Greetings all! 

I blinked and then suddenly I was told it’s the week of Thanksgiving and a rush of other holiday happenings! Where did the time go?? I am looking forward to the fun and joy to be had in the coming weeks, and it’ll start with today’s newsletter. 

This week, I am sharing the tale of how the annual Holiday Parade (happening Nov. 28!) was brought back after a decade of not happening. It’s been a few years since it came back, but I don’t think everyone knows how much work was put into its resurrection as a downtown activity. 

In addition, I will be sharing the holiday events that are coming up for the rest of the month into next. Some have already kicked off, but the bulk will begin after this weekend. If you’re looking for Thanksgiving events, check out our newsletter from Nov. 11 for more info. 

On a personal note: like many of you, this year was really tough for my family and I. I lost my grandma during the summer and Thanksgiving was her favorite American holiday. So if you are spending it with your loved ones, please don’t forget to tell them how much they mean to you. 

Anyway! If you have other events or holiday stories you’d like to share with me, you know how to reach me: my email, [email protected]. 

Warmest regards, 

Em Chan

This year is the fourth annual Salem downtown holiday parade, which will take place November 28 at 5 p.m., starting at the Capitol (4th St). Following the parade will be a tree lighting with the mayor and Santa Claus, plus a snowball fight with Buddy the Elf.

But the holiday parade wasn’t a part of the downtown tradition for close to a decade. Here’s how – and what – the Salem Main Street Association did to bring it back every year. 

The holiday parade was originally called the Festival of Lights Holiday Parade, and went through Salem from 1990 to 2010. But the parade moved to Keizer and has remained in the city since. Despite wanting a parade to return, who would pick up the mantle? 

Fun Fact: This celebration is volunteer and privately funded through the Salem Main Street Association, rather than being organized by the city, despite popular belief. 

The Salem Main Street Association did, because they wanted to rejuvenate downtown, Derek Gilbert, board member and local business owner, said. The goal was to make downtown a warm, cozy living room and help out the businesses, especially since downtown’s reputation was pretty negative, Gilbert said. The founders of the holiday parade include Gilbert, Jim Vu, and Angie Oven.

Why doesn’t the city spend money and put on the event? Frankly, because it is obnoxiously expensive. The cost of road closures, hiring crews to put the lights on, police officiers to direct the parade, and more makes it virtually impossible. With the nonprofit and the generosity of sponsors and volunteers, it takes about $43 - 50,000 to pay for the permits, hire traffic control, and get the lights, Gilbert said. He recalls being given a quote that just the value of the lights themselves is upwards of $100,000. 

“It was a huge effort because all of the holiday lights, parade, and execution is all done by volunteers,” he said. It took hours of planning and execution to make it work. The parade returned in 2022, which made it an extra special as folks were still coming out of the COVID pandemic isolation of the years prior. 

The holiday parade is Gilbert’s particular passion because he adores the holiday season and making downtown vibrant. Within the nonprofit, there is a team of 15 who are working on organizing holiday activities year-round, and countless others who help during the actual season.

Gilbert recommends folks come downtown earlier in the day, as major road shutdowns will begin around 4:15 pm; the streets around the Capitol will close around 3:15 pm. 

After the parade passes, onlookers are encouraged to follow the parade where it will lead folks to a tree lighting on Commercial and Court Street. The tree is 30 feet tall and the lighting of it will be around 7:50 p.m. The evening will conclude with a snowball fight with Buddy the Elf, including 3000 (free!) snowballs. 

Our own Jacob Espinoza will be the emcee of the parade, plus other local organizations and businesses tabling and representing themselves on floats. We are so excited for the parade and hope to see lots of folks there! 

There’s lots to look forward to the rest of the year, here’s events you can plan around! 

(Editor’s Note: Em is hosting a White Elephant Gift exchange on December 11. There is only room for 25 people. Would love to see you there!)

21 - Dec. 31, Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort: Open from 5 to 9 p.m., you can walk through over a million lights, shop at the German Christmas market for gifts from local vendors, snowless tubing, and more. Tickets are available now. 895 W. Main St., SIlverton.

24 - Jan. 3, 2026, Magic of Lights at the Oregon State Fairgrounds & Holiday Village: The drive-through lights display at the fairgrounds returns. For more info on tickets and special activities, check out the website. Holiday Village has shopping, music, food and drinks plus classic carnival rides at the Poultry Building and Livestock Pavilion.  2330 17th St. NE. 

28, Santa & Elf Arrive to Salem Aboard the Carousel Express Train: Santa and the Elf will be at the Riverfront Carousel and have photos taken with children (at an extra cost). There will also be complimentary hot cocoa while supplies last. 101 Front St. NE.

28: Downtown Salem Holiday Parade: The Salem Main Street Association is hosting the 4th annual Downtown Salem Holiday Parade. It features a Christmas tree lighting and snowball fight afterward. Downtown Salem. 

28 - Dec. 31, Glow Christmas Light Adventure at Volanoes Stadium: The Volcano stadium is hosting a lights experience, maker’s market, Santa photo sessions and other kid-friendly activities throughout December. Tickets are available online now. 6700 Field of Dreams Way NE.

28 - Dec. 1, Magic at the Mill: The Willamette Heritage Center hosts a weekend of holiday lights, Santa, holiday night market, and children’s activities. Tickets are available now, and each evening is limited to 1,000 visitors each night. 1313 Mill St. SE Suite 200. 

28 & 29, World Ballet Company presents the Nutcracker at the Elsinore Theatre: The classic Nutcracker production will be put on by the World Ballet Company. Tickets are available online now. 170 High St. SE.

29 & 30, Photos with Santa at the Riverfront Carousel: Santa will be at the Riverfront Carousel for photos, but reservations must be made in advance. Tickets are available online now. 101 Front St. NE.

29: Holiday Card-Making with Sherree Rodriguez at the Art Department: Looking to make some special holiday cards? Sign up for this card-making class at the Art Department, using watercolor and/or colored pencils. Tickets are available online now. 254 Commercial St. NE.

29: Holiday Fest in Stayton: Stayton is getting into holiday spirit! There will be Santa, holiday displays and more. Downtown Stayton.

2, Annual Oregon State Capitol Tree Lighting: The Holidays at the Capitol begins this year with the tree lighting ceremony. Then, the Willamette Master Chorus performs at 5 p.m., plus free photos with Santa. Admission is free. 900 Court St. NE.

2, Keizer Tree Lighting: The tree lighting with Santa will take place 6 to 7 p.m. Kids age 12 and younger will be encouraged to put their name into a special drawing, and two lucky names drawn will join Santa in switching on the holiday lights. There will also be cookies and cocoa. 4400 River Road N., Keizer.

2, “A Drag Queen Christmas” at the Elsinore Theatre: The longest running drag tour in America swings by Salem to celebrate Christmas! Hosted by Nina West, other queens including Shea Coulee, Lexi Love, Crystal Methyd and more will be performing live. VIP meet and greet add-on tickets are also available. The show is 18+. Tickets are available online now. 170 High St. SE.

4: Holidays in Hudson Hall: The Willamette Voce and Chamber choirs will perform traditional carols inside the holiday-donned Hudson Concert Hall. Concert tickets are available online now. 

5 - 26, Keizer Miracle of Lights: Drive through holiday light displays in Keizer and support the Marion Polk Food Share. Located in the Gubser neighborhood, it’s free but donations are highly encouraged. Lockhaven Dr. N., Keizer. 

5 - 7, Hazelnut Fest Indoor Holiday Market: Enjoy perusing local craft and artisan vendors, brews, wine and more at the Mt. Angel Festhalle for this holiday market. 500 Wilco Hwy NE, Mt. Angel.

5 - 6: Turner Christmas Market: The Urban Granary is hosting this holiday market for two days, featuring wine, handmade goods, food, drinks and live music. 5325 Denver St. SE.

5, Monmouth Merry Market, Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting: The annual parade and Western Oregon University tree lighting plus Merry Market will be a full evening of holiday cheer. There will be cocoa and cider available at 5:30 p.m., cookie decorating at 7 p.m., and visits with Santa beginning at 7:30 p.m. 400 Monmouth Ave. N., Monmouth.

5, Gala of Trees Fundraiser: The Holiday Auction and Gala benefiting Family Building Blocks will be held at the Salem Convention Center. There will be a silent auction, photo booth, games, cocktails, dinner, live auction and entertainment. Admission tickets are available online now. 200 Commercial St. 

5: Riverfront Holiday Lights Display, Tree Lighting and Carriage Rides: The holiday season will be kicking off with visits with Santa, carriage rides and more from 5:45 to 8 p.m. 200 Water St. NE.

6, Deepwood Holiday Open House: The Deepwood Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and decorated in Victorian holiday decor. There will be Santa Claus and free cider (while supplies last). 1116 Mission St. SE.

6, Free Holiday Craft & Heroes at the Carousel: The Riverfront Carousel is hosting a free holiday craft (while supplies last) plus free meet and greet/photo opportunities with visitors from the Star Wars universe. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 101 Front St. NE.

6, Winter Holiday Happenings Sale: Bush Barn Art Center is hosting more than 50 artists selling various art, jewlery, textiles, ornaments, greeting cards and more - plus, members will get an additional 15% savings on purchases. 600 Mission St. SE. 

6, Bush House Holiday Open Museum: Enjoy music and explore the Bush House Museum in its festive decor. Admission will be free, donations welcome. 600 Mission St. SE.

6, Dallas’ Christmas Town 2025 with Parade, Market, Tree Lighting: There will be a Christmas Market in the afternoon, town parade starting at 5 p.m. at Jefferson and Main, tree lighting at 6 p.m., and Santa’s Tent starts at 6 p.m. Admission for the entire evening’s festivities is free. 850 Main St., Dallas.

6, Christmas at Corban Concert: Corban University’s band, orchestra, and choirs will be performing Chrismtas music plus some songs that may be sung along with the choirs. 5000 Deer Park Dr. SE. 

6, Holiday Sparkles at Powerland Heritage Park: Drive through a decorated Powerland Heritage Park, plus stop and visit Santa. Admission is free but donations gladly accepted. 3995 Brooklake Rd NE. 

6, Winter Wonderland Walk & Grand Finale Ceremony: Walk in and around the library, downtown Stayton and finally the holiday tree for the lighting ceremony. There will be a window display contest, caroling and a raffle as well. The evening’s festivities are free. 515 N 1st. Ave., Stayton.

11, What’s Happening Salem’s Community White Elephant: Want to exchange gifts but don’t have anyone to exchange with? What’s Happening Salem crew and community are here for you! Admission fee of $5 and come with a wrapped/bagged gift and enjoy a casual White Elephant. Hosted in The Reed’s Underground (lower level), this family-friendly event will have a max capacity of 25 people. Check our Instagram for more info coming soon! 189 Liberty St NE.

12, A Night at Nakatomi Plaza: A Dramatic Reading of Die Hard: The ultimate Christmas movie “Die Hard” will be read by local comedy and improv performers. Be prepared to take part in this dramatic evening and celebrate the classic movie. Ugly sweaters are encouraged to be worn. Tickets are on sale now for $15 and will increase to $20 day-of. Show is 18+. 191 High St. NE.

12 - 14, Salem Holiday Market: The annual holiday market at the Oregon State Fairgrounds returns with vendors, Santa, holiday contests and more. Contest entries are still open, and all ages are encouraged to apply. For more info on contests, vendors, and other activities, check out the website. 2330 17th St. NE. 

13, Breakfast with Santa at the Carousel: Join Santa for a breakfast buffet, carousel rides and a keepsake photo. Tickets for the event are available online now. 101 Front St. NE. 

13, Keizer Holiday Lights Parade: The Keizer Chamber of Commerce’s annual Keizer Holiday Lights Parade returns with floats from local businesses, civic groups, car clubs and marching bands. The parade will go through River Road from Lockhaven to Glynbrook. For the specifics of its course, check out the website. 4118 River Road N., Keizer. 

14, Breakfast with Santa at the Keizer Fire Station: The Keizer Volunteer Firefighters’ Association will be serving all you can eat pancake breakfast with the proceeds donated to Keizer Food Bank and Keizer Fire Foundation. Santa will be available for photos as well. For more on the meal and admission prices, check out the website. 661 Chemawa Road NE., Keizer. 

19, McPea Pod Pop-Up Market and Skate Night: The McPea Pod Pop-Up and Traveling Wheelz are collaborating for an Ugly Sweater Holiday Open Skate. Swing by to shop, skate or both! Admission is free for market-only attendees, while skaters are $10, and rentals for an additional $5. 1335 Madison St. NE. 

23, Night at the North Pole: Riverfront Carousel’s Holiday Pajama Party now has a new theme: night at the North Pole! Wear festive or fun holiday sweater or jolly outfit. There will be ice cream sundae and hot cocoa bar, crafts, games, prizes, unlimited rides, goody bag and a photo with Santa. Tickets for the event are available online now. 101 Front St. NE. 

24, Free Carousel Rides on Christmas Eve: Free rides will be available all day Christmas Eve at the Riverfront Carousel. It is encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable food items to support the Marion Polk Food Share. 101 Front St. NE. 

24, Salem Tuba Holiday at the Elsinore Theatre: The annual tradition of horns, euphoniums and tubas will perform Christmas carols and holiday songs. Lyrics will be projects to support audience members joining as the community holiday choir. Jeff Witt will be the featured vocalist, and John Skelton leading the tubas. Tickets purchased in advance are $10, while will increase to $15 the day-of. 170 High St. SE. 

Wow, Salem loves its holidays. I mean, who doesn’t? Yet this is just a drop in the bucket for all the wonderful events going on. Again, if you’d like to make sure we don’t miss a thing here at What’s Happening Salem, let me know at my email, [email protected]. 

Now the hard part… Trying to figure out which events I can go to! 

Bundled up, 

Em Chan