Last updated: November 11, 2024
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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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
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
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