As we head into Thanksgiving weekend and the start of the winter holiday season, it’s the perfect time to slow down, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy some of the festive events happening around Salem. Here are just a few things that are going on.
Santa & Elf Arrive to Salem Aboard the Carousel Express Train
A beloved holiday tradition returns as Santa and elf make their grand entrance to Salem aboard the Carousel Express Train at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel. Families are invited to gather on the steps to await Santa’s arrival, followed by Santa and Elf mingling with the crowd and taking the first carousel ride of the season. Santa will be available for visits and photos afterward.
Date: November 28, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Train arrival at 12:30 PM)
Location: Salem’s Riverfront Carousel // 101 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE Visits (Photos: $20 keepsake / $10 on a personal device)
Magic at the Mill 2025
Willamette Heritage Center’s holiday light festival, Magic at the Mill, is back! Guests will find a sparkling wonderland filled with lights, live entertainment, Santa visits, a holiday night market, heritage craft demos, children’s activities, and more. Tickets are limited to 1,000 per evening. Advance purchase is recommended.
Date: November 28 – December 1, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Willamette Heritage Center // 1313 Mill St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Adults: $17.00 | Seniors: $14.00 | Youth (4–17): $12.00 | Members & kids 3 and under: FREE (view ticket information)
4th Annual Holiday Traditions Parade
Downtown Salem will come alive with the holiday spirit during the 4th Annual Holiday Traditions Parade, hosted by Salem Main Street Association. The parade begins on NE Court Street near the Oregon State Capitol and winds through downtown, ending with a tree lighting celebration between Liberty and Commercial Streets. Community cheer and holiday attire are warmly welcomed at this volunteer-led event.
Date: November 28, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Downtown Salem // Map & More Information
Cost: FREE
World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker
Step into a magical world of holiday wonder with The Nutcracker, presented by World Ballet Company at the Elsinore Theatre. This iconic ballet follows Marie and her Nutcracker on a whimsical Christmas Eve journey through snowy scenes, mischievous battles, and the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets.
Date: November 28 & 29, 2025
Time: Friday at 7:00 PM // Saturday at 6:00 PM
Location: Elsinore Theatre // 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $42.85 – $102.79 (view ticket information)
Garcia Birthday Band at Salem’s Grand Theatre
Get ready for a night of high-energy music with Garcia Birthday Band, performing live at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Known as the Pacific Northwest’s premier Grateful Dead tribute, this Portland-based group has been entertaining audiences for over two decades.
Date: November 29, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM)
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center // 187 High Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $23.50 online / $28.50 day of (view ticket information)
Support Local on Small Business Saturday
This weekend, make a big impact by shopping small during Small Business Saturday! Salem’s locally owned small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. Small Business Saturday is the perfect day to check off your holiday shopping list while supporting your neighbors.
Bike Swap Meet in Salem, OR
Join local cycling enthusiasts at Xicha Brewing Norte for a Bike Swap Meet, sponsored by Northwest Hub. This community event offers free entry for shoppers, while vendors can rent a table for just $10 to showcase bikes, parts, and gear.
Date: November 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Xicha Brewing Norte // 2195 Hyacinth St. NE Suite 162, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE (Table rental: $10)
Roundhouse Band and Cascadia Pizza at RH Wines
Spend your Sunday afternoon with live music, great wine, and delicious food at RH Wines. The Roundhouse Band will be performing while guests enjoy wood-fired bites from Cascadia Pizza and browse local vendor booths for holiday shopping.
Date: November 30, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: RH Wines // 2995 Michigan City Lane NW, Salem, OR 97304
Cost: FREE for members | $10 for non-members
We hope you have a joyful Thanksgiving and a heartwarming start to the holiday season. We are thankful for you!
