Salem is filled with holiday cheer this weekend! Take a look at what’s going on in the area.
Christmas Cookie Class
Sweetly Baked is hosting a Christmas cookie decorating class just in time for the holidays! Participants will decorate six holiday-themed sugar cookies using royal icing, with step-by-step guidance, helpful tips, and all supplies provided. No experience is needed, but prepayment is required to reserve a spot. Call 503-508-2444 to register.
Date: December 19, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Sweetly Baked // 680 Hawthorne Ave SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $65 per person
Photos with Santa (Walk-ins)
Santa’s still at the Riverfront Carousel for walk-in photo sessions and visits! Families can capture holiday memories with professional keepsake photos, take their own, or simply stop by to say hello.
Date: December 20–21, 2025
Time: Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM | Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
Location: Salem’s Riverfront Carousel // 101 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $20 keepsake photo, $10 per device (take your own), FREE visits
Pet Photos with The Grinch! – Adoption Event with 4 All Muttkind
Stop by Nature’s Pet Salem for walk-in pet photos with The Grinch! Guests can also meet the adorable “Grinch litter” of adoptable pups. All friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.
Date: December 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Nature’s Pet Salem // 4555 Liberty Rd S Ste 130, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $10 (includes printed photo; $5 donated to 4 All Muttkind)
The Muppet Christmas Carol at Salem Cinema
Salem Cinema invites families to enjoy a beloved holiday classic, The Muppet Christmas Carol, on the big screen! Join Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the rest of the Muppets as they bring Charles Dickens’ timeless tale to life alongside Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Date: December 20, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Salem Cinema // 1127 Broadway St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $11 (view ticket information)
The Nutcracker Ballet
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a timeless performance of The Nutcracker, presented by Premiere Academy of Performing Arts. Held at the historic Elsinore Theatre, this performance features elegant choreography, enchanting music, and a heartwarming story that continues to delight audiences of all ages.
Date: December 20 & 21, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Elsinore Theatre // 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $18–$24 (view ticket information)
Festival Chorale Carolers: Sing We Now of Christmas
Enjoy an afternoon of holiday music with the Festival Carolers as they perform Victorian-era carols in full period costume. This family-friendly concert at Loucks Auditorium will be filled with classic holiday songs, warm harmonies, and joyful tradition.
Date: December 20, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Loucks Auditorium – Salem Public Library // 585 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $10 (children 12 and under FREE) (view ticket information)
Salem’s Santa Crawl – 2025
Dress up as Santa, an elf, or your favorite holiday character and join Salem’s annual Santa Crawl starting at Masonry Grill. The evening will include stops at several local bars, plenty of holiday cheer, and festive vibes all around. Must be 21+ to participate.
Date: December 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Masonry Grill (starting point) // 120 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to participate; food and drinks for purchase
33rd Annual Christmas Holiday Dance
It’s time again for RJ Dance Studio’s 33rd Annual Christmas Holiday Dance! This semi-formal evening features light hors d’oeuvres, a great dance floor, and holiday music. Space is limited, so early RSVP is encouraged.
Date: December 20, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: RJ Dance Studio LLC // 317 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $15/person (RSVP by Dec 18), $20 at the door
Bassmas @ The Pink Elephant
Get ready for an epic night of bass and beats at Bassmas, hosted by Shoopfx in collaboration with Xplode Sound. This holiday EDM event has a stacked lineup of local DJs, including DJ Mackie, Prince Grievous, and DJ Gitdown. There will also be a community coat, food, and toy drive to support Family Building Blocks and the Gala of Trees.
Space is limited to 120 guests, so arrive early and be ready to dance all night!
Date: December 20, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Location: The Pink Elephant Tavern // 115 Lancaster Dr SE, Salem, OR 97317
Cost: $5 cover (pay at the door)
Yule Make Music Salem Celebration
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a day full of music, dancing, and community fun at the Yule Make Music Salem Celebration. Events for the solstice will include Irish dancing at Venti’s, a family bell parade through downtown, live music at local venues, and music-themed trivia.
Date: December 21, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Various Downtown Salem Locations
Cost: FREE
With live performances, dancing, and holiday fun for all ages, Salem is glowing with cheer this weekend. Bundle up and join in!
