With next Thursday being Christmas, this is the last Thursday send of the year.

Since launching What's Happening Salem about a year and a half ago, we have sent 125 emails. What a journey it's been.

Thanks so much to everyone who opens, shares, and replies to these sends.

We are always looking at making changes and would love to hear from you.

Speaking of celebrating, we're throwing a Kid's New Year's Eve Party on December 31st at 7 PM at the Salem Center! DJ, games, photo booth, and a balloon drop at 9 PM so the little ones can ring in the new year on their schedule. Tickets are just $10 for kids and adults. Grab yours here: https://luma.com/kgzh7zed

Heavy rain and winds are expected in Salem and the surrounding area from Dec. 18–20, with the heaviest rain forecast between 4 a.m. Dec. 18 and 4 a.m. Dec. 19. Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches are possible over 24 hours, with rates reaching up to a quarter inch per hour at times. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Northwest Oregon, including the Mid Willamette Valley, from late Dec. 17 through late Dec. 19.

The storm could cause rapidly rising creeks and streams, including Mill Creek, Mill Race, Shelton Ditch, and Lower Pringle Creek. The Willamette River could rise to 22 feet overnight Dec. 19–20, raising concerns for flooding in riverfront parks such as Minto-Brown Island Park and Wallace Marine Park. The city has opened sandbag locations across central, south, and west Salem and is urging residents to monitor conditions, avoid flooded roads, and report high water issues to Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311. (City of Salem)

Still need to get your holiday shopping done? You are in luck. Two festive markets are popping up just before Christmas, each with its own unique holiday twist. Krampusnacht Returns brings Salem’s biggest alternative holiday market back for its third year on Sunday, December 21 from 11:00am to 6:00pm at the Salem Convention Center. This art focused market features over 70 genuine local artists and creators, making it the perfect place to find meaningful, unusual, and one of a kind gifts. While you shop, snap a photo with Santa or Krampus, grab some tasty treats, and fill your stockings with delights you will not find anywhere else. It is a lively, creative way to wrap up your holiday shopping while supporting local artists.

Looking for something a little more active and playful? The Pop Up Market and Skate Night on Friday, December 19 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm combines holiday shopping with roller skating fun. Market attendees get free admission, while skaters can hit the floor for a $10 door fee with $5 skate rentals available. The night is ugly sweater themed, so break out your boldest, silliest holiday gear and lean into the festive vibes. Whether you are browsing vendor booths or skating the night away, this event is a fun, energetic way to celebrate the season and check a few more gifts off your list.

🐴Charro Attire Exhibit Opening Reception @World Beat Gallery • 6:00PM–7:30PM • FREE
🎬 Elsinore Holiday Films: Elf (2003) @Elsinore Theatre • 7:00PM

🛼 Holiday Marketplace & Open Skate! @Cherry City MadHouse • 7:30PM–10:00PM
🎄 Holiday Sparkles Drive-Thru @Powerland Heritage Park • 5:00PM–8:00PM • FREE admission, donations encouraged
🎉 How the Grinch Stole Side Hustle @Side Hustle Bar • 9:00PM–2:00AM

🍭 Candy Cane Day @Keizer Fire Station, 661 Chemawa Ave NE • 10:00AM–2:00PM
🎄 Inflatable Obstacle Course Fundraiser for Toys for Tots @St Paul’s Episcopal Church • 10:00AM–2:00PM • FREE admission, toy donation encouraged
🎅 Santa Comes to Freeman Motor Company • 11:00AM–1:00PM • Submitted on our Event Submission Form 🎉
🎼 Festival Carolers “Sing We Now of Christmas” @Salem Public Library • 3:00PM–4:00PM
🎭 The Nutcracker – Premier Academy of Performing Arts @Elsinore Theatre • 3:00PM
🎶 The Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas @Chemeketa Theatre Auditorium • 7:00PM–9:00PM
🎶 Holiday Concert with the Trail Sextet @Willamette University, Hudson Hall • 3:00PM
🎄 Holiday Sparkles Drive-Thru @Powerland Heritage Park • 5:00PM–8:00PM
🎉 Pajama X-Mas Crawl @Mykie’s Bar & Lounge • 9:00PM–2:00AM

🐐Market for the Strange: Krampusnacht Returns @Convention Center • 11:00AM–6:00PM
🎵 Yule Make Music Celebration! @Downtown Salem • 2:00PM–9:00PM
🎄 Holiday Sparkles Drive-Thru @Powerland Heritage Park • 5:00PM–8:00PM
🎭 The Nutcracker – Premier Academy of Performing Arts @Elsinore Theatre • 3:00PM
🎶 Holiday Concert with the Trail Sextet @Willamette University, Hudson Hall • 3:00PM

🎬 Die Hard (1988) @Elsinore Theatre • 7:00PM
🎁 Ladies Christmas Party & White Elephant Gift Exchange @Withnell YMCA • 6:00PM

🦸 FREE Carousel Rides @Riverfront Park • 10:00AM–2:00PM
🩸 Blood Drive – Red Cross @Temple Beth Sholom • 9:30AM–2:30PM
🎺 Salem Symphonic Winds presents: Salem Tuba Holiday @Elsinore Theatre • 12:00PM

🍽️ FREE Christmas Dinner @The River Church • 2:00PM–4:00PM

🎸 Nina & The Rebel Rockers Live @Glow Oregon • 7:00PM–9:30PM

🎉 Salem Fire Foundation New Year’s Eve Bash @Historic Grand Theatre Ballroom • 7:00PM
🎤 NYE Karaoke Lounge: A Smooth & Stylish New Year's Eve @Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM
🤘 Full Metal Countdown 2025 @Historic Grand Theatre • 9:00PM
🍸 New Year, Same Me @Side Hustle Bar • 10:00PM–2:00AM

Stay Frosty, Salem.

🐊 Ernie

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Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie