Can't Miss Holiday Celebrations & Light Experiences

• Dickens of a Christmas is one of the Roanoke Valley's oldest and largest Christmas celebrations. This family-friendly event is held in Downtown Roanoke the first three Fridays of December and free to all. Enjoy a parade, live performances, dozens of local vendors (perfect for last-minute holiday shopping!), tree lighting ceremonies, dog costume contests, and more.
• Take a stroll through Illuminights at Explore Park, one of Roanoke's most unique and popular experiences. This half-mile walking trail goes through the woods, is filled with 650,000+ lights, and can easily accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, with a small number of power scooters also available onsite. Enjoy the fresh mountain air while roasting marshmallows, an artisan market, and an onsite brewpub.
• The historic Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center celebrates the season with fantastic outdoor displays and Fashions for Evergreens. Featuring over 20 curated and impressively-decorated trees, this event is free and open to the public, from Thanksgiving to New Year's. The hotel completes a $14-million renovation of all rooms this November.
• Peruse through Franklin County's Land of Lights. This drive-thru, half mile loop features over 50,000 lights and is fun for the whole family. Load up the car and enjoy the warmth while taking in the stunning displays. Free from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Beforehand, grab dinner at the Rocky Mount Burger Company followed by a moonshine cocktail at Twin Creeks Distillery.

Markets and Vendors

• In addition to special holiday shopping events, Virginia's Blue Ridge is home to several local shops and markets where visitors can find perfectly unique gifts.
  • Previously the focus of the hit DIY Network television program, “Salvage Dawgs,” Black Dog Salvage has a 40,000 square-foot warehouse full of uniquely reinvented pieces and over 100 local vendors. Join them November 2 for their annual “Holiday Open House” featuring local coffee, music, and artisan demonstrations. This is the perfect place to find a gift for DIY-ers!
  • Located in Downtown Roanoke, Crafteria is a makers' market home to dozens of Appalachian-made items – from food and cocktail kits to home goods and clothing/accessories. It's also home to Roanoke's only Puerto Rican restaurant – Delicias Boricuas!
  • Bryant Orchards Farm Market sells locally-grown produce and hand-crafted items from over 60 farms and artisans in and around Botetourt County. They also create custom gift baskets full of local products.
• The 6th annual Salem Holiday Market (December 14 & 15) hosts over 250 vendors. With prize baskets, a Santa's Village, tree decorating contest, and interactive displays, the whole family can find a way to experience holiday cheer.

Winter Traditions

• Participate in some friendly competition by taking your group to ice bumper cars at the Berglund Center, then warm yourselves up with a warm cup of hot cocoa at the concessions stand.
• Elmwood on Ice, an outdoor skating experience in the heart of Downtown Roanoke, is a fun experience for aspiring figure skaters, couples, and families alike from Thanksgiving through the month of January.
• Cheer on the Railyard Dawgs, Roanoke's professional hockey team. Enjoy a warm pretzel or hot dog from the concessions stand, attend specialty theme nights, and root for the Dawgs!

For a full list of holiday events, visit here.