The City of Salem has several exciting celebrations to help you ring in the holiday season including concerts, festivals, shopping experiences, and a parade. The city will begin spreading the holiday cheer just before Thanksgiving as the world-renowned Mannheim Steamroller fills the Salem Civic Center arena with an evening of amazing sights and sounds.
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and Christmas Parade will open a busy December on Friday, December 5. The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. at the Salem Public Library and the parade will follow at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street. That same night, the Salem Civic Center will host the Roanoke Symphony’s Holiday Pops Spectacular.
The Gingerbread Festival and Salem Crafty Christmas are set for the following day, Saturday, December 6 at the Salem Farmers Market, Longwood Park, and the Salem Museum. The following weekend, the Salem Civic Center will welcome the popular Salem Holiday Market on December 13 and 14.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas | Nov. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Salem Civic Center |
Lighting of the Christmas Tree | Dec. 5 | 6:00 p.m. | Salem Public Library |
Christmas Parade | Dec. 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Downtown Salem |
Roanoke Symphony Holiday Spectacular | Dec. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Salem Civic Center |
Gingerbread Festival | Dec. 6 | 10am - 2pm | Salem Museum/Longwood |
Salem Crafty Christmas | Dec. 6 | 8am – 2pm | Salem Farmers Market |
Salem Holiday Market | Dec. 13 | 9am – 4pm | Salem Civic Center |
Salem Holiday Market | Dec. 14 | 10am – 4pm | Salem Civic Center |
Renewal by Andersen Lighting of the City Christmas Tree at Salem Public Library and The Christmas Parade
Come join us for the Annual Lighting of the City of Salem Christmas Tree on Friday, December 5, at 6 p.m. on the Salem Public Library lawn. This tradition brings the community together in the downtown area to view the beautiful decorations and enjoy some holiday music just before the Salem Christmas Parade begins at 6:30 p.m.
Gingerbread Festival at the Salem Museum & Longwood Park
The Salem Parks and Recreation Department, the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and the Salem Museum present this year’s Gingerbread Festival at the Salem Museum & Longwood Park on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the culinary creations, children’s activities, vendors, the holiday train and Santa.
Salem Crafty Christmas with Craft Artisans at Salem Farmers Market
The Salem Farmers Market and Salem Parks and Recreation are hosting a “Salem Crafty Christmas” on Saturday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salem Farmers Market. Over 40 crafters and vendors will have handmade crafts, artisan items, greenery, baked goods, cheeses, eggs, and many more items available for your holiday shopping.
Mannheim Steamroller and Roanoke Symphony Holiday Spectacular at Salem Civic Center
Tickets are available at the Salem Civic Center Box Office Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at this LINK.
Salem Holiday Market at Salem Civic Center
This two-day Craft and Vendor Show will feature unique crafters, artists, and “direct-sell” companies. Homemade crafts and local delicacies from more than 70 regional sellers on December 13 and 14. Admission to the event is free, but shoppers are encouraged to contribute to the Salem/Roanoke County Food Pantry with a donation of nonperishable food items, such as peanut butter, boxed pasta, canned vegetables, and spaghetti sauce.
For more information on the Lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Library, the Gingerbread Festival, please call Salem Parks and Recreation at (540) 375-3057. You can get Salem Crafty Christmas info by calling 540-375-4112.
The Kiwanis Club of Salem presents and organizes the Christmas Parade.
You can get information on that event by emailing salemvachristmasparade@gmail.com
The Salem Holiday Market takes place at the Salem Civic Center – (540)-375-3004