The City of Salem is preparing a series of holiday celebrations this season, including concerts, festivals, shopping events, and a Christmas parade.
Festivities kick off Nov. 24 with a performance by the world-renowned Mannheim Steamroller at the Salem Civic Center. The evening promises an array of sights and sounds to get the community in the holiday spirit.
December events begin Friday, Dec. 5, with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on the Salem Public Library lawn, followed by the Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street. That same night, the Roanoke Symphony will perform its Holiday Pops Spectacular at the Salem Civic Center at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Gingerbread Festival and Salem Crafty Christmas will take place. The Gingerbread Festival, hosted by the Salem Parks and Recreation Department, Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, and Salem Museum, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salem Museum and Longwood Park. Attendees can enjoy culinary creations, children’s activities, vendors, the holiday train, and a visit from Santa.
The Salem Crafty Christmas, held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salem Farmers Market, will feature more than 40 crafters and vendors offering handmade crafts, artisan goods, greenery, baked items, cheeses, eggs, and other holiday merchandise.
The Salem Holiday Market returns to the Salem Civic Center Dec. 13 and 14, showcasing more than 70 regional sellers offering homemade crafts, local delicacies, and unique artisan products. Admission is free, though shoppers are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items to the Salem-Roanoke County Food Pantry.
Tickets for Mannheim Steamroller and the Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular are available at the Salem Civic Center Box Office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information:
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree and the Gingerbread Festival: Salem Parks and Recreation, (540) 375-3057
- Salem Crafty Christmas: (540) 375-4112
- Christmas Parade: salemvachristmasparade@gmail.com
- Salem Holiday Market: (540) 375-3004
-The Salem Times-Register
