Blog: Salem Area Hearts the Performing Arts

CHECK OUT THESE ICONIC HOLIDAY TRADITIONS IN THE SALEM AREA

‘Tis the season and the Salem region is feeling the spirit, big time. Whether you want to hike among towering Douglas firs in search of locally made ornaments, peruse a bustling Christmas market while the kids go snowless tubing, or cozy up next to a fire with a glass of pinot at an award-winning vineyard, these classic winter activities will have you eating, drinking, and feeling merry.

12/10/25

シルバートン・クリスマスマーケット

Go Shopping Amidst Salem’s Bright Lights

Stroll along Liberty Street in historic downtown Salem, basking in the glow of the holiday lights. Pop into Top Drawer Boutique for festive home décor, cute baby clothes and a cozy sweater for yourself; Bush Barn Art Center Gift Gallery has a beautiful collection of locally made ceramics, jewelry, and more. Next, stand in the middle of the five Star Trees at Willamette University, considered to be the tallest Christmas trees on any American college campus, and make a wish under the starry canopy.

Duck into Let Them Eat Cake and warm up with a proper high tea including savory sandwiches and yummy desserts, and then top off your magical downtown outing with the Nutcracker ballet or a classic holiday film at The Elsinore Theatre. Comedy and rock fans can catch a live show at the Historic Grand Theatre.

Find the Perfect Holiday Tree and Meet Santa

Did you know Oregon is the largest producer of Christmas trees in the country? Tucker Tree Farms in South Salem and West Salem has both you-cut and pre-cut Nobles, Nordmann, and Douglas fir trees, plus handcrafted wreaths and local libations. Salem’s Skyline Tree Farm has a holiday store stocked with ornaments, stockings, and local honey.

The kids can meet Santa and Cocoa, the cutest mini Highland cow ever, at Stayton’s Canyon Tree Farm. West of Salem, Bigfoot Christmas Trees in Dallas has loads of classic firs to put your star upon, plus a toasty firepit and candy canes for the kiddos.

Hunt for Ornaments in the Willamette National Forest

Why buy ornaments when you can forage for them in the woods? Two-hundred locally crafted wooden ornaments have been hidden on hiking trails for this year’s Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, including on three easy trails in the Detroit Ranger District, just east of Salem. Lace up and register your found ornaments for cool prizes.

Thaw out after your hike with a locally roasted latte or a hot cocoa at Mill City’s Rosie’s Mountain Coffee House. If your crew is hungry, the meaty Sasquatch pizza at Giovanni’s Mountain Pizza will hit the spot. The nearby Get-A-Way serves hearty burgers and waffle fries that will put pep back in your step.

Book a Winter Escape at Breitenbush Hot Springs

Escape the crowds —and the frigid temps — with a relaxing soak in the geothermic hot pools at Breitenbush Hot Springs. Tucked into the Willamette National Forest and only 60 miles east of Salem, this clothing-optional hot spot (pun intended) is a blissful escape from the bustle of the season. Book a rustic yet modern cabin for a weekend getaway and enjoy the hot pools and sauna around the clock; tasty vegetarian meals are included with overnight stays.

Looking to self-gift? Book one of the many special retreats. You deserve it.

Cozy Wineries, Twinkling Lights and French Soup

Just west of Salem, you’ll find the holiday spirit flowing with award-winning wines and historic small towns. Start with a flight of barrel-select pinot noir while sitting fireside on the patio at Eola Hills Vineyards Legacy Estate, taking in the epic views. The award-winning tasting room at Benedetto Vineyards in Dallas pours flights of five current releases and offers kids’ activities.

At dusk, drive back to Independence for a wonder-filled light show at Riverfront Park Amphitheater. Stroll with the kiddos through the twinkling paths and themed light installations and feel the magic. Keep the good vibes flowing at the cozy Café Iula French restaurant in Monmouth; the French onion soup with Gruyère cheese is divine.

It’s a Wonderful Life in Silverton

Silverton has small-town charm in spades, and especially during the holidays. Knock off your gift list at Apples to Oranges, where you’ll find premier teas, yarns, children’s books, and more. Nearby Wild Dandelion is the spot for handcrafted ceramics, textiles, and home gifts. Pop into Fin and Fowl for a bowl of piping-hot mushroom ramen or try the award-winning Oso for elevated Spanish and Mediterranean comfort food, including feta mac ‘n cheese and a hearty Matador burger with Manchego cheese.

When night falls, the sprawling Silverton Christmas Market is the place to be. Stroll along paths lit up by over 1.5 million lights and take the kids to visit Santa before they tube down a specially built snowless hill. Browse the colorful German Market for artisan gifts and German nutcrackers and ornaments, and then kick back with live music and spiced mulled wine in the heated Biergarten. It’s a wonderful life, indeed.

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