Each week, Salem Reporter highlights a selection of upcoming local events. For a more complete list, browse our events calendar here. You can submit an upcoming event here. Here are some for the week from Thursday, Dec. 11, to Wednesday, Dec. 17. *Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation. Free gift swap *Thursday, Dec. 11: The Salem Public Library, in partnership with Circular Salem, is hosting a “really really free holiday market,” where anyone can come pick up and wrap free presents for their loved ones. The library will be accepting donations of items in new or excellent condition from 2:30 – 4 p.m. Then, from 4-6 p.m., anyone can come pick out free presents. No donation is required to shop. There will also be wrapping stations, with volunteers available to assist. It will be in the Anderson Room AB at the main branch, 585 Liberty St. S.E. Sprague holiday concert Thursday, Dec. 11 – Saturday, Dec. 13: Sprague High School’s “Sounds of the Season” concert will showcase talent from the school’s renowned band, choir and orchestra. Thursday’s show is at 7 p.m., Friday’s will be at 7 p.m., and Saturday will have shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The high school is located at 2373 Kuebler Blvd. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $15 for students. The Friday show will have an after party for $10 per person, with desserts, charcuterie, tea and a hot chocolate bar, plus a gift basket raffle. Get tickets online. Short plays by local writers Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday Dec. 13: Willamette University’s Theatre 33 will present five new “Holiday Shorts,” new short plays by writers from the region. “Evil elves, Mrs. Santa faces a revolt, stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve, a remarkable visit from Uncle Larry and a cookie exchange that goes all wrong,” are the featured plots. Showtimes with tickets remaining this week are at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Sunday’s show has sold out. Tickets can be purchased online, and are $18 for general admission or $15 for seniors and students. Holiday Market at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Friday, Dec. 12 – Sunday, Dec. 14: Salem’s largest holiday market returns, bringing dozens of vendors to shop from, entries to the gingerbread house and tree decorating contests to see, door prizes to win and adoptable dogs and cats to meet. Parking is $10 per vehicle, and entry is free. The market will be open Friday from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The fairgrounds are located at 2330 17th St. N.E. Parking can be accessed from Northeast Sunnyview Road or Northeast 17th Street. Fundraiser for new queer center *Saturday, Dec. 13: A free to enter, family-friendly event with live music and performances will raise money for Salem’s first LGBTQ+ center. There will be a silent auction, and a chance to suggest names for the new space. It will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5090 Center St. N.E. There will also be sensory-friendly and remote participation options. Learn more and RSVP here. RSVP is recommended, but not required. Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251. A MOMENT MORE, PLEASE– If you found this story useful, consider subscribing to Salem Reporter if you don’t already. Work such as this, done by local professionals, depends on community support from subscribers. Please take a moment and sign up now – easy and secure: SUBSCRIBE. The post 5 things to do in Salem this week: Free gift swap, new plays, holiday market appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less