Christmas parades, gingerbread creations, holiday performances, and shopping for thoughtful gifts - the City of Salem in Virginia's Blue Ridge brings favorite seasonal traditions together in a downtown filled with holiday lights and decorations.

For a festive getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, December 4–5, 2026, is an ideal time to plan a holiday weekend in Salem.

The Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert, Crafty Christmas, and Gingerbread Festival all take place that Friday and Saturday. The celebrations continue the following week with Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland and the Salem Holiday Market.

Plan Your Holiday Weekend in Salem: December 4–5

Spend Friday exploring downtown shops and enjoying dinner before an evening of holiday celebrations. On Saturday, browse local gifts at the Salem Farmers Market and discover gingerbread creations at the Salem Museum. Together, these events offer plenty of reasons to turn a holiday outing into a weekend getaway.

Salem Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

Friday, December 4 | Downtown Salem

Begin your holiday weekend with the lighting of Salem’s Christmas tree at the Salem Public Library at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Christmas Parade along Main Street at 6:30 p.m.

Gather with family and friends as the tree lights up, then enjoy the parade and the festive atmosphere downtown. Arrive early to browse nearby shops, grab a bite to eat, and find your viewing spot. Admission to the tree lighting and parade is free.

Learn more about the Salem Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting >

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert

Friday, December 4 | Salem Civic Center

For an evening filled with seasonal music, reserve your seats for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert at 7:30 p.m. 

David Stewart Wiley conducts a performance featuring holiday favorites, guest soloist Adelaide Trombetta, and the combined voices of the Roanoke Symphony Chorus, Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir, and Salem Choral Society.

Make the concert the centerpiece of a holiday date night or an outing with family and friends. With the parade and concert happening the same evening, choose the experience that best fits your Friday plans.

Holiday Pops Concert details and tickets >

Crafty Christmas at the Salem Farmers Market

Saturday, December 5 | Salem Farmers Market

Start Saturday with holiday shopping at Crafty Christmas. Browse offerings from artisans and crafters, look for something special for the people on your list, and make supporting local makers part of your seasonal traditions.

The market’s downtown location makes it easy to continue shopping at nearby stores or stop for lunch before your next holiday adventure.

Gingerbread Festival at the Salem Museum & Longwood Park

Saturday, December 5 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Continue the celebration at the Gingerbread Festival, held at the Salem Museum and Longwood Park. The annual Gingerbread House Competition brings imaginative edible creations to the museum, where you can take a closer look at the designs and decorating details.

It’s a sweet addition to a family holiday weekend—and might provide inspiration for a gingerbread project of your own. Plan to arrive during the morning or early afternoon so you have time to enjoy the festival before it ends at 2:00 p.m.

Holiday Performance & Christmas Shopping: December 10-13

See Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Thursday, December 10 | Salem Civic Center

The holiday entertainment continues with Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland at 7:30 p.m. This production pairs familiar seasonal music with aerialists, acrobatics, and circus performances for a festive family night out.

Reimagined for 2026, the show offers another reason to visit Salem in December. Plan dinner before the performance and enjoy an evening of holiday music and imagination.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland details and tickets >

Shop the Salem Holiday Market

Saturday–Sunday, December 12–13 | Salem Civic Center

Keep working through your gift list at the Salem Holiday Market. This two-day shopping event brings crafters and vendors to the Salem Civic Center, giving you plenty to browse as you search for holiday gifts.

Make it a shopping day with friends or pair your market visit with a meal and an evening stroll downtown. You’ll have time to enjoy the season while picking out something thoughtful for someone else.

Enjoy Holiday Lights in Downtown Salem

Leave room in your itinerary for a walk along Main Street, where holiday lights and decorations add to the atmosphere throughout Downtown Salem. Browse storefronts, pause for a family photo, and enjoy the surroundings on your way to dinner.

Whether you’re visiting for the December 4–5 festivities or returning for a show or market later in the month, downtown offers a welcoming setting to slow down and spend time together.

Stay for a Holiday Weekend

Make the most of your visit with an overnight stay at The Lofts at Downtown Salem or the Rowland Hotel. Both offer downtown accommodations close to local shops and restaurants, providing a convenient home base for your holiday plans.

From Friday evening celebrations to Saturday shopping and gingerbread displays, December 4–5 is an ideal opportunity to experience Salem’s holiday traditions. Bring the people you love and make a few new memories during your weekend in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Save the Date - 2027 Stagg Bowl

Wrap up the holiday season with a New Year's Eve Weekend and experience why Salem is known as Virginia's Championship City. The 2027 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl - the NCAA Division III Football National Championship - will take place at Salem Stadium on Sunday, January 3 at 8:00 p.m.