Gingerbread Festival
Visitors can experience a community holiday celebration featuring festival vendors, a gingerbread house competition, a marshmallow roast, and face painting. Live entertainment includes a Christmas show by the En L’Air Academy of Dance and Acrobatics, along with appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Sparky the Fire Dog, Mac the Yak, and Rocco. Several food trucks and drink stations are also available on site.
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
No admission fee. Food, drinks, and activities may require payment.
Hours
10 AM to 2 PM.
Neighborhood
Downtown Salem
Food & Drink
Several food trucks and drink stations will be on site; food, drinks, and activities may require payment.
Parking
Parking is limited at Longwood Park; parking is also available at the Salem Museum. More parking is available in Downtown Salem City, a short walk away.
Accessibility
Both Longwood Park and the Salem Museum are wheelchair accessible and offer designated accessible parking spaces.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at Longwood Park or the Salem Museum.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Use Downtown Salem parking if Longwood Park is full; additional spaces are available there, followed by a short walk to the festival.
- Bring outside food and drinks only for Longwood Park, since food and drinks are not allowed inside the Salem Museum.
- Budget for food, drinks, and activities because these may require payment even though festival admission is free.
- Leave pets at home because they are not permitted at Longwood Park or the Salem Museum.
- Visitors needing accessible parking can use the few spaces at Longwood Park or handicapped parking at the Salem Museum; both locations are wheelchair accessible.
Special Events & Promotions
- Admission to the festival is free.
- Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are featured guests.
- Sparky the Fire Dog, Mac the Yak and Rocco are expected to appear.
Links & Contact
Run by Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival suitable for children and families?
Yes. The festival is described as suitable for children and families, with child-friendly activities and entertainment.
What can visitors do at the festival?
Activities include a gingerbread house competition, marshmallow roast and face painting, with a Christmas show by En L’Air Academy of Dance and Acrobatics.
Can I enter the gingerbread house competition?
Yes. Register through the Gingerbread House Competition link on the festival page.
What food and drinks are available, and can I bring my own?
Food trucks and drink stations will be available. Outside food and drinks are allowed at the park but not inside the museum.
Where can I park, and is the festival wheelchair accessible?
Parking at Longwood Park is limited; additional parking is available at the Salem Museum and downtown. Both venues are wheelchair accessible and have accessible parking.
Browse Christmas in Salem
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.