Celebrate the holidays Salem, Oregon style! From a nostalgic outdoor ice skating rink to a magical carousel ride with Santa, downtown Salem Oregon is a beautiful holiday season destination for the whole family. Whatever level of joy you and your little ones are seeking this holiday season, downtown Salem has you covered. Here are a handful of events happening close by that the Salem Convention Staff recommends for those days when you need a bit of holiday cheer. Downtown Salem Holiday Shopping Still got some holiday shopping to do? Salem, Oregon is a key shopping destination in the Willamette Valley! You can find a gift for all tastes and budget in our city's charming downtown shopping core, filled with boutiques, galleries, specialty shops and antiques. Downtown Salem is home to a number of unique shopping destinations including Salem Center and the Reed Opera House. From major names in retail to unique shops with local products, Salem has it all. The best part? No Sales Tax!! If you hurry, there is still time to participate in the Go Nuts Downtown Shopping Scavenger Hunt (Ends 12/15) for a chance to win one of two prize packages worth $600! Enter by visiting participating downtown businesses and get the game card stamped by all of them. Visit gosalem365.com for details. Salem's Riverfront Carousel There's no time quite like the holidays to experience the magic of the Salem's very own Riverfront Carousel! This old-world style carousel set on the banks of the Willamette River in Riverfront Park is one of the most popular destinations for children and adults alike in downtown, Salem. Need to do some holiday shopping? The Gift Gallery is a great shop filled with fun gifts, decor, toys, baby gifts, hand carved items and more! In addition to the many photo opps and scheduled events with Santa & Mrs. Claus (some are sold out so make sure you call first), the organization is giving back to the community with a Giving Tree (through December 20th) and a Holiday Food Drive (through January 1st). Stop by on Christmas Day & New Years Day noon-4pm for FREE Carousel Rides! Suggested canned-food donation to support Marion-Polk Food Share is greatly appreciated. Location: RiverFront Park, 101 Front St NE Salem, Oregon Dates: Varies, visit website Times: vary, visit website Cost: $1.50 per ride. FREE rides on Christmas Day & New Year's Day. Suggested canned food donation greatly appreciated Online: salemcarousel.wixsite.com/salemcarousel Salem on Ice Create magical holiday memories with friends and family in Salem's first ice skating rink since the 1950s! Salem on Ice, located in Riverfront Park, is one of the most popular destinations for visitors and locals this season. Bring back some old fashioned holiday cheer as you glide along their beautiful 8400 sq ft tented ice rink to the sounds of happy voices and live music. At night the tent glows with overhead lighting and vibrant LED lighting embedded in the ice! Salem on Ice is open 7 days/week through late January. Location: RiverFront Park, 200 Water St.Salem, Oregon Dates: Open daily Nov. 18 to Jan. 2 Times: Hours vary, visit www.salemonice.com for more information, 1 Cost: 90-minute skating sessions, including skate rental, are $12 (ages 3 to 12 years) and $15. Season passes, 10-pack skater passes, discounts for large groups and family packs are available as well. Online: www.salemonice.com Magic at the Mill - Willamette Heritage Center Magic at the Mill is Willamette Heritage Center's annual holiday lights and festivities event. Enjoy holiday lights, living history, fun activities and more. This annual holiday lights display brings all the magic of the season to visitors with special children's activities, miniature trains, tours of our historic buildings, blacksmith demonstrations, seasonal food and drink, and of course, Santa Claus! Location: Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE, Salem, Oregon Dates: December 19th - 23rd Times: 5:30-8:00 p.m Cost: Members- Free. General Admission (13+)- $6.00. Youth Admission (Ages 4-12) $4.00 (Ages 0-3)-Free. Online: www.willametteheritage.org/magic-at-the-mill Gilbert House Noon Years Party Ring in the “Noon” Year at Salem's beloved Gilbert House on Sunday, December 31st! In addition to their acclaimed 20000 sq.ft. Outdoor Discover Center and 15 interactive exhibits inspiring children to explore the sciences, arts, and humanities., there will be New Year's crafts, activities, a photo booth, face painting, and a balloon drop at noon! Connected to downtown Salem's Riverfront park, explore our 20000 sq.ft. Outdoor Discover Center and 15 interactive exhibits inspiring children to explore the sciences, arts, and humanities. Location: Gilbert House, 116 Marion St NE, Salem, OR Dates: Sunday, December 31, 2017 . Times: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Cost: Members- Free. General Admission (13+)- $6.00. Youth Admission (Ages 4-12) $4.00 (Ages 0-3)-Free. Online: www.acgilbert.org/noon-years-eve/