The City of Salem’s Holiday celebrations will once again be plentiful in early December. The annual Gingerbread Festival will officially get the festivities started on Saturday, December 1, at 10 a.m. at the Salem Public Library. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Parade and Salem Crafty Christmas will take place the following weekend on December 7 and 8. Please take a moment to review these scheduled events.
Holiday Events In Salem |
Date |
Time |
Location |
Gingerbread Festival |
Dec. 1 |
10am - 2pm |
Salem Public Library |
Christmas Tree Lighting |
Dec. 7 |
6pm |
Farmers Market |
Christmas Parade |
Dec. 7 |
6:30pm |
Downtown Salem |
Salem Crafty Christmas |
Dec. 8 |
10am - 2pm |
Farmers Market |

Gingerbread Festival at the Library
The Salem Parks and Recreation Department, the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and the Salem Public Library present this year’s Gingerbread Festival at the Library on Saturday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the incredible culinary creations, take a photo with Santa, warm-up at the fire pits, visit the Little Critters Petting Zoo and enjoy children’s activities, vendors and games. The Holiday Train will be giving rides at the Market and you can visit the alpacas from Pacaberry Farms. In addition, young entrepreneurs will be setting-up shop at the Farmers Market and selling their homemade items that day.
Lighting of the City of Salem Christmas Tree & Parade
Come join us for the Annual Lighting of the City of Salem Christmas Tree on Friday, December 7, 6 p.m. at the Salem Farmers Market. This tradition brings the community together in the downtown area to view the beautiful decorations on Main Street and enjoy some holiday music just before the Salem Christmas Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and travels west to east on Main Street.
Salem Crafty Christmas with Craft Artisans
The Salem Farmers Market and the Salem Parks and Recreation Department are bringing back a “Salem Crafty Christmas” on Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will take place at the Salem Farmers Market and feature more than 40 crafters and vendors. Handmade crafts, artisan items, greenery, baked goods, cheeses, eggs and many more items will be available for your holiday shopping.
Take a photo with Santa, and then make a donation to help other dogs and cats. We are welcoming the Salem Animal Shelter to join the festivities that Saturday, as we accept dog food, cat food and kitty litter donations for use at the shelter.
For more information on the Lighting of the Christmas Tree Lighting, the Gingerbread Festival and the Salem Crafty Christmas please call 375-3057.
The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce sponsors and organizes the Christmas Parade. You can get information on that event by calling 387-0267.