CHRISTMAS IN SALEM
THE 2010 NORTH FIELDS TOUR
Presented by Historic Salem, Inc.
One of Salem’s oldest historic neighborhoods is one of its least well known. As the name suggests, the North Fields area was once home to pastures and orchards as well as homes. Today, North Street and the streets to the east and west of it are known as North Salem. We are delighted to invite you to explore this area not visited by Christmas in Salem since 1996 and to enjoy the private homes professionally decorated for the holidays.
This is also an opportunity to see more of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Salem. His uncle’s house is on the tour, and he himself lived here, as well. When you take the trolley back across the North River, you’ll find three more homes in the downtown and the Derby Street area waiting to welcome you. And don’t miss the Hawthorne related sites, including The House of the Seven Gables with its own holiday celebration.
We hope you will use this website as home base for information 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.
We’re sorry, but because the tour features private homes, it is not handicapped accessible. Also, out of courtesy to our homeowners and their old pine floors, we request that you do not wear high heels.
Eleven 18th, 19th and early 20th century homes all professionally decorated for the holidays
Flags marking homes and sites associated with the North Fields’ native son, Nathaniel Hawthorne
PLUS
Free Trolley Service • Restaurant and Shopping Discounts • Special Museum Offers • Concerts • Lectures •
Theater Tie-ins • Wine Tasting • Holiday Decorating Boutique
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 4th
Those who purchased tickets in advance may redeem them for program books, beginning at 10 a.m. in the vestibule.
Day-of-tour sales will begin at 10 a.m. in the vestibule.
Sunday, December 5th
Those who purchased tickets in advance may redeem them for program books, beginning at 11:00 a.m. outside the church. Houses will be open at 11:30 for those with program books.
Day-of-tour sales will begin in the vestibule at noon, in deference to morning church services.
TROLLEY SERVICE TO THE NORTH FIELDS
On Saturday and Sunday, two red Salem Trolleys will circulate to bring tour goers to stops near the homes. Park in municipal lots and meet the trolley opposite the Tabernacle Church on the corner of Washington and Federal Streets. Trolley service is free!
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, December 1st, in the following ways:
- Online. Click here or the Buy Tickets button in the upper left part of the page.
- 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. Click here for names of participating businesses.
Redeem your 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 three homes featured on the Candlelight Tour. On Saturday and Sunday, redeem your receipt at tour headquarters.
On Saturday and Sunday, tickets may be purchased at tour headquarters for $35.00.
Remember to keep your program book for entry each day of the tour.
A NOTE ABOUT PARKING
On Friday night, due to the Candlelight Illumination on Dearborn Street, parking is restricted to side streets in that area.
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.
