This weekend in Salem is packed with holiday magic and festive activities, like markets, parades, live music, and visits with Santa. Start planning your weekend fun!
HUGE Salem Holiday Market
The Salem Holiday Market is the ultimate destination for holiday shopping, featuring over 250 local vendors at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Browse jewelry, fiber arts, artisan food and beverages, health and beauty products, original art, and much more! The event also includes activities like a gingerbread house contest, tree decorating, kids’ crafts, raffle baskets, and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Entry is free!
Dates: December 13-15, 2024
Times: Friday 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE (Parking: $5)
Fancy Pants Holiday Dance
Get into the holiday spirit at the Fancy Pants Holiday Dance at Center 50+! Enjoy live music from The Salem Big Band, a specialty holiday dessert bar, coffee or punch, and wine by the glass. Wear your holiday sparkle or favorite sweater for a festive evening of music, dancing, and sweet treats. Advanced tickets are $15 per person or two for $25, available at the C50+ front desk or online. Door tickets are $20 per person or $35 for two.
Date: December 13, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Center 50+ // 2615 Portland Rd, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Advance $15 or two for $25 | Door $20 or two for $35 (view ticket information)
Ben Harkins (Portland’s Funniest 2024) at Infinity Room
Catch Portland-based comic Ben Harkins for a night of sharp, irreverent comedy at Infinity Room. Known for his deadpan delivery and unique takes on everyday life, Harkins is a regular host at Helium Comedy Club and winner of the Portland’s Funniest Person contest. He’s performed at top comedy festivals and opened for comedians like Pauly Shore and Joe List.
Doors open at 9:00 PM, with the show starting at 9:30 PM. Enjoy Infinity Room’s full kitchen and bar menu during the show.
Date: December 13, 2024
Time: 9:30 PM (Doors open at 9:00 PM)
Location: Infinity Room // 210 Liberty St SE Ste 150, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $15 advance | $20 at the door (view ticket information)
Read to a Pet
Young readers are invited to boost their confidence by reading aloud to friendly, four-footed volunteers and their human partners at Salem Public Library. These furry listeners create a fun and supportive environment for kids to practice their reading skills. This free, drop-in event takes place in the Children’s Corner.
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Salem Public Library // 585 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
2024 Keizer Holiday Lights Parade
Celebrate the joy of the season at the Keizer Holiday Lights Parade, themed “Hometown Christmas.” This beloved annual event features festive floats, marching bands, and local businesses spreading holiday cheer. The parade begins at the corner of Lockhaven Dr and River Rd, traveling south to Glynbrook and River Rd.
Food trucks, free hot chocolate, cookies, and warm treats will be available along the route, thanks to generous local sponsors. Bring chairs and pop-up tents or umbrellas for a comfortable viewing experience—just set up after 6:15 PM when River Rd closes so sidewalk traffic is not blocked.
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: River Rd N, Keizer, OR 97303
Cost: FREE
Noche de Baile Navideña
Celebrate the holidays with an evening of music and dancing at Xicha Brewing North’s Noche de Baile Navideña. Dance the night away to the best Latin tropical hits spun by DJ Shotz.
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Xicha Brewing North // 2195 Hyacinth NE Suite 162, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend, food and drinks for purchase
Kenny & Dolly: Once Upon a Christmas Tribute
Enjoy a heartwarming holiday tribute to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s iconic Christmas album, Once Upon a Christmas, performed live by Jacob Westfall and Sarah Vitort of Fox & Bones. Set in a nostalgic and festively decorated winter wonderland, this enchanting show features festive classics like “I Believe in Santa Claus” and “Christmas Without You.”
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $15 advance | $20 day-of | Kids under 12 FREE (view ticket information)
Breakfast with Santa
Start your Sunday with holiday magic at Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association. Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast, holiday activities, and a chance to snap a photo with Santa.
Date: December 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association // 661 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer, OR 97303
Cost: Adults $9 | Seniors/Veterans $6 | Children 5-12 $6 | Under 5 FREE
Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit the Winery
Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting Willamette Valley Vineyards! Bring the family to the Estate Winery for a festive day full of activities. Adults can enjoy wine tastings while kids delight in crafts, cookies, cocoa, and coloring books. All guests are invited to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Reservations are recommended for seated tastings or pairings.
Date: December 15, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Willamette Valley Vineyards – Estate Winery // 8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392
Cost: Seated tastings and pairings for purchase (view reservation information)
Santa at the Sundae
Santa is making a special stop at On Any Sundae! Drop by for a free community event where you can snap photos with Santa and enjoy holiday cheer. Kids can design custom Christmas ornaments with Becka Makes Buttons, with a portion of proceeds supporting Radness Ensues. (Don’t forget to wear your most festive gear).
Date: December 15, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: On Any Sundae // 3987 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE
Make the most of this weekend in Salem by enjoying these incredible holiday events.
Related Articles
Aug. 31st, 2024
Meal Prepping Tips for Beginners: Save Time & Eat Healthy
Oct. 30th, 2023