Experience Salem from wherever you’re spending this holiday season with a virtual experience for everyone! Book psychic readings, shop for the holidays, meet local artists, and more, all while supporting Salem’s small businesses. Find ideas for how to experience Salem virtually this time of year below:
Grinchy Grams
Spread holiday cheer with a personalized video from The Grinch himself! Submit basic information like your age, favorite things to do, and what you’d like for Christmas and The Grinch will film a personalized message for you from his home atop Mount Crumpit. Choose your type of message from Nice (for kids and families) to Naughty (for adults or friends who need a laugh- but keep it clean, even for The Grinch!). Grinchy Grams run for 6 minutes and are sponsored by Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre. For tickets and more information, click here.
Virtual Holiday Dance with Hamilton Hall
Support Hamilton Hall with a gift of $85 or more and you’ll receive a link to this year’s virtual holiday celebration! This time honored tradition is a favorite annual event, and we’re thrilled to see Hamilton Hall continuing with the festivities this year in a way that keeps everyone safe. During this year’s event, meet eight honorary patronesses from Salem’s past, learn some local history, and enjoy music from the Holiday Dance’s White Heat Swing Orchestra and more. Get tickets for the virtual dance, and learn more about how to support Hamilton Hall during this time here.
Online Psychic Readings, Classes and More with Hex and Omen
Hex and Omen, two of Salem’s downtown witch shops, are offering a variety of online events throughout the season. Book an online reading with a Salem psychic right from home, participate in an online seance, or take part in one of Hex’s educational classes. One of the shop’s annual events, WitchCon has also moved entirely online, giving you access to the full conference right from home. And if you need to purchase items like candles, crystals, books, tarot cards, sage, and more, you’ll find it all on Hex’s website.
Virtual Walking Tours with Salem Historical Tours
Salem Historical Tours has been hosting virtual walking tours nearly all year in an effort to share Salem’s history with visitors both near and far. Check their Twitter or Facebook pages for the latest updates on upcoming tours, including the Blue Lady Virtual Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour, airing live this Saturday, December 12. Visit their website for complete information and to reserve your space.
Meet Artists & Shop Virtually with ChagallPAC
Follow ChagallPAC on Facebook to stay up to date with all of their upcoming virtual events with artists whose items are showcased in their Artists’ Row shop! Artist meet and greets run throughout December and offer a unique look into the creators behind many of the locally crafted pieces in their store. Virtual shopping appointments are also available through ChagallPAC’s website, so you can browse the store from wherever you may be.
Order Takeout/Delivery
Order takeout or delivery from a downtown restaurant! Find a list of restaurants offering takeout and delivery here, including everything from pizza to Mediterranean, with local Pickering Wharf favorites like Longboards, Sea Level, the Regatta Pub or downtown spots like Village Tavern, Adriatic Restaurant, Flying Saucer, and more. Restaurant gift cards also make great gifts for the holidays, plus buying them ahead of time is a nice way to support Salem’s small business scene ahead of when you dine in downtown later on.
Shop local online
Many of Salem’s shops have online stores! Support Salem’s independent bookstore, Wicked Good Books, by shopping their page of bookshop.org, order the latest trends from brands like Johnny Was or Nicole Miller from J. Mode, or shop locally made wares and fair trade goods from Moody’s Home & Gifts. While you’re shopping, consider picking up gift cards for both shops and restaurants to gift this holiday season or to support your favorite small businesses now and be ready for your visit downtown later this year. Find a complete list of online stores here.
Don’t forget, Stay Local Salem runs through December 31- Bring your Stay Local Salem postcard downtown as you shop (or mention it while ordering online) at participating businesses to receive a punch, get five punches and you’ll be entered to win a Salem Staycation! Need a postcard? Email us at info@salem.org with your mailing address and we’ll send you one.
