Salem Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Salem and surrounding areas
Salem sparkles in Winter 2025 with Christmas lights across downtown near Roanoke College and along Main Street, creating a lively setting for tree lightings and holiday gatherings. The City of Salem Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade, Gingerbread Festival, and Holiday Pops Spectacular! anchor a season full of Holiday lights and festive community events. Enjoy seasonal markets, family activities, and performances that celebrate Salem’s historic streets and cultural landmarks.
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Christmas Markets
6 eventsRoanoke's largest holiday celebration with three distinct event nights.
Other Christmas Activities
9 eventsA resort-wide Christmas celebration with diverse activities.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas
(Roanoke)
Roanoke's largest holiday celebration with three distinct event nights.
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Christmas at The Greenbrier
(White Sulphur Springs)
A resort-wide Christmas celebration with diverse activities.
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Virginia Christmas Spectacular: Escaping Christmas
(Lynchburg)
A theatrical production exploring the true meaning of Christmas.
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Lexington Christmas Parade: A Storybook Christmas
(Lexington)
Annual parade with 'A Storybook Christmas' theme
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City of Salem Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade in Downtown Salem.
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Cave Spring Festival of Trees
(Natural Bridge)
Community-decorated trees with donation-based voting
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Shows Near Salem
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Salem.
Holiday Pops Spectacular!
Step into a sparkling world of music and joy with the Holiday Pops...
View full details →Sounds of the Season: A Christmas Celebration with TFox
Experience the joy of the season with 'Sounds of the Season: A Christmas...
View full details →Virginia Christmas Spectacular: Escaping Christmas
Journey with Frank and Lois as they try to escape the commercialism of...
View full details →Christmas Lights Near Salem
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Salem.
6th Annual Botetourt Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail
Experience the enchantment of the 6th Annual Botetourt Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail....
View full details →Cave Spring Festival of Trees
Experience the festive spirit at the Cave Spring Festival of Trees, where local...
View full details →Candlelight Processional & Tree Lighting
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the 30th annual Candlelight Processional...
View full details →Christmas Parties Near Salem
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Salem.
Children's Holiday Festival
Celebrate the magic of the season at Amazement Square's Children's Holiday Festival. This...
View full details →View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Salem
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Salem Christmas FAQ
Salem often hosts several large annual Christmas events, including major holiday markets and community tree lighting ceremonies. These events typically draw significant crowds and feature a variety of festive activities.
Salem's holiday traditions often blend historical charm with modern festivities, sometimes including unique historical reenactments or themed events that reflect the city's rich past.
Residential neighborhoods throughout Salem, particularly those with established homes and active community associations, are often the best places to find impressive Christmas light displays.
Christmas markets and local maker events are frequently held in Salem's downtown areas, community centers, and sometimes in historic districts during the holiday season.
Exploring neighborhood light displays, attending free public tree lightings, and enjoying festive window shopping are great free or budget-friendly options in Salem.
Families with kids in Salem can enjoy visiting Santa, attending kid-friendly holiday shows, exploring festive markets, and viewing neighborhood light displays.