It’s not quite Donner and Blitzen, but Salem families can meet local reindeer, take a horse and carriage ride or sip on hot cocoa at Riverfront Park this Friday.
The city of Salem is kicking off its holiday lights display in the park at 5 p.m. with a series of free events alongside the lighting. More than 4,000 LED lights are spread around the park, the city said in a news release.
Parkgoers can hear music from Bells of the Cascades, Oregon’s “premier community handbell ensemble,” from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Apogee DJ will play holiday music.
Reindeer from Timberview Farms in Springfield will be on display from 5-8 p.m., and free horse and carriage rides provided by Gypsy Rose Carriage run until 8:30 p.m.
Hot cocoa and cookies will also be served.
The lights will be on display at the park through the evening of Dec. 27.

Contact reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.
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Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers city news, education, nonprofits and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for a decade. Outside of work, she’s a skater and board member with Salem’s Cherry City Roller Derby and can often be found with her nose buried in a book.