Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Salem, MA 

Love is in the air in Salem, Massachusetts this February. Sweet treats, romantic dinners, quiet strolls along cobblestone streets and festive moments exploring ice sculptures are all a part of Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival making it the perfect place to celebrate this enchanting holiday. 

Salem may be well known for its Haunted Happenings celebration in October, but it also hosts a wonderfully romantic Salem So Sweet Festival every February bringing together the city, dining establishments, shops and artisans to celebrate this day of love. 

Salem’s So Sweet Festival

Join Salem Main Streets and Salem Chamber of Commerce as they host the 2025 Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival from February 7th through February 9th. This decadent tradition is now in its 22nd year and includes delicious chocolates, illuminated ice sculptures and Valentine’s Day shopping to prepare for the holiday. 

On February 7th, join the events of this tasty and whimsical festival with the Kickoff Party and Night Shopping as well as with exploring the installation of ice sculptures around the city and in particular along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. Evening illumination of the ice sculptures will occur on Friday, Feb. 7th and Saturday, Feb. 8th from 5 pm to 9 pm. 

Craving something sweet for your sweetheart? The Chocolate Hearts Challenge will be held on Saturday, February 8th and Sunday, February 9th. Use a QR code to stroll around town to collect prizes including some delicious chocolates and tasty treats. Enjoy sweet deals and delicious offerings throughout the weekend at many of Salem’s eateries and retail shops. 

For more details and specific listings of participating shops and restaurants visit Salem Main Streets’s Salem’s So Sweet page. A full list of ice sculptures, participating businesses, and promotions are also listed online and will be available in brochures around town during the festival. 

Delicious Dinners & Drinks 

Salem, MA is the perfect location for a quiet dinner for two or a gathering of gal pals celebrating Galentine’s Day. Choose from a wide variety of cuisines from seafood to Italian and from Asian to Mediterranean cuisine. Check out the long list of places you may want to choose to dine at this Valentine’s Day on the Destination Salem site. 

After a scrumptious dinner, you may want to relax with a good beer at one of Salem’s many breweries where you can try what’s new on tap or enjoy your favorite draught with your partner. Check out Notch Brewing, East Regiment Beer Company, Far From the Tree Hard Cidery, or one of the other warm and welcoming breweries that call Salem, MA home. 

The Anti-Valentine Tour 

If Valentine’s Day isn’t your favorite holiday, or if it brings up bad memories, you may want to try the Anti-Valentine’s Day Tour hosted by the Salem Trolley and Salem Night Tours. On this tour, you can expect to join other like-minded individuals who view Valentine’s as the worst holiday ever. You will hear scandalous stories of love gone wrong and the dangers of love. This tour includes chocolate treats, black roses and more. Book early as this event often sells out quickly. 

For more information or to book a special tour at Real Pirates Salem, visit our site and get started planning your 2025 Valentine’s Day weekend.