The Roanoke Valley’s largest holiday celebration, Dickens of a Christmas, returns to downtown the first three Fridays of December.
Dickens of a Christmas kicks off December 6th with the lighting of the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree, on the Plaza behind the Market Building, on the Radford University Carilion Main Stage. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with the tree lighting at 6:20 p.m. and will include live stage performances by the Opera Roanoke, LEAP Performing Arts Academy, and the Roanoke Valley Choral Society.
The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade on December 13th, will follow the same route as previous years, beginning on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, turning onto Campbell Avenue, going past Market Square, and ending at Williamson Road. This year’s parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
The Roanoke Valley SPCA brings back its beloved Pet Costume Contest on December 20th taking place on the Plaza behind the Market Building, on the Radford University Carilion Main Stage. Pet owners may start registering their pets at 5:30 p.m. the night of the event. The contest begins at 6:30 p.m.
The S’mores Station featuring premade s’mores kits to roast over a fire will take place from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., while supplies last. We are also bringing Flurry Frenzy, a no snow
required snowball fight to Century Plaza. Both the S’mores Station and Flurry Frenzy will be held on December 20th.
The beloved The Elf on the Shelf Adventure is back again this year! Starting November 29th, you can come on a fun scavenger hunt and search for the 16 Scout Elves hiding in downtown stores. Find them all and be entered for a chance to win $1,000!
Festivities continue throughout the evening until 10:00 pm each night, including live stage and street performances by acts such as Strolling St. Nicholas, Katie Guntermann, Ardell Stone School of Dance, and more! Other activities taking place throughout the Historic Market area include the Cox Mobile Kids Zone, carriage rides, vendors, live carolers, fire-eater, and sword swallower.
A full schedule and details can be found at www.DickensRoanoke.com.