Roanoke, VA Holiday Events

15 Nov Roanoke, VA Holiday Events

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by lush forests, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks, Roanoke, VA is a breathtakingly beautiful destination for the holidays. If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, downtown Roanoke is the perfect city to feel like you’re on the set of a Hallmark movie. Read on for four family-friendly best holiday events in Roanoke that will keep you in the Christmas spirit all month long. 

1. Illuminights in Explore Park 

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Explore Park in Roanoke is a destination for camping, kayaking, and mountain biking along its beautiful rolling hills and smooth river. Every year, the park lights up a half-mile wooded trail with a spectacular Christmas display. Illuminated by over 500,000 twinkling lights, the decorations are nothing short of magical and draw visitors from states away. On select nights, stop off at a holiday marketplace inside the park to roast s’mores over a fire pit, shop for local artisan crafts, and enjoy several other family-friendly activities. The exhibit opens on November 25th with a limited capacity. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone.  

2. Roanoke City Market 

Another local favorite, the Roanoke City Market in the heart of downtown offers a number of festive holiday popups in November and December. Other popular holiday-themed markets that offer unique artisan crafts and gifts include the Salem Holiday Market, the Botetourt Holiday Market, and the Buchanan Community Christmas Market, all open throughout December. On December 6th, stop in at the Marketplace at Black Dog Salvage for their special holiday event with over 70 vendors, live music, food, wine, and Christmas decor. 

3. The Nutcracker 

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Roanoke without a stellar performance of The Nutcracker by the Southwest Virginia Ballet Company. Since live audiences aren’t permitted this year, the event will be live-streamed and broadcast for free thanks to an extraordinary effort by the community to ensure that the show goes on. Tune in to Blue Ridge PBS on December 11th at 7:00 p.m., December 13th at 4:30 p.m., December 24th at 7 p.m., and December 25th at 1:00 p.m. to watch the performance or stream online on the PBS Youtube channel December 11-13 and then throughout the holiday season. 

4. 25 Days of Dickens 

Celebrate the holidays all month long with 25 Days of Dickens, a beloved Christmas tradition that takes over the whole town every year. Explore a variety of charming Christmas activities during this month-long celebration sponsored by The Roanoke Times. The town’s unique events include live performances held at Elmwood Park, spectacular holiday decorations, and an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt that’s fun for the whole family. More information can be found here on the event webpage. 

The Executive Park at Pheasant Ridge offers customizable office space with beautiful mountain views and modern amenities. Our offices are conveniently located a short drive away from downtown Roanoke. Come join the Roanoke business community and schedule your tour today at Pheasant Ridge.