursdays in December. Candlelight and twinkling lights create an intimate setting as guests explore the Museum with a dedicated guide, resulting in a warm, nostalgic holiday experience.

Chelsea Berry Holiday Concerts
Beloved singer-songwriter Chelsea Berry returns with two concerts in the Great Hall. Her holiday album, Ring the Bells, fills the space with heartfelt seasonal music. Saturday evening features an optional VIP ticket with preferred seating, a meet and greet, and a glass of champagne. Sunday’s performance welcomes families with a sing-along and special child pricing.

Santa Returns to the Castle
Families can enjoy a joyful visit with Santa on December 13 and 14. The Great Hall becomes a holiday gathering place for festive photo moments and treasured seasonal memories.

Christmas at the Castle with the Firebird Pops Orchestra
The Firebird Pops Orchestra presents four performances of holiday classics and film favorites in the Great Hall from December 19 through December 21. The setting, music, and energy come together to create one of the most memorable holiday concerts on the North Shore.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you love festive installations, live music, guided experiences, or family-friendly holiday fun, the Museum offers something special for everyone. The atmosphere feels both historic and welcoming, and the seasonal decor gives the entire experience a sense of warmth that pairs beautifully with the New England coastline.

Make your holiday season even more memorable and explore Christmas at Hammond Castle Museum. You will step into an environment filled with creativity, tradition, and cheerful holiday spirit.

While you are there, look for a special and unique gift for your hard-to-shop-for loved ones in our curated Museum Shop, or consider giving them the gift of a Hammond Castle Museum membership. Membership offers a year-long experience including free daytime tours with the ability to bring a friend, savings on most special events, early access to tickets for major events like the Goblin King Ball, and discounts on all Museum Shop purchases.

Plan your trip today and learn more at hammondcastle.org.