The Roanoke Valley and its neighbors have no shortage of festivals during the colder months. Whether you're an attendee, a vendor, or a performer, there are countless ways to be a part of these exciting events:
🎅 Dec 11–23: Santa's Winter Wonderland // Blue Ridge PBS // "Children and adults alike will have a chance to see and enjoy a fantastic light display
and interact with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a one-of-a-kind, drive-thru holiday experience." // free, donations encouraged ↝
📖 Saturdays thru Dec 20: Stories and Songs with Santa // Taubman Museum // "Santa teaches important lessons of love and sharing as he tells original stories, sings, plays guitar, and interacts with the children through fun activities." // $14 adult, $10 child ↝
🎄 thru Jan 1: Fashion for Evergreens 2025 // Hotel Roanoke // "Experience the magic of the season as local businesses and organizations showcase their creativity in a festive tree-decorating competition. Stroll through the display, snap photos with family and friends, and vote for your favorite tree — each dollar donated supports a meaningful cause." // free to visit; pay to vote ↝
⛸️ thru Jan 3: Magical Christmas Village and Marketplace // Mountain Lake Lodge - Pembroke // "Wander through a twinkling Christmas village filled with cozy shops offering handcrafted gifts and seasonal delights. Enjoy family-friendly activities including ice skating and the Hot Cocoa Bar...With sparkling lights and the cozy glow of the season, this festive event is perfect for creating joyful holiday memories." // free; ice skating additional ↝
🎄 thru Jan 3: Buchanan Festival of Lights // Buchanan Town Park // The famous flashing lights of the Buchanan carnival are replaced by the gentle twinkle of holiday lights in this free, drive-through display. // donations enocouraged ↝
💡 thru Jan 4: Illuminights // Explore Park // "Wander a half-mile wooded trail filled with over 650,000 dazzling lights, new themes, and festive fun for the whole family. While you’re here, shop for presents in our artisan market, roast marshmallows around the campfire, and enjoy a visit from Santa on select nights." Bonus: leashed pets are welcome on the trail. // $18 adult, $8 child ↝
🎅 Dec 5, 12, & 19: Dickens of a Christmas // Downtown Roanoke // On the first three Fridays of December, enjoy live music and Victorian carolers, seasonal treats from local vendors, a parade (Dec 12), pet costume contest, and the Christmas tree lighting. // free ↝
☃️ Dec 6: Grandin WinterFest // Grandin Village // Take pictures with Santa, explore the children's area, warm up with cocoa, and sing along to holiday tunes while you cross your Christmas list with local vendors. Don't forget to break out your ugly sweaters for this year's contest! // free ↝
🍪 Dec 6: Gingerbread Festival // Salem Museum // "This festive extravaganza features heartwarming entertainment including the En L’Air Academy of Dance and Acrobatics’ Christmas Show, beloved favorites like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and all the enchanting attractions our community loves. Enjoy festival vendors, the Gingerbread House Competition, the Marshmallow Roast, face painting, and so much more." // free to attend and to compete in the gingerbread competition ↝