Celebrate the first weekend of December with festive markets, Santa visits, live comedy, and more holiday cheer happening around Salem!
For the Love of Christmas
Hosted by For the Love of Pete Event Rental, this festive shopping event transforms the space into a Christmas wonderland filled with handcrafted goods, baked treats, home décor, and unique holiday gifts. Featuring local vendors, it’s a great opportunity to shop small, find one-of-a-kind treasures and gifts, and celebrate the season.
Date: December 4–6, 2025
Time: Thursday 4 PM – 7 PM | Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM
Location: For the Love of Pete Event Rental // 3800 Liberty Rd S, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Ron Funches at Salem’s Grand Theatre
Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center presents a night of stand-up with Ron Funches, a comedian known for his joyful energy, quick wit, and unforgettable voice. With appearances in hit TV shows like The Goldbergs, Loot, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, plus voice work in animated favorites like Trolls and Bob’s Burgers, Ron’s resume is as impressive as his comedy. Doors open at 7PM.
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $45 VIP | $35 General Admission (view ticket information)
4th Annual Pancakes with the Grinch
Bridges Oregon invites families to kick off the holiday season with a playful morning of pancakes, raffles, and a visit from the Grinch himself! Held at Columbia Hall in the Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center, this event includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and free parking. ASL and Spanish interpreters will be available to make sure everyone can join in on the fun. Donations are welcome to support Bridges Oregon’s community programs.
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center – Columbia Hall // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE (donations welcome)
Paws & Claus – Pet Photos with Santa
Vintage Veterinary Hospital & Boutique is bringing back their Paws & Claus event for a second year! Pet owners are invited to bring their furry family members for festive photos with Santa, browse the boutique for holiday shopping, and enjoy treats from local vendors including Florfe Café Coffee Cart, PetCuterie Cart, and Dum Dum Cookies.
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Vintage Veterinary Hospital & Boutique // 340 Leslie St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
The Handmade Market – Presented by the Salem Etsy Team
Now in its 20th year, The Handmade Market returns with over 150 local makers offering unique, handcrafted items—perfect for holiday gifting. Hosted by the Salem Etsy Team at the Jackman Long Building, this family-friendly event includes photos with Santa, kids’ activities, raffles every 15 minutes, and more.
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds – Jackman Long Building // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE (parking fee per vehicle)
Bo & Vine Toy Drive + Santa Visit!
Bo & Vine Burger is spreading holiday cheer while supporting the Mid-Valley Association of Realtors Toy Drive. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more to help brighten the season for local families. Enjoy free hot chocolate from Jenuine Espresso Bar, cookies, and a visit (plus photo op!) with Santa. As a thank-you, donors will receive a 20% off Bo & Vine coupon (one per person).
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Bo & Vine Burger // 3969 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE (toy donation encouraged)
Santa Photos with Operation D.O.G
Stop by Nature’s Pet Market Salem for festive Santa photos benefiting Operation D.O.G. Print photos are $10 each, with all proceeds going to support the nonprofit’s mission. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome to join in on the holiday fun!
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Nature’s Pet Market Salem // 4555 Liberty Rd S Ste 130, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $10 per photo (proceeds benefit Operation D.O.G)
Ukrainian Winterfest in Salem, OR
Hosted by DAWN Inc., the first-ever Ukrainian Winterfest in Salem invites the community to celebrate a winter wonderland filled with Ukrainian culture and tradition. This event will feature live performances, cultural displays, kids’ activities, and a holiday bazaar with Ukrainian delicacies and unique gifts available for purchase. All are welcome to experience this celebration.
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Willamette University’s Star Trees Lighting
Celebrate the season at one of Willamette University’s most cherished holiday traditions—the lighting of the iconic Star Trees. Gather on the north side of Waller Hall for an evening of music, hot cocoa, holiday treats, and a beautiful community moment under the glow of five towering sequoias. Guests are encouraged to bring winter clothing or canned goods to support the university’s Winter Drive, hosted by the Panhellenic Council.
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Willamette University // 900 State St, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Happy FUNKN Holidayz Disco Dance Off!
Get your groove on with Funky Beats Initiative (F.B.I.) at The Yard Food Park for a night of dancing! The Happy FUNKN Holidayz Disco Dance Off features great food, drinks, and a funky vibe, plus giveaways for the best dancers. Bring your friends, show off your moves, and celebrate the season in true disco style.
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:55 PM
Location: The Yard Food Park // 4106 State St, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; food and drink for purchase
Holiday Food Drive for Families and Your Pets
Join Salem Pet Supply for a heartwarming holiday event supporting both people and pets. Drop off donations and enter a raffle for a festive gift basket. Silverton Cat Rescue will be on-site with adoptable kittens who are hoping to find their forever homes.
Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Salem Pet Supply // 3185 Market St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
There’s plenty of fun to discover around town this weekend. Get out and enjoy!
