Holiday Activities in the Salem Area
The holiday season is in full effect, and the Mid-Willamette Valley has plenty of fun things to do this month. From holiday light displays to shopping, there is something for everyone in the family.
The Holiday Village
People of all ages can enjoy the holiday season at the Holiday Village at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Livestock Pavilion (2330 17th St. NE, Salem). The market will have festive food and drinks as well as locally made items. Photos with Santa will be available on the weekends. Parking is $5 per vehicle and free with Magic of Lights entry. The village will run from December 5th-22nd, Thursday-Sundays.
Magic of Lights
Back for a second season, Magic of Lights features a drive-thru holiday lights experience, which will showcase more than a mile of light displays. Located at the Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center (2300 17th St. NE, Salem) and running nightly until January 4th. Each standard vehicle is $28, with no vehicles being longer than 30 feet.
Powerland Heritage Park
The fifth annual Holiday Sparkles will take place at Powerland Heritage Park (3995 Brooklake Rd. NE, Brooks). The park transforms into a spectacle as light displays fill the park for the drive-thru experience. Meet Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and snacks, and watch out for the Grinch. Holiday Sparkles is free (donations welcome) and will be open weekends in December from 5-8 p.m.
Keizer Miracle of Lights
The Gubser neighborhood welcomes the community to its annual holiday light display. Guests will start on the corner of Lockhaven and 14th Ave. in Keizer and follow the arrows through the neighborhood. Donations to the Marion Polk Food Share are encouraged. The display is open December 6th-26th from 6-10 p.m. nightly.
Holiday Tree Lighting
The City of Salem hosts its tree lighting on December 6th, and the display will be on nightly until December 31st.
Grand Menorah Lighting
The celebration will begin with an annual car-top parade, followed by a menorah lighting on December 29th at 4 p.m. The parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life (1370 Crowley Ave. SE). The lighting will take place at Mirror Park, on the corner of Commercial and Southeast Trade Streets in Salem.
The Nutcracker
The World Ballet Company will perform “The Nutcracker at the Elsinore” on December 17th at 7 p.m. The cast features 40 professional ballet dancers. Tickets for the show start at $42. Starr Studios will also perform “The Nutcracker” at Chemeketa Community College on December 21st-22nd. Tickets for this show are $15.
Krampus Ball
Infinity Room will host the Krampus Ball on December 21st at 7:30 p.m. The night will feature live music and a costume contest. Tickets for the ball range from $20-25.A Christmas Carol
Theatre 33 will feature a 1940s radio show version of A Christmas Carol December 6th-14th at the M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University. Tickets for the show range from $15-20.