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Traditional Christmas and holiday experiences are abundant in the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, but there are new things to explore, too.
Get a jump on all things merry with an upcoming parade or performance, or stroll through beautiful lights. It’s going to be a holly jolly holiday!
Here are some of the best holiday experiences you’ll find during your next metro mountain adventure in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Christmas Parades
Saint Nick and his elves are sure to make a variety of appearances across Virginia’s Blue Ridge this season. Plan to attend a parade to catch a peek and perhaps light a community Christmas tree while you’re at it.
- Grandin Village Holiday Children’s Parade | Historic Grandin Village | November 23
- Vinton Christmas Parade | Downtown Vinton | December 5
- City of Salem Christmas Parade | Downtown Salem | December 6
- Town of Fincastle Christmas Parade | Historic Fincastle | December 7
- Rocky Mount Christmas Parade | Downtown Rocky Mount | December 8
- City of Roanoke Christmas Parade | Downtown Roanoke | December 13
- Buchanan Christmas Parade | Downtown Buchanan | December 14
Illuminights at Explore Park
You’ll be walking in a winter wonderland in no time – literally – at Explore Park. Open during the holiday season, a trail in Explore Park will twinkle and sparkle with more than 600,000 lights. Sights, sounds, and smells of the season await as you proceed at your own pace.
It's also accessible for strollers and guests with mobility issues.
Don’t miss the artisan Christmas market for a thoughtful gift, and marvel at the Snowville Miniature Christmas Display.
Get Your Tickets for Illuminights >
Fashions for Evergreens at The Hotel Roanoke
If some of your holiday joy is wrapped up enjoying decorations, Fashions for Evergreens is an annual event you can’t miss. Each year, community organizations sponsor a tree for professional decoration at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Spectators are encouraged to “vote” for their favorite tree monetarily. All money raised benefits the United Way of the Roanoke Valley, and the tree with the most donations will be declared the winner of the People’s Choice Award.
Fashions for Evergreens is free and open daily from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day.
Learn More: Holidays at The Hotel Roanoke >
Dickens of a Christmas
A beloved holiday tradition for many, The Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas is a three-weekend event that's held the first three Fridays in December.
It begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting on December 6, features the Christmas Parade on December 13, and culminates with the beloved RVSPCA Pet Costume Contest on December 20.
Experience very Dickens-esque merriment like roasted chestnuts and carriage rides. If it’s not already your family tradition, there’s a great chance it will become one.
Learn More: Dickens of a Christmas >
Special Performances & Holiday Concerts
Is it really Christmas if there aren’t classic holiday performances nearby? We’re suckers for traditional works of art like The Nutcracker, as well as concert mainstays like Holiday Pops.
If that’s you, too, here’s where and when to catch them and other special performances this season:
- Westover Christmas Ballet | Mountain Lake Lodge | November 23
- Mannheim Steamroller | Berglund Center | November 26
- Annie | Mill Mountain Theatre | November 29 - December 22
- Caribbean Christmas w. Stable Roots Band | Mountain Lake Lodge | November 30
- Holiday Classic Movies: Carol | Grandin Theatre | December 2
- Merry and Bright - Holiday Memories | Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church | December 2
- Mill Mountain Ringers: Ring Noel | Raleigh Court United Methodist Church | December 3
- Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Classic Christmas | Jefferson Center | December 4
- On the Thirteenth Day of Christmas | Attic Productions | December 5-15
- Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas Winter Show | Ferrum College | December 5-15
- Last Illusion - Trans-Siberian Tribute | Grandin Theatre | December 5
- Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops Spectacular | Salem Civic Center | December 6
- Preservation Hall Jazz Band Creole Christmas | Jefferson Center | December 6
- A Celtic Christmas w. Kinnfolk | St. Mark’s United Methodist Church | December 7
- Bells & Carols of Christmas | Mountain Lake Lodge | December 7
- Holiday Pajamas Dance Party | The Spot on Kirk | December 7
- Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Holiday Sing Along | Taubman Museum of Art | December 7
- Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops Spectacular | Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech | December 7
- Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Youth Concert | Taubman Museum of Art | December 8
- Mill Mountain Ringers Annual Concert | Raleigh Court United Methodist Church | December 8
- Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings | Grandin Theatre | December 11
- Candelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” | Grandin Theatre | December 11
- Make the Yuletide Gay: Crys Matthews, Flamy Grant, Spencer LaJoye | The Spot on Kirk | December 12
- In-Laws, Outlaws, & Other People (That Should Be Shot) | Showtimers Community Theatre | December 12-22
- SWVA Ballet: The Nutcracker | Berglund Center | December 13-15
- Holiday Brass | Cave Spring United Methodist Church | December 13
- Holiday Classic Movies: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation | Grandin Theatre | December 13
- Ugly Sweater Karaoke | Corned Beef & Co. | December 13
- Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre: A Christmas Carol | Jefferson Center | December 13-15
- Celtic Christmas | Mountain Lake Lodge | December 14
- Classic Film Series: White Christmas | Grandin Theatre | December 14
- Concert Celebrating Christmas | Fincastle Presbyterian Church | December 14
- A Magical Cirque Christmas | Berglund Center | December 17
- Handel’s Messiah | Church of the Holy Spirit | December 17
- Holiday Classic Movies: Elf | Grandin Theatre | December 18
- Isaac Hadden Family Christmas Jam | 5 Points Music Sanctuary | December 20
- After Hours Series: Black Christmas | Grandin Theatre | December 20
- Bluegrass Holiday Bash | Mountain Lake Lodge | December 21
- Holiday Classic Movies: It's a Wonderful Life | Grandin Theatre | December 21
- Half Moon's Annual XMas Jam | Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill | December 21
- Roanoke Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker | Jefferson Center | December 21-22
- A Sparkling French Christmas | First Evangelical Presbyterian | December 21-22
- Candlelight Serenade | Mountain Lake Lodge | December 28
Holiday Flavors
Get your fat pants ready because the holidays are meant for eating and drinking all the great things with the greatest people with whom you can surround yourself. Here are a few of our favorites…
Homestead Creamery Eggnog can often be purchased at your local Kroger, but we love it fresh from the farm. Visit Homestead Creamery in Franklin County to get your own quart or half gallon. [Homestead Creamery Products >]
At Blue Cow Ice Cream, peppermint ice cream is all the rage. Yes, rejoice, all you peppermint lovers! Our season is finally here! [Blue Cow Ice Cream Flavors >]
Ultimate holiday cocktails are being shaken, stirred, and gently poured all over Virginia’s Blue Ridge. For some delicious holiday-inspired drinks, check out Twin Creeks Distillery in Rocky Mount.
Learn More: Holiday Flavors in Virginia's Blue Ridge >
Tree Lighting Celebrations & Christmas Light Displays
There’s nothing like a downtown community dressed for the holidays, and part of that décor includes a lighted tree.
Some of our favorite events are connected to the lighting of the official tree, while others are unique light displays that you can enjoy throughout the holiday season.
- Illuminights | Roanoke County’s Explore Park | November 23 - December 30
- Magical Christmas Village & Marketplace | Mountain Lake Lodge | November 23 - January 4
- Bedford Festival of Trees | Bedford Welcome Center | November 25 - January 5
- Deck the Rails | Virginia Museum of Transportation | November 26 - January 2
- Fashions for Evergreens 2024 | The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center | November 28 - January 1
- Land of Lights | Franklin County Recreation Park | November 28 - December 25
- City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting | Downtown Roanoke | December 6
- City of Salem Christmas Tree Lighting | Salem Farmers Market | December 6
- Live Nativity | Shenandoah Baptist Church | December 6-15
- Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail | Downtown Fincastle | December 6 - January 1
- Roanoke County Christmas Tree Lighting | South County Library | December 9
- Santa's Winter Wonderland | Blue Ridge PBS | December 12-15 & 18-23
- Luminary Nights | Natural Bridge State Park | December 13-15 & 20-22
- Buchanan Christmas Eve Luminaries | Buchanan | December 24
- 2024 Festival of Trees | Natural Bridge State Park | Through December 31
Holiday Markets & Christmas Shopping
More merriment awaits at our area festivals and holiday markets. You’ll be able to shop, taste, and encounter magical moments as you go.
- Artisan Christmas Market | Roanoke County’s Explore Park | November 23 - December 30
- November Holiday Market | Botetourt Farmers Market | November 23
- Holiday Night Market | Historic Roanoke City Market | November 23
- Sweet Donkey’s Fall Makers’ Market | Sweet Donkey Coffee | November 24
- Small Business Saturday | Various Locations | November 30
- Dilly Dally's Christmas Market | The Dilly Dally | November 30
- Motel Studios' Holiday Party & Makers Market | Motel Studios | November 30
- Buchanan Christmas Market | Downtown Buchanan | November 30 & December 14
- Visit with Santa | Mast General Store | December 1, 8, 15
- Tinsel Trail Holiday Open House | Botetourt County Historical Society | December 6
- A Country Christmas Market | Beaver Dam Farm | December 7
- Christmas at The Depot | The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society Railway Center | December 7
- Holiday Craft & Vendor Show | Berglund Center | December 7-8
- Candlelight Christmas Tours: Fishburn Mansion | Fishburn Mansion | December 12-13
- Historic Fincastle Holiday Marketplace | Fincastle Baptist Church | December 14
- Salem Holiday Market | Salem Civic Center | December 14-15
- Free Holiday Open House at Historic Fishburn Mansion | Fishburn Mansion | December 15
- Sweet Donkey’s Panic! At the Market | Sweet Donkey Coffee | December 21
- December Holiday Market | Botetourt Farmers Market | December 21
In addition to the various holiday markets, we encourage you to visit our Christmas Shopping section for more ideas and resources to help you shop local and make the most of the holiday shopping season in Virginia's Blue Ridge.
From our family to yours, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Visit our Holidays section for additional resources and information.
Enjoy your adventures and explorations in Virginia’s Blue Ridge as you become a #trailsetter of all things bright and joyful.
