Carlee WrightSalem doesn’t ease into the holidays; it hits the ground sparkling. Whether you want music, markets, movies, or merry mayhem, here are the events ready to brighten your winter. Cheers!
November 28
Santa makes his grand arrival aboard the Carousel Express Train, this year with a special elf in tow. After greeting the crowd, the duo will kick off the first ride of the season before Santa settles in for photos and visits from 12:30 to 5 p.m. A festive start to the holidays for little ones and their grown-ups alike. Nov 28 at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel. salemcarousel.org
Downtown Salem Holiday Parade returns. The parade starts at NE Court Street, east of the Oregon State Capitol, and ends with a tree lighting on Court Street between Liberty and Commercial Streets, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov 28. salemmainstreetassociation.org
After the parade, catch a big screen viewing of The Polar Express, 8 p.m. Nov 28 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. salemshg.com $
November 28 & 29
Be a part of the magic as the World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker live on stage, featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers bringing the most beloved holiday tradition to life, 7 pm. Nov 28 and 6 p.m. Nov 29 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
November 28 to December 1
Magic at The Mill lights up the season with four evenings of festivities, from sparkling displays and children’s activities to heritage tours, music, demonstrations, and vendors, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov 28 through Dec 1 at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. SE. willametteheritage.org/magic-at-the-mill/ $
December 2
Kick off Holidays at the Capitol with the grand tree lighting, featuring music by Willamette Master Chorus, followed by a program with dignitaries. Once the tree is lit, enjoy free Santa photos, cookies, and punch while supplies last. 5 p.m. Dec 2 at the Oregon State Capitol. oregonlegislature.gov
Nina West hosts A Drag Queen Christmas and brings a lineup of fan-favorite queens to the stage for a night of big performances and bigger personality. Ages 18+ welcome. 7:30 p.m. Dec 2 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
December 3
Sound the trumpets and feel the power of the holidays with The B3 Brass Trio, in a high-energy, family-friendly concert filled with original, classical and popular holiday favorites. 7 p.m. Dec 3 in Chemeketa Auditorium, Building 6, 4000 Lancaster Dr. Chemeketaconcerts.weebly.com $
Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss will find plenty to love in O Christmas Tea, the award-winning holiday comedy from London duo James & Jamesy. Their Christmas tea party goes spectacularly off the rails, unleashing a tidal wave of whimsy, quick-witted wordplay, and wildly inventive physical comedy. It’s an imaginative, high-energy romp for audiences of all ages. 7:30 p.m. Dec 3 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
December 3 to 24
Holidays at the Capitol fills the Rotunda with music from school choirs from around the state. Performances take place Monday through Saturday, Dec 3 to 24, at the Oregon State Capitol. View the schedule at oregonlegislature.gov
December 4 & 5
Holidays in Hudson Hall marks the season with a beloved Salem tradition. Step into the beautifully decorated concert hall for a chance to pause, listen, and take in a moment of calm amid the holiday rush, 7:30 p.m. Dec 4 & 5 in Hudson Hall at Willamette University. willamette.edu $
December 5
Kindle the Flame is a winter concert centered on light, love, and chosen family, inviting audiences to gather close for music that sparks hope and connection. 7:30 p.m. Dec 5, in the MICAH Building, 680 State St. confluencelgbtchorus.org $
Dress up for an evening of holiday cheer at the Gala of Trees, an annual fundraiser for Family Building Blocks featuring exquisitely decorated trees, a silent auction, a live auction, dinner, wine, and dancing. 5:30 p.m. Dec 5 at Salem Convention Center. familybuildingblocks.org/galaoftrees $
Bundle up and bring your family to the City of Salem’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, where there will be visits with Santa, horse carriage rides, a scavenger hunt, letter-writing to Santa, holiday music, cookies, and cocoa. The tree lights up at 6 p.m. December 6 at Riverfront Park, 200 Water St SE. (The display continues until Dec 31)
The Riverfront Holiday Lights Display opens with a tree lighting celebration featuring Santa visits, carriage rides, and family activities. The park glows with thousands of illuminated displays and lighted tunnels, creating a festive backdrop all season long. The tree lighting takes place at 5:45 p.m. Dec 5 at Riverfront Park, 200 Water St NE.
December 6
The Salem Etsy Team hosts the Handmade Market. Browse and shop more than 150 local vendors offering entirely handmade goods at this family-friendly market, complete with a kids’ scavenger hunt, activity table, Santa visits, and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec 6 at 2330 17th St NE. Parking is $10.
Salem Art Association hosts the Winter Holiday Happenings Open House, where you can shop, enjoy music, and support the arts, 12 to 4 p.m. Dec 6, at the Bush Barn Art Center & Annex, 600 Mission St SE and Bush House Museum, 600 Mission St SE. salemart.org
Enjoy music and explore immersive history by traveling back in time in the Museum’s seasonally decorated and beautifully maintained home and grounds, 1 to 4 p.m. Dec 6 at Bush House Museum, 600 Mission St SE. bushhousemuseum.org
Ukrainian Winterfest makes its Salem debut with a vibrant celebration of music, art, food, and community, supporting DAWN Inc.’s humanitarian work in Ukraine. Guests can explore artisan crafts, holiday gifts, traditional food and drink, children’s activities, and interactive cultural demonstrations that highlight the resilience and richness of Ukrainian heritage. A warm, seasonal gathering with purpose. 1 to 6 p.m. Dec 6 at 2615 Portland Road NE.
Get festive at the Jingle Bell Relay, 5:30 p.m. Dec 6 at Riverfront Park. $10 to participate. egov.cityofsalem.net/ParksRec/Activity
Celebrate the season with music, cocoa, and s’mores at the annual Star Trees Lighting ceremony, 6:30 p.m. Dec 6 at Willamette University.
December 7
Visit Deepwood for its Holiday Open House and explore the home dressed in Victorian style, complete with handmade ornaments, hosts in period attire, and a visit from Santa in the Front Parlor. Enjoy 19th-century music from Constant Billy and browse gifts like teas and teacups in the Solarium, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec 7 at Deepwood Museum & Gardens, 1116 Missions St SE. deepwoodmuseum.org
Wreath Making Workshop — Create a fresh winter wreath with guidance from floral designer Sheena Nash of Beyond the Bloom Farm & Floral. Work with evergreens, eucalyptus, holly, pinecones, and ribbons to craft a custom piece while enjoying wine available for purchase. A festive, hands-on afternoon of creativity and holiday spirit. 1 p.m. Dec 7 at Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE eventbrite.com $
Catch a big screen viewing of White Christmas, the classic holiday film featuring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, 2 p.m. Dec 7 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
The Salem Pops Orchestra presents A Classic Christmas: Old vs. New, blending timeless carols with modern holiday favorites for a festive, family-friendly concert. 3 p.m. Dec 7 at East Salem Community Center. salempopsorchestra.org $
See the 1946 classic holiday film It’s a Wonderful Life, 6 p.m. Dec 7 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
Dec 7 & 8
Deaf Santa Claus follows Charles Graves, a Deaf father with an uncanny resemblance to Santa, as he pursues his dream of becoming a professional Santa Claus. Filmmakers Ben Shelton and Anthony Mowl chronicle his journey through Santa school, family life, and the challenges of navigating Deaf and hearing worlds. A heartfelt documentary about identity, fatherhood, and the traditions we create. 12:30 p.m. on Dec 7 and 6:30 p.m. on Dec 8 at Salem Cinema, 1127 Broadway St NE. salemcinema.com $
December 9
Celebrate the season at an Ugly Sweater Holiday Yoga Party featuring a chill, non-heated class and your first drink included. Bring warm clothing donations for Salem Soup Squad; each item earns an entry to win class passes. Prizes, giveaways, and plenty of festive sweater fun round out the evening. 6 p.m. Dec 9 at The Holman Hotel. http://powerhousehotyoga.com/ $
December 11
The Winter Remembrance Concert offers a family-friendly space to reflect and find comfort through music and words of support. This free community event invites attendees to remember loved ones and share a gentle moment of connection during the season. 6:30 p.m. Dec 11 at Willamette Vital Health, 1015 3rd St NW. wvh.org
December 12
3 Wise Women of The Blues, featuring Joanne Broh, Ellen Whyte, and Myrtle Brown, will play an eclectic mix of well-known and obscure holiday songs (with audience participation encouraged), with a sprinkling of original blues tunes, 7 p.m. Dec 12, at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. salemshg.com $
Take in A Night At Nakatomi Plaza: A Dramatic Reading Of Die Hard as presented by local comedy and improv legends, and you play a role, 8 p.m. Dec 12 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. salemshg.com $
December 12-14
Salem Holiday Market brings together more than 200 local vendors offering all handmade goods, from gifts and décor to treats and creative crafts. Enjoy free entry, live music, kids’ activities, and door prizes throughout the weekend. A lively, local-first way to shop for the season. Dec 12 to 14 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. salemcommunitymarkets.com $10 parking fee
December 12-21
With a blend of wit and warmth, Theatre 33 presents Holiday Shorts Part 2, an enchanting evening of short plays by Pacific Northwest Playwrights that provide a unique perspective on the essence of the yuletide season, Dec 12 to 21 in the M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University. theatre33.org $
Through December 13
Pentacle Theatre is wrapping the year with a holiday comedy that’s equal parts chaotic and heartfelt. In-Laws, Outlaws & Other People (That Should Be Shot) drops you into a Christmas Eve gone sideways. On stage through Dec 13 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. pentacletheatre.com $
December 13
Have Breakfast with Santa at this breakfast buffet that also includes craft activities and a keepsake photo, 8 a.m. Dec 13 at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel. salemcarousel.org $
Cória Holiday Market brings together a collection of local vendors for a festival day of shopping for the season, 12 to 5:30 p.m. Dec 13 at Coria Estates. coriaestates.com
Jenner Fox Band: A John Prine Christmas will weave together Prine’s classic hits, his holiday-themed songs, and stories, and include a chance to sing along, too, 8 p.m. Dec 13 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. salemshg.com $
Unleash your inner artist with Holiday Wine & Watercolor, a no-experience-needed, guided art event, 1 to 3 p.m. Dec 13 at Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room. events.humanitix.com $
Wreck the Halls closes out Cherry City Roller Derby’s 2025 season with a family-friendly doubleheader featuring junior skaters at 4:30 and adults at 7 for a full night of action and early holiday cheer. Dec 13 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. cherrycityrollerderby.com $
December 13 and 14
A Children’s Nutcracker brings holiday magic back to the stage with the joyful energy only young dancers can deliver. Students from American Ballet Academy share this beloved tradition through a warm, spirited performance filled with music, movement, and seasonal charm. 7 p.m. Dec 13 and 2:30 p.m. Dec 14 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
December 14
Elves in the Kitchen — Become an honorary elf and help Santa’s Elf with tasks in the kitchen, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec 14, at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel. salemcarousel.org $
December 16
See How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) on the big screen as Jim Carrey’s famously cranky Grinch plots to steal the holiday from Whoville. Arrive early to visit Santa’s workshop and snap a selfie with the big guy himself. 7 p.m. Dec 16 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
December 17
A Koto Christmas: East Meets West features the SamaZama Duo, koto master Masumi Timson and cellist Joseph Harchanko. Their program blends traditional and contemporary Japanese music with tango, jazz, blues, and Western classical influences, creating a vibrant cross-cultural soundscape. Audiences can expect global holiday traditions, Chinese New Year celebrations, Celtic Yule tunes, and familiar American favorites in a warm, travel-free musical tour. 7 p.m. Dec 17 in Chemeketa Auditorium, Building 6, 4000 Lancaster Dr. Chemeketaconcerts.weebly.com $
Enjoy a big-screen showing of John Hughes’ holiday classic Home Alone, the famously mischievous tale of an eight-year-old left to outwit two burglars on Christmas Eve. Arrive early to visit Santa’s workshop and grab a selfie — Santa will be on site an hour before showtime and photos are included with admission. 7 p.m. Dec 17 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
December 18
Catch a big-screen showing of Elf, the beloved holiday comedy following Buddy (Will Ferrell) as he leaves the North Pole for New York City in search of family, belonging, and a little Christmas spirit. Arrive early for selfies with Salem’s own Buddy the Elf. 7 p.m. Dec 18 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
December 19
Open Skate with Traveling Wheelz rolls into the season with a Holiday/Ugly Sweater theme, inviting skaters to hit the floor in their most festive (or fantastically tacky) attire. 7:30 p.m. Dec 19 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. travelingwheelz.com $
Christmas with C. S. Lewis invites audiences to a thoughtful, intimate storytelling experience. 7:30 p.m. Dec 19 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
Enjoy Winter Warmth, an evening of live music with master pianist David Seamon in a warm, festive setting that welcomes the holiday season and the year ahead. 5:30 p.m. Dec 19, at Cristom Vineyards. exploretock.com $
December 20
Join Festival Chorale Oregon for an afternoon of traditional carols during Sing We Now of Christmas. This kid-friendly event includes an audience sing-along and a special story for children, with familiar Christmas songs you remember from bygone years, 3 p.m. Dec 20 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library. festivalchorale.org $
The Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas returns. Featuring the Nate Olson Trio joined by the Abiqua Academy choir, this is a special presentation perfect for all ages, 7 p.m. Dec 20 in the Chemeketa Community College Auditorium. Chemeketaconcerts.weebly.com $
Salem Orchestra’s Winter Concert pairs spirited classics with a touch of seasonal magic. Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite and Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony set a lively tone before Howard Blake’s score to The Snowman is performed live alongside the film. A warm, enchanting program for all ages. 7:30 p.m. Dec 20 at East Salem Community Center. salemorchestra.org $
The Christmas Guitar Summit unites Ty Curtis, Ben Rice, Brandon Logan, and Jake Blair for a high-energy night backed by the horn-fueled power of The PDX Hustle. Expect reimagined holiday classics, standout originals, and plenty of jaw-dropping solos as the Willamette Valley and Portland blues scenes collide. A fiery, full-throttle way to close out the season. 8 p.m. Dec 20 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. salemshg.com $
December 20 & 21
Celebrate the magic of the holidays with the Premiere Academy of Performing Arts Nutcracker Ballet, 3 p.m. Dec 20 and 21 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
Willamette Master Chorus presents a Holiday Concert with the Trail Sextet featuring the South Salem High School Symphonic Choir. 3 p.m. Dec 20 and 21 at Hudson Concert Hall at Willamette University. willamettemasterchorus.org $
Through December 21
Holiday Village fills the fairgrounds with festive music, seasonal shopping, and tasty treats, plus visits with Santa, carnival rides, a tree maze, and more, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays, through December 21, at Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE. oregonstateexpo.org/magic/ Admission is free. $10 parking.
December 21
Market for the Strange presents Krampus Nacht, an alternative holiday market featuring local artists and creators. Plus, get a photo with Santa or Krampus. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 21 at Salem Convention Center. marketforthestrange.com $
December 23
It’s time for a Night at the North Pole with Santa featuring rides, games, and more, 5 to 7 p.m. Dec 23 at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, 101 Front St NE. salemcarousel.org $
It’s a Christmas movie! (Or maybe it isn’t) You can decide while watching a big screen viewing of Die Hard, the action-packed (holiday) classic that takes place during a Christmas Eve takeover of Nakatomi Plaza. Plus, pop into Santa’s workshop for a selfie with Santa himself! He will be in attendance the hour before the show, 7 p.m. Dec 23 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com $
December 24
Salem Tuba Holiday brings the musical merriment of brass to town. Hear an arrangement of popular Christmas carols and holiday songs performed by musicians from all over the northwest, 12 p.m. Dec 24 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE. elsinoretheatre.com $
December 24 & 31
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is offering free rides, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec 24 (and Dec 31). There is a suggested donation of non-perishable food items to support Marion Polk Food Share. Salemcarousel.org
Through January 3
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through experience featuring more than a mile of spectacular light displays of your favorite holiday scenes and characters. Through Jan 3 at Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE. magicoflights.com/locations/salem-or/ $
Author: Carlee Wright
Carlee Wright is a community instigator with a grand love for Salem and notably fashionable shoes (Hello, John Fluevog!) who turns waste into wearable art in her "spare" time.
