Welcome to your ultimate guide for holiday fun in Roanoke! Discover all the top festive events and attractions. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, our guide helps you enjoy the holiday spirit in Roanoke.
Popular Events: Experience the charm of the season at the Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas, where the streets come alive with Victorian re-enactors, local vendors, and cheerful entertainment. Another highlight is Mannheim Steamroller, known for its unique blend of classical and contemporary holiday music that captivates audiences. And the A Magical Cirque Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring stunning acrobatics and dazzling performances that will leave you in awe. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Roanoke
- Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas
- A Magical Cirque Christmas
- Mannheim Steamroller
- Christmas Parades and Tree Lighting Ceremonies (Various)
- New Year's Eve Celebrations
- A Christmas Carol
- Carriage Rides at Dickens of a Christmas
- Christmas and Holiday Shopping
- Salem Fair (Salem)
- Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest
See these and even more events listed below!
Roanoke Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Parades and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
What to Expect:
Illuminated vehicle display and voting for outstanding light displays.
Description:
The 27th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and 96th Concord Christmas Parade are family-friendly events featuring children's activities, live music and dance, and fireworks. The tree lighting ceremony takes place in Downtown Concord with a large tree at the Courthouse Plaza, including food trucks, a kids' zone, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade, sponsored by True Care Pharmacy, is one of the oldest continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina.
Where: Various | More Info: Christmas Parades and Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Roanoke Holiday Markets and Shopping
Olde Salem Days
What to Expect:
Large-scale arts and crafts fair with diverse vendors and entertainment.
Description:
Olde Salem Days is a premier arts and crafts festival in downtown Salem, Virginia, featuring over 300 exhibitors, food vendors, live music, and an auto show.
Where: Salem | More Info: Olde Salem Days
Christmas and Holiday Shopping
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with numerous vendors.
Description:
The Stocked Market is a premier holiday shopping event featuring over a hundred vendors from across the country, offering a wide range of gifts and seasonal items. This annual fundraiser, held at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, has raised over $3.2 million for the Junior League of Roanoke Valley over the past 34 years.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Christmas and Holiday Shopping
Roanoke Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Mannheim Steamroller
What to Expect:
Grammy Award-winning holiday concert with multimedia effects.
Description:
Mannheim Steamroller presents a holiday concert featuring classic Christmas music with a distinctive sound, celebrating over 35 years of tradition.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Mannheim Steamroller
A Magical Cirque Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed variety show with world-class entertainers.
Description:
A variety show featuring nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages, with world-class entertainers performing favorite holiday music.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Heartwarming musical adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic tale.
Description:
Join Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company for a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," following Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey from greed to redemption.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas
What to Expect:
Live stage performances and pet costume contest.
Description:
Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas is the Roanoke Valley's largest holiday celebration, featuring a Christmas tree lighting, parade, pet costume contest, kids activities, train rides, horse-drawn carriages, and vendors selling holiday items.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas
Festival in the Park
What to Expect:
Live music and movie screenings in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Description:
Festival in the Park features live music, movie screenings, and family-friendly activities in Elmwood Park and Berglund Center, showcasing a diverse lineup of artists and entertainment.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Festival in the Park
Holiday Flavors
What to Expect:
Elegant ambiance with live music and gourmet dining.
Description:
Savor the essence of the holiday season with a delectable four-course meal, paired with exceptional wines and live entertainment, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Holiday Flavors
New Year's Eve Celebrations
What to Expect:
Live music by The Kings and Uptown Trio with a balloon drop and champagne toast.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a delicious dinner, live music, dancing, balloon drop, and champagne toast at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: New Year's Eve Celebrations
Roanoke Other Holiday Activities
Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest
What to Expect:
Pet costume contest with various themed categories.
Description:
The Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest is an annual event where pet owners can showcase their pets in creative and festive costumes. The contest features categories such as Best Holiday Theme, Crowd Favorite, Most Creative, and Funniest Costume. It takes place in the Plaza behind the Market Building, offering a fun and engaging experience for both pets and their owners.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest
Festival of Local Colors
What to Expect:
Celebrating diverse cultures with international performances and food.
Description:
The Local Colors Festival is a premier multicultural event featuring an Opening Ceremony, performances, and dozens of vendor booths representing cultures from around the globe. Enjoy cuisine, artisan booths, educational and cultural displays, and community partners. The children’s area offers fun, interactive activities and a passport program to explore different countries. Admission is free, and the international beer truck will be back.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Festival of Local Colors
Salem Fair
What to Expect:
Extensive rides and attractions with free nightly live music.
Description:
The Salem Fair is a 12-day event featuring over 40 rides, classic fair food, and a variety of attractions and shows. Enjoy free live music every night and explore the Blue Ribbon Exhibits showcasing award-winning cakes, pies, and art.
Where: Salem | More Info: Salem Fair
Historic Homes and Museums Holiday Decorations
What to Expect:
Holiday decorations and dining by a two-time White House designer.
Description:
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center presents a holiday extravaganza featuring designs and decorations by two-time White House holiday designer Mark Frye. Indulge in festive feasts crafted by the award-winning culinary team, led by Executive Chef Michael Whittaker, in the Regency Room, Pine Room, 1882 Lobby Bar, or STEAM Coffee Eatery. Each meal is a holiday celebration waiting to happen.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Historic Homes and Museums Holiday Decorations
Carriage Rides at Dickens of a Christmas
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriage rides through decorated streets.
Description:
Take a leisurely ride through the festive streets of Roanoke, enjoying the holiday atmosphere and scenic views.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Carriage Rides at Dickens of a Christmas
Kids Zone at Dickens of a Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday fun for kids with inflatables and games.
Description:
The Kids Zone at Dickens of a Christmas offers inflatables, games, and activities for children to enjoy each night of the event.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Kids Zone at Dickens of a Christmas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Cave Spring (5 miles)
- Salem (6 miles)
- Blacksburg (26 miles)
- Christiansburg (28 miles)
- West Lynchburg (43 miles)