The holidays in Salem, Oregon, are a time of enchantment and wonder—especially when it comes to the amazing light displays throughout the area. There are several great places to view holiday lights around town, including drive-through experiences, beautiful park displays, and winter festivals. Here’s a guide to the best displays in and around Salem in 2025.
Holiday Sparkles at Powerland
Powerland Heritage Park, a 62-acre campus with 14 museums near Salem, Oregon, is hosting their 6th annual “Holiday Sparkles at Powerland” event! On December 12th – 14th and 19th – 21st, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, this spectacular drive-thru holiday light experience is ready to dazzle visitors with its display of twinkling lights and festive decorations.
Marvel at twinkling lights and festive decorations all from the warmth of your car! Santa Claus will be making special appearances, so don’t forget your camera to capture those holiday memories. Plus, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and keep an eye out for a mischievous visit from the Grinch. This event is free (donations are appreciated and support the park).
Location: Powerland Heritage Park // 3995 Brooklake Rd NE, Brooks, OR
Dates: December 12-14 & 19-21, from 5 PM – 8 PM
Holiday Lights Display at Riverfront Park
Visit the beautiful Riverfront Park along the Willamette River for a captivating walk-through light display throughout the holiday season. Park nearby, grab a hot beverage from a nearby local coffee shop, and stroll through the stunning lights with your friends and family! This is a free display for the community put on by the City of Salem, and will be up through December 31.
Location: Riverfront Park // 200 Water St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Dates: Through December 31
Keizer Miracle of Lights
The Keizer Miracle of Lights event is an annual tradition in the Gubser neighborhood of Keizer, Oregon. For over 30 years, this neighborhood has been lighting up their homes to celebrate the holiday season. Running until December 26, this event is a heartwarming display of community spirit and holiday cheer. The drive-thru (or walk-through) display is free and open to the public.
The lights display starts at the corner of Lockhaven and 14th Ave. The event supports Marion Polk Food Share with monetary and non-perishable food donations to provide meals for families, children, and seniors in need.
Location: 14th and Lockhaven, Keizer, Oregon 97303
Dates: Through December 26, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Glow Oregon Christmas Lighting Festival
The GLOW Christmas Light Festival has transformed Roto‑Rooter Park (home of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes) into a glowing winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll under a tunnel of lights and wander through paths featuring a 40-foot Christmas tree, a reindeer garden, snowman arch, a fairytale castle, glowing snowflakes, and other dazzling displays. This year’s theme, Santa’s Lost Presents, invites children and their families to help Santa find presents hidden throughout the festival.
Along with the lights, the event offers live holiday performances, a “Merry Maker’s Market” with local vendors and food trucks, interactive displays, and plenty of photo-worthy holiday scenes. Tickets are sold online.
Location: Roto-Rooter Park // 6700 Field of Dreams Way NE, Keizer, Oregon 97303
Dates: Through December 31, 2025
Time slots: Sun – Thurs 4:45 PM – 8:00 PM | Fri – Sat 4:45 – 9:00 PM | New Year’s Eve last time slot 11:30 PM
Magic of Lights at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Expo Center
The Magic of Lights at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Expo Center is a unique holiday lights experience with over a mile of light displays. This event offers a family-friendly experience where you can also enjoy the magic of your favorite holiday scenes and characters from the comfort of your car. Tickets are sold per vehicle and are available at the entrance or online.
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds and Expo Center // 2330 17th Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
Dates: Through January 3, 2026
Times: Mon-Thurs 5:30 PM – 9 PM, Fri-Sun 5:30 PM- 10 PM (includes holidays)
Glow – Holiday Light Display in Independence
The City of Independence is hosting their annual “Glow Holiday Light Display” at Independence Riverview Park. This event kicked off on November 30th and will be up until January 11th, 2026, providing plenty of opportunity for visitors to experience the holiday lights. This walk-through holiday display is open to the public and is an excellent opportunity for those in or near Salem to enjoy a beautiful evening among the lights.
Location: Independence Riverview Park // 143 S Main St, Independence, OR 97351
Dates: Until January 11, 2026
Silverton Christmas Market
The Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort provides a magical holiday experience for all ages. This annual event is a wonderland of over one million lights along the garden paths, complemented by a German Christmas Market. Visitors can explore a variety of artisan vendors, visit with Santa, enjoy live music, and hang out in the Biergarten.
Don’t miss your chance to experience one of HGTV’s Best Small Towns to Visit for Christmas! Buy your tickets today before they sell out.
Location: Oregon Garden Resort // 895 W. Main St., Silverton, OR 97381
Dates: Through December 31, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Between the sparkling neighborhood strolls and exuberant drive-thru displays, Salem and the surrounding areas create opportunities to celebrate the season with joy and magic. Each display is an opportunity to spend special time with friends, family, and the local community. Happy Holidays, Salem! 🌟
