Good morning, Salem.

Salem hosts many holiday events this week, including a Krampusnacht market at the Convention Center on Dec.

21, a sensory-friendly Santa meet at Willamette Heritage Center on Dec. 22 (free admission for kids), a holiday party at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Dec. 20, and movie screenings at local theaters.

Retailers announced their holiday cutoff times for online orders to ensure gifts arrive by Christmas.

For example, Walmart next day delivery orders must be placed by 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 and ULTA standard shipping orders by 9:59 p.m. today, with other stores setting their own deadlines.

Many grocery stores in Oregon will offer shortened hours on Christmas Eve; Safeway and Whole Foods (closing at 7 p.m.) and Fred Meyer and Walmart (closing by 6 p.m.) mean shoppers have less time for last-minute holiday picks on Wednesday, Dec.

24.

Marion and Polk counties cultural organizations launch the ninth annual reciprocal admission program in 2026 that lets members of Salem’s Deepwood Museum + Gardens and Willamette Heritage Center visit regional attractions free of charge when they show valid membership and photo ID; the program runs January through December.

Colleges are updating teacher preparation programs to include research-backed reading instruction after Gov. Kotek’s 2023 push, though most schools reported only minimal changes in July reviews.

A few institutions like George Fox and the University of Portland plan significant curriculum updates, with progress expected by month’s end.

A wind storm knocked down trees and powerlines in Salem on Dec.

17, leaving thousands without power (crews worked to clear debris along Front Street NE and nearby areas).

An atmospheric river is forecast to hit today around 4 a.m. and last 24 to 36 hours, bringing heavy rain that may cause flooding, landslides and power outages in Salem plus a flood watch is in effect until the evening of Dec.

19.

Tuesday night's storm caused temporary outages and school delays, but officials said damage was cleared with no reported injuries.

Residents should brace for high winds today + heavy rains that could lead to minor flooding.

USPS will deliver regular and Priority Mail Express mail on Christmas Eve, while UPS offers regular hours and FedEx operates with limited service + Amazon runs as usual.

Residents should verify local office hours for any changes.

Maintenance crews will work on Center Street Bridge from 9 p.m. tonight until 5 a.m. Dec.

19 to prep for a seismic retrofit project, closing two lanes at a time + causing noise and potential delays. Residents traveling near the bridge should check current travel conditions before heading out.

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members can now obtain over-the-counter birth control and emergency contraception at no cost from local pharmacies as a standing order approved by the Oregon Health Authority and the Board of Pharmacy took effect on Dec.

16.

Paul Howard at Salem Health has expanded the hospital’s library to serve both medical staff and local citizens by adding over 1,800 items (including a children’s section) and updating services; it is located at 939 Oak St. S.E. during weekday hours.

An audit by the secretary of state’s office found that the Oregon Health Authority’s rollout of Measure 110 has been hampered by governance issues and data gaps, leaving questions on nearly ($800 million) spent on substance use treatment programs.

New data systems will require all grantees to submit information by Nov. (2026).

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.