This November, start your holiday shopping in Salem, hop aboard the Salem Trolley, or enjoy your favorite local museums and restaurants. Many restaurants have been outfitted with tents and heaters to extend outdoor dining through the end of the month and our downtown retailers are all ready to kick off the holiday shopping season. Find things to do this November downtown below and share your Salem experiences with us by tagging @destsalem and #destsalem in your posts this month.

Due to COVID-19, masks are required in all public areas in downtown Salem, both indoors and outdoors. Learn more about Salem’s mask mandate at salem.com/masks and click here to review COVID-19 preparedness in Salem.

Museums & Attractions

The House of the Seven Gables‘ gardens and grounds experience continues through November 12, along with virtual events and their museum shop offering gifts for the history and literary fans on your holiday shopping list plus and assortment of locally crafted ornaments. Learn more and plan your visit at 7gables.org. (Hours after November 12 TBD.)

“The Salem Witch Trials 1692” exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum was one of the most popular things to see this October in Salem, which combined with limited capacity and gallery space made it a challenge to see last month. Now that the Halloween crowds have thinned out, plan a trip to the museum to see this first of its kind exhibit at pem.org.

The Salem Witch Museum was one of the hardest tickets to get this October, but thankfully less crowds means more availability in November. Check their hours and plan your visit at salemwitchmuseum.com and if you can’t make it to Salem this month, be sure to check out their Witch Trials Online Site Tour.

For more ways to explore Salem this month:

• How to Explore Salem’s Historic Cemeteries

Walking & Trolley Tours

Please note, walking tours are running on limited capacities and advanced reservations are encouraged. Find a complete list of Salem walking tours here.

Bewitched After Dark runs through November with historical walking tours select dates at 3 and 7 pm. Order tickets online and plan your tour at bewitchedafterdark.com.

Salem Night Tour runs nightly year-round at 8 pm. Purchase tickets in advance at salemghosttours.com or stop by the Remember Salem store while downtown to check availability the day of your visit.

Salem Trolley runs weekends in November 10 am-5 pm (last tour departs at 4 pm). Learn more at salemtrolley.com.

For more ways to see Salem by foot:

• Salem Ghosts’ Virtual Programming
• Salem Historical Tours’ Virtual Cemetery Tour
• Salem on Your Own Mobile App by Hocus Pocus Tours

Restaurants

Reservations at Bit Bar will be easier to come by without our October crowds, and if you score a table you’re able to head inside to play some of their retro arcade and pinball games. Make your reservation for lunch or dinner online at bitbarsalem.com.

The Hawthorne Hotel is offering a traditional, three-course plated meal for Thanksgiving, 11:30 am-2:30 pm. Reservations are required, (978) 825-4345 and dining is subject to city/state regulations with physically distanced tables and no more than six guests per table. Learn more at hawthornehotel.com/thanksgiving.

Notch moved to curbside pickup only during Halloween week, so if you’ve waited until November to visit, you’re in luck! Their biergarten and taproom have reopened (and curbside remains available). Find rotating drafts and plan your visit at notchbrewing.com.

For more foodie inspiration in Salem this month:

• Salem Hot Chocolate Trail
• Salem Restaurants for Takeout/Delivery

Shops

The Record Exchange reopens November 7 with their ever-changing selection of fairly priced, quality used, new & collectible records, CDs, DVD’s Blu-rays and more. Shop downtown at their Washington Street locations and stay up to date on Record Store Days and new arrivals by following their Facebook page.

Pickering Wharf is the perfect November shopping destination in Salem with lots of stores carrying quality Christmas ornaments and holiday gifts like Moody’s Home & Gifts, Merry and Bright, Partridge in a Bear Tree, and Salemdipity.

To pick up a souvenir to remember your visit to Salem this month, try Coon’s Card & Gift Shop, Trolley Depot, or Witch Tee’s on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall for Salem tees, hoodies, hats, and more, or find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list with vintage finds at Emporium 32 or Modern Millie on Central Street.

For additional shops and gift guides:

• Where to Buy a Mask in Salem
• Shop for Christmas Ornaments in Salem
• Holiday Gift Guide by Price

Accommodations

The new Hampton Inn Salem Boston opened this October right downtown in easy walking distance to Salem’s attractions, shops, and restaurants. Salem’s newest accommodations boasts 113 guest rooms with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, parking on-site, and more. Learn more and book your stay at hilton.com.

If you’re having Thanksgiving dinner at the Hawthorne Hotel, consider making your visit an overnight stay with their November promotion: Book two nights and get 50% off the third. Call the Front Desk at (978) 744-4080 and mention you are “Thankful” to receive this special offer. Room type and special offer based on availability, more information is at hawthornehotel.com.