Keizer Holiday Lights Parade is on Saturday at 7 p.m. (Courtesy Keizer Police Department)
Wednesday
A joyful tribute to the holiday season, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas follows the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf and a spunky little girl on their quest to find out why Santa missed their house last year. The Enlightened Theatrics’ play runs until Dec. 22. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. On Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 to $29 plus fees and can be purchased online. 187 High St. N.E.
Thursday
It’s like a book on tape, but live and with delicious food. Head over the Epilogue Kitchen and Cocktails Thursday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. for chapter-a-day. Each week begins with a synopsis of the story followed by a reading. The first book is “A River Runs Through It” by Norman Maclean. There will be a specials on snacks and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic for the all-ages event. More info is on Facebook. 130 High St. S.E.
Friday
Browse more than 250 vendors with handcrafted goods this weekend at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. The Salem Holiday Market will have kids’ activities, pet adoptions, a gingerbread house contest and tree decorating contest.
The market opens Friday for a special event to benefit Chemeketa Community College’s Student Relief Fund which helps students receive emergency support for tuition, textbooks, meal cards or bus passes. Friday’s event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $8 per person or $15 per couple and appetizers will be served.
Tickets for Saturday and Sunday cost $4 each, with multiple options for discounts listed online. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. More info is on the Salem Community Markets website. 2330 17th St. N.E.
Saturday
Enjoy a festive weekend of fun at Silver Falls State Park during the Christmas Festival. There will be wreath making, birdhouse building, guided walks, live music and free refreshments. The event is hosted at the South Falls day use area and the Silver Falls Convention Center. A free shuttle transports guests between locations. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A $5 day-use parking permit is required, or you can buy a 12-month day-use parking permit on sale for $25 during the month of December at the park or at the Oregon State Parks website.. More info about the event is on Facebook. 20024 Silver Falls Hwy S.E., Silverton.
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Jingle all the way during Keizer’s Jingle Dash 5k on Saturday before the Holiday Lights Parade. Dress up for the best costume awards by wearing your best Santa suit, reindeer horns, or twinkle lights. There will be hot cocoa and coffee waiting at the finish. Registration costs $26 for adults and $17 for kids, plus fees. The race starts at 6 p.m. More info is on the Keizer Chamber website. 4118 River Rd N, Keizer.
After you catch your breathe from the race, check out Keizer’s annual Holiday Lights Parade Saturday. The parade takes place along North River Road from Northeast Lockhaven Drive to North Glynbrook Street. There will be festive lighted entries from local businesses, fire districts, civic groups, car clubs and marching bands. The parade starts at 7 p.m. More info is on Facebook.
Head across the bridge for the Winter Brew Fest on Saturday to lend a helping hand to homeless youth. There will be live music, an open mic and special drinks from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event benefits the STEP program for homeless students in the Salem and Keizer area. A personal care item like shampoo, soap or lotion is required for entry into the event at Brew Coffee and Tap House in west Salem. More info is on Facebook. 1320 Edgewater St.
Hear a collection of Christmas carols this weekend during the Willamette Master Chorus’ annual holiday concert. The Sprague High School Concert Choir will join for a set of solo carols and then combine to present “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The concert takes place in Willamette University’s Hudson Hall both Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 to $30. More info is on the Willamette Master Chorus website. 900 State St.
Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.
