It’s been a busy few months as I started in the executive director’s seat at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. December is shaping up to be the busiest month yet for community events and activities. The following is a summary of the chamber, wrapping up 2025 – including events planned for the holiday season - and also a look forward to 2026!
A kind reminder, if you are planning an event, please share the details with the chamber so it can be added to the digital sign, social media, community calendar, and other publications we share news with all over the state.
• SHOP Salem – a push to shop local during Small Business Season. After a meeting with retail businesses and interested parties in our community, we moved forward with plans for Small Business Season in Salem.
We’re celebrating the heart of our community—our local businesses. These are the places where memories are made, traditions begin, and connections grow stronger.
Think about what makes your holiday special: the coffee shop that knows your favorite drink, the boutique where you always find the perfect gift, the restaurant where celebrations become traditions. When you shop or dine local, you’re purchasing more than a product. You’re supporting dreams and our community.
This year’s theme, Every Purchase Has a Purpose, reminds us that our choices matter. Every local purchase fuels jobs, supports local causes, and builds the kind of community we all want to call home.
Of every $100 spent locally, $68 stays in the community. Small businesses donate 250% more to local causes than national chains.
During Small Business Season make a point to:
• Shop local. Dine local. Love local.
• Share your favorite finds and tag local businesses on social media.
• Leave positive reviews and encourage friends to support small.
• Participate with a Passport to Candy Cane Lane (receive a stamp for every $10 spent at local participating businesses), until Dec. 6 and have a chance to win prizes donated by our local businesses
Your support has the power to transform our community. This season, let’s work together to ensure every purchase truly has a purpose.
Join us for Small Business Season and together, we can make small BIG.
• Holiday Lighting Contest – The City of Salem and the Chamber are partnering to bring you a Holiday Lighting Contest, open to residential and commercial properties. Forms can be found online, but signups end Dec. 4. Don’t hesitate! A group of anonymous judges will award winners in December.
Events for the holiday season:
• The Trees and Trains exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. through Dec. 23. The exhibit is closed for Thanksgiving Day, and the last day is Dec. 24, open 9 a.m. until noon. Enjoy one of the most visited events in Salem, each year, where dozens of trees and trains dot the landscape of the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center each year.
Friday, Dec. 5
• Christmas Parade down Franklin, to MacArthur, to Fourth Street, ending at the Dent County Courthouse which will be lit up for Christmas. Line up is anytime between 4:30 and 5:45. Parade begins at 6 p.m.
• Join several businesses around town, including many who are participating in SHOP Salem, for shopping time AFTER the parade, until about 9 p.m. Fourth Street will remain closed to traffic - from Jackson Street to Iron Street - so grab your family and friends and support our local businesses this holiday season. Please be mindful that Main Street (Highway 19) does not close.
Saturday, Dec. 6
• PJs and Pancakes with Santa benefits the Salem MO Fireworks Committee. The event is planned from 8-11 a.m. at Salem Community Center @ the Armory, with County Road Coffee, pancakes, ballon art, juice bar, and more!
• Ozark Heritage Artisans will host an art show and sale from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center. See the talented artists’ work and buy a few to share at Christmas.
Sunday, Dec. 7
• Join the Dent County Dreamsicles Polar Plunge team as they raise money for special Olympics with the annual Christmas Craft and Vendor Fair at Salem Upper Elementary, from 1-4 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 11
• SHS Chamber Singers will perform at Trees and Trains (ONCRC) at 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to hear this award-winning group of vocalists.
Friday, Dec. 12
• Santa’s Workshop at the Creative Arts Center, from 4-7 p.m. There will be photos with Santa, crafts, hot chocolate, cookies and Santa’s Secret Shop. The event will also take place Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Christmas Trivia Night is a 2026 Project Graduation fundraiser planned for 7 p.m. at Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Concessions are available, as well as a raffle and mulligans.
Saturday, Dec. 13
• Cookie Walk at Bonebrake Center of Nature and History, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Go early and leave with a box of goodies! Pay by the pound, in more ways than one!
• Grace Harbor’s Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus is from 9 a.m. until noon at Salem United Methodist Church. The ticket includes breakfast, face painting, photos, cookie decorating, games and more.
• Victorian Musical Christmas will take place with the SHS Chamber Singers at Bonebrake Center. This is a ticketed event, with limited tickets available. Call or text 573-729-1737 for more information.
• Join Trail to the Cross for the Cowboy Christmas Ball at Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Dinner, music, fun, and auctions. Doors open at 6 p.m. Find the event on Facebook to purchase tickets.
Monday, Dec. 15
• Town & Country Bank will host the annual Christmas Open House. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus and LIVE reindeer for a Christmas celebration, from 5-7 p.m. at 1009 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd.
Friday, Dec. 19
• Salem Lutheran Church will host its annual live nativity and petting zoo, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the church, 403 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd.
Saturday, Dec. 20
• Salem Community Choir will present the musical, “A Thrill of Hope” at Salem Christian Church, 302 West Fourth Street at 7 p.m.
When you are planning an event, let the Chamber know so we can add it to the community calendar and share!
