Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/15 to 12/22.

We scoured 17 disparate community calendars (yes, 17) so you didn’t have to.

A view of the Mill Mountain Star. PHOTO COURTESY OF AARON SPICER. Want to see your photo in our Happenings events calendar? Send us your best recognizably-Roanoke shots to editor@roanokerambler.com.

We scoured 17 disparate community calendars (yes, 17) 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 list events chronologically. Want to see different formatting/information? Let us know! This weekly listing is accessible to non-subscribers. Especially with pandemic uncertainty, we strongly 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

  • Through Dec. 16 — The Elf on the Shelf® Adventure in downtown Roanoke. Find all 18 elves hiding in downtown stores in a scavenger hunt and enter for a chance to win $1,000, hosted by Downtown Roanoke, Inc. For more information, visit this link.
  • Through Dec. 23 — Artisan Christmas market at the Explore Park Visitor Center (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke) opens and runs through Dec. 23. Opens 4 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends. For more information, visit this link.
  • Through Dec. 30 — Illuminights, Explore Park’s Winter Walk of Lights opens at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd., Roanoke), open daily 5 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 23, afterward open until 9 p.m. Closed Dec. 24 and 25. Half-mile wooded path has more than 600,000 lights. Santa visit, marshmallow roasting and more are part of the experience, depending on the day. For more information, visit this link. ($)
  • Through Jan. 1 — Fashions for Evergreens, a display of a dozen decorated trees, at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave. NE, Roanoke). Public voting on best displays will raise money for United Way of Roanoke Valley. For more information, visit https://www.uwrv.org/fashions.
  • Through Jan. 30: Elmwood on Ice presented by WDBJ7 at Elmwood Park (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). For more information and exceptions to hours below, visit this link. ($) 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 4 to 10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. Sunday

Wednesday, Dec. 15

  • 7:30 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Tate Tuck at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Thursday, Dec. 16

  • 1 p.m. — Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization meeting at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission Office (313 Luck Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 3 p.m. — Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission meeting at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission Office (313 Luck Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 3 p.m. — Western Virginia Water Authority meeting at 601 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke.
  • 4 to 8 p.m. — Wasena Holiday Market presented by Roanoke Mountain Adventures. Neighborhood shops and other local vendors will sell gifts, food and crafts at 806 Wasena Ave., Roanoke. For more information, visit this link
  • 6 p.m. — Noké’s Holiday Hunt at Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Family-friendly scavenger hunt will have you solving puzzles and exploring the grounds of Fishburn Mansion to find gifts that Noké the Gnome has lost. For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7 p.m. — Holiday Wine & Design and Dirty Santa Exchange at The WellNest Roanoke (16 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke). Join Huddle Up Moms for a creative night of holiday cheer, paint and fun with Wine & Design Christiansburg. For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7 p.m. — KANSAS: Point of Know Return Tour at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7 p.m. — Country Club Night at Sidewinders Steakhouse and Saloon (16 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke). More information at www.sidewindersaloon.com.
  • 7:30 p.m. — Hairspray, the Broadway musical, comes to the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — “It’s A Wonderful Life”: A Live Radio Play Adapted by Joe Landry at Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://showtimers.org/. ($)
  • Until 8 p.m. — Holiday Nights in Grandin Village. Retailers will extend their hours the first three Thursdays of December. Cider donuts and balloon twisting on site.
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Tuatha Dea, Appalachian rock band, previews their album Irish Eyes at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, Dec. 17

  • 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. — Free Yoga for the People at the Main Roanoke Public Library (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke.) More information can be found at this link.
  • 10 a.m. — Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority meeting at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission Office (313 Luck Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Homeward Bound 2021: Juried Triennial opens at The Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). A major exhibit of recent works (2017-2019) from artists living in Virginia. For more information, visit this link.
  • 6 p.m. — Salem Red Sox Movie Night, featuring “The Santa Clause” at 1004 Texas St., Salem. For more information, visit this link.
  • 5:30 p.m. — The Roanoke Times Dickens of a Christmas, third and final night, in downtown Roanoke, featuring the Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest (6:30 p.m.) at Wells Fargo Plaza on Salem Avenue and Coca-Cola Kids Carnival (6 to 9 p.m.) along Market Street and Wall Street or more information, visit this link.
  • 7 p.m. — SOLD OUT online: Roanoke Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker in Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave. SW, Roanoke). For information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Evansville Thunderbolts at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — “It’s A Wonderful Life”: A Live Radio Play Adapted by Joe Landry at Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://showtimers.org/. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — The Darkside Experience, delivering the wonder and power of Pink Floyd, at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Jared Stout Band, an alt-country group, at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, Dec. 18

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Christmas Holiday Market at Botetourt Farmers Market. Find food and gifts from local vendors at Daleville Town Center (90 Town Center St., Daleville). For more information, visit this link.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Makers Market Roanoke final day. Ten vendors will be inside the City Market Building (32 Market Square SE) selling local and handmade goodies.
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Home Alive in ’45: A Christmas Celebration, honoring the 76th anniversary of the end of WWII, at the Salem Museum & Historical Society (801 E. Main St., Salem). For more information, visit this link.
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Downtown Food & Cultural Tour, starting at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (106 Shenandoah Ave.) Tickets and more information at www.roanokefoodtours.com. ($)
  • Noon to 2 p.m. — Book signing with poet and novelist Cameron MacKenzie and former Hollins University creative writer professor Cathryn Hankla at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
  • 2 p.m. — Roanoke Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker in Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave. SW, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 2 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 7 to 10 p.m. — The Comeback Dinner, a community based empowerment program featuring a formal dinner with speakers from underserved communities who encourage and inspire young people. Held at Holiday Inn Roanoke-Tanglewood (4468 Starkey Rd., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. Contact: (540) 819-7659 or thecomeback066@gmail.com.
  • 7 p.m. — Roanoke Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker in Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave. SW, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Evansville Thunderbolts at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — “It’s A Wonderful Life”: A Live Radio Play Adapted by Joe Landry at Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://showtimers.org/. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — The Kruger Brothers, American folk band, live at the Floyd Country Store (206 S. Locus St., Floyd). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 9 p.m. — Live music: Half Moon Christmas Jam, performing a special tribute to Bob Dylan, with special guests Empty Bottles, at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Sunday, Dec. 19

  • 2 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 2 p.m. — “It’s A Wonderful Life”: A Live Radio Play Adapted by Joe Landry at Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://showtimers.org/. ($)
  • 5:30 p.m. — Skyyes The Limit presents The Night Before Christmas at The Park (615 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Family-friendly entertainment with Jezzi Belle, Charlene de Franco, Kruwella de Leo, Giselle Cassidy Carter and host Violet Skyye. For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 8 p.m. — Sowder, Craver and Shay, a new trio out of Roanoke playing jazz funk and fusion, perform at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave SW). Featuring Latin jazz group La Sopa from Blacksburg. Tickets and more information at www.thespotonkirk.org. ($)

Monday, Dec. 20

  • 2 p.m. — Roanoke City Council regular agenda meeting at City Council chambers in the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke)
  • 2 to 5 p.m. — Public Skate at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 3 p.m. — Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority board of commissioners meeting at 2624 Salem Turnpike NW, Roanoke.
  • 7 p.m. — Roanoke City Council public hearings meeting at City Council chambers in the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).

Tuesday, Dec. 21

  • 2 to 6 p.m. — Ice bumper cars at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 4 p.m. — Roanoke City Fair Housing Board meeting at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW), Room #309 North. For information, contact (540) 853-5681.
  • 6 p.m. — Line Dance Night at Sidewinders Steakhouse and Saloon (16 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke). More information at www.sidewindersaloon.com.
  • 7:30 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Seph Custer & The Flatbreaks at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Wednesday, Dec. 22

  • 2 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 2 to 5 p.m. — Public Skate at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Old Southwest Festival of Lights at the Gish House in Highland Park (641 Walnut Ave. SW, Roanoke). Gather for a fire, Santa, music and games. For more information, visit this link.
  • 7:30 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: John Colby Elswick at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

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