Things to do in Salem, Oregon // Dec 1 – 3, 2023

December is nearly upon us in Salem, Oregon, and with it comes a magical transformation of the city. The streets twinkle with festive lights and decor, the air is filled with the sound of laughter and togetherness, and there’s a great line-up of local events to usher in the holiday season.

Downtown Salem Holiday Parade

The 2nd Annual Downtown Salem Holiday Parade is will take place on Friday, December 1st! This cherished tradition aims to create a festive ambiance in the heart of downtown Salem, adorned with dazzling lights and decor, that welcomes friends and family and nurtures a strong sense of community. The Salem Main Street Association proudly organizes this heartwarming celebration in collaboration with the community.

Date: December 1, 2023
Time:  6:30 PM
Location: Downtown Salem (see parade route)
Cost: FREE

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Holman Holiday Kickoff

Join The Holman for their Holman Holiday Kickoff! Bring the whole family (including your four-legged family members 🐾) for an evening filled with creativity and fun. There will be face painting and Santa hat crafting with CreativiTee, so you can get into the festive spirit. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Santa himself and share your holiday wishlist by writing a letter to Santa’s helpers at the North Pole. If you’re a pet lover, on-the-spot pet portraits will be available for purchase. Treat your taste buds to sweet delights and warm up with a hot chocolate station. Plus, savor the flavors of the season with eggnog tasting by Pacific Standard, and indulge in grapevine wreath making and wine tasting by Van Duzer Winery and Willamette Valley Vineyards. Best of all, this event is free, pet-friendly, and open to everyone in the community.

Date: December 1, 2023
Time:  3 PM – 7 PM
Location: Holman Riverfront Park Hotel // 195 Commercial St SE Salem
Cost: FREE

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Keizer Miracle of Lights Display

The Keizer Miracle of Lights Display is back and better than ever! Head up to the Gubser Neighborhood in Keizer for this fantastic FREE event, starting December 1st. For over three decades, the Gubser Neighborhood has been spreading holiday cheer by illuminating their community, all in the spirit of helping those in need.

They will be collecting monetary donations and non-perishable foods to support the Marion Polk Food Share. Your contributions will make a difference in the lives of our hungry neighbors. Come be part of this heartwarming tradition that brings joy to the Salem-Keizer community while helping those who need it most.

Date: December 1, 2023
Time:  6 PM – 10 PM
Location: 14th and Lockhaven Keizer OR
Cost: FREE

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Etsy Handmade Holiday Market

Celebrate a decade of creative excellence at the Etsy Handmade Holiday Market! This year, the Salem Etsy Teams are thrilled to host over 150 talented vendors, each offering a unique selection of handmade treasures and gifts for all your shopping needs. Kids can embark on a fun scavenger hunt, and Santa himself will make a special appearance to spread holiday cheer.

Date: December 2, 2023
Time:  10 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds, Jackman Long Building
Cost: FREE

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Santa’s Workshop at the 45th

Get into the festive spirit with this FREE holiday event at the 45th Parallel! Attendees can have their pictures taken with Santa and explore a wide array of offerings from hundreds of small businesses, guest vendors, and food trucks. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the holiday ambiance, savor delicious food, and find wonderful gifts!

Date: December 2, 2023
Time:  11 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: 45th Parallel Building // 2195 Hyacinth St NE Salem
Cost: FREE

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Disney Princess Storytime at the Library

Head over to the Keizer Community Library on Saturday, December 2nd, for a magical storytime and meet-and-greet with Belle and Rapunzel! This special event is open to kids of all ages. While there’s no admission fee, the library kindly requests that you bring a can of food for their food drive, which will benefit the Keizer Community Food Bank.

Date: December 2, 2023
Time:  11 AM
Location: Keizer Community Library // 980 Chemawa Rd NE Keizer
Cost: FREE (canned food donations encouraged)

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Chomp! Build a Chocolate Bar

There’s still a few tickets available for Chomp Chocolate’s ‘Build-A-Bar’ event, back by popular demand! You can customize your Chomp bar with up to 9 custom toppings, including festive choices like crushed candy cane, holiday sprinkles, cranberry crumb, and more! Enjoy the enchanting experience of creating your own chocolate masterpiece and custom wrapper at Salem’s own chocolate factory.

Date: December 2, 2023
Time:  11 AM – 5 PM
Location: Chomp Chocolate Factory // 2195 Hyacinth St NE #134, Salem
Cost: $15 (buy tickets)

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Wreath Decorating Class at Bauman’s

Embrace your creative side this holiday season at Bauman’s and sign up for their wreath decorating class on December 2nd! They have a limited capacity of 20 participants, so be sure to call about availability.

For just $30, you’ll receive a 12″ wreath as your canvas, complete with a beautiful bow and a set of decorative elements to enhance your creation. If you’re feeling extra festive, additional ornaments will be available for purchase to add that extra touch of charm to your wreath. 🎀

This class is a great activity to enjoy with a friend, sibling, parent, grandparent, or anyone who shares your love for crafting.

Date: December 2, 2023
Time:  11 AM – 1 PM
Location: Bauman’s Farm and Gardens // 13001 Howell Prairie Rd NE Gervais
Cost: $30 (call 503-792-3524 to inquire about reserving a spot)

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Third Annual Makers Market at Ankeny Vineyard

Ankeny Vineyards is rolling out the red carpet for local artisans and makers who will be showcasing their incredible talents in the Barn + Barrel Room. From beautifully crafted pottery to skincare products, mesmerizing art, stunning home decor, artisan jewelry, intricate glass art, mouthwatering jams, sugar cookies, and a whole lot more—it’s a gift-giver’s paradise!

Date: December 2, 2023
Time:  12 PM – 6 PM
Location: Ankeny Vineyard // 2565 Riverside Rd S Salem
Cost: FREE

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Free Holiday Craft at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel

Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is thrilled to invite everyone to a FREE holiday craft event on Sunday, December 3rd (while supplies last).

Also, from 11 AM to 1 PM, special superhero guests will be dropping by for photo opportunities.

Date: December 3, 2023
Time:  11 AM – 3 PM
Location: Salem’s Riverfront Carousel // 101 Front St NE Salem
Cost: FREE

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Holiday Make and Take Workshop

Board and Brush invites you to partake in their Holiday Make & Take workshop! This workshop offers everything you need to craft a beautiful piece for your home or as a thoughtful gift. The projects come pre-stained, and you’ll have the chance to explore two optional paint techniques. With a wide selection of paint colors available, you can personalize your creation to your heart’s content.

All guests are required to pre-register at least 48 hours prior to the Workshop, so don’t wait another minute! To ask about availability and secure your spot, email [email protected].

Date: December 3, 2023
Time:  3 PM – 4:15 PM
Location: Board & Brush Salem, Oregon // 3523 Fairview Industrial Drive SE Salem
Cost: $20

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With so many local holiday events coming up this weekend, there’s endless opportunities to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season! Bundle up, grab a friend or family member, and get out into the community.