Salem & Mid-Valley December Holiday Events

Holiday Events in the Mid-Valley

While most of the tree lighting ceremonies have come and gone, there are still plenty of events to attend over the next two weeks to get into the holiday spirit. From parades and light displays to festive markets and interactive activities, the Mid-Valley offers a variety of options for all ages.

Keizer Holiday Lights Parade

The Keizer Holiday Lights Parade is set for Dec. 13, starting at 7 p.m. and running until 9 p.m. This magical event features twinkling lights and holiday music, with entries from local businesses, fire districts, civic groups, car clubs, and marching bands lighting up River Road from Lockhaven to Glynbrook. Santa is expected to make an appearance as well.

The parade’s theme is "Lights, Camera, Action! A Hollywood Holiday." River Road will be closed at 6 p.m. and remain closed until all parade entries have passed. Chemawa Road will stay open for east-to-west traffic until approximately 7 p.m.

Keizer Miracle of Lights

The Keizer Miracle of Lights in the Gubser neighborhood is open nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 26. Established in 1984, this event supports the Marion Polk Food Share. Visitors can drive or walk through the display, with food and monetary donations collected by volunteers stationed along the route.

The Gubser neighborhood is located off Lockhaven Drive N. Snowman signs mark the route, and parking is available at Gubser Elementary School for those who prefer to walk. Last year, the event raised over $32,000 and collected more than 16,000 pounds of food, helping provide over 111,000 meals to hungry community members in Marion and Polk counties.

Holiday Sparkles at Powerland Heritage Park

Holiday Sparkles is a weekend drive-through event featuring 14 museums with decorated exteriors and grounds on the 62-acre Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21. Last car entry is at 8 p.m.

The event is free, with donations accepted. Visitors can stop to meet Santa and vote for their favorite museum decorations.

Silver Falls Winter Festival

The Silver Falls Winter Festival at Silver Falls State Park takes place on Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the South Falls day-use area. Activities include making a wreath, a bird nest box, or a bird feeder. Guided walks and a discovery table are also part of the festival.

An event passport will be available at the information table. If you visit at least 8 of the 12 stations, you can show your passport and receive a limited edition commemorative ornament.

All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold at the park for $30.

Silverton Christmas Market

The Silverton Christmas Market features more than 1.5 million lights along the paths of the Oregon Garden, running through Dec. 31. However, the event is closed multiple days in between, so it's important to check the event's website for the full schedule.

In addition to the lights, visitors can meet Santa and shop the German Christmas Market, which features artisan vendors and imported German gifts. The event is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with timed entry slots every 30 minutes.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 are free. On-site parking is $12, or visitors can take free shuttles from several locations.

Magic of Lights Display

The Magic of Lights display is at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, running through Jan. 3. A separate Holiday Village event is held through Dec. 21.

Tickets for Magic of Lights are $27.95 (including fees) on weekdays and $31.05 (including fees) on weekends. Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Holiday Village includes festive music, 10 carnival rides from Rainier Amusements, and photos with Santa on the weekends.

Glow Oregon Light Festival

A Christmas light festival called Glow Oregon has transformed Roto-Rooter Park into a holiday wonderland and will run through Dec. 31. The outdoor, walk-around festival features a million lights, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and Santa.

Tickets for the staggered entry event are available online, with a select number offered each night at the box office at a "small premium." Admission for each adult is $19.99 plus $4 fees, while children (ages 4-12) and seniors (ages 65+) pay $14.99 plus $4 fees. Children up to 3 are free. A family bundle for two adults and three children/seniors is $69.99 plus $4 fees. Parking at the stadium is an additional $5.

Salem Tuba Tradition

The Salem Tuba Holiday tradition continues on Christmas Eve. Musicians of all ages from around the Northwest perform arrangements of popular carols and holiday songs on baritone horns, euphoniums, and tubas at Elsinore Theatre in downtown Salem.

The audience is invited to sing along as a community holiday choir, with a projector displaying lyrics. The show starts at noon, with doors opening at 11 a.m. Tickets are $10 in advance on the Elsinore website or $15 the day of.

Riverfront Park Lights

The city of Salem has decorated Riverfront Park with lighted displays, including illuminated tunnels and trees. The lights remain up through the holiday season.

Salem's Riverfront Carousel will offer free carousel rides on Christmas Eve. A list of other carousel holiday events can be found at salemcarousel.org/upcomingevents, though many require reservations and may be sold out.