Salem’s annual holiday celebrations are set to return this December.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
Times-Register File Photo
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade will officially get the festivities started on Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at a new location at the Salem Public Library lawn. “This tradition brings the community together in the downtown area to view the beautiful decorations on Main Street and enjoy some holiday music,” the event description reads.
Gingerbread Festival and Salem Crafty Christmas
The Gingerbread Festival and Salem Crafty Christmas will take place the following day on Saturday, Dec. 3. The Gingerbread Festival, presented by Salem Parks and Recreation Department, Salem-Roanoke Chamber of Commerce and Salem Museum, will be at the Salem Museum and Longwood Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival will include culinary creations, opportunities to get photographs with Santa, fire pits, a petting zoo, children’s activities, vendors and The Holiday Train.
Salem Crafty Christmas, presented by the Salem Farmers Market and Salem Parks and Recreation Department, will be at the Salem Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. With more than 40 crafters and vendors, there will be handmade crafts, artisan items, greenery, baked goods, cheeses, eggs and other holiday items.
Salem Holiday Market
The Salem Civic Center will host the Salem Holiday Market on Dec. 10 and 11. The market will feature unique crafters, artists and direct sell companies. Homemade crafts and local delicacies from over 70 regional sellers will be featured. Admission to the event is free, but shoppers are encouraged to contribute to the Salem/Roanoke County Food Pantry with a donation of a nonperishable food item, such as peanut butter, boxed pasta, canned vegetables or spaghetti sauce.
-The Salem Times-Register
