Get set for a holiday adventure in Salem with our guide. Discover all the top festive events. Whether you're a Salem veteran or a first-timer, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of holiday joy.
One event to experience is Magic at the Mill, where the enchanting atmosphere transforms an old grain mill into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Additionally, the Holiday Events at the Salem Riverfront Carousel invite families to enjoy merry rides and seasonal festivities, perfect for all ages. And the Holiday Open House at Deepwood Estates showcases beautifully decorated rooms and the charm of historic architecture, bringing joy to every corner. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Salem
- Magic at the Mill
- Holiday Events at the Salem Riverfront Carousel
- Holidays at the Elsinore Theater
- Holiday Open House at Deepwood Estates
- Holiday Pajama Party with Santa and Friends
- Breakfast with Santa
- A Children's Nutcracker
- FREE Holiday Craft Day
- Mistletoe Market at Honeybee Grove & Flower Farm (North Salem)
- Christmas Concert at St. James (North Salem)
See these and even more events listed below!
Salem Holiday Light Displays
Magic at the Mill
What to Expect:
Community event with historical interpretations and festive lights.
Description:
Join us for a seasonal festival featuring thousands of twinkling lights, living history demonstrations, museum tours, Santa visits, children's activities, heritage craft demonstrations, model trains, vendor marketplace, and live performances.
Where: Salem | More Info: Magic at the Mill
Harvest Moon Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling walk-through light experience with interactive displays.
Description:
Over half a million brilliant lights transform the orchard into an illuminated forest with whimsical creatures, light-changing orbs, and thematic installations.
Where: North Salem | More Info: Harvest Moon Festival of Lights
Salem Holiday Markets and Shopping
Mistletoe Market at Honeybee Grove & Flower Farm
What to Expect:
Family-friendly outdoor market with local artisans and Santa photos.
Description:
The Mistletoe Market at Honeybee Grove & Flower Farm is an outdoor event featuring holiday gifts from nearly 20 local artisans, food, holiday decor, and photos with Santa in a vintage VW bus.
Where: North Salem | More Info: Mistletoe Market at Honeybee Grove & Flower Farm
Salem Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holidays at the Elsinore Theater
What to Expect:
Intimate holiday concert with Oregon Symphony brass and percussion.
Description:
Join members of the Oregon Symphony brass and percussion sections for a heartwarming, joyful, and intimate concert featuring a mix of classical and popular holiday favorites.
Where: Salem | More Info: Holidays at the Elsinore Theater
A Children's Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Ballet performance with donated profits to a local food bank.
Description:
Students of American Ballet Academy present a delightful holiday performance of "A Children's Nutcracker" at the Historic Elsinore Theatre, featuring beautiful dancing, colorful costumes, and Tchaikovsky's Christmas score. All profits are donated to Marion Polk Food Share.
Where: Salem | More Info: A Children's Nutcracker
Christmas Concert at St. James
What to Expect:
Traditional and contemporary music performance.
Description:
St. James Episcopal Church presents a Christmas Concert featuring traditional and contemporary music, creating a joyful atmosphere for all attendees.
Where: North Salem | More Info: Christmas Concert at St. James
Salem Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Open House at Deepwood Estates
What to Expect:
Historic Victorian home and gardens open for holiday festivities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Deepwood Museum & Gardens with a festive open house featuring historic tours, garden strolls, and seasonal activities.
Where: Salem | More Info: Holiday Open House at Deepwood Estates
Holiday Events at the Salem Riverfront Carousel
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly rides and activities for guests with autism and other sensory sensitivities.
Description:
The Salem Riverfront Carousel offers a variety of holiday events, including sensory hours, craft activities, and visits with Santa. Guests can enjoy carousel rides, holiday crafts, and special photo opportunities. The carousel also hosts events like the Holiday Open House and the Pajama Party with Santa.
Where: Salem | More Info: Holiday Events at the Salem Riverfront Carousel
FREE Holiday Craft Day
What to Expect:
Free holiday crafts with special guests and photo opportunities.
Description:
Join us for a free holiday craft day where special guests will be available for photo opportunities. Enjoy a variety of activities and take home your creations.
Where: Salem | More Info: FREE Holiday Craft Day
Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Breakfast buffet with Santa and carousel rides.
Description:
Join Santa at Salem's Riverfront Carousel for a delightful breakfast buffet, carousel rides, a small gift, and a keepsake photo. Children under 2 years old are free if they sit on an adult's lap; otherwise, a ticket is required. The event includes a variety of breakfast items like scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, French toast sticks, fruit, coffee, and juice.
Where: Salem | More Info: Breakfast with Santa
Holiday Pajama Party with Santa and Friends
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with carousel rides and Santa photos.
Description:
Join Holiday Pajama Party with Santa and Friends for a fun-filled event featuring pizza, hot dogs, snacks, beverages, unlimited carousel rides, a holiday keepsake craft activity, and photo opportunities with Santa. Guests aged 2 years and under do not require paid admission.
Where: Salem | More Info: Holiday Pajama Party with Santa and Friends
Chanukah Village Walk 2023
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with diverse activities and a menorah lighting.
Description:
The Chanukah Village Walk 2023 in Downtown Ridgefield transforms Main Street into a vibrant holiday experience with a photo booth, fire show, live DJ, cotton candy, Chanukah crafts and gifts, balloon shaping, latkes, donuts, and hot apple cider. A menorah lighting ceremony will take place at 5:00 p.m. in front of Deborah Anne’s Sweet Shoppe.
Where: Ridgefield | More Info: Chanukah Village Walk 2023
Christmas Salem Saturdays
What to Expect:
Immersive historical holiday experience with unique activities each Saturday.
Description:
Explore historic Salem, North Carolina, during Christmas Salem Saturdays, featuring special activities and attractions that highlight 18th and 19th-century traditions.
Where: Salem | More Info: Christmas Salem Saturdays
Joy of Christmas Evening Tours
What to Expect:
Guided tours through historic sites with hands-on activities.
Description:
Explore the history of Old Salem's Tavern Museum, Vogler House, and Boys School during this seasonal tradition. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas from the 1800s with engaging and informative experiences. Delight in hands-on activities that transport you to the heartwarming holiday season of yesteryear.
Where: Salem | More Info: Joy of Christmas Evening Tours
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Keizer (3 miles)
- Woodburn (16 miles)
- McMinnville (20 miles)
- Albany (21 miles)
- Newberg (25 miles)
- Wilsonville (28 miles)
- Corvallis (28 miles)
- Tualatin (33 miles)
- Oregon City (35 miles)
- West Linn (36 miles)
- Tigard (36 miles)
- Lake Oswego (37 miles)
- Aloha (39 miles)
- Beaverton (39 miles)
- Milwaukie (40 miles)
- Forest Grove (40 miles)
- Hillsboro (40 miles)
- Bethany (43 miles)
- Lents (44 miles)
- Portland (44 miles)