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‘Ello, ‘ello!
Hopefully you’ve been staying dry and warm from the influx of rain. I don’t think we can say we’ll have a white Christmas according to the forecasts, but I hope we can expect a clear and not-too-chilly New Years Eve!
This week we’re looking ahead to share what New Year’s Eve events you can start planning to attend. Me? I’m still on the fence and this list has honestly helped me too, haha. If you have other thoughts about the new year or more, you can let me know of them at my email, [email protected].
Baking sweet treats,
Em Chan
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New Years Eve events to ring in 2026
Daytime Events
Our Party!! Salem Kids’ NYE Party at Salem Center, presented by Better Together Supports: Our very own Jacob is hosting this New Year’s Eve party for kids at the downtown mall. Instead of a countdown at midnight, it will be at 9 PM and also feature a balloon drop. There will be a dj and dance party, games, and photo booth. The event will be held in the food court and start at 7 pm.
“Noon” Year’s Eve at Gilbert House Children’s Museum: Instead of a ball drop at midnight, it’ll drop at exactly 12 PM! Tickets to this event include festive crafts, face painting, hot cocoa and treats, plus balloon artists; it also comes with a day of museum admission. Tickets are available now online, with reduced rates for members of Gilbert House. 116 Marion St. NE.
Free carousel rides at Riverfront Park: Everyone can enjoy free carousel rides with a non-perishable food donation to support Keizer Community Food Bank. The carousel will be open from 10 AM to 2 PM for the holiday. 101 Front St NE.
Oregon Glow New Year's Eve Fireworks: Ring in 2025 twice with fireworks at 9 pm and midnight at Oregon Glow's illuminated winter garden. Walk through millions of lights, enjoy food and drinks, and celebrate the new year without staying up past midnight—or do both shows. The immersive light experience features themed gardens, photo opportunities, and festive atmosphere. Tickets available online. 3900 Brooklake Rd. NE.
Evening Events
New York New Year’s Eve Dance at RJ Dance Studio: Enjoy an evening of dancing and ringing in the New York new year at the RJ Dance Studio. There will be a toast at 9 pm, party favors, light bites, and music. The event ends at 10:30 pm. The dance studio offers ballroom, salsa, and more. Entry is $15 before Dec. 29, and $20 at the door. 317 Court St. NE.
The Hudsucker Proxy screening at Salem Cinema: The Salem Cinema is doing a special screening of Hudsucker Proxy at 8 PM. The movie will be over before the new year, in case you want to still have time to watch the ball drop. Tickets for the movie are available now.
Leopard Lounge New Year’s Eve at Precious Pizza: Come for a leopard print New Year’s Eve celebration with pizza, cocktails, and a Shania Twain impersonator. Event starts at 8 PM until “late.” For more details, keep an eye on the restaurant’s Instagram page. 347 Court St NE.
NYE Fiesta at Xicha Brewing: This family friendly celebration will include tropical musical by DJ Cavaliere, good food, drinks, and vibes! The special evening will run from 8 to 11:30 PM. You can make reservations for the evening online now. 2195 Hyacinth St NE #162.
Late Night Events
Full Metal Countdown at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre: Ring in the new year with Fear of the Dark, an Iron Maiden tribute band, plus Battery, Inc., a Metallica tribute band. Doors open at 8 PM, event starts at 9 PM. Tickets are available online now. 191 High St. NE.
New Year’s Eve with the Tuesday String Band at McMenamins Boon’s Treasury: Hang out and enjoy the Tuesday String Band at the restaurant, with food and drink specials all night. There will be a champagne toast to welcome the new year. All ages are welcome to the event. Live music begins at 9 PM until midnight. 888 Liberty St NE.
Quirky 80s/90s NYE Party at Westside Station: The band Lip Bomb will be playing at Westside Station to bring the party into 2026. There will be a champagne toast, NYE hats, and noisemakers provided. The band will also give away free light-up duckies. There will be a cover charge at the door, but you can have free entry with the purchase of a dinner special (both to be determined). For more details, check out the Facebook event page. 610 Edgewater St. NW.
2 Year Anniversary and NYE party at Mykie’s Bar & Lounge: Show out for the bar and restaurant’s joint anniversary and new year’s eve party. Come for drinks, food and a countdown to the new year. More info on the lineup on their social media to come.
Special dinner and late-night celebration at Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant: The restaurant will be hosting a special dinner service from 3 to 10 PM and a late-night celebration to countdown into 2026. There will be appetizers and a midnight toast of bubbly, and the restaurant will close at 12:30 AM. Reservations are encouraged for both the dinner and new year’s celebration, which can be made by calling 503-339-7446.
30th anniversary “Got it Poppin’” karaoke party at The Silver Inn: There is free admission to this karaoke new year’s eve celebration, which will also include a midnight toast and party favors. 3788 Silverton Rd.
The EDGE Band Live for NYE at Salem Elks Lodge: The EDGE band will be performing classic rock hits for you to dance the night away. Doors open at 4 PM. For more info, check out the organization’s website. 2336 Turner Rd SE.
Great Gatsby NYE Party at Ankeny Winery: Dress in your best 1920s outfits and party the whole night long at Ankeny Winery for the new year! There will be food, drinks and the Gail Gage Jazz Band performing all night. Club members of the winery get tow complimentary covers to the event; reservations must be prepaid for parties of 1 to 6 at $5 per person, which can be made online now. 2565 Riverside Dr S.
New Year, Same Me presented by Rhythm & Flow at Side Hustle Bar: If you’re looking to party into 2026, Side Hustle Bar will be featuring Bella the Rapper plus DJ Inferno and friends for the whole night, plus party favors, a countdown, and champagne toast at midnight. You can RSVP now online. 145 Liberty St NE Suite #101.
New Year’s Eve at Bar Noira: Potentially the fanciest new year’s eve party in town, Noira is offering bubbles, caviar bumps, champagne cake, and more. Reservations can be made on the website now. 285 Liberty St NE Suite 135.
A New Year’s Eve Soiree with Mike Winkle and Conversation at Christo’s Pizza: Come for dining and swing music from 7 to 10 PM at the pizza and jazz lounge. There will be swing music but also jazz and 60s classics reimaged as jazz including Beatles, Animals, Cream, Procol Harem and more. Tickets include a complimentary prosecco toast. Tickets are available online now. 1108 Broadway St NE.
I’m so excited for this year to finally be over with. This year had its very great happenings, but isn’t it nice to just have a clean slate in the new year? I hope to see you at one of these events or in the new year, soon!
Gathering confetti,
Em Chan
