5 things to do in Salem this week: Krampus market, ugly Christmas sweater skating, sensory-friendly Santa
Each week, Salem Reporter highlights a selection of upcoming local events.
For a more complete list, browse our events calendar here. You can submit an upcoming event here.
Here are some for the week from Thursday, Dec. 18, to Wednesday, Dec. 24.
*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.
Go to a holiday market
Krampusnacht
Sunday, Dec. 21: Over 70 local artists will turn out for Krampusnacht, an annual alternative holiday market featuring photo opportunities with Krampus and Santa. The market is hosted at Salem Convention Center at 200 Commercial St. S.E. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission is $5, or free for kids 12 and under. All admission is free from 5 – 6 p.m.
Holiday Village
*Through Sunday, Dec. 21: Meet Christmas characters, find holiday gifts and enjoy seasonal treats at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Holiday Village. Santa will be available for photos on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 4 – 9 p.m. The Grinch will be available for photos on Sunday, Dec. 21. The event includes vendors, refreshments, carnival rides and a stage with live music. Admission to the village is free and parking is $10.
Kids holiday party
*Saturday, December 20: A free holiday party at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will have bounce houses, pictures with Santa, games, music and food from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visitors can also donate children’s toys at the event, for ages infant through 10. A waiver is needed for the bounce houses. The church is located at 1444 Liberty St. S.E.
See holiday lights
Riverfront Park
*A stretch of sidewalk in Riverfront Park has been transformed into a tunnel of holiday lights. Over 500,000 LED lights make up the colorful public display, located near the Hazel Patton Riverfront Carousel. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Riverfront Park is located at 200 Water St. N.E.
Magic of Lights
Through Saturday, Jan. 3: Drive through a colorful display of holiday lights, including animations and designs of popular festive characters and scenes at the Magic of Lights drive-thru lights show. The show is open 5:30 – 10 p.m. daily at the Oregon State Fairgrounds until Saturday, Jan 3. Tickets are $40 per car for access on any day, $35 for Monday through Thursday access and $83 for a season-long any day pass. Magic of Lights visitors can get free parking to patronize the Holiday Village at the fairgrounds afterwards. The fairgrounds are at 2330 17th St. N.E.
Sensory-friendly visit with Santa
*Monday, Dec. 22: Children can meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment at the Willamette Heritage Center. Visits are from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and will feature soft lighting, little noise and fewer people than a typical Santa meet-and-greet. Free registrations for a 10-minute slot can be made in advance online. The museum is located at 1313 Mill St. S.E.
See a movie
Elsinore Theatre:
Movies start at 7 p.m., and doors open at 6 p.m. Included with tickets, guests can take photos and visit with Santa and Buddy the Elf an hour before the show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger, and can be purchased online. The theater is located at 170 High St. S.E.
- Wednesday, Dec. 17: “Home Alone”
- Thursday, Dec. 18: “Elf”
- Tuesday, Dec. 23: “Die Hard” (adults only)
Salem Cinema:
Saturday, Dec. 20 and Monday, Dec. 22: Salem Cinema will host two screenings of “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” a Muppet rendition of the Christmas Carol, in the week ahead of Christmas. The movie shows at 12 p.m. Saturday and again Monday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $11 each and can be purchased online. The theater is located at 1127 Broadway St. N.E.
Have a news tip? Contact reporter Hailey Cook: [email protected] .
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Hailey Cook covers healthcare for Salem Reporter, from the city’s only hospital to local outlooks on health insurance coverage. She joined the newsroom in 2025, following the completion of an internship through the University of Oregon’s Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism. She also works as a photojournalist, capturing community events, government meetings and other gatherings.
