The City of Salem’s annual holiday celebrations are set to return in early December. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and Christmas Parade open the month of activities on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. at the Salem Public Library and on Main Street. The Gingerbread Festival and Salem Crafty Christmas are set for the following day, Saturday, Dec. 2. The Salem Civic Center will also host the Salem Holiday Market on Dec. 10 and 11 along with two holiday concerts featuring Mannheim Steamroller and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.
Schedule:
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Salem Public Library
- Christmas Parade Dec. 1 at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Salem
- Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center
- Gingerbread Festival Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Salem Museum/Longwood
- Salem Crafty Christmas Dec. 2 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Salem Farmers Market
- Mannheim Steamroller Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center
- Salem Holiday Market Dec. 9 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center
- Salem Holiday Market Dec. 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center
Details about upcoming events:
Lighting of the City Christmas Tree at Public Library and The Ridgeview Bank Parade
The Annual Lighting of the City of Salem Christmas Tree will be on Friday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m. at the Salem Public Library lawn. This tradition brings the community together in the downtown area to view the decorations on Main Street and enjoy some holiday music just before the Salem Christmas Parade begins at 6:15 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, Dec. 2, 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
The Salem Farmers Market and Salem Parks and Recreation are hosting a “Salem Crafty Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 2 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 holiday shopping.
Mannheim Steamroller & Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops
Tickets are available at the Salem Civic Center Box Office Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at www.ticketmaster.com
Salem Holiday Market
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 will be featured at this year’s Salem Holiday Market. 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.
-The Salem Times-Register