Happy Thanksgiving, Salem! 🦃 Looking for fun ways to enjoy the long weekend? We’ve rounded up a fantastic lineup of local events to help you kick off the holiday season!
Santa Arrives to Salem Aboard the Carousel Express
Kick off the holiday season at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel as Santa arrives in style on the Carousel Express Train. 🎅🏻 Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa while awaiting Santa’s arrival at noon, followed by a festive Carousel ride. From 12:30 PM to 5 PM, Santa will be available for photo sessions.
Date: November 29, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Riverfront Carousel // 101 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $5 – $15 (view pricing information)
Magic at the Mill (NEW DATES)
Experience the wonder of Magic at the Mill, the Willamette Heritage Center’s largest community event! Delight in thousands of twinkling lights, living history demonstrations, museum tours, Santa visits, children’s activities, heritage crafts, model trains, a vendor marketplace, live performances, and more. This seasonal celebration connects generations while exploring Mid-Willamette Valley history. Tickets are limited to 1,000 visitors per night.
Date: November 29 – December 2, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Willamette Heritage Center // 1313 Mill St SE, Ste 200, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $10 – $15 | WHC Members and kids under 5 get in FREE (view ticket information)
Downtown Salem Holiday Parade
Celebrate the season with the return of the Downtown Salem Holiday Parade! This festive annual event, organized by the Salem Main Street Association, will light up downtown with seasonal decorations, greenery, and a grand parade full of holiday cheer.
Date: November 29, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Downtown Salem (view parade route)
Cost: FREE
Holiday Sip & Shop at Bo & Vine South Salem
Celebrate Small Business Saturday with a festive Holiday Sip & Shop at Bo & Vine Burger’s South Salem location. Enjoy mimosas, coffee, sweet treats, and burgers while exploring a curated selection of locally made gifts. Shop unique handcrafted goods, seasonal decor, permanent jewelry, clothing, and more to support local artisans and businesses.
Date: November 30, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Bo & Vine Burger (South Salem) // 3969 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend, items for purchase)
Santa Photos with Operation Dog
Bring your furry family members for festive Santa photos hosted by Operation Dog at Nature’s Pet Market Salem! No appointments needed—this walk-in event is first-come, first-served. Each photo session costs $10, with all proceeds supporting Operation Dog. You can also enjoy Black Friday and Small Business Saturday sales during the event.
Date: November 29 & 30, 2024
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 session
Santa Day
Celebrate the holiday season at West Hills Vineyards with a family-friendly Santa Day! Meet Santa, explore the vineyard with a scavenger hunt, and enjoy a special prize at the end. Lunch specials will be available in the tasting room and you can also decorate cookies from Simply Joyful Cookies in the pavilion for just $5.
Date: December 1, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: West Hills Vineyards // 4785 Salem Dallas Hwy NW, Salem, OR 97304
Cost: $5 for cookie decorating
Wreath Making Workshop
Get creative this holiday season with Dearhouse Collective’s Winter Wreath Making Workshop. Held in the elegant Reed Opera House Ballroom, this class includes all the supplies needed to craft your own beautiful wreath, along with guided instruction, snacks, and beverages. Grab a friend, learn a new skill, and enjoy a festive December afternoon.
Date: December 1, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Reed Opera House Ballroom // 189 Liberty St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $65 (view ticket information)
Christmas Night Market
Celebrate the season at Aunt Bee’s House during their first-ever Christmas Night Market. Participate in an evening filled with holiday cheer, including festive carolers, tasty treats, special sales, prizes, and more.
Date: December 1, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Aunt Bee’s House // 2679 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE
Check out these events and make your plans to explore Salem this holiday season!
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