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Your guide to the best of the holiday season in Virginia's Blue Ridge!
Roanoke Holiday Events
Christmas & Holiday Events in Virginia's Blue Ridge
We love the holiday season in the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains!
It’s a special time of year for making memories with family and friends, and there are many exciting events, activities, and annual traditions & celebrations to include in your experience.
We invite you to enjoy the magic of the holidays in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Here is your guide to 2024 holiday events and festivals in the region. Remember, many events will incorporate multiple items, such as food & drink, live music, and family fun. Check all the categories to find fun things to do during your holiday visit to Virginia’s Blue Ridge!
- Holiday Parades
- Light Shows | Tree Displays | Tree Lightings
- Holiday Festivals
- Concerts | Performances | Shows
- Holiday Open Houses | Christmas Markets | Shopping
- Holiday Food & Drink Fun
- Historical Holiday Events & Tours
- Fun Runs, Rides & Races
- New Year's Eve Events
- Other Holiday Activities
NOTE: This list is regularly updated as more events are announced and added to the calendar. All info is subject to change. Please check event websites and social media pages for the most updated information.
Holiday Parades
Take part in the parades that showcase our vibrant neighborhoods and communities, as well as local organizations and companies that create impressive floats and holiday decorations.
- 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
Light Shows | Tree Displays | Tree Lightings | Decorations
As home to a mountain with a giant neon star on top of it that was initially built as a holiday decoration (Learn More: Roanoke Star >), you know we make light shows and tree displays a big part of the holiday celebration in Virginia’s Blue Ridge!
- 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
- Live Nativity | Bethlehem Church of the Brethren | December 14
- Buchanan Christmas Eve Luminaries | Buchanan | December 24
- 2024 Festival of Trees | Natural Bridge State Park | Through December 31
Learn More: Christmas Lights & Decorations in VBR >
Holiday Festivals
Chestnuts are roasting, carolers are singing, and other classic traditions are part of the popular holiday festivals throughout the region.
- Dickens of a Christmas | Downtown Roanoke | December 6, 13, 20
- Candy Cane Express | Virginia Museum of Transportation | December 7
- Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas | Downtown Rocky Mount | December 7
- Grandin Village Winterfest | Historic Grandin Village | December 7
- Salem Gingerbread Festival | Longwood Park | December 7
Concerts | Performances | Shows
Singing along to your favorite Christmas songs and enjoying performances of timeless holiday stories are exciting ways to enjoy the arts & culture of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
- 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 Valley Children's Choir 38th Annual Holiday Concert | Cave Spring Baptist Church | December 21
- Roanoke Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker | Jefferson Center | December 21-22
- A Sparkling French Christmas | First Evangelical Presbyterian | December 21-22
- 5PTS Santa Jam ft. Cloud Bobby's Holiday Photo Booth | 5 Points Music Sanctuary | December 22
- Candlelight Serenade | Mountain Lake Lodge | December 28
Holiday Open Houses | Christmas Markets | Shopping
Historic homes and museums are beautifully decorated for the holidays. There are some great local holiday markets for shopping and finding the perfect gift.
- 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
- YogaSix Roanoke Holiday Open House | YogaSix Roanoke | 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
Learn More: Christmas & Holiday Shopping in VBR >
Holiday Food & Drink Fun
Calories don’t count during the holidays, right? We’re pretty sure that’s a rule. Indulge in delicious celebrations at these local holiday events centered around food & drink.
- Thanksgiving Wine Flights | Barrel Chest Wine & Beer | November 15-16
- Pancakes with Santa | Orchard Hills Church | November 23
- Cranksgiving 2024 | Golden Cactus Brewing | November 24
- Thanksgiving Buffet at Mountain Lake | Mountain Lake Lodge | November 28
- Thanksgiving in the Barn | New Freedom Farm | November 28
- Gingerbread House Contest | The Floyd Country Store | December 6-24
- Breakfast with Santa | The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center | December 7
- Cookies & Cocoa with Santa | Rock Outdoors - Smith Mountain Lake | December 7
- Salem Gingerbread House Competition | Longwood Park | December 7
- Clara’s Tea Party | Star City School of Ballet | December 8
- Holiday Food Friendly White Flight | Barrel Chest Wine & Beer | December 13-14
- Brunch with Santa | Mountain Lake Lodge | December 15
- Murder Under the Mistletoe | Beliveau Farm Winery | December 15
- Holiday Candlelight Wine Dinner | Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest | December 14 & 21
- Christmas Trivia with Dan & Sandy | Big Lick Brewing Co. | December 19
- Breakfast with Santa | Holiday Inn Tanglewood - Roanoke | December 21
- Jingle Bell Benefit Jamboree | Big Lick Brewing Co. | December 21
- Cookies for a Cause with Mrs. Claus | One City Plaza Events | December 23
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Buffet Celebration | The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center | December 24-25
- Christmas Day Buffet at Harvest | Mountain Lake Lodge | December 25
Learn More: Holiday Flavors in VBR >
Historical Holiday Events & Tours
Step back in time at the historical sites and attractions in the region that offer a unique holiday twist on the experience.
- Fantasyland 2024 | O. Winston Link Museum | November 30 - December 21 (Saturdays)
- Holiday Candlelight Tours | Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest | December 5-7, 13, 19-20
- An Old Virginia Christmas | Booker T. Washington National Monument | December 6
- Christmas in Wartime | National D-Day Memorial | December 6-7
- Flames of Memory | National D-Day Memorial | December 6-8
- Old Southwest Holiday Parlor Tours | Old Southwest - Roanoke | December 7-8
- Daytime Holiday Tours | Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest | December 14, 19, 21
- Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Commemoration | Salem Museum | December 14
Fun Runs, Rides, Races, Sporting Events
We stay active throughout the year in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, including during the holiday season, with various holiday-themed bicycle rides, races, and other sporting events.
- CIAA Football Championship | Salem Football Stadium | November 16
- Fall Poker Run | Virginia Museum of Transportation | November 16
- Star City Half Marathon & 10K | River’s Edge Park | November 23
- Drumstick DASH 2024 | Downtown Roanoke | November 28
- NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship | Cregger Center | December 4-7
- Happy Valley Grit Gravel Race | Carvins Cove Natural Reserve | December 8
- 8th Annual Holiday Lights Tour | Cardinal Bicycle - Grandin Village | December 10
- RunAbout Sports Grandin Holiday Lights Extravaganza | Historic Grandin Village | December 20
- Guided E-Bike Tours | Roanoke Mountain Adventures | Various Dates
- Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Ice Hockey | Berglund Center | Various Dates
New Year's Eve Events
Ring in the new year at the New Year's Eve parties & celebrations in Virginia's Blue Ridge. There are formal events where you can put on your finest attire and celebrate in style, or more casual, family-friendly parties that don't even require staying up late!
- Fincastle Ringing of the Bells | Historic Fincastle
- Colorful Countdown | Taubman Museum of Art
- A Starry Night New Year's Eve Celebration | Six and Sky Rooftop Grille
- A Legendary Electric NYE featuring Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land w. Special Guests | 5 Points Music Sanctuary
- NYE Party with Chad Nickell & The Loose Change | Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill
- Murder at the Stroke of Midnight Murder Mystery Event | Stave & Cork
- NYE Magic & Marvels w. Magician Bryan Saint | Mountain Lake Lodge
- Preceptor Omicron’s New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration | The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
- Fayetteville Marksmen vs. Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Hockey | Berglund Center
- The Pine Room New Year’s Eve Celebration | The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
- The Regency Room New Year’s Eve Dinner Celebration | The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
- New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance | The Floyd Country Store
- Bling in the New Year | Elephant Walk Lounge at Holiday Inn Tanglewood
- New Year’s Day Breakfast & Brunch | The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center | January 1
New Year's Eve Celebrations in Virginia's Blue Ridge >
Other Holiday Activities
It’s hard to contain the holiday excitement and cheer with so many fun things on the calendar during this time of year. Here are some other fun things to do during the holiday season in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
- The Elf on the Shelf Adventure | Participating Locations - Downtown Roanoke | November 29 - January 6
- Snowman Trail 2024 | Town of Rocky Mount | December 1-31
- Creating Fresh Holiday Wreaths | Well Hung Vineyard | December 5
- Holiday Late Nights - Make Art for a Good Cause | Taubman Museum of Art | December 6
- Garland Gathering | Barrel Chest Wine & Beer | December 7
- Creating Fresh Holiday Decor | Well Hung Vineyard | December 12
- Holiday Late Nights: Outdoor Artmaking & Selfies with Frosty | Taubman Museum of Art | December 13
- Grinch & Glow | Science Museum of Western Virginia | December 14
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides | Mountain Lake Lodge | December 14 & 21
- Creating Fresh Holiday Mantle Sprays | The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center | December 15
- Dickens of a Christmas Pet Costume Contest | Downtown Roanoke | December 20
- Holiday Late Nights: Snowman Scavenger Hunt | Taubman Museum of Art | December 20
- Polar Express Experience | Science Museum of Western Virginia | December 20
- Santa’s Teddy Bear Workshop | Essig Recreation Center | December 21
- Meet Santa | Grand Home Furnishings - Valley View | December 21
- Virtual Tacky Christmas Sweater Murder Mystery | Jump Into Mystery - Virtual Event | December 27
- Ice Bumper Cars | Berglund Center | Various Dates
- Public Ice Skating | Berglund Center | Various Dates
For a complete list of upcoming events in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, check our Calendar of Events. You can also sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter and follow us on social media.
Visit our Holidays section for more resources to help you plan your next visit!
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