CHRISTMAS IN SALEM 2011
“Rediscover the McIntire District”
Presented by Historic Salem, Inc.
This holiday season, we invite you to explore the McIntire District, a residential area of Salem containing one of the greatest concentrations of notable pre-1900 domestic structures existing in the U.S. Named for Salem’s celebrated architect-carver, Samuel McIntire, who lived at 31 Summer Street, the district is comprised of Chestnut Street, Federal Street, and portions of Essex, Broad, and Warren Streets. With few exceptions, the major architectural styles common to the region during the 1640 – 1940 period are represented. One of the district’s roadways, Chestnut Street, is well known for its beauty and stately homes and is a National Historic Landmark. Another, Essex Street, was once known as Salem’s Main Street.
Over the weekend of December 2nd – 4th, you will enjoy touring eleven beautifully decorated private homes in the McIntire District, many showcasing live music. In addition, two public sites are included on this year’s tour.
This is also an opportunity to learn about architect William G. Rantoul, whose renovations and designs are featured in private homes and public buildings in the district. Outside the district, Rantoul is best known for designing the landmark Shreve, Crump and Low building across from the Boston Public Garden and the majestic Ipswich home now known as The Mansion at Turner Hill.
You can use this website as your gateway to learn more about other holiday events taking place in Salem. Christmas in Salem is more than a house tour; it’s an entire month of celebration in our city by the sea.
Please note, because the tour features private homes, it is not handicapped accessible.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Eleven 18th, 19thand early 20th century homes, all decorated for the holidays by local designers, florists and garden clubs.
- Friday night Candlelight Tour of four selected houses, includes a few surprises
- Flags marking homes and sites associated with architect William G. Rantoul
- Saturday tour of Brookhouse Home for Women, 180 Derby Street, showing both McIntire and Rantoul rooms
PLUS
Complimentary Trolley Service • Restaurant, Shopping and Attractions Discounts • Special Museum Offers • Concerts • Lectures • Wine Tastings • Afternoon Tea
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Advance tickets are $25 for Historic Salem, Inc. members and $30 for non-members. Tickets for the Friday night Candlelight Tour MUST be purchased in advance.
Tickets may be purchased in advance until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 30th, in the following ways:
- Online (October 15th to Wednesday, November 30th at 5:00 PM):
- $30 General Public
- $25 Historic Salem, Inc. members
- Join Historic Salem, Inc.
- By phone. Call Historic Salem, Inc. at 978-745-0799.
- At Historic Salem Inc.’s office, 9 North Street, Salem. (Call first to ensure office is open.)
- At specified retail locations:
Bernard’s Jewelers, 179 Essex Street, Salem, MA
J. Mode, 17 Front Street, Salem, MA
Laura Lanes Skin Care, 242 Essex Street, Salem, MA
Peter D. Barter, Inc. Flowers & Colonial Gifts,
201 Derby Street, Salem, MA
Signatures Apparel, 107 Turnpike Street, No. Andover MA
(Eaglewood Shopping Center)
Signatures Apparel, 181 Essex Street, Salem, MA
Trolley Depot, 191 Essex Street, Salem, MA
Waters & Brown, 13 Elliott Street, Beverly, MA
Waters & Brown, 281 Derby Street, Salem, MA
Redeem your advance receipt for a program book that will serve as your ticket for entry to the homes. For the Friday night Candlelight Tour, receipts may be redeemed at any of the four featured homes. On Saturday and Sunday, redeem your receipt at tour headquarters.
On Saturday and Sunday, tickets may be purchased at tour headquarters for $35.
Remember to keep your program book for entry each day of the tour.
TOUR HEADQUARTERS
Our headquarters on tour days will be in the front door vestibule of the Tabernacle Congregational Church at 50 Washington Street in Salem. Headquarters will be open as follows:
Saturday, December 3rd
Those who purchased tickets in advance may redeem them for program books beginning at 10:00 AM in the vestibule.
Day-of-tour sales will begin at 10:00 AM in the vestibule.
Sunday, December 4th
Those who purchased tickets in advance may redeem them for program books beginning at 11:00 AM outside the church. Houses will be open at 11:30 AM for those with program books.
Day-of-tour sales will begin in the vestibule at noon, in deference to morning church services.
PARKING
- The City of Salem offers many parking options, including metered lots at Sewall Street, Crombie Street, Riley Plaza, Front Street and Church Street, and covered garages at Museum Place and South Harbor.
- The MBTA station is a short five-minute walk from tour headquarters.
- St. James Parish Church (156 – 161 Federal Street) has generously offered tour goers complimentary use of their parking lot. Access the parking lot from Bridge or Flint Streets.
TROLLEY SERVICE
On Saturday and Sunday, a red Salem Trolley will circulate to bring tour goers to stops near the homes, municipal parking lots, and shopping and dining attractions. Trolley service is complimentary, but it is limited. The trolley makes a continuous loop, but we cannot predict when it will stop at any specific location.
WE REQUEST:
- Out of courtesy to our homeowners and their historic floors, please do not wear high heels.
- Please do not bring children younger than six unless carried in a Snugli.
- Food and drink are not allowed in any of the homes.
Save the dates
for the 2012 Christmas in Salem Tour:
November 30, December 1 & 2, 2012.
