SALEM — Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival will return for its 24th year on Feb. 6, transforming downtown Salem with more than 25 ice sculptures, a “Chocolate Hearts” game with prizes, and deals at local businesses.
The festival begins with a kickoff event fundraiser at the Peabody Essex Museum Connect Space at 135 Essex St. Ticket holders will receive a commemorative glass, a complementary pour of wine, and a goodie bag of sweets before heading out to explore. Multiple downtown businesses will be providing wine tastings and free treats for ticket holders, and participants can enjoy illuminated ice sculptures and live music on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall between destinations.
While the rest of the festival’s activities are free to the public, tickets to the fundraiser are $40.
That opening Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m., a limited number of ice sculptures will be illuminated on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and Lappin Park. On Saturday night at the same time, all of the sculptures across the city will be lit, weather permitting. The sculptures will last as long as the weather allows. A map of all ice sculptures is available on the Salem’s So Sweet Facebook page at facebook.com/salemsosweet.
Many local businesses will offer their own chocolate and “love-inspired” specials for the duration of Salem’s So Sweet in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Visitors can also play the “Chocolate Hearts Challenge” by looking for special Salem’s So Sweet signage at participating businesses to be entered for prizes. A purchase by the customer is not required but is highly encouraged. A full list of participating businesses and information about how to play will be available on the website (salemsosweet.com) closer to the event.
The Salem Trolley will again be shuttling attendees on a loop around the city on Saturday, Feb. 7, and Sunday, Feb. 8, from noon to 4 p.m., for $3.
More information and tickets to the kickoff event can be found at salemmainstreets.org/events/salems-so-sweet.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202