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!

This weekend

• Thursday, 12/12 to Friday, 12/13 — Candlelight Christmas Tours: The Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). During the tour, you will see the home in its holiday finest as you learn about the history of the mansion and the family that occupied it. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes. Pre-registration is required for this program and space will be limited.  Visit this link for more information and to register. ($)
• Thursday, 12/12 to Sunday, 12/15 — Santa’s Winter Wonderland drive-through light display at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr., Roanoke). Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Closed Monday and Tuesday 12/15 and 12/17, continues through Dec. 23. Donations accepted.
• Thursday, 12/12 to Sunday, 12/15 — “Inlaws, Outlaws, & Other People (That Should Be Shot)” presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). The bickering, snickering personalities of the Douglas family pile up inside for their annual Christmas Eve dinner. Just when it seems like things can't get any crazier, in come two robbers who take the family hostage. Continues through December 22. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• Friday, 12/13 to Sunday, 12/15 — “The Nutcracker” presented by Southwest Virginia Ballet at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, 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 at this link. ($)
• Friday, 12/13 to Sunday, 12/15 — “The Christmas Carol” presented by Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link to purchase tickets. ($). 
• Friday, 12/13 to Sunday, 12/15 — Live Nativity at Shenandoah Baptist Church (6520 Williamson Rd., Roanoke). A first-century tour guide leads you to seven dramatic scenes with fifty actors and live animals. Pre-tour festivities include a live stage with music and lights, a petting zoo, hot chocolate, and marshmallows for toasting. The guided tour is a mulch path not suitable for strollers, walkers, or wheelchairs. 6 to 9 p.m. nightly.
• Saturday, 12/14 to Sunday, 12/15 — Salem Holiday Market at the Salem Civic Center. (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Featuring unique vendors, artists, direct sales companies and local small businesses. 

Wednesday, December 11

• 1 p.m. — Roanoke City Board of Zoning Appeals in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 4 to 7 p.m. — 6th Annual Last Minute Market at Roanoke Mountain Adventures (806 Wasena Ave. SW, Roanoke). This highly anticipated pop-up bazaar is the best place to find those special somethings just in time for the holidays. This year we are hosting 25+ local vendors. You won't want to miss it.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Foster Burton at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at the Salem Public Library (28 E. Main St., Salem). Find more information at this link.
• 6:30 p.m.  (Doors open at 5:45) — Live music: Candlelight — Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more performed by the Liteso String Quartet at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:45) — Live music: Candlelight — Carols on Strings performed by the Liteso String Quartet at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Reggae Night hosted by The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Thursday, December 12

• 1 p.m. — Roanoke City Architectural Review Board Committee in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 2 p.m. — Edward Dudley Historical Marker Unveiling & Reception at the corner of Gainsboro Road and Gilmer Avenue with reception to follow at the Gainsboro Library (15 Patton Ave. NW). Featuring remarks by Edward Dudley IV. Celebrate the life and legacy of Roanoke native Edward Dudley. Dudley was the first African American to run for office in New York on the ticket of a major party, the first Black person to serve as an administrative judge in New York State, and the first African American to hold the rank of Ambassador of the United States.
• 4 to 6 p.m. — Networking: Roanoke Regional Chamber Christmas Party at the 1882 Bar at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Come unwind after work in a relaxing environment with your fellow chamber members. Drinks will be on individual tabs.
• 4 to 7 p.m. — Gaymer Night at Roanoke Diversity Center (425 Campbell Ave. SW., Roanoke). Hang out with other local young adults in the lounge, watch the latest music videos, play board games, chat and mingle. Bring your controllers and play your friends with our Nintendo Switch or Playstation, or start an RPG, card games and board games.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: GOTE at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Bridging the Community Gap caroling walk presented by Total Action for Progress and the City of Roanoke starting at the Martin Luther King Jr Bridge (1st St NW, Roanoke) and ending at the Christmas Tree on Market Street. A special night where we spread peace and joy as we come together as one community. Join us early for a free cup of hot chocolate or cider. Bring your friends and a donation of canned goods. We will hear from local community members and join together in singing holiday carols. Find more information at this link. 
• 7 to 9 p.m. — Line Dancing with Angela at Los Amigos Bar & Grill (3424 Orange Ave. NE, Roanoke). Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to learn, Angela’s got the moves to get everyone out on the floor, so dust off your best western wear, round up your crew, and come on down for a boot-scootin’ good time.
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Make the Yuletide Gay: Crys Matthews, Flamy Grant, Spencer LaJoye in a very special songwriter in the round event at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ripejive at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 
• 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Late Night Karaoke with DJ Marshall (AKA ParMar) at Los Amigos Bar & Grill (3424 Orange Ave. NE, Roanoke). Grab that mic and sing your heart out.

Friday, December 13

• 9 to 10 a.m. — Member Hour: Nouveau Art Fashion at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Find more information at this link. 
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Holiday Late Nights: Outdoor Art Making and Selfies with Frosty at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). A great time for families to tour the museum’s exhibits! Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Small fees apply for the Eternally New experience, though youth high school age and younger get free admission to the exhibition and immersive thanks to the generosity of Lori and Steven Strauss. Repeats 12/20. Visit this link for more information
• 6 p.m. — The Warm-Up: End of the Year Happy Hour presented by The Humble Hustle Company at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Celebrate our milestones, connect with passionate changemakers, and discover how you can help empower youth and drive impact in the new year. Find more information at this link. 
• 6 to 10 p.m. (Parade steps off at 6:30 p.m., rain or shine)  — City of Roanoke Christmas Parade (Dickens of a Christmas Night Two) presented by Downtown Roanoke, Inc. The parade begins on Jefferson St. at Elm Ave., continues to Campbell Ave., on past the Market Building, and ends at Williamson Rd. The evening also includes vendors, carriage rides, and visits with Santa. Visit this link for more information. 
• 6:30 p.m. — Ugly Christmas Sweater Zumba Party at Dream Dance & Fitness Studio (5220 Williamson Road Suite F Roanoke). Purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Holiday Brass presented by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at Cave Spring United Methodist Church (4505 Hazel Dr., Roanoke). Enjoy the amazing performers from the RSO Brass section. Purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers’ Homestead Jam at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. — Live music: Red & White with opener Dan & Adonna at the 3rd Street Coffee House (305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke). Pay-what-you-can. 
• 8 to 10 p.m. — Live music: Puddles Pity Party at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). “There’s something about a giant sad singing clown that comforts us, lets us know it’s ok to feel, to show our feelings. It’s a sad and beautiful world, and we’re all in it together, even when we’re totally alone,” says bartender and fellow performer Big Mike Geier. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 9 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Karaoke at Corned Beef & Co., Inc. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).  
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Damon Mitchell at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Pink Beds at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). ($)

Saturday, December 14

• 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. — Fantasyland at the O. Winston Link Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Santa teaches important lessons of love and sharing as he tells original stories, sings, plays guitar, and interacts with the children through fun activities. Santa has set program times; advanced tickets are required, and tickets are non-transferrable. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Grinch & Glow at the Science Museum of Western Virginia (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). A day filled with Grinch-inspired science, fun, and holiday magic. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Aaron Geller Birthday Jam at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 4 p.m. — Buchanan Christmas Parade along Main St. in Buchanan. The street will close to traffic at 3 p.m. Rain date: December 15.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Christian Q. & Co. at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: The Red Ferns at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Concert Celebrating Christmas presented by Historic Fincastle, Inc. at Fincastle Presbyterian Church (108 Back St., Fincastle). The musicians are Alan Parks (vocalist, pianist and guitarist), Vanessa Royer (soprano), Cole Freeman (violinist), Amy Clary (pianist), David Write and Don Naysmith (tenors), The Fleming Brass, and The Rising Violinist. No charge.
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Lenny Marcus Trio at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3733 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke). 
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Knoxville Ice Bears at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: JoJo Hermann (of Widespread Panic) and Big Chief Juan Pardo at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30)  — Live music: Jamie McLean Band Album Release Party for “One Step Forward” with Corey Hunley at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m.  — Star City Secret Cinema EDGE presented by Justin Smith at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). Darker and dirtier, grittier and grosser, scarier and sexier, weirder and wilder than the usual closely-held films. At SCSC Edge, it's always midnight. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($) 
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Glam’r Kitti at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information visit this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Damon Mitchell at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).
• 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 15

• 11 a.m. — Yoga with Blacie at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Trip to Fables & Feathers Winery presented by Melanated Wine Tours. Visit this link for more information, including the tour’s departure location, and to purchase tickets. ($)
• 1 to 2 p.m. — Art and Architecture Walking Tour led by research fellow and historian James Moser starting at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Discover intriguing styles ranging from Classical to Art Deco and Ultra-Modern. This tour lasts just over an hour, includes moderate physical activity beginning at the Museum on Salem Avenue and ending in the central business district near the Poff Building on Franklin Road. Registration is required. Find more information at this link. 
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Mason Creek Bluegrass at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Silent Book Club Holiday Party at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). At this event, read for an hour like normal and then also celebrate the holiday season with a Blind Date with a Book exchange. Please fill out this form if you plan to attend. Find more information here.
• 1 to 5 p.m. — Holiday Open House at The Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). The mansion and grounds will be open to the public for a self-guided tour experience. Step back in time as you explore the Historic Fishburn Mansion in its holiday splendor. Learn about the history of the home and the family that occupied it while enjoying the décor, and imagine Christmases of decades past. Parking will be at the mansion as well as along surrounding streets. No charge.
• 2 to 4 p.m. — Winter Solstice Gathering presented by Roanoke Church of the Wild at Happy Hollow Garden Park (6697 Mt Chestnut Rd, Roanoke). Celebrate the sacred darkness, peace and renewal. The gathering is outside and will include contemplative practices, silent wandering and fellowship. All are welcome. For more information and to RSVP, visit this link.
• 3:30 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Plawk presented by Pub Plawkers at Golden Cactus Brewing (214 Fifth St., Roanoke). We will take a 45ish minute walk and pick up litter along the way. Stick around after to partake in some post-plawk holiday cheer and merriment. Find more information at this link.
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Rachel Hester & The Tennessee Walkers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)

Monday, December 16

• 2 p.m. — Roanoke City Council meeting in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Roanoke City Council meeting – public hearings in city council chambers at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (215 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke).

Tuesday, December 17

• 5:30 to 8 p.m. — Defense Against the Dark Arts: Unlocking Secrets — PulseView & Side-Channel Timing Attacks on Keypads with featured speaker Monta Elkins presented by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council at Virginia Western Community College, Business Science Building Room M302 (3099 Colonial Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to register. ($)
• 6 p.m. — Star City Poets Society Open Mic Night at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Sign-ups begin at 6:00 PM, and the first poem will be shared at 6:30 PM. Find more information at this link.
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Handel’s Messiah performed by the Roanoke Symphony Chorus and RSO Virtuosi at Church of the Holy Spirit (6011 Merriman Rd., Roanoke). This performance is not just a concert; it is a transformative experience that honors our rich musical heritage and fosters a sense of connection among all who attend. Purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — “A Magical Cirque Christmas” at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). A variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Find more information at this link. ($)
• 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Karaoke Night at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke).
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Sky Dolphin at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Wednesday, December 18

• 7 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3733 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Melissa Mesko at Brambleton Deli (3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke).
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7)  — Live music: Conrad Moore and Jacob Ritter at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Good Time Alibi at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information, visit this link. 

Ongoing

• Through December 13 — Altered Art – Making Art Your Own at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (2 Riverside Cir., Roanoke). Local artists have joined with Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine students, faculty, and staff to present their visions of creativity with discarded art by altering existing pieces to tell new stories.The exhibition is up until Friday, Dec. 13. To arrange for a visit, contact Courtney Powell (cbrakes@vt.edu).
• Through December 15 — “On the Thirteenth Day of Christmas” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). What happens when your true love sends a partridge in a pear tree... for 12 days? Written by internationally published local playwright Dwayne Yancey. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Through December 15 — “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” presented by Ferrum College Theatre Arts at Sale Theatre at Ferrum College (215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum). Coming back for our second year, this family favorite is sure to please with new surprises! This is the only production of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas running nationwide this holiday season, so don’t miss it! Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Through December 22 — “Annie” at Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Experience the heartwarming journey of plucky orphan Annie in 1930s New York, in this beloved Tony-winning musical. Continues through December 22. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• Through December 25 — Land of Lights presented by Franklin County Parks and Recreation at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). A half-mile loop drive-through light experience. Continues through December 25. Free. Donations accepted.
• Saturdays through December 28 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. Find more information and reserve your spot at this link. ($)
• Through December 29 — "Celebrating 60 Years of Partnership: Wonju, South Korea, and Roanoke, Virginia, USA" at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). In celebration of this momentous anniversary, the Taubman Museum of Art is pleased to exhibit three works gifted to the Museum and the City of Roanoke from Wonju during these 60 years of partnership. Find more information at this link.
• Through December 29 — "Ray Kass: Artist, Educator, Collector" at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). The Taubman Museum of Art is honored to shine a spotlight on its holdings from Ray Kass, a renowned artist, respected teacher, and astute collector. Find more information at this link.
• Through December 30 — Illuminights at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd., Roanoke). Brighten your nights and explore your holiday spirit through a dazzling world of over 650,000 lights at Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights. Travel down our half-mile wooded path while taking in the sights and sounds of the season. Visitors will experience new displays, trail enhancements and family activities. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Through the end of December — WNC Art Relief Project at Left of Center Art Space (24 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). We're dedicating our gallery to western North Carolina artists displaced by Hurricane Helene, providing them a place to sell their work at no cost. This initiative runs through the end of December 2024, with all sales proceeds going directly to the artists. Find more information at this link.
• Through January 1 — Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail in downtown Fincastle. Walk the Tinsel Trail to view the beauty of the trees in this historic setting. Visit this link for more information.
• Through January 1 — Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Step into a world of creativity at this tree-decorating contest. Families come together to snap cheerful photos and vote (with dollars) for their favorite dazzling tree, to benefit United Way of Roanoke Valley. Continues until New Year’s Day.
• Through January 2 — Deck the Rails at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Enjoy the magic of the holiday season by viewing over 15 unique Christmas tree displays provided by local businesses, clubs and non profits while you also visit your favorite exhibits. Additional holiday decor provided by VMT. General Admission rates apply. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Through January 6 — Bedford Festival of Trees at the Bedford Area Welcome Center (816 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford). 40 beautifully decorated trees come to life under the theme “A Christmas to Remember,” each showcasing the creativity of local businesses and organizations. Visit this link for more information.