Santa Arrives In Salem For Holiday Tree Lighting Friday

SALEM, MA —Santa Claus will be in Salem for a special evening to kick off the holiday season on Friday.

Santa is set to arrive atop the Hawthorne Hotel at 6 p.m. on Friday. Those wishing to see the big man touch down — with a helping hand from the Salem Fire Department — are advised to arrive at Salem Common by 5:45 p.m.

Santa will then make his way down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park — which is next to the "Bewitched" statue at the intersection of Essex and Washington streets — for the lighting of the city's Christmas tree.

Families are encouraged to bring lanterns and be part of the procession with electric or battery candles recommended, and take part in a night of carols, festivities and fun.

Salem Main Streets and the city of Salem are hosting the evening with the help of the Hawthorne Hotel.

A Salem resident has donated this year's tree, which is being decorated by the Salem Department of Public Works through a grant from the city of Salem and U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Iron Tree Service and N. Granese & Sons helped deliver the tree to its holiday location.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)