Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber of Commerce invite you to participate in the annual Salem's So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival - a decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine's Day shopping! Now in its 21st year, we are continuing to evolve the signature elements of our event to better reflect the challenges and opportunities within our business community and incorporate best practices learned over the years.

Schedule of Events

February 10, 2023

Ice sculptures around town, starting with installation on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall

February 10-11, 2023

5 pm to 8 pm: Evening Illumination of Ice Sculptures

Over 25+ ice sculptures will be on display for viewing around town during the festival. A special sneak peek with a limited number of sculptures will be illuminated on Friday night on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and Lappin Park only, and on Saturday night all of the sculptures will be lit. Sculptures will be illuminated between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. both nights, weather permitting. SPECIAL this year, traveling installation Brighter Ignited by Tova Speter will be on display during the illumination, brought to us by the Jewish Arts Collaborative and sponsored by Creative Collective.

February 10, 2023

A Kickoff Party and Late Night Shopping

Salem's So Sweet gets started with a new Kickoff Event fundraiser on Friday, February 10. Ticket buyers will start at the Peabody Essex Museum's Connect Space (135 Essex Street) with timed entries beginning at 4:50 pm, where they will receive a commemorative glass, a complementary pour of wine, and a goodie bag of sweet treats before heading out to explore. There will be multiple shops nearby providing wine tastings for ticket holders, and participants can enjoy the illuminated ice sculptures and live music on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. Additional downtown retailers will be staying open until 8 pm that evening for shopping, treats, and/or tastings. Many downtown restaurants will be running unique specials and tastings as well.

Tickets are $40 and must be purchased for one of three different timed sessions (4:50PM - 5:30PM, 5:30PM - 6:10PM, 6:10PM - 6:50PM) where ticket holders will be able to check in, receive their wine glass, pour of wine, and goodie bag. Ticket buyers may arrive any time during their selected window.

February 11-12, 2023

The Chocolate Hearts Challenge

Play the "Chocolate Hearts Challenge:, a game where customers can scan a QR code posted near the point of sale at participating businesses for a chance to win prizes. A purchase by the customer is not required but is highly encouraged.

An app-based game with QR codes in businesses around town offering a range of prizes

Sweet treats and deals at many of the amazing local shops and eateries all weekend!

Date: February 10-12, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Salem, MA 01970

Click here for more information