'Tis The Season: Charlotte's Christmas (2026)

Join the lively 19th century singing school students of Salem and some surprise guests for a packed evening as they explore the history of Christmas traditions. After the arrival of abolitionist Charlotte Forten, the anti-slavery practices forming around Christmas in New England change the students' perspective on the holiday. What unfolds is an entertaining exploration of tradition, freedom, and community.This show is audience participatory, if so desired, and we'll invite you to sing, keep rhythm, and enjoy complimentary punch and cookies with the "students"AND Before the show, participate in some free add ons to your ticket!:1) A few hours before your show, join Charlotte Forten for a Christmas walking tour of Salem and experience the historical city through the eyes of a young, free, African American woman. Learn about 19th century Christmas traditions, and how abolitionists used the holiday to keep fighting for anti-slavery causes.then...2) The opening of the (indoor) show at the Women's Friend Society will transition from an outdoor singing procession from Salem's (newly lit) Christmas tree at Lappin Park, down Essex Street, and onto Hawthorne Blvd, where the procession will enter into the Women's Friend Society. Audience members are encouraged to join that procession if desired. (This procession will start at approximately .5 hour before show time.) Or you may go directly to the performance space for seating. Children are welcome to all parts of this experience, but we ask that anyone who brings children promises to remove them from the audience if they become disruptive. Parental discretion is further advised around the discussion of American enslavement. Though the show is not graphic in its discussion, we want you to know that that's part of the content.Please feel free to contact [email protected] with any questions.Wishing you a season of joy and peace,The cast of 'Tis the Season; Charlottes Christmas and the production team at History Alive, Inc.www.historyalivesalem.com