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

• Dec. 7 through 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. ($) 
• Dec. 9 through 10 — Salem Holiday Market at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Admission to the holiday market is free, but shoppers are encouraged to contribute to the food drive held at the event. Find more information at this link.
• 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. 

Upcoming

• 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, 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.

Thursday, December 7

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Networking: Business After Hours presented by the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce at The Lofts at Downtown Salem (10 W. Main St., Salem). Find more information at this link.
• 6 p.m. — Latinas Network 3rd Annual Dinner at the Vinton War Memorial (814 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). Visit this link for more information and to RSVP. ($)
• 6 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Sasha at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 to 8 p.m. — Veterans Legislative Forum at the American Legion (710 Apperson Dr., Salem). Visit this link for more information and to RSVP for this free event. 
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Dogs in a Pile at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. —  Joan Osborne at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Melissa McSherry at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). 
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: GOTE at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, December 8

• 10 a.m. — Gun Violence Prevention Commission Research and Education Committee virtual meeting. For more information, contact Angie O’Brien at (540) 853-5309 or by email at angela.o'brien@roanokeva.gov or gvpc@roanokeva.gov. 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Holiday Late Nights: Fun with Frosty at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Features selfies with Frosty, a hot cocoa bar, and family-friendly art-making activities. Admission is free unless otherwise noted. In addition, the special ticketed exhibition and immersive experience Swoon will be open during each of the Late Nights. Small fees apply for the Swoon experience, though youth high school age and younger get free admission to the exhibition and immersive. 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 City Christmas Parade at 6:30 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.
• 6 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Awen Family Band at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Holiday Brass at Cave Spring United Methodist Church (4505 Hazel Dr., Roanoke). Members of the RSO Brass section will play in concert. Find more information at this link.
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Chatham County Line – Electric Holiday Tour at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Twitty & Lynn: A Salute to Conway & Loretta at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: The Barefoot Movement Holiday Special 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. — Holiday Classics: Elf 20th Anniversary at The Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Higher Education at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)

Saturday, December 9

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Buchanan Christmas Market on Main Street in Buchanan. Stroll along the town’s main street while discovering a treasure trove of artisans, crafters, and locally-owned businesses. For additional information, please call the Buchanan Town Hall at 540-254-1212 x 4 
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Holiday Homes Tour in Historic Fincastle, beginning at Fincastle Baptist Church (20 E. Back St., Fincastle). Find more information at this link. ($)
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Book Talk & Signing — “Mountain Women Live On: Life and Legacy of Appalachian Women” by Dr. Peggy Shifflett at the Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Visit this link for more information. 
• Noon — “A Christmas Carol" Brunch with the Characters at Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Noon to 3 p.m. — Public Ice Skating at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 1 to 3 p.m. — Lecture: “Unmasking Jesus & Mary Magdalene” presented by R. L. Cook at the Salem Public Library (28 E. Main St., Salem). Visit this link for more information. ($)
• 1 p.m. — Shaken or Stirred: A Mixer Adventure at Lucky (18 Kirk Ave., Roanoke). Learn to make 4 craft cocktails. Find more information and register at this link. ($)
• 2 and 7 p.m. — “The Nutcracker” presented by Southwest Virginia Ballet at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). SVB’s Nutcracker features original choreography by artistic director Pedro Szalay, and performances by company members of Southwest Virginia Ballet, as well as numerous guests. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($) 
• 4 p.m. — Buchanan Christmas Parade on Main Street, Buchanan. For additional information, please call the Buchanan Town Hall at 540-254-1212 x 4 
• 6 p.m. — Kuzaliwa: The Nativity Story presented by CommUNITY Arts Reach at Price Memorial AME Zion (506 15th St. NW, Roanoke, adjacent to Melrose Park). 
• 6 to 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Virginia Man at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 to 9 p.m. — A Celtic Christmas featuring Kinnfolk at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (19 Cedar Ridge Drive, Daleville). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 p.m. — Stand-up comedy: The R.E.A.L. Funny at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information. 
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Holiday Pajamas Dance Party presented by Salsa Noke at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Break out your holiday jammies or sweaters. Group lesson from 8 to 8:30, followed by a holiday dance party from 8:30 to 11 featuring music with DJ Edgar. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Sister Hazel with Midnight South at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Get Tilted at the Roanoke Pinball Museum (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). 21+ event. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Deep 6 – Pearl Jam Tribute 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 10

• 9 a.m. — Happy Valley Grit Gravel Race at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve (9644 Reservoir Rd., Roanoke). Choose between a 15 or 25 mile route challenge. Find more information and register at this link. ($)
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — City of Angels Mega ADOPTathon event presented by Angels of Assisi at the Berglund Special Events Center (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Find more information at this link.
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Caroling, Craft Beer, and Celtic Christmas with Kinnfolk at Twin Creeks Brewing Company (111 South Pollard St., Vinton). In between sets, there will be special holiday music from Appalachian Piping Academy. 
• 3 p.m. — “The Nutcracker” presented by Southwest Virginia Ballet at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). SVB’s Nutcracker features original choreography by artistic director Pedro Szalay, and performances by company members of Southwest Virginia Ballet, as well as numerous guests. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($) 
• 5 p.m. — Kuzaliwa: The Nativity Story presented by CommUNITY Arts Reach at Price Memorial AME Zion (506 15th St. NW, Roanoke, adjacent to Melrose Park). 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Jump into Mystery: A Tacky Sweater Murder Mystery at Well Hung Vineyard (402 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). This is an interactive murder mystery event where you will play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)

Monday, December 11

• 1:30 p.m. — Roanoke City planning commission meeting 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). 

Tuesday, December 12

• 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.
• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — 2023 Holiday Light Tour, starting at Cardinal Bicycle on Winbourne Ave. (near Scratch Biscuit at 1820 Memorial Ave. SW). This is an annual family bike ride through the Raleigh Court neighborhood to see the holiday lights. Riders will assemble outside Cardinal Bicycle’s Winbourne Avenue location between 5:30 and 6 p.m. For more information, visit this link. 
• 6:30 p.m. — Roanoke City school board meeting at William Fleming High School (3649 Ferncliff Ave. NW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. —  Handel’s Messiah presented by the RSO Chorus & Baroque Virtuosi with David Stewart Wiley, conductor at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Civil War Roundtable at Friendship Retirement Community (397 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke). Kevin Donovan will discuss "The Court Martial of FitzJohn Porter.” 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: JSB Variety Show featuring Jared Stout and special guests at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 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).
• 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. 

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. 
• Dec. 7 through 17 — “A Christmas Carol” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• Dec. 8 through 17 — Live Nativity at Shenandoah Baptist Church (6520 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). Nativity is a guided interactive walking tour of seven dramatic scenes. Find more information at this link.
• Dec. 8 through 23 — Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr., Roanoke). This free drive-thru lights display includes interaction with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Pip, Clifford the Big Red Dog and the Roanoke Grinch. Find more information at this link, including dates and times of character appearances. 
• Now through Dec. 17 — “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” Winter Show presented by Ferrum College Theatre at Sale Theatre (215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum). For more information including show times and dates, visit this link. ($)
• Now through Dec. 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. 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.
• 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.