The most wonderful time of year is close at hand, and it’s time to plan a tour route to take in as much of the magic and glory of the holidays as possible. From shopping bazaars to magnificent light shows, finding that one-of-a-kind gift, to parades and Santa, and maybe a reindeer or two, it’s time to plan your holiday season. Mark your calendars! Here is where to enjoy festive holiday events in Marion County and Salem.
Silverton Christmas Market
Oregon Garden Resort
895 West Main Street, Silverton
503.874.2500
November 21 – December 31, 2024
5-9 p.m. (closed November 28, December 24 and 25)
One of the most celebrated new holiday traditions of the Willamette Valley, the Silverton Christmas Market boasts over 1.5 million colorful holiday lights, an authentic German Christmas market, and, of course, Santa will be there among the nutcrackers, ornaments, and snowless tubing. Silverton Christmas Market won the 2023 Festival of the Year offered by the Oregon Festivals and Events Association and the 2024 Best Local Event from The Official Community’s Choice Awards Best of the Mid-Valley.
Timberview Farm Reindeer
Springfield Oregon
541.933.1832
During November and December every year, Timberview Farm Reindeer travels to different sites around Oregon. The reindeer have a sleigh to pull through the snow, and Santa himself has been known to keep tabs on the reindeer while they are touring the state. Check the 2024 calendar here to see if the reindeer will visit a town near you.
Magic at the Mill
Willamette Heritage Center
1313 Mill Street SE, Salem
503.585.7012
November 29 to December 2
Cost: Adults 18 and over are $15, Seniors 65 and over are $12, Children 6-17 are $10 and 5 and under are free. Willamette Heritage Center members enter for free. Tickets go on sale November 1. Due to the limitation of 1,000 visitors per night, it is recommended that tickets be bought early to be assured of access.
The Willamette Heritage Center will begin its annual Christmas light show on the Friday after Thanksgiving and run until Monday, December 2, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. This unique event incorporates living history demonstrations, museum tours, craft shows, a marketplace, live performances, Santa visits, and much more with Magic at the Mill.
Downtown Salem Holiday Parade
November 29
The Downtown Salem Holiday Parade route was yet to be determined. Still, the parade is scheduled to proceed through downtown on Black Friday to encourage people to come shopping on Small Business Saturday. T.J. Sullivan of Hagan Hamilton Insurance anticipates 200-300 local businesses participating in the parade and tree-lighting festivities. Buddy the Elf and Santa are also expected to be there spreading joy.
Holiday Bazaar at the Oregon Garden
879 West Main Street, Silverton
December 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Adults aged 13 and up pay $10, children 12 and under pay $5, and members of the Oregon Garden are free.
This season marks the third year of holiday cheer at the Oregon Garden’s Holiday Bazaar. The venue sponsors local artisans, food and beverage vendors, holiday crafts, live entertainment, Santa and more.
Keizer Hometown Christmas Holiday Lights Parade
Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m.
The parade route runs along River Road from Lockhaven to Glynbrook.
Don’t miss the free fun at Keizer Hometown Christmas Holiday Lights Parade. Santa will join this festival of lights, reflecting the theme of “Joy to the World.” Past parade participants included sparkling tractor-trailer trucks transporting a trailer full of carolers, fire trucks, ambulances, pickup trucks, and cars as they lit the parade in bright splendor. This year will indeed include such paraders, and amid all the festival lights and joyous singing sure to unite the community in the spirit of the holidays, elves and other Santa’s helpers will hand out candy.
Salem Holiday Marketplace
Oregon State Fairgrounds
Jackman Long Building and Columbia Hall
2330 17th Street NE, Salem
503.585.8264
December 13, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., December 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., December 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free entrance, $5 for parking
With over 250 local vendors showcasing their handcrafted or homegrown products, the Salem Holiday Marketplace will surely have something for everyone. Find fun door prizes, a festive Santa’s Village, kids activities, pet adoptions, a gingerbread house contest, a tree decorating contest, and an interactive area of robotics.
Holiday Sparkles
Powerland Heritage Park
3995 Brooklake Road NE, Salem
503.393.2424
December 1-8, 13-15, 20-22, from 5 to 8 p.m.
This is the fifth year for the free fun that is the delightful Holiday Sparkles light show. Powerland Heritage Park will decorate its structures for people to enjoy as they drive through the park’s streets to see the spectacular decorations.
Get ready to enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer in Marion County and Salem. Gather friends and family and head out to one or more of these festive local events.
