Good morning, Salem.

The GLOW Christmas Light Festival opened on November 28 at Roto-Rooter Park with a family activity called Santa's Lost Presents that invites children to search for misplaced gifts among a 100-foot light tunnel and a 40-foot tree.

The festival runs each day until New Year's Eve with food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment while closing on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Salem held its fourth annual Downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Nov.

28—local groups and families joined festive floats, music and holiday displays to welcome the season.

Local galleries and museums in Salem will host art shows this December that include tiny paintings, fiber arts and the annual Something Red show featuring works in red; the Salem Art Walk will take place on Dec.

5 from 5 to 8 p.m. offering live music downtown.

Gov. Tina Kotek set a target of 36,000 new housing units per year, but cities in Marion + Polk County are struggling to meet the goal.

Marion County Juvenile Department started the Street Smarts program to help teens and preteens tied to gangs avoid serious crimes, led by Christina Puentes with over 20 years of experience.

The program meets weekly at the Juvenile Department on Northeast Center Street+ nine students have graduated with three more set to finish soon.

Santa Paws Photo Event for Project POOCH

12-4 p.m. — Rogue Salem Public House — Donations welcomed — Capture festive moments with your dog while supporting a great cause.

Holiday Author Meet & Greet

1-4 p.m. — Barnes & Noble — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with signed copies of the Alex McKenna series featuring ghosts, witches, and paranormal adventures.

72nd Annual SnoBall

72nd Annual Teen dance at Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion. The only dance that is inclusive of all high school and home schooled students.

GLOW Christmas Light Adventure

4:45-9 p.m. — Volcanoes Stadium — Admission starting at $14.99 — Experience a magical landscape with over a million lights and festive activities for the whole family.

Oregon Total Worker Health Alliance Share and Connect

6-10 p.m. — 400 High St SE, Salem, OR — Lunch provided — Network, learn, and collaborate on best practices for workplace health and safety.

Sonic Journey Meditation Experience

7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting House — $20-40 sliding scale — Experience profound relaxation and mindfulness through immersive sound meditation with gongs and crystal singing bowls.

December Paint & Sip Night

6-8 p.m. — Vortex Eatery & Taphouse — Full menu available — Enjoy an evening of creativity with drinks and painting in a relaxed setting.

Santa Baby Holiday Networking Event 2025

5:30-11:59 p.m. — Center 50+ — Free entry — Get ready to jingle and mingle at a festive night of connections and cheer for local businesses.

High Risk Driver Course

6-10 p.m. — Salem Hospital, Building D — Court-mandated attendance — Complete the required class for high risk drivers to avoid penalties.

Lancaster Family Health Center Flu Clinic

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — Insurance accepted — Help fight off the flu with a timely in-and-out trip to the clinic.

Private Visit & Photos with Santa

8:10-8:15 p.m. — Salem Riverfront Carousel — $30 reservation fee — Experience a magical holiday moment with Santa and capture keepsake photos.