Ring in the New Year in Salem, MA 

The countdown has started and 2025 is racing at us with alarming speed. Do you know how you are going to spend New Year’s Eve this year? If you want to kick off the New Year right, Salem, Massachusetts is the spot for you this year. 

Want to avoid the crowds in Boston but still enjoy celebrating with friends and family? Salem hosts a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party on December 31st starting at 6 pm. Little ones will be able to enjoy the occasion without having to stay up til midnight.

Salem Frozen Fire Festival 

Celebrate the start of winter in Salem with the Salem Frozen Fire Festival from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Enjoy events like live entertainment, Olympic curling, ice sculptures, a cozy igloo village, an artisan market and fire installations sure to be the “hottest” thing around! 

Established in 2022, the is a centerpiece for dynamic winter entertainment, artisan shopping, hospitality and craft libations in Salem. This family-friendly programming is free and open to the public. Sign up for the festival’s newsletter to know when and where to find events.  

New Year’s Eve Launch 

Starting at 4:30 pm on December 31, 2024, this family-friendly event kicks off the New Year in Salem. Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem are teaming up to throw a whopper of a New Year’s Eve party! 

Join us on Artists’ Row, 24 New Derby Street, where you can enjoy art-making activities, face painting, temporary tattoos, silent disco and so much more. Events are free to all with a $5 suggested donation. Countdown to the New Year starts at 6 pm making it a fun afternoon and early evening. This program is an integral part of the Holiday Happenings initiatives.  

Frosty Four New Year’s Day Race 

The Wicked Frosty Four is an annual 4-mile road race held every year on New Year’s Day. This is great to kick off the New Year strong and on the path to another year of fitness.

The race will be held bright and early at 10 am, January 1st, 2024! Pre-registration is at 8:30-9:45 am at Village Tavern, 168 Essex St, Salem. Pre-registration is $35 with partial proceeds from the Frosty Four being used to award scholarships to area high school seniors at each year’s Summer Miles Over the Moon road race.

Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival 2025 

Bring in the New Year with a laugh at the Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival! Join us on Thursday, January 23rd, Friday, January 24th or Saturday, January 25th. 

The Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival began in 2016 by stand-up comedian Mark Scalia. The goal of the festival is to celebrate comedy, comedians and spirits in historic Salem, MA. Mark wanted comics to be able to network with each other, be supportive, entertain Salem residents and enjoy amazing locally-made products and spirits.

Start your New Year off right in Salem, Massachusetts. To find out more about what’s happening in the Witch City visit SalemMainStreets.org, Destination Salem, or Salem Chamber of Commerce.