We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to. Want to know when the next City Council meeting takes place? Curious about what there’s to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. We encourage folks to contact the venue directly to learn of any last minute changes or cancellations.

Have a Happening? Does your business want to sponsor a newsletter? Reach out to us at news@roanokerambler.com with “Happening” in the subject line. Have fun!

Ongoing

• Now through Dec. 3 — Art exhibit: “Out of Hollow Green Stuff Woven” by Amelia Salisbury and Derek Mueller at Olin Hall Galleries at Roanoke College (240 High St., Salem). “Out of Hollow Green Stuff Woven” is an exhibition reflecting two artists’ relationship with a place called Wonder Hollow. Their images document and trace the daily edges of weather, chart a pollinator’s carousel, and frame as placemats a dream soup of domestic and land-based rituals and wanderings. For more information, visit this link. 
• Dec. 1 through Dec. 2 — “Constellations” by Nick Payne presented by Hollins Theatre (7916 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). This spellbinding, romantic journey begins with a simple encounter between a man and a woman. But what happens next defies the boundaries of the world we think we know—delving into the infinite possibilities of their relationship and raising questions about the difference between choice and destiny. For more information including showtimes, visit this link.
• Dec. 1 through Dec. 3; 5 to 9 p.m. nightly — Flames of Memory at the National D-Day Memorial (3 Overlord Circle, Bedford). Arranged throughout the Memorial’s grounds, thousands of luminarias will shine in recognition of Overlord’s fallen and in tribute to the ultimate sacrifice each made to relight the lamp of freedom. For more information, visit this link.
• Dec. 2 through Dec. 3 — 8th Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Show at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
• Check out our full lineup of ongoing holiday events at the bottom of this page.

Upcoming

• Tuesday, December 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — 2023 Women of the Chamber ConnectHER Conference presented by The Branch Group at The Berglund Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to register.
• Saturday, December 16 at 8 p.m. — Not Your Average Gala: The Hustler’s Ball presented by Humble Hustle at the Corinthian Ballroom (109 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Purchase tickets at this link. ($)

Wednesday, November 29

• 7:30 a.m. — 32nd Annual Pre-Session Legislative Meeting & Breakfast presented by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association, and the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors at The Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Find more information and register at this link. 
• 5:30 p.m. — Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates: special meeting at the Melrose Library’s STEAM Lab (2602 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). 
• 6 p.m. — Roanoke Community Screening of “Birthing Justice” at The Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion. Find more information and reserve your seat at this link. 
• 6 p.m. — Podcast launch party, discussion and free community meal from the Southwest Virginia LGBTQ+ History Project and the Roanoke College Public History Program, at Ursula's Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Bob Dylan – Rough and Rowdy Ways at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Thursday, November 30 

• 1 to 3 p.m. — Greenways Ambassador training in the EOC at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke). This is for individuals that desire to volunteer on the greenways in the City of Roanoke in an ambassador capacity – picking up trash, reporting issues, answering questions to fellow trail users, and so forth. For more information and to sign up, visit this link.
• 5:30 p.m — Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council at the Virginia Western Business Science Building (3099 Colonial Ave., Roanoke). See some of the most cutting-edge cyber-attacks today and how to protect your systems and infrastructure from these real world, black hat hacker attacks! Bring a laptop and participate or just watch. For more information and to register, visit this link. ($)
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Clay Christmas Tree Workshop and After Hours Shopping at Two and a Half Sisters (1405 Grandin Rd, Roanoke). You will design your Christmas tree using clay. It will be 4 inches tall and glazed with a forest green glaze. It will then be fired in the kiln and returned to Two and A Half Sisters for you to pick up. Find more information and register at this link. ($)
• 7 p.m. — Vinton Christmas Parade starting in downtown Vinton. Find more information at this link.
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Charissa Joy & The High Frequency at The Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Scotty McCreery with Dylan Schneider at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 p.m. — Stand-up comedy: Lewis Black at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Monster Atlantic at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, December 1

• 10 a.m. — Blue Ridge Indie Market Grand Opening (601 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Located to the right of The Park dance club on Roanoke's Salem Avenue, Blue Ridge Indie Market is home to a collection of Roanoke's most creative, talented, and hardworking artisans and collectors.
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Holiday Late Nights: Let’s Dance Band at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Featuring big band tunes and free admission to most exhibits. Adults may visit the “Swoon” exhibit for an additional fee; youth high school age and younger receive free admission to the exhibit. 
• 5:30 p.m. — Biggest Little Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown Rocky Mount along Franklin Street. Find more information at this link.
• 5:30 to 10 p.m. — Dickens of a Christmas presented by Delta Dental in downtown Roanoke featuring the Roanoke City Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:20 p.m. Visitors can also expect live music, holiday vendors, a kids zone, and Santa’s workshop. See this link for street closures. Find more information at this link.
• 6 p.m. — Botetourt County Historical Museum Holiday Open House (26 E. Main St., Fincastle). Enjoy light refreshments, tours of the Museum, and great historic holiday cheer. Find more information at this link.
• 6 p.m. — City of Salem Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in downtown Salem. Tree Lighting begins at 6 p.m. and the parade begins at 6:15 p.m. For more information, visit this link.
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas in downtown Rocky Mount (320 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). The Rocky Mount Train Depot will become the “North Pole.” Outside the North Pole, there will be inflatables and Santa will be there for photos. Inside, there will be games and activities for kids to enjoy. Find more information at this link.
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: The Wilson Springs Hotel at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Holiday Pops presented by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke Children's Choir, and guest choruses at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — That’s a Wrap: An Evening of Hip-Hop and Poetry at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke).Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Fiesta Fridays Social at Inka Grille (611 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). The evening starts with a dance lesson, with a dance party after. Find more information at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Lazy Man Dub Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, December 2

• 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon — Breakfast with Santa presented by Physicians to Children at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Featuring a delicious breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, special holiday character appearances from some of your favorite holiday characters and a professional photo with Santa. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Salem Crafty Christmas with Craft Artisans at the Salem Farmers Market (3 E. Main St., Salem). Over 40 crafters and vendors will have handmade crafts, artisan items, greenery, baked goods, cheeses, eggs, and many more items available for your holiday shopping. 
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 2023 Gingerbread Festival at Longwood Park (601 E. Main St. Salem) and the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). This festive extravaganza features heartwarming events, including the En L’Air Academy of Dance and Acrobatics’ Christmas Festival Show, the all-new Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center Education Gingerbread Festival Program, and beloved favorites like Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. The true spirit of the season comes to life with enchanting attractions like festival vendors, the Gingerbread House Competition, the Marshmallow Roast, face painting, and so much more. For more information, visit this link.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Fantasyland at the O. Winston Link Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Santa teaches important lessons of love and sharing as he tells original stories, sings, plays guitar, and interacts with the children through fun activities. Santa has set program times; advanced tickets are required, and tickets are non-transferrable. On December 2, Fantasyland will be offered at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 11 a.m. — Author event: Book Signing with Jim Crawford and Chef Jason Smith at Book No Further (112 Market St., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Roanoke Children’s Choir Holiday Sing-along at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave., Roanoke). This event is free and family friendly, so everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy the sounds of the season with our community’s most talented young vocal performers. Visit this link for more information. 
• 1 to 2 p.m. — 15th Annual Permanent Collection Tour at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave., Roanoke). This 45 minute tour will explore works from the Museum’s Permanent Collection and provide opportunities to learn more about the history of the Taubman Museum of Art. Registration is encouraged, walk-ins welcome. Visit this link for more information. 
• 2 p.m. — Author event: Book Signing with Betsy Ashton and Ken Conklin at Book No Further (112 Market St., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Star City Ceili Band in the historic Tavern Cellar at Twin Creeks Brewpub (1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke). Enjoy a lively afternoon in the historic Tavern Cellar of the Twin Creeks Brewpub inside Explore Park.Sing, drink, dance, and be merry! 
• 3 p.m. — Steel Drum Christmas Concert at Vinton Baptist Church (219 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). 
• 3 to 4 p.m. — 15th Anniversary Architectural Tour at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave., Roanoke). This 45 minute tour will explore the inspirations and materials behind the dynamic design of the Taubman Museum of Art. This tour is free and open to anyone to join. 
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Clara’s Tea Party at Southwest Virginia Ballet (1005 Industry Ave. SE Building 7A, Roanoke). Join Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and more for holiday-themed fun and snacks. Each ticket includes one raffle entry. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 3 to 7 p.m. — Winterfest in the Grandin Village (Grandin Ave. between Westover and Memorial, Roanoke) featuring live music from the Winterfest Boogie Woogie Holiday Band and over 40 vendors. Find more information at this link. 
• 3 to 8 p.m — An Old Virginia Christmas at Booker T. Washington National Monument (12130 Booker T. Highway, Hardy). Step back in time into a mid-19th century Christmas, to learn about the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas as Dr. Booker T. Washington described it in his 1907 article written for both Suburban Life and Tuskegee Student magazines, “Christmas Days in Old Virginia.” For more information, visit this link.
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Christmas in Wartime at the National D-Day Memorial (3 Overlord Circle, Bedford). Christmas 1944 on the frontlines comes to life with this unique presentation featuring re-enactors and living history displays, reminiscent of how soldiers celebrated the holidays while fighting in World War II. For more information, visit this link. For more information, visit this link. 
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Live Nativity Story at Bethlehem Church of the Brethren (4250 Bethlehem Church Rd., Boones Mill). Live Nativity, Live Animals, Christmas Story, Golf Cart or Walk Through -- Handicapped Accessible, Carry & Go Refreshments. For information or questions, contact Sharon G. Grindstaff at 540-493-7252 or grindstaffsharon@gmail.com.
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: A Very Merry Larry Keel Experience w. Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Big Lick Conspiracy at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke).Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8 p.m. — Josh Gates: An Evening of Legends, Mysteries, and Tales of Adventure at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Music Road Co. at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Vinyl & Vibes with the Star City Soul Club at Sidecar (411 1st St. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.

Sunday, December 3

• 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. — Star City Christmas Drag Brunch with the Roanoke Royals at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 12 to 4 p.m. — A Sense of Place, the Grid Art Show at The Market Gallery (22 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).  Over 250 6” x 9” panels from artists of all ages and levels from the local and surrounding communities participated to convey their Sense of Place in a visual creation. For more information, visit this link. 
• 2 to 2:30 p.m. — Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Youth Strings Concert at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Youth String Ensemble, comprised of talented young musicians between the ages of 8-15.
• 7 p.m. — Stand-up comedy: Burt Kreischer at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — “Mean Girls” at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)

Monday, December 4

• 9 a.m. — Roanoke City Council informal meeting and legislative committee meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 2 p.m. — Roanoke City Council regular session in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Irish Jam Band at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m. — 20th Annual Roanoke County Christmas Tree Lighting at the South County Library (6303 Merriman Rd., Roanoke). The event will feature visits with Santa, live music, children's crafts, teen activities and more.
• 7 to 9 p.m. — A Jolly Christmas Concert presented by Roanoke Valley Choral Society at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church (2101 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Held annually since the 1950s, the Choral Society, and it’s predecessor groups, have sought to bring excellent musical selections to the Roanoke Valley, with a mission of adding to the arts culture of Roanoke and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit this link.

Tuesday, December 5

• 7:30 to 9 a.m. — State of the County presented by Appalachian Power at Green Ridge Recreation Center (7415 Wood Haven Rd., Roanoke). Board of Supervisors Chair Martha Hooker will update the business community on the county's accomplishments and plans for the future. Topics covered include education, innovation, and economic development projects around Roanoke County. Find more information and RSVP at this link. ($)
• 8:30 p.m. to midnight — Line Dancing at Sidewinders Saloon – College Night (16 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information. 
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Appalachian Spacetrain at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Wednesday, December 6

• 7 p.m. —  Watchhouse: Special Duo Set with Yasmin Williams at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Ongoing Festive Events

• Now through Dec. 1 — The Gingerbread Festival Gingerbread House Competition Preview at The Salem Museum & Historical Society (801 E. Main St., Salem). Find more information at this link.
• Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 — Chris’s Cocoa & Cookies with Santa at Chris’s Coffee & Custard (1824 9th St. SE, Ste B). Friday, December 1st is Special Abilities night, where the lights and sounds are easier on our families with sensory sensitivities. Visit this website to book your time with Santa and order any additional add-ons, sponsorships, or treats. ($)
• Dec. 1 through Dec. 2. — Grand Illumination of Buchanan’s Festival of Lights at Buchanan Town Park (485 Lowe St., Buchanan). Walk through the park from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each night. Bring your cameras for selfies in the lights or photos with Santa. There will be smores for the kids as well as hot chocolate.
• Dec. 2 through Dec. 3 — 42nd Annual Old Southwest Holiday Parlor Tour (various locations, Old Southwest Roanoke). Features access to 6 private historic homes and the historic Alexander-Gish House in Highland Park — all decked out for the holidays! At the Gish House, visitors will enjoy refreshments, an art exhibit by LinDOR Arts, special costumed guests from Southwest Virginia Ballet's Nutcracker cast (various times), and more. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Dec. 2 through Dec. 3 — Candy Cane Express at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($) 
• Now through Dec. 15 — The Elf on a Shelf Adventure presented by Downtown Roanoke Inc. and Gentry Locke Attorneys in Downtown Roanoke. This fun scavenger hunt features 16 elves hidden in stores around downtown Roanoke. Visit this link for more information. 
• Dec. 5 through Dec. 17. — “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” Winter Show presented by Ferrum College Theatre at Sale Theatre (215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum). For more information including show times and dates, visit this link. ($)
• Now through Dec. 15 — The Elf on a Shelf Adventure presented by Downtown Roanoke Inc. and Gentry Locke Attorneys in Downtown Roanoke. This fun scavenger hunt features 16 elves hidden in stores around downtown Roanoke. Visit this link for more information. 
• Now through Dec. 23 — “Elf the Musical” at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Now through Dec. 25 — Land of Lights at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). Find more information at this link.
• Now through Dec. 30 — Illuminights at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd., Roanoke). Visit this link for opening times and to purchase tickets. ($) 
• Now through December 31 — Deck the Rails at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Enjoy Christmas Trees decorated by area businesses to celebrate the season. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Now through Jan. 1 — Fashions for Evergreens presented by United Way of the Roanoke Valley at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. 
• Now through Jan. 1 — Buchanan Festival of Trees at Buchanan’s Main Street Library (19795 Main Street, Buchanan). Find more information at this link.
• Dec. 1 through Jan. 1 — 4th Annual Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail in downtown Fincastle (23 South Roanoke St., Fincastle). Step back in time and walk the Tinsel Trail to view the beauty of the trees highlighting the evening in this historic setting. Opening night is Friday, December 1st and will include extra festivities during the evening. The decorated trees remain on display throughout the month of December. For more information, visit this link.
• Dec. 2 through Dec. 23 — O’ Holy Bright Drive Thru Christmas Lights at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (19 Cedar Ridge Drive, Daleville). Fridays and Saturdays in December and Christmas Eve from 5:30 to 9PM. Donations accepted. 
• Dec. 3 through Jan. 1 — Buchanan’s Festival of Lights at Buchanan Town Park (485 Lowe St., Buchanan). Walk through the park from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each night. Bring your cameras for selfies in the lights or photos with Santa. There will be smores for the kids as well as hot chocolate.
• Through Jan. 5 — Bedford Festival of Trees at the Bedford Welcome Center (816 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford). This year’s theme is “Oh Christmas Tree.” Find more information at this link
• Now through Jan. 27 — The Christmas Train at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). This year, the display has expanded to three tracks, including a new, tiny N-scale train. Find more information at this link.