Guide to Visiting Salem in the Winter & Early Spring

Salem, Massachusetts has great things to see and experience all year round; each season offering something special for visitors from near and far. Winter in Salem promises cozy accommodations, seasonal specialties in the restaurants, and museum visits with fewer crowds.

Stay in Salem at Favorite Hotels, Inns, and B&Bs

The winter season in Salem calls for staying in a place that feels like home. Historic inns and B&Bs like The Daniels House, The Northey Street House Bed and Breakfast, The Merchant, and Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast offer a cozy and comfortable place to put your feet up at the end of the day while you continue to soak in New England charm.

If you prefer a full-service hotel, you will find fireplaces at The Hawthorne Hotel, and The Salem Waterfront Hotel, and centrally located, contemporary accommodations at Hotel Salem and the Hampton Inn. For a complete list of places to stay in Salem, click here.

Experience Winter’s Best Local Events

In late January, you can shake off the cold with some laughs during the Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival.

Salem hosts a festival for every season, and some of winter’s events are the best!  Salem’s So Sweet is Salem’s sweetest weekend of the year, taking place near Valentine’s Day Weekend. Set your sights and Valentine shopping plans on this delicious chocolate and ice sculpture festival.

And, Salem Film Fest, the largest international documentary film festival in Massachusetts, presents features, shorts, and special events in late March. 

View Unique Exhibits and Works by Local Artists

You don’t need to plan your visit over the summer to experience Salem’s art scene. The Peabody Essex Museum is open year-round and features maritime and East Asian art, extensive fashion collections, and more, along with a selection of rotating exhibitions.

Salem Arts Association highlights works by local artists, with exhibition themes that vary seasonally. Pick up a print, jewelry, or shop for your next statement piece in their shop, or visit the gallery and discover a new-to-you artist.

Just outside of downtown, the Satanic Temple / Salem Art Gallery also features a rotating lineup of exhibits, along with their iconic statue of Baphomet.

Experience Your Favorite October Attractions All Year Long

Many of Salem’s most popular summer and fall attractions are available year-round (with little or no wait time and no advance ticket sales needed outside of October). The Salem Witch Museum is a great first stop during your visit to acquaint yourself with the events of the Salem Witch Trials.

Literary lovers can explore The House of the Seven Gables throughout the year and enjoy guided tours of the property that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel.

Prefer to explore Salem on foot? Several walking tours run all year, so you can experience a guided stroll around town as you take in history with a local.

You also don’t need to wait until warmer weather to book a psychic reading, visit your favorite spell bar, take an aura photo, or shop for tarot cards. Salem’s witch shops are always ready to help with upcoming spells or take a peek into your future, regardless of when you visit.

Cozy Up to Salem’s Culinary Scene

Salem is known for its culinary scene, and that doesn’t change in the winter! Warm up with French onion soup from Longboards or go for clam chowder at Finz Seafood and Grill or Turner’s Seafood. For something more robust, cut into a steak at Village Tavern or Ledger.

If you are really looking to warm things up, try a local coffee shop or walk around town with our hot chocolate crawl to warm up on the go!