Holiday Sights, Sounds & Sensations
From lights to music, festive craft fairs to the best of Willamette Valley, Salem is full of bright ways to celebrate the holiday season. Revel in the city’s holiday spirit at The Holman Riverfront Park Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and enjoy an abundance of celebrations from the traditional to the unexpected.
Magic of Lights
November 17 – December 31, 2023
Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle as you wind through the sparkling path of Salem’s new holiday tradition, located at the Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center. This dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience features favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. One carload, one price, one magical night.
Silverton Christmas Market
November 17 – December 31, 2023
Create magical holiday memories in the Willamette Valley at the Silverton Christmas Market. Stroll along immersive paths at the Oregon Garden Resort draped in more than one million lights. Visit Santa to share your wish list or enjoy music and a brew in the Biergarten. Explore the authentic German Christmas Market for gifts from artisan vendors and imported German nutcrackers, smokers and ornaments.
Keizer Chamber of Commerce 5K Turkey Dash
November 23
Gather your family and friends for the perfect start to Turkey Day at the Keizer Chamber 5K Turkey Dash. This year’s theme is Pajama Party! Come dressed in your best PJ’s for this amazing family fun run (or walk).
Wetzel Estate Holiday Market
November 24-25
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping while supporting local small businesses, artisans, crafters, and creators at Wetzel Estate’s Holiday Market. Enjoy complimentary warm Gluhwein to sip on while you shop!
Holidays at the Carousel
Who can resist the magic of Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, a beautiful handcrafted operational carousel ride in historic downtown Salem. Santa arrives to Riverfront Park aboard the Carousel Express Train on November 24th! Enjoy hot cocoa and photos with Santa starting at noon. Other holiday magic includes a Holiday Princess Tea Party, Super Hero Meet & Greet, free Holiday Craft Day, and Pajama Party with Santa and friends.
World Ballet Series: Nutcracker
November 24-25
Step into the magical world of The Nutcracker, coming to the Elsinore Theatre this holiday season. A mesmerizing part of the World Ballet Series, The Nutcracker showcases a diverse cast of 50 professional ballet dancers who come together to breathe new life into this classic holiday tradition. This family-friendly performance features Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, over 150 radiant hand-crafted costumes, lavish hand-painted sets, and the iconic Lev Ivanov choreography. Secure your tickets in advance to ensure you are a part of the magic!
First Friday Art Walk
December 1
Celebrate Salem’s eclectic art scene at the First Friday Art Walk. Enjoy local art, pop-up events, live music, and more from over 20 downtown Salem establishments. Visit The Holman, featured on the Art Walk Passport, and enter for a chance to win the Art Walk Raffle Basket.
Downtown Salem Holiday Parade
December 1
Anchored in tradition with a grand display of lights and greenery, the Downtown Salem Holiday Parade, hosted by the Salem Main Street Association, aims to build a community atmosphere for all who visit. Festivities include holiday lights and decorations throughout downtown Salem, caroling and live music, decorated window displays and more.
Magic & Miracles with Santa
December 1
Join us for a Holman Holiday Kickoff at Salem’s newest hotel. Bring your family, including 4-legged members, for a fun and artful evening including face painting and Santa hat creations with CreativiTee. Get your photo taken with Santa and share your holiday wish list with letters to Santa’s helpers at the North Pole. On the spot pet portraits will also be available for purchase, brought to you by PaintWithMagenta.com. Enjoy sweet treats, a hot chocolate station, eggnog tasting by Pacific Standard, grapevine wreath making and wine tasting by Van Duzer Winery. Taking place at The Holman Riverfront Park Hotel from 3:00pm-7:00pm, the event is free, pet friendly, and open to the public.
Spread Joy
While visiting The Holman, join us in helping to make the holidays brighter for dozens of women in our community. The Grace House Giving Tree will be on display at The Holman through December 25, supporting Women at the Well Grace House, a Christ centered faith-based place whose mission is to empower homeless and disadvantaged women on their journey towards self-sufficiency. Spread joy this holiday season with a gift of hope.
Gala of Trees
December 1
The mid-Willamette Valley’s premier Holiday Auction & Gala benefiting Family Building Blocks, the Gala of Trees promises elaborately decorated trees of all sizes and an auction full of exclusive excursions, luxury items and accommodations, and locally-focused opportunities. Helping raise over $3 million since its inception in 1990, Gala of Trees has supported the efforts of many organizations serving children and families in need in Marion and Polk counties. This year, The Holman honors the pioneering women of Salem and Salem women owned businesses in the Gala of Trees, along with a donation bundle for this worthwhile cause.
Hazelnut Fest
December 1-3
Hosted by the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce, the annual Hazelnut Fest is an indoor holiday market featuring local hazelnut products, craft & artisan vendors, Silver Falls brews, Festival Brass tunes, and more.
Deepwood Museum & Gardens Holiday Open House
December 2
Visit Deepwood Museum & Gardens for their Holiday Open House. Hand-made ornaments hang from trees scattered throughout the home, reminiscent of how the Victorians would have decorated for the holidays. Say hello to Santa Claus in the Front Parlor and be greeted by hosts and hostesses dressed in Victorian attire within the home. Shop for tins of tea, teacups, and more.
Oregon Symphony: Holiday Brass
December 3
Feel the power, precision, and prowess of the Oregon Symphony brass section as they fill the Concert Hall at the Elsinore Theatre with a festive mix of classical and popular holiday favorites.
Tower of Power: Holidays & Hits Tour
December 7
For over 55 years, Tower of Power, previously called The Motowns, has delivered the best in funk and soul music. Their love of the stage is the same today as it was back in 1968. Their Holidays & Hits Tour is set out to be vigorous and dynamic, just what fans around the world have starved for.
Enjoy an abundance of holiday celebrations from The Holman Riverfront Park Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Contemporary in design and personality, uniting craft, comfort and connection, The Holman aims to bring magic and miracles to all ages this holiday season.