While historic attractions, sprawling gardens and great dining make Salem a fantastic year-round destination, the holidays are a particularly impressive time to visit. This season promises twinkling lights, craft-filled markets, live performances and plenty of parades that are sure to get the whole family into a festive mood. Here’s a glimpse of what Oregon’s capital city and its neighbors have in store.
Holiday Cheer in the Heart of Salem
The festive season in Salem kicks off with the late-November annual Downtown Salem Holiday Parade. The procession runs near the capitol and concludes with a tree-lighting ceremony. Expect a mix of costumed characters, musical performers and vibrant floats, which appear all the more magical thanks to downtown’s dazzling holiday lights.
The day after Thanksgiving is also the first day of Magic at the Mill, a festive four days at the Willamette Heritage Center, best known for its historic frame houses and history exhibits. Holiday highlights include lighting displays, a holiday market, heritage craft demonstrations and plenty of kid-focused fun, including the chance to take pictures with Santa Claus himself.
For a light show that you can enjoy from the cozy comfort of your own vehicle, head to Magic of Lights at the Oregon State Fair & Expo Center. This annual drive-through experience runs from mid-November to early January and features magnificent holiday-themed light displays, including plenty of animated wonders.
The holiday season is always a special time at downtown’s historic Elsinore Theatre, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Six different holiday productions will grace the stage, including two performances of the “The Nutcracker” by the World Ballet Company. Other performances include the “Holiday Road Tour” by male a cappella group Straight No Chaser; a very fabulous “Drag Queen Christmas” and a rip-roaring performance of “O Christmas Tea”, a must for fans of cheeky British comedy. Christmas carol fans may be moved to sing along at Steven Curtis Chapman’s “The Music of Christmas Tour” show, while fans of theologian and Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis shouldn’t miss “Christmas With C.S. Lewis.”
Lights and Festivities Beyond the City
The fun doesn’t stop in Salem. A short drive from the city, the Silverton Christmas Market infuses the Oregon Garden Resort with yuletide cheer. You can look forward to a Christmas market, a beer garden with live entertainment, snowless tubing and special appearances by Santa. For many, the biggest highlight is a massive network of elaborate light displays that weaves through the gardens. Special lodging packages make it easy to spend the night among the festivities.
For even more lights, head to Holiday Sparkles at Powerland Heritage Park. While it’s fun to see the park’s historic structures and vintage equipment no matter what time of year you visit, the holiday season adds an extra dose of sparkle to the space thanks to an abundance of colorful lights. This drive-through display — held on December weekends — is entirely free, but donations are welcome. In mid-December you can combine your drive through the park with a visit to the Keizer Holiday Lights Parade. Watch local community groups, businesses and even marching bands bring joy to River Road with illuminated floats and lots of live music.
Just west of Salem, the annual Christmas Town in Dallas event brings ample cheer to town with a spirited parade and a craft market featuring all sorts of goodies from local artisans.
Where to Eat and Stay
With so many festivities, it makes sense to stick around the Salem area for a while, whether for a meal or for a few nights. Fortunately, there are loads of great places to feast — and sleep.
For dishes that are as beautiful as they are tasty, not to mention great cocktails, head to Adobe Restaurant & Bar, which specializes in the many flavors of Latin American cuisine. For hearty Creole and Cajun fare, make a beeline to Noble Wave Louisiana Kitchen for a filling po’boy sandwich or a comforting brunch of chicken and waffles. If you’re in a dessert kind of mood, mosey over to Sewell Sweets to pick up a festive holiday cake.
You’ll find lots of convenient places to spend the night in and around the city. In downtown, both The Grand Hotel and The Holman Riverfront Park Hotel make great bases for watching the Downtown Salem Holiday Parade. As an added bonus, you’ll be within easy walking distance of area shopping. Other great choices include The Hotel Salem in the southern part of town, Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn in southeast Salem and the Holiday Inn in northeast Salem.
