Things to do in Salem, Oregon // Nov 24 – 26, 2023

From the team at WhirLocal Salem, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you—our local Salem community of friends and businesses that we know, like, and trust.

After the Thanksgiving holiday is over, let the good times keep coming! Here are a few local events happening over the weekend.

Photos with Santa: Walk-in Sessions

Ho, ho, ho, Santa’s coming to town! He’s arriving at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel on the Carousel Express Train at 12 PM on Friday, November 24th. 🚂 Santa will be ready to take walk-in photos (no reservation required) from 12:30 PM – 5 PM. It’s first come, first serve, so come early! There may be long wait times.

There will be complimentary hot cocoa while supplies last.

Date: November 24 – 25, 2023
Time:  Friday 12 PM – 5 PM | Saturday 10 AM – 12 PM, 12:30PM – 5 PM
Location: Salem’s Riverfront Carousel
Cost: $15 Carousel Keepsake Photo (includes taking up to 5 photos with your own device)
$5 Take Your Own Photos (cost per device. limit 5 photos.)

Learn more

World Ballet Series: Nutcracker

Get ready to be transported through music and dance to the world of The Nutcracker! Featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic musical arrangements such as the Waltz of Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the World Ballet Series and Elsinore Theatre present a performance you won’t want to miss.

Follow Clara and the Nutcracker on their exciting Christmas adventure to the Land of Sweets, facing twists and turns along the way. Immerse yourself in the magic with over 50 professional ballet dancers, beautifully hand-crafted costumes, exquisite set design, and Lev Ivanov choreography.

Date: November 24 – 25, 2023
Time:  Friday 7 PM (doors open at 6 PM) | Saturday 2 PM (doors open at 1 PM)
Location: Elsinore Theatre
Cost: Varies (view ticket information)

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Aunt Bee’s Holiday Open House

Aunt Bee’s House is gearing up for the holidays with their Holiday Open House. Come by the store for sales, sweets, and a raffle to win a $100 gift card. You never know what gifts you’ll find for friends and family!

Date: November 25, 2023
Time:  10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Aunt Bee’s House // 2679 Commercial St SE Salem
Cost: FREE to attend

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Small Business Saturday Holiday Event

Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Co. would like to invite you to celebrate Small Business Saturday on the farm! There will be holiday photo ops, farm animals, product sampling and sales, and Victorian Christmas Carolers to ring in the holiday spirit. Santa will be making appearances throughout the day and, new this year, they will have Christmas trees for sale. 🎄

Date: November 25, 2023
Time:  10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Co. // 6373 Sunnyview Rd NE Salem
Cost: FREE to attend

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Open Skate Beach Party Theme Night

On November 25th, your job is beach 🏖️🛼. Dress up in your best beach party outfit and come down to the Mad House for an open skate, hosted by traveling_wheelz. Pick from one of two sessions throughout the evening and skate the night away. All ages are welcome!

Quad skate and inline skates are available for rent, along with helmets, pads, and skate walkers. Space is limited, so buying a ticket in advance is encouraged.

Date: November 25, 2023
Time:  4 PM – 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM – 10 PM
Location: CCDG Mad House // 1335 Madison St NE Salem
Cost: $10 admission, $5 rentals

Learn more and buy tickets

Thanksgiving Weekend – Roundhouse at West Hills Vineyards

Move and groove after turkey day with the Roundhouse Band at West Hills Vineyards. Savor a glass (or two) of West Hills Vineyards wine while listening to the southern rock, folk, blues, and bluegrass melodies of Ron, Beth, and Aron.

Date: November 25, 2023
Time:  5 PM – 7 PM
Location: West Hills Vineyards // 4785 Salem-Dallas HWY NW Salem
Cost: FREE

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Glow – Holiday Light Display

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with a trip to downtown Independence, and witness the dazzling GLOW. Beginning Sunday, November 26, the enchanting holiday lights and displays will light up Riverview Park. Strolling through these lights is always free. Join the community for the lighting ceremony and caroling kickoff event on November 26 at 5 PM in Riverview Park.

Date: November 26, 2023
Time:  5 PM
Location: Riverview Park // 143 S Main St, Independence, OR
Cost: FREE

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As the holiday season begins to unfold, Salem, Oregon is gearing up for a weekend filled with post-Thanksgiving fun. These local activities are also great way to spend time with friends and family that are in town! Where will you go first?