Looking for things to do on New Year's Eve? Here's our round-up of events for the bite-size to the big guys...
Note: We will update this story as we find more events. Last updated 10:17 p.m. Dec 26, 2024.
For the Kids
Noon Year's Eve at the children’s museum features a family-friendly balloon drop party with activities and treats, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec 31, Gilbert House Children's Museum, 116 Marion St NE. $10 for Gilbert House Members $24 for Non-Members (includes museum admission) Click here for tickets.
You and your kiddo (age 6 and up) are invited to explore your creative side at a New Year's Paint Party. No experience is necessary. This paint party will have watercolor painting as the main activity with fun take-home treats and coloring sheets. 2 to 4 p.m. December 28, at Salem Riverfront Carousel, 101 Front St. Click here to register.
There'll be a Kid's New Year's Eve Party designed especially for toddlers to grade schoolers starting Salem Center. Entertainment and activities include kid-friendly beats, a photo booth and balloon drop (at 9 p.m.) Tickets are $15 per kid (includes a kid's meal) and $15 per adult (includes a beverage). The fun starts at 7 p.m. Dec 31. Click here to purchase tickets.
All Ages
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec 31 and offering free rides. Suggested donation of a non-perishable food item.
There’s a free, all-ages New Year’s Eve Bash featuring live music by The Folly and City of Pieces. Wear an ugly holiday sweater. There will also be an appearance by Krampus, Dec 31 at McMenamins Boon's Treasury.
See the Magic of Lights dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience to Salem. Load up the car for this one price attraction. Guests remain in their vehicles for the experience, traveling at 5 mph. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec 31, at Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center, 2330 17th St NE. Tickets start at $23. magicoflights.com
Wrap your year with a classic on the big screen as Salem Cinema presents When Harry Met Sally — In 1977, college graduates Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) share a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York, during which they argue about whether men and women can ever truly be strictly platonic friends. Ten years later, Harry and Sally meet again at a bookstore, and in the company of their respective best friends, Jess (Bruno Kirby) and Marie (Carrie Fisher), attempt to stay friends without sex becoming an issue between them. 8 p.m. Dec 31 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
Celebrate at A Grand New Year's Eve Party and ring in the New Year with funk and flair featuring the high-energy grooves of DTW and local legends THIS Funk Band. This night promises non-stop funk, soul, and celebration. Dance the night away with infectious rhythms and vibrant vibes as we welcome 2025 in style. Beginning at 8 p.m. Dec 31, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $20 Online | $25 Day Of | All Ages welcome. Click here for tickets.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family at NYE Comedy: All Ages Improv with Electric Baguette where Infinity Room’s performers will make up scenes based on your suggestion in a show themed around NYE. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7, Dec 31 $25 presale/$35 at doors. All ages welcome. Click here for tickets.
Adults Only
End 2024 with bingo and more than $21,500 in payouts starting at 3 p.m. at B&G Bingo, 1266 Lancaster Dr SE.
DJ RoQwest will be slinging beats for a New Year Countdown Celebration starting at 9 p.m. at Taproot Lounge and Cafe.
Check out a New Year’s Eve Party with champagne cocktails, jello shots, games, prizes and fun all night, Dec 31 at Tsunami Taproom, 2925 22nd St SE.
For adults, NYE Black Tie Comedy is a stand-up showcase featuring Oregon's finest and funniest. Dress up and celebrate with laughter and a complimentary champagne or sparkling toast at midnight. Doors at 9 p.m., show at 10 at Infinity Room. $40 presale/$45 at doors. Age 21 and older. Click here for tickets.
Ring in the New Year with Havenrose Real Estate with a night of live music and DJ, a midnight champagne toast, prizes and more. Beginning at 8 p.m. Dec 21 at Wolfhounds Bar & Grill, 466 Court St NE. (Note: Minors permitted from 8-9 p.m. for a mocktail and to take photos at the photo booth.) Tickets start at $8 in advance. Click here for tickets.
Take in the NYE 2025 Countdown at the Hustle hosted by @thedjnewera official DJ of the Alabama Crimson Tide, with a complimentary champagne toast and midnight balloon drop. Starting at 9 p.m. Dec 31 at Side Hustle Bar, 145 Liberty St NE. Age 21 and older. Tickets start at $10. Click here for tickets.
A night of live classic rock will be center stage at the New Year’s Eve Party featuring Surefire and a midnight toast Dec 31 at Half Penny Public House, 3743 Commercial St SE. $5 cover.
There’s a New Year Fiesta with DJ Cavalier, dancing, food and drink specials happening 8 p.m. Dec 31 at Xicha Brewing, 2195 Hyacinth St NE.
Mykie's Bar is celebrating New Year's Eve with their First Anniversary Party on Dec 31 — that's two reasons to celebrate! Featuring DJ ZO and DJ Pahnj. It begins at 8 p.m. Ladies Free. $10 after 11 p.m.
Countdown to 2025 at the Glitz & Glam New Year's Party from 9 p.m. to midnight Dec 31 at Kraftworks where there will be confetti bombs at midnight plus sounds by Sticky, Cyborg and friends. $7 cover. Ladies free.
And a New Year's Eve Pajama Party at The Best Goose Bar on Dec 31 that will feature a resolution trashcan (#realtalk) and a toast with actual toast.
If you are looking for a special dinner/drinks spot, try these —
Archive Coffee & Bar will have cocktails, prime rib & crème brûlée cheesecake.
Nekia PNW will have specials on oysters, duck confit, a Buche de Noel and more.
And after all your celebrations….
Begin your new year with a creative and nourishing flow guided by Chantal. This all-levels class will be threaded with somatic release techniques to help release old patterns and make space for new energy. It’s an opportunity to set the tone for a fresh and vibrant year ahead, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 1 at Resonance Yoga Collective, 129 Commercial St NE. Sliding Scale $5-$20. Click here to register.