The Losers Club: Held at the Salem Center but not just for seniors. All adults are welcome. Every Tuesday 5 – 6 p.m. No registration fee with $3/month dues. Contact: Charlene Lester 540-293-7753.
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.
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 Dec. 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.
Nelson Harris book signing at the Salem Museum: Author and historian Nelson Harris will be at the Salem Museum to sign copies of his books and discuss his latest literary projects on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Salem Museum. Harris is a former mayor of Roanoke. He has served as the pastor of Heights Community Church since 1999 and is an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Western Community College. Harris is a past president of the Historical Society of Western Virginia and the president-elect of the Salem Historical Society. He is the producer, writer and host for the award-winning Eye on the Past with Nelson Harris on Blue Ridge PBS and a columnist for The Roanoker magazine.
Coffee with Council: Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 3-5 p.m. The open forum will be held in the Salem Public Library Community Room and will feature Holliday alongside invited guests, including fellow city leaders, department heads and community stakeholders.
Sam Barber: Rising country sensation Sam Barber will bring his heartfelt lyrics and soulful sound to the Salem Civic Center on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.
Black Label Society: Heavy metal powerhouse Black Label Society will bring its blistering riffs and high-energy performance to the Salem Civic Center on Tuesday, May 12. The band will be joined by openers Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel. Tickets can be found at the Salem Civic Center box office and through Ticketmaster.
Public meetings:
The Salem City School Board will meet at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9.
