The winter season is here again, and it’s not a question of, “What is there to do?” The question is, “How can I fit it all in?” There are so many winter activities and events happening in and around Salem, that no matter what you like to do, we’ll bet you’re going to find some fun and exciting options for both locals and visitors alike. Let’s jump right in and start filling your calendar with all the winter fun! Enjoy Live Performances and Movies at Elsinore Theatre If you live in or have visited Salem, Oregon in the past, you’re most likely familiar with the Historic Elsinore Theatre. Once again, their films and live performances are top picks for the best shows in town this time of year! Holiday films are on the list of fun at the Elsinore. Timeless classics like, “White Christmas”, “Home Alone”, and “Elf” are all good family movies when looking to spend some time together. A cozy show in a warm theatre just may be the ticket for a cold wintery day. Other live shows, like the Beatles Tribute Band are also on the roster for upcoming performances, so be sure and check the Elsinore Theatre website for all of the events for the next few months. Shop and See Lights at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center What could be more fun than combining the excitement of a holiday market with a drive through light show? How about throwing in some carnival rides, food, music, and Santa, of course?! The Holiday Village has all sorts of unique gifts that you would expect at a holiday market, all under one big roof at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center. And did we mention it’s free admission? All you have to pay to get in is just a $5 parking fee. Saving money for entrance costs gives you more money to spend on fun items inside! Check out all the details on their website here. More Holiday Lights Lights are a staple for the dark days of winter. From the first day of winter, that holds the shortest amount of daylight, through the early days of January, there’s something magical about lighting up the night. Other great places for lights and holiday fun are the 5th Annual Holiday Sparkles event on select weekends at Powerland Historic Park, as well as touring the holiday lights of Salem’s local neighborhoods, shopping centers, and festive street decorations. Salem, Oregon is filled with the beauty and lights of the winter season everywhere you look. Riverfront Carousel This iconic landmark in Salem, Oregon is going to have some great events happening this month and beyond! A P.J. Party, breakfast and photos with Santa, as well as a New Years Eve Paint Party are just a few of the fun things to do at the Salem Carousel. Check out their website here for more information and pick the events that sound like the most fun for you and your little ones. Market for the Strange Although the traditional holiday events dominate the entertainment scene this time of year, there are other options. If a more eclectic event is what you’re looking for this winter, you might want to check out an unusual shopping experience being held right here at the Salem Convention Center on December 22nd. The theme for this event is, “The Nightmare before Creepmas”, and embraces the alternative art scene here in Salem. Over 80 local creators showing off oddities, unusual art, and bizarre creations fill the space for a truly different kind of market. If you’re looking for different gifts for your strangest friends and family members, this may be the one you’re looking for! A tattoo artist and costumed performers will also be on the scene. If this has grabbed your attention, check out their website for tickets and more information. New Years Eve Events A festive party is the perfect way to end the year on a high note! And it just so happens that there’s a big one happening at the Grand Theater on New Year’s Eve. Dance to the high energy grooves of funk and non-stop celebration while you say good-bye to 2024. Check out their website for tickets and more info. But before you get all set for your big night out, you might want to be sure the kids had their share of New Year’s fun as well! What a great way to share the excitement of a new year with a big balloon drop party for the younger crowd. This is all happening on December 31st, from 10am to 1pm, at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum. Check out their website for more information about the “Noon Year’s Eve” party for kids and secure your tickets for the event! After the holidays, there’s still plenty of the winter season left. If you want to get outside, there’s always local parks, with plenty of hiking trails and playgrounds. There are also nearby county and State Parks, for all kinds of outdoor winter adventures. Whether it’s raining, snowing, cloudy, or even some welcome sunshine, Oregonians don’t shy away from outdoor fun. We have a saying here, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait! It will change!” Just bundle up, bring an umbrella, and when you’re done outside, you can always return indoors for a cup of hot chocolate by a cozy fireplace. Whatever you like to do, Salem, Oregon is a welcome place to be in the winter!
