Good morning, Salem.

The restoration project at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Polk County is reviving wetlands, prairie, and oak chaparral to support local wildlife—managed by refuge manager Graham Evans-Peters.

After restoring 290 acres from farmland, new work will rebuild natural water flow at The Narrows in August and September.

Oregon State Hospital lags behind court requirements for timely admissions so state health officials will begin recruiting a permanent superintendent in January while interim leader Jim Diegel remains in charge.

Efforts to improve operations face legislative challenges and mounting fines for delays.

BLM in Oregon and Washington sold 241 million board feet of timber for over $67 million from Oct 2024 to Sept 2025 + exceeding targets by 15% compared to last year; the agency will offer even more timber next year to support local jobs and healthy forests.

Government offices, courts, banks, DMVs and post offices will be closed on Christmas while emergency services remain staffed.

Most grocery stores will close early on Christmas Eve (individual store hours may vary).

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.