Like usual, Salem is buzzing with fun this weekend! This week’s lineup is very holiday-heavy. From markets and Santa visits to concerts and cocoa, there are lots of local events to add to your calendar.
HUGE Salem Holiday Market
Hosted by Salem Community Markets (the team behind the popular Salem Saturday Market) this festive three-day event at the Oregon State Fairgrounds features over 200 local vendors selling their handmade gifts, crafts, and holiday goods. Enjoy free entry, live music, door prizes, kids activities, and more. There is a parking fee for parking at the fairgrounds.
Date: December 12-14, 2025
Time: Friday 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM | Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase ($10 parking at the fairgrounds)
Photos with Santa (Walk-Ins: No Reservation Needed)
Santa’s back at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel for a classic holiday photo opportunity! This walk-in event is a local favorite, offering keepsake photo packages, the option to take your own pictures, or simply stop by to say hello and tell Santa what’s on your wish list this year.
Dates: December 13–14, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Riverfront Carousel // 101 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $20 (keepsake photo), $10 (take-your-own per device), FREE for visits without photos
Season’s Eatings: A Holiday Tasting Event
LifeSource Natural Foods invites you to celebrate the season with an afternoon of free wine, cheese, and charcuterie tastings. Stop in to sample delicious options perfect for holiday gatherings, explore exclusive one-day discounts on featured items, and enjoy in-store giveaways and visiting vendors.
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: LifeSource Natural Foods // 2649 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Winter Wonderland Event
Step into a seasonal celebration at Salem Center’s Winter Wonderland! Hosted in the South Building (Lower Level), this event will feature over 20 local vendors, a free hot cocoa station, crafts and games in the Kids Corner, Santa visits all day, and a special appearance by Buddy the Elf from 3 PM – 5 PM. Enjoy live music, dancers, carolers, and more. Don’t forget to don your best ugly Christmas sweater for a chance to win the contest at 4 PM!
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Salem Center // 401 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Gifts & Goodies – Gift Drive for Seniors
Join the Highland Neighborhood Association and Center 50+ for the 3rd Annual Gifts & Goodies event, a heartwarming holiday gift drive for seniors in care facilities. Stop by to help wrap donated gifts, decorate cookies, and spread cheer to elders who may not have family nearby.
Donations of cozy clothing, toiletries, puzzle books, and gift wrapping supplies are welcome and can be dropped off before or during the event.
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Center 50+ // 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE (donations encouraged)
Santa & Mini Cows!
Still need a Christmas tree? Find one at Buckendorf Family Tree Farm, along with a unique farm experience featuring Santa and adorable micro mini cows! Browse a selection of Douglas fir, Noble fir, and Nordmann trees, enjoy warm drinks and treats, and catch a live musical performance by local artist Molly Hare.
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Buckendorf Family Tree Farm // 4767 Viewcrest Road S, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend (tree purchases available)
Santa’s Vendor Faire at The 45th Parallel Building
Santa’s Vendor Faire at 45th Parallel will provide a cheerful afternoon of local shopping, sipping, and seasonal fun. Enjoy finding handcrafted gifts and treats from local vendors, snap a photo with Santa, and sip your way through the event with Just Us Girls.
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: 45th Parallel Building // 2195 Hyacinth St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Merry Grinchmas Photos
Switch up your festive photos this year by heading to Ratchet Brewery for Merry Grinchmas, hosted by Operation DOG and Little Critters Rescue. Snap a festive photo with the Grinch and support two local rescue organizations in the process!
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Ratchet Brewery // 2475 25th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE (donations encouraged)
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
Santa is making a special stop at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum! Join in the holiday fun with warm cocoa, tasty cookies, festive crafts, and a chance to snap a photo and share your wish list with the man himself. This event is included with regular museum admission.
Date: December 14, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Gilbert House Children’s Museum // 116 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Included with museum admission
FREE Pancake Breakfast & Pictures with Santa
Santa’s busy in Salem! He’s making another stop at On Any Sundae, and you’re invited to eat breakfast with him! Enjoy a free pancake breakfast with juice or milk and a photo op with Santa. Bring along a non-perishable item to donate to the shop’s giving table and help spread even more holiday cheer.
Date: December 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: On Any Sundae // 3987 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE
A Very Merry Adventure
For the kiddos—celebrate the season with a full day of festive fun at Athletic Edge Adventure Park! Tickets include photos with Santa, crafts, games, face painting, holiday snacks and drinks, and all-day indoor play. Once you’re in, you can stay all day.
Date: December 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Athletic Edge Adventure Park // 1379 Madison St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $20 per child (walking–age 15) (view ticket information)
Yuletide Market
Fauning Over Flora is wrapping up the year with their second annual Yuletide Market. This cozy, family-friendly event includes a curated lineup of local vendors, wine tasting from Illahe Vineyards, sweet treats, Polaroids with Poppy the Elf, and plenty of holiday magic.
Date: December 14, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: fauning over flora // 1221 Riverbend Rd NW Ste 100, Salem, OR 97304
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Comfort and Joy Benefit Concert for Marion Polk Food Share
Enjoy an evening of live music for a great cause at Comfort and Joy. Featuring Kristen Grainger & True North alongside Tuesday String Band, this benefit concert raises funds for Marion Polk Food Share. 100% of proceeds support local hunger relief.
Date: December 14, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: The BAD Space // 2572 19th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $26.89 (view ticket information)
Make the most of this weekend in Salem by getting out, supporting local, and creating joyful holiday memories with your family, friends, and community.
