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 is 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, 12/19 through Saturday, 12/21 — Inaugural Gingerbread House Decorating Party at Our Daily Bread Bistro Downtown (1003 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Ticket price includes Gingerbread House Pieces, 2 Bags of Icing + Candy. Feel free to bring extra icing & extra candy for decorating. We will be serving dinner, so come hungry! Visit this link for details. Seating is limited. Make your reservations by calling 540-524-9375 to pre-pay over the phone. ($)
• Thursday, 12/19 through Sunday, 12/22 — “Inlaws, Outlaws, & Other People (That Should Be Shot)” presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd., Roanoke). The bickering, snickering personalities of the Douglas family pile up inside for their annual Christmas Eve dinner. Just when it seems like things can't get any crazier, in come two robbers who take the family hostage. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• Saturday, 12/21 through Sunday, 12/22 — “The Nutcracker” presented by Roanoke Ballet Theatre at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• Saturday, 12/21 through Sunday, 12/22  — A Sparkling French Christmas with carols performed by Roanoque Baroque Chamber Choir & Orchestra at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church (2101 Jefferson St., Roanoke). Few of us will be able to attend the grand re-opening at Notre Dame in Paris, but we can hear the same Christmas music written by Charpentier for a midnight mass. Suggested donation: $20. Visit this link for more information, including times. ($)
• Saturday, 12/21 through Sunday, 12/22 — Salem Gun & Knife Show at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Over 400 tables to buy, sell and trade. Visit this link for more information, including hours, and to purchase tickets. ($)

Wednesday, December 18

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 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. 

Thursday, December 19

• 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: Mad Iguanas at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Live music: Cafe Night with Santa & the Lenny Marcus Trio at the Raleigh Court Library (2112 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke).  This will bring together live music and a catered meal to celebrate the holidays, and you can take free photos with Santa. Please bring your own camera/phone for the photos. For more information contact the library at (540) 853-2240. 
• 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.
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30)  — Live music: My Radio at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Find more information and purchase tickets at this link. ($)
• 9 p.m. — Ugly Sweater Karaoke Party at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke). We're decking our halls with ugly sweaters and PBR for your favorite karaoke party! Sign ups start at 9pm and there is no cover.
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: Ranford Almond 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 20

• Noon to 5 p.m. — Polar Express Experience at the Science Museum of Western Museum (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Experience the wonder of the Polar Express brought to life with festive activities, holiday cheer, and a special screening of the beloved movie. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Holiday Late Nights: Snowman Scavenger Hunt at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). A great time for families to tour the museum’s exhibits! Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Small fees apply for the Eternally New experience, though youth high school age and younger get free admission to the exhibition and immersive thanks to the generosity of Lori and Steven Strauss. Repeats 12/20. Visit this link for more information
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Kind at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Grandin Holiday Lights Extravaganza starting at Heights Community Church (2014 Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke). Take in the sights and sounds of beautiful Grandin village small businesses and residences. Register the whole family for this fun walk (run-optional) and support our friends at the West End Center for Youth! Hot cocoa and goodie bags for all registered participants after your walk. Visit this link for more information and to register. ($)
• 6 to 10 p.m.  — City of Roanoke Pet Costume Contest (Dickens of a Christmas Night Three) presented by Downtown Roanoke, Inc. Registration starts at 5:30 on Salem Avenue in the Plaza behind the Market Building, with judging to begin at 6:30. The evening includes a s'mores making station, flurry frenzy, vendors, carriage rides, and visits with Santa. Visit this link for more information. 
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Bill Fuller at the Rocky Mount Burger Company (467 Franklin St., Rocky Mount).
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Isaac Hadden Family Christmas Jam at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 9 p.m. — Live music: Adam Parker & The Bourbon Cowboys at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Christmas comes a few days early as Adam Parker & The Bourbon Cowboys bring their Holiday Honky Tonk Party to downtown Roanoke.
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Charissa Joy & the High Frequency at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). ($)

Saturday, December 21

• 8 to 10 a.m. — Breakfast with Santa at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood (4468 Starkey Rd., Roanoke). For reservations and tickets, please text 540-339-2400. 
• 10 and 11:15 a.m. & 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. ($)
• Noon to 4 p.m. — Panic at the Market at Sweet Donkey Coffee (2108 Broadway Ave., Roanoke). Come check out local artists and small businesses to get all of your last-minute holiday shopping done! This is an outdoor event.
• 1 and 7 p.m. (Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance) — Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir 38th Annual Holiday Concert at Cave Spring Baptist Church (4873 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke). Concert attendees will be surrounded by 130 pre-professional young choristers who have been working diligently learning all the musical details to prepare for this exciting performance.  The concert will feature a delightful mix of traditional Christmas carols, beautiful melodies, and popular holiday hits. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 1 to 5 p.m. — Meet Me at the Tavern: Yule-Tide Slay-Ride TTRPG Experience presented by World Weavers Productions in the main hall of Holy Land USA (4067 Dickerson Mill Rd., Bedford). Proceeds to benefit Olde Dominion Fantasy and Medieval Faire. Whether you're a seasoned player or a complete newbie, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Three adventures will be featured this month: Krampusnacht (rated M), Winter's Wrath (rated M), and You Better Watch Out (rated E). Parking will be free of charge; Please follow signs on site and watch for rabbits. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link.
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Dave Corbitt and Jeremy Davall at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Amia & the House of Expression’s Holiday Potluck Dinner at the Roanoke Diversity Center (426 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 3 p.m. — Live music: Jingle Bell Benefit Jamboree at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Featuring live music from The Kind, Ryan Ratcliff, Jordan Harman Trio, Seph Custer & Friends, Jack Marion, Lance Thomas $ Matt Browning, The Floorboards, and Jason Long. Wear your ugliest sweater for a chance to win a prize. Benefits neighbors affected by Helene.
• 5 p.m. — Live music: Tim Martin at The Hangout (7717 Williamson Rd., Roanoke).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Mason Creek at Living Proof Beer Company (50 W. Court St., Rocky Mount). 
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Becki & the Boom Booms at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Yule Masquerade Ball presented by The Temple of Sacred Knowledge at The Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Gather to celebrate the spirit of Yule and the Winter Solstice. The Temple of Sacred Knowledge will share insights on the significance of this magical season. Engage in a small ritual honoring Yule, filled with intention and connection to nature's cycles. The celebration will continue with music, dancing, and food. Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Birmingham Bulls at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Abbey & Andy at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). 
• 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Crawford & Power at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). Find more information and purchase your tickets at this link. ($)
• 9 p.m. — Live music: Adam Parker & The Bourbon Cowboys at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Christmas comes a few days early as Adam Parker & The Bourbon Cowboys bring their Holiday Honky Tonk Party to downtown Roanoke.
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Half Moon Christmas Jam at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). For more information visit this link. ($)
• 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 22

• 11 a.m. — Yoga with Blacie at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Festivus Drag Brunch at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets. ($)
• Noon to 3 p.m. — Jingle Belles and Boleyns Christmas Brunch presented by the House of Boleyn at Inka Grill Peruvian Cuisine Downtown (14 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). Join Tempest and Vivian with special guests Camden Summers, Adoor Belle and Jezzi Belle for some Christmas shenanigans. Find more information at this link. ($)
• 1 p.m. — Twin Creeks Brewing Company Festivus Party (111 S. Pollard St., Vinton). Join us for an airing of grievances, feats of strength, an ugly sweater contest and holiday brews!
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Foster Burton at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Leonard Blush & The Camelcals at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Learn to Curl presented by the Roanoke Valley Curling Club at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). start with a brief overview of curling and off-ice instruction, followed by approximately an hour of on-ice practice. By the end of the session, you will know the basics of how to curl (delivery, sweeping, scoring, and the spirit of curling). For tickets and information, visit this link. ($)
• 6:30 to 9 — Live music: Hoppie Vaughan & The Ministers of Soul at Rockfish Food & Wine (1402 Grandin Rd., Roanoke).

Monday, December 23

• 10:30 and noon — Cookies for a Cause with Mrs. Claus at One City Plaza (312 2nd St. SW, Roanoke). Guests will indulge and decorate at our interactive cookie decorating stations (perfect for all ages) by the delicious Sugarheart Baking Co. Incredible photo opportunities brought to life by the one and only POP Goes the Party and the stunning LED Marquee Roanoke (Trust us, your Instagram feed will thank you!) 100% of the proceeds from this event will directly support The Life Ring Foundation, contributing to the ongoing fight against pediatric cancer.  Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to share in the sweetness of the season. Visit this link for details and to purchase your ticket.
• 2:30 to 5;30 p.m. — Holiday Ice Skating presented by the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs and Star Country at Lancerlot Sports Complex (1110 Vinyard Rd., Vinton). Find more information at this link. ($)
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Free & the Freebirds at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 8 p.m. — Naughty & Nice Party at Corned Beef & Co., Inc. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Are you on Santa's naughty or nice list this year? Join us Christmas Eve Eve for our annual naughty & nice party! Holiday drink features & Dj! Find more information at this link. ($)

Tuesday, December 24

• 11 a.m. — Christmas Eve PJ 5K +/- presented by Fleet Feet starting at Big Lick Brewing Company (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). Walk, Run, Crawl you name it! ANY distance! In your pajamas. Find more information at this link.
• Noon to 7 p.m. — Christmas Eve Pajama Party at Firehouse Skate & Play (1620 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). The best way to tire the kids out before Santa arrives. Wear your pajamas and enjoy unlimited fun for just $9.99. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Noon to 6:30 p.m. — Celebrate Jólabókaflóð at Dragon Bite Books & Crafts (5342 Franklin Rd., Roanoke). Take some time to celebrate the traditional Icelandic “Book Flood” this Christmas Eve to slow down, breathe, & read. Meet some friends or bring your family, gift each other a new book, & spend some quiet time reading with each other. Chairs will be set up in small groups throughout the building so that you can find a spot to read and relax together. Light snacks will be provided. Cozy pajamas encouraged. Find more information at this link.
• 3 to 6 p.m. — Holiday Ice Skating presented by the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs and Star Country at Lancerlot Sports Complex (1110 Vinyard Rd., Vinton). Find more information at this link. ($)
• 5:30 p.m. — Christmas Eve Candlelight Yoga Class presented by Kimberly Vest at Uttara Yoga Studio (401 Highland Ave. SE, Roanoke). We’ll move gently and slowly with soft candlelight and soothing music. We will work with breath and movement in order to help you ground and center followed by a juicy savasana to lift your spirits. Find more information at this link. ($)
• 6 p.m. — Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols by Candlelight at United Methodist Church (502 Gilmer Ave. NW) with guests Dr. James Abbington, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale and Ms. Shawn Spencer.

Wednesday, December 25 — Merry Xmas! 🎄

• 6 to 10 p.m. — Christmas Night Roller Jam at Firehouse Skate & Play (1620 E. Washington Ave., Vinton). Find more information at this link.
• 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Doors open at 8) — Live music: Annual Christmas Sneak Out with Shep & Friends at Fork in the Market (32 Market Sq., Roanoke). 

Looking for more Holiday Spirit?

• Through December 23 —  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. Donations accepted.
• Through December 24 — Gingerbread House Contest at the Floyd Country Store (206 S. Locust St., Floyd). Open during regular store hours. The houses will be displayed in the windows of The Floyd Country Store, The Soda Fountain, and other downtown businesses to be admired from outside.
• 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.
• 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 Illuminight's 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. ($)
• Through December 31 — Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park (6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• Through January 1 — Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail in downtown Fincastle. Walk the Tinsel Trail to view the beauty of the trees in this historic setting. Visit this link for more information.
• Through January 1 — Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Step into a world of creativity at this tree-decorating contest. Families come together to snap cheerful photos and vote (with dollars) for their favorite dazzling tree, to benefit United Way of Roanoke Valley. Continues until New Year’s Day.
• Through January 2 — Deck the Rails at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). Enjoy the magic of the holiday season by viewing over 15 unique Christmas tree displays provided by local businesses, clubs and non profits while you also visit your favorite exhibits. Additional holiday decor provided by VMT. General Admission rates apply. Find more information at this link. ($)
• Through January 4 — Magical Christmas Village & Marketplace at Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke). A festive holiday experience with twinkling lights, charming village shops, ice skating, and seasonal activities, perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories. New & Special events happening every week. 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. 

Ongoing

• 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. ($)
• Saturdays through December 28 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. Find more information and reserve your spot at this link. ($)
• 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 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.