Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/13 to 12/20.

Lindsey Hull -
Lights in the shape of a Christmas tree adorn a fountain in downtown Roanoke. PHOTO BY ALICIA PETSKA. Want to see your photo in our Happenings events calendar? Send us your best recognizably-Roanoke shots to editor@roanokerambler.com.

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.

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Want to know about regular weekly events, including bar trivia, bingo and yoga? Check out our new recurring Happenings calendar!

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

  • Dec. 14 through 15 — Candlelit Christmas Tours of the Fishburn Mansion presented by Roanoke Parks and Recreation at 714 13th St. SW, Roanoke. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • Dec. 16 through 17 — “The Nutcracker” presented by Roanoke Ballet Theatre at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • Dec. 16 through 17 — Salem Gun & Knife Sale at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Find more information including times and admission rates at this link. ($)
  • Through Dec. 17 — “Lost in Yonkers” presented by Showtimers (2067 McVitty Rd, Roanoke). Reeling from the loss of their mother, two brothers, Arty and Jay, must navigate through the dysfunction within their family, while learning lessons in love, accountability and the importance of familial responsibility. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($) 
  • Through the end of December — 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. 

Wednesday, December 13

  • 1 p.m. — Board of Zoning Appeals meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 4 to 7:30 p.m. — Wasena Last Minute Market at Roanoke Mountain Adventures (806 Wasena Ave. SW, Roanoke). This highly anticipated pop-up bazaar is the best place to find those special gifts just in time for the holidays. Find 25+ vendors, live music, and food from bloom. 
  • 5:30 p.m. — Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates meeting at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 6:30 to 9 p.m. — Open Mic Comedy Night with the Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Parker’s Pillbox at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Thursday, December 14

  • 4 to 6 p.m. — 2023 Roanoke Regional Chamber Christmas Party at the 1882 Bar inside Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave. NW, Roanoke). Whether you're a longtime member or new to the Chamber, this is a great opportunity to talk business in a casual atmosphere, make new connections, and enjoy some delicious beverages. There is no cost to attend. Drinks will be on individual tabs. Visit this link for more information and to register.
  • 5 p.m. — Architectural Review Committee meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 5:30 to 8 p.m. — Networking event: Holiday Party at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke) presented by AD2 & AAF Roanoke. Get ready for an evening of fun with Minute-to-Win-It games, a spirited Holiday Hat Competition, and more. Plus, there's a chance to win a $50 gift card if you emerge victorious in the competitions. Find more information at this link. 
  • 6 to 7 p.m — Waterwise Design for Home Gardens and Farms presented by Clean Valley Council at Morningside Park (917 Morgan Ave. SE, Roanoke). Hannah will lead a discussion about the design, creation, and maintenance of an environmentally friendly community garden in Morningside Park, with particular attention to its innovative water management system. Visit this link for more information and to register in advance. 
  • 7 p.m. — “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($) 
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Johnny King & Friends: Christmas & a Case of the Blues Tour at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Karlee Raye at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Joey’s Van (Emo Night) at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, December 15

  • 5 to 8 p.m. — Christmas at the 1800 Farm (20 Museum Dr., Ferrum). Find more information at this link.
  • 5 to 9 p.m. — Holiday Late Nights: Swoon Social presented by Get2KnowNoke at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). All Get2KnowNoke quarterly socials are free to attend, and they will cover the first 50 folks who RSVP with a free ticket to Swoon, the Taubman’s special ticketed exhibition featuring the work of internationally renowned street artist Caledonia Curry/Swoon. Register online for the Get2KnowNoke Swoon Social at this link.
  • 6 p.m. (Gates open at 5) — Christmas Movie Night: The Santa Clause at the Salem Red Sox (1004 Texas St., Salem). Suites are available for rent at 540-389-3333. Find more information at this link.
  • 6 to 10 p.m. — Dickens of a Christmas presented by Delta Dental in downtown Roanoke featuring the Roanoke Valley SPCA Costume Contest at 5:30 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.
  • 7 p.m. (Gates open at 6) — 2023 NCAA DIII Stagg Bowl Football Championship at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Sexbruise? A Christmastime Spectacular! at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Songwriters of Roanoke: Corey Hunley, Jared Stout, William Seymour, and John Pence at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 8 to 11 p.m. — Fiesta Fridays Social at Inka Grille (611 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). The evening starts with a dance lesson, with a dance party after. Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 8:30 p.m. — Stand-up comedy: Stars in the City at Tajzmah’s Lounge (434 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Holiday Classics: Scrooged at The Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)

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Saturday, December 16

  • 9 to 11 a.m. — Breakfast with Santa presented by Roanoke the STAR Council and Roanoke City Public Schools at William Fleming High School. This annual event raises money for RCPS’ Help the Homeless Fund and supports students who are faced with homelessness. There will be special performances by cast members of Southwest Virginia Ballet's Nutcracker and visits from Elsa, Anna, Olaf and friends. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — December Holiday Market at Botetourt Farmers Market (90 Town Center St., Daleville). Visit this link for more information. 
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Home Alive in ’45 at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Visitors will get a glimpse of how Christmas was celebrated during wartime with period music from the 1940s, decorations, cards, and soldiers’ gifts. The display will include souvenirs and captured war trophies brought back by the victorious troops. Visit this link for more information. 
  • 1 to 3 p.m. — Skate with Santa at Elmwood on Ice (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). For more information, email tylerm@downtownroanoke.org
  • 2:30 p.m. — “Home for the Holidays” with Maestro David Stewart Wiley at South Roanoke United Methodist Church (2330 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). For more information, contact Judy Clark at (540) 344-4437; office@srumc.com. 
  • 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. — Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir 37th Holiday Concert: “Songs of the Season” at Cave Spring Baptist Church (4873 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke). Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance. The choir’s special musical guests will include the Roanoke Chamber Brass and Julee Hickox on flute. For more information about the choir please contact director, Ms. Davidson at kimdavidson@childrenschoir.com 
  • 6 p.m. — Not Your Average Gala: The Hustler’s Ball presented by Humble Hustle at the Corinthian Ballroom (109 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Purchase tickets at this link. ($)
  • 7 p.m. — Stand-up comedy: James “Murr” McMurray at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($) 
  • 7 p.m. — “With Shouts of Rejoicing! A Baroque Christmas” presented by Roanoque Baroque at St. John Lutheran Church (4608 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke). The suggested donation amount for tickets is $20. For more information, visit this link.
  • 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Birmingham Bulls (Teddy Bear Toss) at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($) 
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Cruz Contreras at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7, open mic at 7:30) — Stand-up comedy: The R.E.A.L. Funny at The Coffee Pot (2902 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 
  • 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Cherry Poppin’ Daddies Tiki Christmas at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Eric Wayne Band 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 17

  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Dog Bowl Market at Black Dog Salvage (902 13th St. SW, Roanoke). All items for sale from guest vendors will be hand-made, upcycled, or vintage. Visit this link for more information. 
  • 1 to 5 p.m. — Holiday Open House at the Fishburn Mansion presented by Roanoke Parks and Recreation at 714 13th St. SW, Roanoke. Find more information at this link. 
  • 2 to 4 p.m. — Winter Solstice Gathering presented by Roanoke Church of the Wild at Happy Hollow Gardens Park (6697 Mt. Chestnut Rd., Roanoke). an opportunity to celebrate the sacred darkness, peace and renewal. This gathering is outside and will include contemplative practices, silent wandering, and fellowship. All are welcome and respected at Roanoke Church of the Wild. For more information and to RSVP, visit this link.
  • 2:30 to 4 p.m. — Holiday Market at Left of Center Art Space (24 Campbell Ave., Roanoke). Special Sunday event featuring regular artists plus invited guest artists including pottery, jewelry and books just in time for holiday shopping. Refreshments will be served.
  • 3 p.m. — “With Shouts of Rejoicing! A Baroque Christmas” presented by Roanoque Baroque at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church (2101 S. Jefferson St, Roanoke). The suggested donation amount for tickets is $20. For more information, visit this link.
  • 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Learn to Curl with the Roanoke Valley Curling Club at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and register at this link. ($)

Monday, December 18

  • 1 p.m. — Roanoke City Audit Committee meeting in the city council conference room at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 2 p.m. — Roanoke City Council meeting, regular session in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 6 p.m. — Christmas Movie Monday: Elf at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information. 
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Irish Jam Band at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
  • 6 to 10 p.m. — Max Match Pinball Tournament at the Roanoke Pinball Museum (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Find more information at this link. ($)
  • 6:30 p.m. — 8th Annual Grandin Holiday Light Run presented by RunAbout Sports Roanoke from Westover Ave. SW to Fauqier St to Windsor Ave. SW. Registered participants will receive a goodie bag as well as the satisfaction in knowing your registration fee goes toward supporting West End Center for Youth. Visit this link for more information and to register. ($)
  • 7 p.m. — Roanoke City Council meeting, public hearings in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).

Tuesday, December 19

  • 3:30 p.m. — Roanoke Arts Commission meeting in the economic development conference room (117 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
  • 4 p.m. — Fair Housing Board meeting in room 309 north at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 5:30 p.m. — Gun Violence Prevention Commission meeting, location TBD. For more information, contact Angie O’Brien at (540) 853-5309 or by email at angela.o'brien@roanokeva.gov or gvpc@roanokeva.gov. 
  • 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Stand-up comedy: The R.E.A.L. Funny at The Spot on Kirk at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information. 
  • 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 Space Train at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Wednesday, December 20

  • 7:30 p.m. — Cirque Dreams Holidaze 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: The Big Whoop featuring Hoppie Vaughan at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Ongoing Festive Events

  • 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. 17 — “A Christmas Carol” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
  • Now through Dec. 17 — Live Nativity at Shenandoah Baptist Church (6520 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Nativity is a guided interactive walking tour of seven dramatic scenes. Find more information at this link.
  • Now through Dec. 17 — “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” Winter Show presented by Ferrum College Theatre at Sale Theatre (215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum). For more information including show times and dates, visit this link. ($)
  • Now through 23 — Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr., Roanoke). This free drive-thru lights display includes interaction with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Pip, Clifford the Big Red Dog and the Roanoke Grinch. Find more information at this link, including dates and times of character appearances. 
  • 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. ($)
  • Now through Dec. 23 — O’ Holy Bright Drive Thru Christmas Lights at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (19 Cedar Ridge Drive, Daleville). Fridays and Saturdays in December and Christmas Eve from 5:30 to 9PM. Donations accepted. 
  • Now through Dec. 25 — Land of Lights at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). Find more information at this link.
  • Now through Dec. 30 — Illuminights at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd., Roanoke). Visit this link for opening times and to purchase tickets. ($) 
  • 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 — 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. For more information, visit 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.
  • Now 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.
  • Now 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. 7 — Barbie at the Museum at the Botetourt County Historical Society (26 E. Main St., Fincastle). To coincide with Botetourt County’s Tinsel Trail, the museum will display a collection of Holiday Barbies from the 1960s through the 2000s. 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.