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The holiday season is packed with fun festivals and special events in the Roanoke Region in Virginia's Blue Ridge.
Throughout December, you can participate in local holiday celebrations, including festive parades, historic home tours, tree & light displays, and numerous performances & concerts.
For a complete guide to holiday-themed events in the region, check out our Holiday Events page >
We also have guides for where to see Christmas Lights & Holiday Decorations, New Year's Eve Celebrations, as well as local options for Christmas & Holiday Shopping >
Special seasonal activities include ice skating in the park at Elmwood on Ice or cheering on the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs hockey team.
For more December fun, here's a guide to 25 special events happening this month in Virginia's Blue Ridge!
NOTE: All info is subject to change. Please check event websites and social media pages for the most updated information.
1. Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas | December 6
Downtown Rocky Mount
The Town of Rocky Mount in Franklin County transforms into The North Pole for its popular annual Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas celebration, with shops and businesses draped in "White Lights" and holiday decorations.
The event also features a Christmas parade, live music, dancers, and lots of local food & craft vendors.
Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas Details >
2. Dickens of a Christmas | December 5, 12, 19
Downtown Roanoke
Held the first three Fridays in December, The Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas is one of the signature events of the holiday season and has been recognized as one of the best holiday festivals in the Southeast. Downtown Roanoke is decorated for the holiday season, and the festival includes a variety of local vendors and special activities, including:
- City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting - December 5
- City of Roanoke Christmas Parade - December 12
- Pet Costume Contest - December 19
Dickens of a Christmas Website >
3. Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops | December 5 & 6
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will present its popular annual Holiday POPS Spectacular show, featuring over 250 performers on stage, including the RSO Chorus, Virginia Tech Chorus, and the Roanoke Valley Children's Choir, as well as guest soloists.
Salem Civic Center - December 5
Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech - December 6
4. Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail | December 5 - 30
Historic Fincastle
Friday, December 5, is the Opening Night for the 6th annual Tinsel Trail in Historic Fincastle in Botetourt County.
Experience the fun of beautiful holiday trees decorated by local businesses and organizations in the heart of Historic Downtown Fincastle as part of a festive celebration.
There will also be a holiday open house at the Botetourt County Historical Museum, where you can view exhibits and enjoy homemade mulled cider, hot chocolate, and snacks.
The Tinsel Trail will be displayed throughout December, so stop by and vote for your favorite trees.
5. NCAA Division III Men's & Women's Soccer Championships | Through December 6
Kerr Stadium - Roanoke College
The best NCAA Division III Men's & Women's Soccer teams from around the country will come to Virginia's Blue Ridge to compete for the national championships in the City of Salem - Virginia's Championship City.
The matches will mark the 100th national championship the City of Salem has hosted in its rich history of championships and sporting events.
6. A Christmas Story | Through December 21
Mill Mountain Theatre
A MMT Holiday Tradition, A Christmas Story is a delightful stage adaptation of the beloved 1983 holiday film. Set in the 1940s, the play follows the adventures of young Ralphie Parker, who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas despite warnings from his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus.
7. Land of Lights | Through December 25
Franklin County Recreation Park
Land of Lights is a fantastic drive-thru light experience at the Franklin County Recreation Park. You can drive the 1/2 mile loop and enjoy over 50,000 Christmas lights and unique displays with your family.
The event is free to attend, but cash donations are accepted.
8. Illuminights | Through December 30
Explore Park
Over 500,000 lights and unique displays along the ½ mile-walking path through the woods will provide unforgettable holiday memories at Roanoke County's Explore Park! The event will also feature a Christmas market, campfires, and materials for roasting marshmallows.
Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available on the Illuminights website >
9. Fashions for Evergreens | Through January 1
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
Fashions for Evergreens at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center is a beautiful holiday tradition presented in partnership with the United Way of the Roanoke Valley. The event showcases beautifully decorated trees throughout the hotel & conference center.
It's an excellent setting for family holiday photos, and you can vote for your favorite trees, which helps raise money for the local chapter of the United Way. The trees are sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organizations.
Fashions for Evergreens Details >
10. 2025 Gingerbread Festival | December 6
Longwood Park & Salem Museum
The Gingerbread Festival is a beloved Salem Holiday Tradition! Longwood Park will be full of holiday fun and great entertainment, local vendors, smores, caricatures, a petting zoo, visits with Santa, and more.
The gingerbread houses will be displayed in the Salem Museum, and visitors can also stop by the museum before the festival.
Gingerbread Festival Website >
11. An Old Virginia Christmas | December
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Step back in time to a mid-19th century Christmas and learn about the Holiday's sights, sounds, and smells at the birthplace of Dr. Booker T. Washington. The event is based on the experiences Washington wrote about and described in the 1907 article "Christmas Days in Old Virginia."
Booker T. Washington National Monument Website >
12. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas | December 13
Barter Players at The Jefferson Center
Join Barter Theatre for a heartwarming holiday adventure with I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. Set at the Cincinnati Zoo, this festive musical follows seven-year-old Lois Jean, whose Christmas wish is for the zoo’s hippo, Big Suzy, to give birth in time for the holidays. When baby Bella arrives prematurely, it takes a miracle—and a little help from Santa—to save the day.
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Tickets >
13. Cirque Musica Holidays Wonderland | December 16
Berglund Center
This holiday season, experience the magic of cirque like never before with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland! A thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and your favorite holiday music, this spectacular production will transport you to a winter wonderland of awe and enchantment.
Cirque Musica Holidays Wonderland Tickets >
14. Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: Handel's Messiah | December 16
Jefferson Center
Be swept away by the timeless power of Handel’s Messiah, a revered Roanoke Symphony holiday tradition. With thunderous choruses and soul-stirring solos, we breathe life into the sacred scriptures, igniting the senses and stirring the spirit.
15. The Nutcracker | December 12 - 14, 20 - 21
Southwest Virginia Ballet | Roanoke Ballet Theatre
There are multiple opportunities to enjoy the timeless tale of The Nutcracker during the holiday season in Virginia's Blue Ridge. Southwest Virginia Ballet will present its production of The Nutcracker at the Berglund Center Performing Arts Theatre on December 12 - 14, and the Roanoke Ballet Theatre will feature its production at the Jefferson Center on December 20 - 21.
SWVA Ballet Tickets > | RBT Tickets >
16. Salem Holiday Market | December 13 - 14
Salem Civic Center
More than 90 regional sellers will be participating in this year's Salem Holiday Market at the Salem Civic Center, offering a variety of homemade crafts and delicacies that make for perfect holiday gifts.
Salem Holiday Market Details >
17. Happy Valley Grit Gravel Race | December 7
Carvins Cove
Join the fun of an exhilarating adventure at the 1st Annual Happy Valley Grit Gravel Race, taking place amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Carvins Cove in Roanoke, Virginia, on December 7th, 2025.
This event promises an unforgettable day of cycling and camaraderie for riders of all skill levels and a chance to explore the scenic splendor of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.
Happy Valley Race Registration >
18. Grandin Village Winterfest 2025 | December 6
Historic Grandin Village
The Grandin Village neighborhood is one of the best spots in Roanoke to see holiday lights and Christmas decorations. Celebrate the season during this one of a kind street festival with vendors, carolers, beer, and wine!
19. Christmas in Wartime | December 5 - 6
National D-Day Memorial
Christmas 1944 on the frontlines comes to life with this unique presentation featuring re-enactors and living history displays, reminiscent of how soldiers celebrated the holidays while fighting in World War II.
Christmas in Wartime Details > | Flames of Memory Details >
20. Squirrel Nut Zippers: Christmas Caravan | December 7
The Jefferson Center
The Squirrel Nut Zippers bring their joyous, raucous Christmas Caravan Tour back again performing all of the hits from Holidays past. From heartwarming ballads to boisterous dance tunes, the band conjures an atmosphere nestled somewhere between the wondrous lights of Christmas and the backroom din of a speakeasy.
Squirrel Nut Zippers Tickets >
21. Buchanan Christmas Eve Luminary Display | December 24
Town of Buchanan
The lighting of the luminaries on Christmas Eve along Main Street in Buchanan is a treasured annual holiday tradition in Virginia's Blue Ridge. The 1-gallon plastic jugs used as the luminaries have special meaning to the town, which received water donations and recycled the jugs following the flood of 1985 when the town was left without potable water.
22. New Year's Eve Celebration | December 31
The Taubman Museum of Art
Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable night at the Taubman Museum of Art! This dazzling celebration is the perfect way to welcome 2026 while kicking off the Museum’s momentous 75th Anniversary Year.
New Year's Eve Celebration Tickets >
23. Fincastle Ringing of the Bells | December 31
Historic Fincastle
The ringing of the bells on New Year's Eve in Historic Fincastle is a classic holiday tradition in Virginia's Blue Ridge. In a ceremony that has taken place for over 150 years, the town pays its respects to the end of the dying year and celebrates the arrival of the new year.
Town of Fincastle Traditions >
24. Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs | Various Dates
Berglund Center
The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs professional ice hockey team will host five home games at the Berglund Center in December.
25. WBDJ7’s Elmwood On Ice | Through January 28
Elmwood Park
Elmwood on Ice is a unique activity for the entire family to enjoy during the holiday & winter season in Virginia's Blue Ridge.
Located in the heart of Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke, the ice rink is open until January 28 and has space for 75 to 100 skaters at a time.
Remember to visit our Holiday Events page for a guide to holiday-themed events happening this month.
You can also take a look at the Calendar of Events for a complete list of upcoming events, as well as sign up to receive our free e-newsletter and follow us on social media.
Happy Holidays!
