Top 5 Must-Dos at Salem's So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Salem with the sweetest event of the year during the 18th annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival! The festival, co-hosted by Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber of Commerce, features an annual chocolate and wine tasting, stunning ice sculptures, deals and promotions, and more. Get the most out of your visit to Salem’s So Sweet with our five must-do’s:

1. Ice Sculptures Around Town

This year’s ice sculptures make their debut on Saturday, February 8! Themes from previous years have included “Love Potion #9,” a Dragon, the Salem State University Superfan, the Gloucester Fisherman, Princess and Frog, and more! From 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, get around town with the Salem Trolley. A complete list of sculptures will be available closer to the event from local shops and SalemSoSweet.com.

2. Special Illuminated Stroll with Retonica

Stay downtown after dinner on Saturday for an evening stroll to see the ice sculptures lit up by Retonica. Grab some hot chocolate and take your time exploring as the ice sculptures will be illuminated from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Don’t forget to bring your camera! The illuminated sculptures make for some beautiful photos.

3. Golden Ticket Promotions

During the festival’s Golden Ticket Promotions, make a full-priced purchase at one participating business to earn 10% off the next one! Downtown businesses will offer additional chocolate and Valentines-inspired sweets and treats during the festival. Offers are valid only February 8-9 and some restrictions apply. A list of participating locations may be found in the Salem’s So Sweet map and online.

4. Kids Crafts, Pop-up Shops, and more!

Salem’s So Sweet doesn’t stop there! Additional events around town include the Valentine’s crafts at the Gables, sweet tastings around town, children’s activities, and more! Check SalemSoSweet.com for all the details.

5. Dip Into the Chocolate Fountain at Maria’s Sweet Somethings

Visit Maria’s Sweet Somethings and dip into the chocolate fondue fountain! A tradition each year of the festival, Maria’s is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth in between ice sculptures.

Visit SalemSoSweet.com for more information about this year’s festival, and share your Salem’s So Sweet adventures by using #salemsosweet and #destsalem.