If you’re ready to say goodbye to 2025 or just enjoy a good celebration, New Year’s Eve in Salem has plenty to offer. Local bars and restaurants are getting in on the fun, with themed cocktails, costume contests and more. Parents, don’t worry – several kid-friendly options earlier in the day mean you can still celebrate and be in bed well before midnight. For a more complete list, browse our events calendar here. You can submit an upcoming event here. Here are seven things to do for New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Noon Year’s Eve Ring in the new year early during a daytime New Year’s Eve celebration at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum, featuring a balloon drop at noon. There will also be a balloon artist, face painting, holiday crafts, hot cocoa and other treats. The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person for members or $26 per person for non-members. A ticket covers the activities, concessions and museum admission for that day. Tickets can be purchased online. The museum is at 116 Marion St. N.E. Free carousel rides The Hazel Patton Riverfront Carousel is offering free rides all day New Year’s Eve starting at 10 a.m. The carousel is asking for non-perishable food donations to support Marion Polk Food Share, though donations are not required to ride the carousel. The carousel is open until 2 p.m. that day. It is located at 101 Front St. N.E. Kid’s NYE party Salem Center is bringing back its New Year’s Eve celebration for all ages, featuring a DJ, games, photo booth and 9 p.m. balloon drop. Held at the mall at 401 Center St. N.E. Tickets $10 in advance. Kid tickets include a free meal, and adult tickets include a free wine, beer or soda. Barbecue and bonfire The Willamette Valley Smokehouse will serve a whole roasted pig, smores and champagne during a family-friendly fire-side New Year’s Eve party with live music. The party is at 6 p.m. at 2411 Delaney Rd. S.E. Champagne, beer, sparkling cider and wine will be available for adult visitors, while younger guests can enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate or cider. Side dishes including coleslaw, beans, Mexican street corn and cornbread. The Hylo Rodeo band will play at 9 p.m., with Uncle DJ coming on at midnight. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for kids. Casino night and costume contest  Join the Elks Lodge for a New Year’s Eve dinner with a retro costume contest, casino night and a performance from the EDGE band. Dinner options include either smoked New York steak, chicken cordon blue or vegetarian lasagna with sides. Champagne toasts will happen at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Tickets are $35 per person, or $20 for a ticket that does not include dinner. Call the lodge at 503-364-6839 to reserve a spot for the event. The lodge is located at 2336 Turner Rd. S.E. Cocktails at Archive Sip specialty cocktails in fancy dress at the Archive Coffee Bar. A special Gilded Aged cocktail features brown butter 1972 bourbon, ciociaro, cinnamon tincture, orange bitters and simple syrup. On the food menu is a special herb crusted prime rib served with garlic mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and au jus.The evening begins at 4 p.m. and goes until midnight. The bar is located at 102 Liberty St. N.E. Fire Foundation gala Celebrate in style at a gala benefitting the Salem Fire Foundation, hosted at the Grand Ballroom at 191 High St. N.E. Kids welcome from 7-9 p.m., with a 9 p.m. ball drop, and adults-only from 9 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Features music, appetizers, beverages, dancing and a countdown. Tickets $30, free for kids. Have a news tip? Contact reporter Hailey Cook: [email protected] . LOCAL NEWS DELIVERED TO YOU: Subscribe to Salem Reporter and get all the fact-based Salem news that matters to you. Fair, accurate, trusted – SUBSCRIBE The post Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve, ring in 2026 in Salem appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less