There are many options to celebrate Christmas within the community.
See the list below of those that shared plans with The Salem News:
• ONCRC will host Trees & Trains, until Dec. 23. Open hours are Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m.; Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Watch for other event announcements at thesalemnewsonline.com and in the printed editions of The Salem News, each Tuesday.
• Town & Country Bank will host a Christmas Open House with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Show-Me Reindeer, Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 5-7 p.m., 1009 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd.
• Four Rivers Community Health Center will host Polar Express and photos with Santa Friday, Dec. 20 from 5-7 p.m. at 601 S. MacArthur in Salem. There will be crafts, candy, cookies, gifts, hot cocoa, and more.
• Salem Lutheran Church will host a live nativity and petting zoo at the church Friday, Dec. 20, from 5:30-7 p.m. Snacks and children’s gift bags will be available after viewing. The church is located at 403 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd.
• Dance with Santa is planned at the Salem Eagles Club, for kids 1-12 years but everyone welcome. The event is planned Saturday, Dec. 21 from 1-3 p.m. For any questions you can call 573-729-6219.
• Santa’s workshop with Greg & Karen Lough will take place Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 from 1-4 p.m. Free photo opportunities and kids crafts (donations welcome). All ages are welcome; bring the whole family! Come enjoy the holiday celebrations by bringing your kids and family to the Creative Arts Center for some fun, free activities! There is no cost to attend.
• Secret Santa’s Shopping 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21; and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Parents need to pre-register children on the SACBA website for $5 per child (money reserves a time slot and will go towards any gifts they choose to purchase for family members, please choose time slots carefully). All gifts in the Secret Santa’s Shop will be priced from $1- $8. Once purchased, gifts will be placed in a gift bag with tissue and labeled with a gift tag. to be taken home and placed directly under the tree. This is a great way for children to show their love for their family members with a personally selected/purchased gift. Parents/guardians must stay while the child/children shop, and may help their child if the child wishes. There will be a place for the adults to sit and wait also. Cost will vary on the number of gifts and the price on the gifts that your child chooses.
• The Salem Community Choir will present “What Sweeter Music,” a festival of carols Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. Both performances will be at the Dry Fork Church off F Highway in Salem. The performance features well known carols and solos by Kathleen Johnson, Kelsey Smith, Quin Dahms, Faeryn Donal, Melinda Medlock, Steve Morton and Michelle Smith. Jimmy Cotner will serve as the narrator. Refreshments will follow both performances.
• First Baptist Church will host a Christmas Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at the church, 201 N. MacArthur St.
• The Community Christmas Dinner will be held Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. First Baptist Church provides ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, giblet gravy, sides, and desserts. For more information or a ride to the dinner, call the church at 573-729-4863 or Teresa Whelan at 573-247-3027. The church and volunteers serve a free hot
meal to the public every Christmas. FBC is located 201 N. MacArthur Ave., Salem, firstbaptistsalem.org.
