The tree lighting ceremony takes place at the Oregon State Capitol Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. (Courtesy/Oregon State Capitol)
Tuesday
See the Grand Tree at the Oregon State Capitol lit up Tuesday. Starting the evening off, the Sprague High School jazz group will perform at 5 p.m. followed by the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. After the tree lighting, visitors will have a chance to take free photos with Santa. More info is on Facebook.
It’s cold outside, so snuggle up to a kitten at Santiam Brewing Tuesday. Willamette Valley Humane Society is hosting its monthly kittens and beer event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kittens are available to cuddle with a suggested $5 donation and Santiam will donate $1 for every pint poured or growler filled. 2544 19th St. S.E. More info is on the Willamette Valley Humane Society website.
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Wednesday
Want to learn the likely impacts of Oregon’s Student Success Act? Head to Roth’s Event Center in west Salem to find out. Six of Oregon’s educational leaders will participate in a panel discussion about the legislation that will deliver $1 billion annually to elevate graduation rates, improve reading levels and attendance and enhance early-childhood education. The panel is free and runs from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 1130 Wallace Rd N.W.
Willamette University and Salem community members are invited to partake in a holiday dinner, tree lighting and holiday concert on Wednesday. Guests can pay for dinner at the door of Goudy Commons. The dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. The tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. and the free concert in Smith Auditorium follows 30 minutes later. The celebration includes a make-your-own s’mores bar and clothing donation drive. The concert features the University Wind Ensemble, University Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Collective who will perform an array of seasonal music to usher in the holidays. More info is on the Willamette University website.
Friday
We want to hear your thoughts. Meet with the Salem Reporter crew at IKE Box from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday. Coffee is on us. 299 Cottage St. N.E. More info is on Facebook.
Visitors to the Riverfront Park holiday tree lighting will have a chance to see a live reindeer, write a letter to Santa and watch Santa arrive with the help of the Salem Fire Department Friday. The North Salem High School Choir will perform, and free hot cocoa and cookies will be available. More info is on Facebook.
Saturday
Get your photo with Caesar the llama and Santa on Saturday at Petco. Hugs and pictures with Caesar are free. The first hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., is for families with members who have disabilities. The event runs until 8 p.m. 4450 Commercial St. S.E. More info is on Facebook.
Cherry City Roller Derby is having a Wreck the Halls bout on Saturday. Anyone wearing pajamas will receive five free raffle tickets. Those who donate a pair of new pajamas to the United Way Pajama Drive will receive 10 free raffle tickets. Raffle prizes include a gift certificate for a you cut or pick tree from Tree Kings. The bout starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 1335 Madison St. N.E. More info is on Facebook.
Looking for holiday gifts? Deepwood Museum and Gardens is hosting its annual holiday market on Saturday and Sunday. Holiday decorations, handmade soaps, wreaths, vintage items and more will be on display. Proceeds from the event benefit Deepwood Museum and Gardens. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
On Sunday, the historic Deepwood home will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an open house. 1116 Mission St. S.E. More info is on the Deepwood website.
Sunday
Ring in the holiday season with Christmas music favorite as the Salem Pops Orchestra hits the stage Sunday. “Christmas with the POPS” will feature holiday favorites like “The Nutcracker,” and “Jingle Bells Forever” at Chemeketa Community College’s building 6 auditorium. Featured vocalist Kevin Helppie, a music professor at Western Oregon University, will perform several numbers, including “White Christmas,” “Gesu Bambino,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The performance starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 General Admission, $5 for Students and $2 for children under 6 and are available online, from Pops members and at the door the afternoon of the concert.
Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.
