Good morning, Salem.

On Dec. 11, Maps Community Foundation awarded 50 local teachers a total of $50,000 in grants ahead of winter break for field trips and classroom supplies, benefiting schools in the Salem-Keizer District.

South Salem High teacher Alexis Mendez got $1,000 to boost her Newcomer Program with books and tablets.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch as heavy rains are expected Dec.

17-19 to push rivers to moderate flood levels from Dec. 19-22, while cooling temperatures later this week may bring mountain snow that could affect holiday travel (and worsen road conditions near recent slides).

Salem leaders announced free downtown parking on Dec.

20 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to support local businesses and encourage community engagement during the 2025 holiday season — a measure that builds on similar actions taken on Dec. 13.

State law does not explicitly ban driving with headphones in Oregon; however, drivers risk fines if the headphones distract them (especially if they cannot hear traffic sounds) and may face stricter penalties when crossing into other states.

HUD pulled its criteria on Dec.

8 — leaving local agencies unsure when to submit funding applications for homeless services. The Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance paused its review process to wait for updated guidelines.

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.

Brooks Ugly Sweater Party

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Brooks Wine — Food and wine available for purchase — Flaunt your favorite ugly sweater for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-12:30 a.m. — The Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center — $31.95 — Experience the enchanting sound of Christmas classics performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

End of the Year Art Mixer

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Salem on the Edge Art Gallery — Free entry — Celebrate the year's end in a vibrant local art space with community camaraderie.

Holiday Party and White Elephant Gift Exchange

6-8:30 p.m. — Cascadia Pizza Co. — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with pizza, joy, and a fun gift exchange.

Salem Tuba Holiday

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Donations welcomed — Celebrate the season with a festive performance featuring community musicians playing beloved holiday tunes on tubas and other conical bore instruments.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of dazzling lights and festive fun in Salem.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling display of holiday lights in Salem.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM - 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket details vary — Experience a captivating display of illuminations and festive cheer in Salem.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM - 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling display of lights at this festive event in Salem.