Happy Holidays! 

Before you get on me for using this greeting – there is a lot of other holidays happening right now, and I want to include all of them regardless of what you may celebrate. I don’t personally celebrate a religious Christmas, I’m not Jewish, but I do want to continue spreading cheer for whatever you celebrate so I love using “happy holidays.” There! With that out of the way…

I can’t believe Christmas is almost here, and then it’ll be just days until we’re in 2026. This month for us at What’s Happening Salem is patting ourselves on the back for a great year, while also being excited for everything to come. Here’s our list, and let me know what else you are hoping will come into town in 2026 by emailing [email protected].

Cheers! 

Em Chan

There are so many things that we often complain that Salem lacks. At least in this list, we can hope that someone will finally get behind some of these ideas (or allow them to finally happen!) in the new year. 

The biggest thing that Salem seems to lack is the presence of a roller rink that is regularly open for the community. Or, an ice rink, because I don’t think anyone would oppose an ice rink. 

The last time Salem had a regularly open roller rink was Skate Palace, which now houses the Traveling Wheelz pop-up skating rink. The company is currently open Friday evenings for open skate, and hopes to eventually be able to open full-time. In the mean time, you can rent out the facility for parties and other events. 

Because Salem technically has a roller rink, an ice rink would be next. The Riverfront Park used to have the seasonal outdoor rink, Salem on Ice, which closed in 2019 due to rising costs. Perhaps it might not be the most profitable of ventures, it’s nice to dream that it could happen.  

How long has there been discussions of a grocery store and more businesses to come into downtown? I hope a grocery comes into downtown! And more businesses! It’s not lost on me that business is difficult to conduct in that area, but how can anything change if we don’t try? 

So many downtown residents would love easier access to a grocery store. As a former resident of downtown, this would’ve saved a lot of time and made being a downtown resident more appealing. I think a local chain, like a Roth’s, could easily fill in a space. 

In terms of downtown businesses, I think another arcade destination that is family-friendly could do well. A stationary shop would also be nice, something more updated, modern with fancy accessories like washi tape, Japanese planners and more… Oh, a freshly made pasta shop, or something similar. Don’t all these sound like great additions? Fingers crossed we can have one of them in the coming year. 

Like the last note of the previous section, I mention freshly made pasta. I think a really classic, traditional Italian restaurant would be a great new option. We’ve had a wonderful year of new restaurants, but somehow missed one of the classics.

I don’t say this to frown on the other Italian restaurants in town, it’s that this addition would better round out the options in town. I have in mind a place like Osteria DOP in Eugene or Mucca Osteria in Portland. It doesn’t have to be a swanky spot, but I could see how if it was more upscale it could do better. 

Perhaps this request is coming upon just the popularity of the sport, but encouraging sports for all abilities. There were more outdoor courts introduced at Highland City Park, but that’s the only place you can really play: outdoors. The closest facilities to play it indoors are located in Hilsboro (Pickleball Kingdom Tigard) and Portland (The People’s Courts). 

Honestly, another sports facility with different-sized courts to accommodate pickleball, racketball, badminton, and tennis would be ideal. I adore badminton and could see myself enjoying pickleball if there were more opportunities to play.

After the devastation of The Kitchen and Shari’s closing in the last few years, many wondered if another all-hours restaurant could return. I think it is a harder feat than ever, especially with how high inflation has hit the pricing of everything. Perhaps if this operation is small, with a small, curated menu and in a high-traffic area… It could be possible. 

I think it could be a sandwich shop, actually. Or a cafe that serves select breakfast items all day. This is not likely to happen in 2026, but a girl can dream… 

There is just one more newsletter this year before we hit 2026… I hope you all have a happy holiday, whether it’s Hannukah, Christmas, or another holiday I’ve missed. May it be merry and bright. 

Making a sweet treat, 

Em Chan