Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 12/8 to 12/15.

Roanoke Rambler -
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 $1,000, hosted by Downtown Roanoke, Inc. For more information, visit this link.
  • Through Dec. 23 — Artisan Christmas market at the Explore Park Visitor Center (56 Roanoke River Parkway, Roanoke). Opens 4 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends. For more information, visit this link.
  • Through Dec. 30 — Illuminights, Explore Park’s Winter Walk of Lights at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd., Roanoke), open daily 5 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 23, afterward open until 9 p.m. Closed Dec. 24 and 25. Half-mile wooded path has more than 600,000 lights. Santa visit, marshmallow roasting and more are part of the experience, depending on the day. For more information, visit this link. ($)
  • 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 listed, 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. 8

  • 1 p.m. — Roanoke City Board of Zoning Appeals electronic meeting. For meeting information and access, contact Tina Carr at (540) 853-1330 or tina.carr@roanokeva.gov.
  • 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: Chasing Fall at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Thursday, Dec. 9

  • 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Women of the Chamber ConnectHER Conference, limited to chamber members and future members, at Brandon Oaks (3837 Brandon Ave. SW, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • Noon to 6 p.m. — Roanoke Higher Education Center open house at chocolatepaper  (308 Market St. SE #3, Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
  • 1:30 p.m. — Transportation Planning Organization Technical Committee meeting at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission Office (313 Luck Ave. SW, Roanoke).
  • 5 p.m. — Roanoke City Architectural Review Board meeting. Contact Tina Carr at (540) 853-1330 or tina.carr@roanokeva.gov for electronic meeting information.
  • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Candlelight tour of Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. Sw, Roanoke). Learn about the history of the 42-room Georgian-Revival mansion. For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 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. — 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. — Attic Productions presents “Welcome to Mitford” by Robert Inman at Botetourt County’s community theater (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 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: Jesse James Deconto and The Pinkerton Raid at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Friday, Dec. 10

  • 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.
  • 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. ($)
  • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Candlelight tour of Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. Sw, Roanoke). Learn about the history of the 42-room Georgian-Revival mansion. For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 6 p.m. — Salem Red Sox Movie Night: Elf at the Haley Toyota Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark (1004 Texas St., Salem). For more information, visit this link.
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Live Nativity at the Shenandoah Baptist Church (6520 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
  • 6:30 p.m. — The Roanoke Times Dickens of a Christmas and City of Roanoke Christmas Parade begins on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, turns onto Campbell Avenue, goes past Market Square, and ends at Williamson Road. For more information, visit this link.
  • 7 to 8 p.m. — Candlelight tour of Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. Sw, Roanoke). Learn about the history of the 42-room Georgian-Revival mansion. For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presents holiday brass at Cave Spring United Methodist Church (4505 Hazel Dr., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Big Daddy Love, Appalachian rock and bluegrass band, with Isaac Hadden Project at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW, 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/. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Attic Productions presents “Welcome to Mitford” by Robert Inman at Botetourt County’s community theater (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 8 p.m. — American Aquarium with Tommy Prine (standing room only) at The Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for entry. For tickets and information, visit https://www.harvester-music.com/harvester-events. ($)
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Music Road Co., funk, reggae, rock and groove, at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Saturday, Dec. 11

  • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Salem holiday market craft and vendor show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). For information, visit this link.
  • Noon to 2 p.m. — Book signing with novelists Brook Allen of Botetourt and Mary Hill of Roanoke County at Book No Further (112 Market St. SE, Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
  • 1 to 2 p.m. — Story time and cookies with Santa at Rendezvous Studio & Events, 2nd floor of The French Farmhouse (9 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
  • 2 p.m. — A Christmas Story, adapted from the classic 1983 movie, plays at the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage (1 Market Square., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://millmountain.org/. ($)
  • 2 to 3 p.m. — Story time and cookies with Santa at Rendezvous Studio & Events, 2nd floor of The French Farmhouse (9 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. ($)
  • 2:30 p.m. — Attic Productions presents “Welcome to Mitford” by Robert Inman at Botetourt County’s community theater (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 3 p.m. — Southwest Virginia Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 5 to 10 p.m. — Big Lick Ugly Sweater Holiday Party at Big Lick Brewing Company (309 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Featuring food trucks and contest. For more information, visit this link.
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Live Nativity at the Shenandoah Baptist Church (6520 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.
  • 7 p.m. — Holiday brass concert at the Floyd Center for the Arts (220 Parkway Lane South, Floyd). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 7:30 p.m. — Chatham County Line, acoustic rock and roll, bring their electric holiday tour to 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW, 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/. ($)
  • 8:30 p.m. — Ugly Christmas Sweater EXTRAVAGANZA (winter apparel drive) at The WellNest Roanoke (16 Church Ave. SW, Suite 102, Roanoke). For more information, visit https://www.thewellnestroanoke.com/.
  • 10 p.m. — Live music: Sol Roots at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Sunday, Dec. 12

  • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Salem holiday market craft and vendor show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). For information, visit this link.
  • 1 to 5 p.m. — Holidays at Fishburn Mansion. Free open house and self-guided tours at Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). For 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/. ($)
  • 2 p.m. — “It’s A Wonderful Life”: A Live Radio Play Adapted by Joe Landry at Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit https://showtimers.org/. ($)
  • 2:30 p.m. — Attic Productions presents “Welcome to Mitford” by Robert Inman at Botetourt County’s community theater (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 3 p.m. — Southwest Virginia Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 6 to 9 p.m. — Live Nativity at the Shenandoah Baptist Church (6520 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

Monday, Dec. 13

  • 1:30 p.m. — Roanoke City Planning Commission meeting. Contact Tina Carr at (540) 853-1330 or tina.carr@roanokeva.gov for electronic meeting information.

Tuesday, Dec. 14

  • 5:30 p.m. — Roanoke City Gun Violence Prevention Commission meeting at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke), Room 159 (Emergency Operations Conference Room).
  • 6 p.m. — Line Dance Night at Sidewinders Steakhouse and Saloon (16 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke). More information at www.sidewindersaloon.com.
  • 5:30 p.m. — Vinton Santa Crawl begins throughout the Town. Santa and his helpers will be passing out candy and coloring books. For more information, visit this link.
  • 7 p.m. — Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah at the Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
  • 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Gote at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 First St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link.

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.