Holiday events pack the calendar in the Keizer and Salem area in the coming week. Here are some you won’t want to miss:
Dec. 12-14, 19-21
• It will be a drive-thru wonderland from 5 to 8 p.m. on three weekends in December at Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks. The Holiday Sparkles event at the 62-acre park will showcase illuminated historical treasures, including the decorated steam traction engine. Santa will be on hand, and visitors might glimpse the Grinch lurking on the grounds. Admission is free, with donations accepted to support heritage preservation.
The average drive-thru time is 15 minutes. For those who need more time to view the displays, there’s a “go again” option at the end of the route.
Friday, Dec. 12
• A live nativity scene, complete with live animals, is set for 6 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot at Countryside Christian Church. The church is at 5775 McLeod Lane.
Saturday, Dec. 13
• The 2025 Keizer Holiday Lights Parade will sparkle and shine with entries reflecting the theme “Lights! Camera! Action! A Hollywood Holiday.” The parade, put on by the Keizer Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Local Plumbing, starts at 7 p.m. and will travel River Road from Lockhaven Drive to Glynbrook Street. This year’s grand marshal is Bill Lawyer, the head of Keizer’s public works operations, who is retiring after working for the city for more than 36 years.
Sunday, Dec. 14
• One of Keizer’s signature holiday traditions is Breakfast with Santa at the Keizer Fire Hall, 661 Chemawa Road N.E. Kids can talk to Santa and get their photos taken, and also check out the department’s array of fire rigs. The all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is served by the Keizer volunteers and crew.
The cost is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and veterans, and $6 for children age 5 to 12. Kids under 5 eat for free.
• The McNary Holiday Golf Cart Parade will bring bright lights to the McNary Estates neighborhood. Participants can check in with their carts at 4 p.m. at the golf club, and the parade will hit the streets at 4:30 p.m. There will be prizes for decorated carts.
To participate, RSVP to [email protected].
Friday, Dec. 19
•Christmas with CS Lewis takes the stage at the Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. S.E., in Salem. The show features David Payne portraying C.S. Lewis hosting a group at Christmas Eve, reflecting on his journey to Christianity and telling of heartfelt Christmas memories. Tickets cost $55 in advance, $60 on the day of the show, but are expected to sell out early. Visit the Elsinore online for more information and a link to tickets.
Saturday, Dec. 20
•Keizer Fire District’s drive-thru Candy Cane Day is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Load the kids in the car to visit the fire hall, 661 Chemawa Road N.E., and get a treat from Santa Claus.
Through Dec. 26
• Keizer’s Miracle of Lights puts an entire section of town a’glitter with elaborate décor on rooftops and yards. The route is open from 6 to 10 p.m. each night and starts on Northeast 14th Street, marked by Snow Cop signs. Most visitors drive the route, but people can park at Gubser Elementary School and walk the route as well. The annual event is a food drive for Marion Polk Food Share, with donations of cash and food accepted at a designated drop-off tent.
Through Dec. 31
•As Christmas nears, Santa has lost his presents for the elves, and visitors to Keizer’s Roto-Rooter Park can help him find them. The fun is just one part of the GLOW Christmas Festival ongoing through Dec. 31 at the stadium. The event is billed as a “walk-around festival” and it will have a scavenger hunt, local vendors, gourmet food trucks, beverages, interactive play zones and covered spaces with heat. Don’t miss the “Naughty or Nice” hall, where you can help Santa decide. For tickets find the link on the Facebook page of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
SUBSCRIBE: Get around-the-clock access to news about Keizer with a digital subscription to the Keizertimes. It’s secure, is available at $10 a month, and takes just a moment when you go HERE. Your support for local journalism is vital.
