We scoured 30 disparate community calendars (yes, 30) so you didn’t have to. From live music to theatre, lectures to drag shows, we’ve got you covered. We encourage folks to contact the venue directly to learn of any last minute changes or cancellations.

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This weekend

• Thursday, 12/11 through Friday, 12/12 — Candlelight Christmas Tours at the Historic Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). During the tour, you will see the 42-room1907 Georgian-revival mansion in its holiday finest as you learn about the history of the home and the family that occupied it. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes. Pre-registration is required for this program and space will be limited. ($)
• Thursday, 12/11 through Sunday, 12/14 — “The Tragedie of Macbeth” presented by Showtimers Community Theatre (2067 McVitty Rd. SW, Roanoke). Fueled by fear, Macbeth takes to heart the words of the Granny Witches and pressure from his wife, to kill their great leader Duncan, and assume his seat in power. His small Appalachian town watches as their new ruler slowly descends into madness, causing more bloodshed as superstition leads to paranoia. Through Dec. 21 ($) 
• Friday, 12/12 through Saturday, 12/13 — Christmas with the 611 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation  (303 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke). The 611 is officially in the Christmas spirit and for the first time ever, this legendary locomotive is decking herself out in Christmas lights, festive sounds, and full holiday cheer. Visit the Museum of Transportation to enjoy the merriment of the season. ($)
• Friday, 12/12 through Sunday, 12/14 — The Nutcracker presented by Southwest Virginia Ballet at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with a live orchestra! ($)
• Saturday, 12/13 through Sunday, 12/14 — Salem Holiday Market at the Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem). Browse over 100 vendors with crafts, artisan creations, holiday gifts and more. 

Wednesday, Dec. 10

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Mercy Creek at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Evie’s Bistro & Bakery (1212 4th St. SW, Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 p.m. — Author event: Bruce C. Bryan, author of “Turning Tables,” at The Bibliopub (416 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke).  Through interviews with servers and bartenders across America, “Turning Tables” highlights how the fast-paced world behind the bar or in the kitchen builds the same strengths top professionals rely on every day. Bruce will be joined by journalist Tad Dickens and restaurateur Jason Martin for a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and book signing.
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Open Mic at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine. 
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Chris Isaak at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Newly released Everybody Knows It’s Christmas is Isaak's second career Christmas album and features 13 tracks of originals and covers. ($)
• 9:30 p.m.  —  Live music: Swamp Flower at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Thursday, Dec. 11

• 5 to 6:30 p.m. — The Art on Our Walls: Meet Artist Matilda Wentzel at Canvas and Coffee Art Cafe (1731 Grandin Rd. SW Ste. 101, Roanoke). Join us for a cozy evening of conversation, complimentary coffee, and a light charcuterie spread as we celebrate the work that’s helped shape our space.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Freak Rangers at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 5:30 to 9 p.m. — Roanoke Hokies Holiday Happy Hour at Olde Salem Brewing Company (315 Market St., Roanoke). Hang out with other Hokies, enjoy a locally brewed beverage, and catch the Hokie men's basketball game at 7pm as they take on Western Carolina. Open to all Hokies, we will have some raffle items, Roanoke Hokie Swag, and other giveaways.
• 6 p.m.. — Murder at the Gin Joint at Bubba’s 33 (4824 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive by 5:45. Purchase advance tickets. ($)
• 6 to 9 p.m. — Opening Night: Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr., Roanoke). From the moment you arrive at this magical holiday lights drive-through, you’ll be surrounded by twinkling lights, festive music, and whimsical holiday scenes — each one handcrafted with care to capture the spirit of the season. Through Dec. 23, closed on Mondays. 
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Fayetteville Marksmen at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Spencer LaJoye at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m.  —  Live music: Reggae Night hosted by The Ambassador at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Friday, Dec. 12

• 9 to 10 a.m. — Member Hour: New Perspectives on the Permanent Collection at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke).Join Laura Higgins, Curator of 75th Anniversary Gifts to the Permanent Collection, as she takes Museum Members on a special guided tour of the refreshed contemporary galleries featuring newly interpreted works, many pulled from “the Vault” that haven’t been on view in a while. Registration requested.
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Holiday Late Nights: Night Two at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). The special ticketed exhibition Making American Artists: Stories from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1776-1976, will be open each of the first three Friday nights in December (regular ticket rates apply to adults; school children are free during this time).
• 5 to 9 p.m. — Mead & Cigar Tasting at Bison Head Cigar Lounge (20 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke). 21+ ($)
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Leonard Blush & The Camelcals at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). 
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Belle and Beast’s Enchanted Christmas Ball presented by PLAY Roanoke at the Historic Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Guests of all ages are invited to don their finest holiday attire to enjoy a rare opportunity to experience the mansion at night, aglow with Christmas trees and twinkling lights, including a self-guided exploration of the mansion’s beautifully decorated first and second floors and an enchanting ballroom dance with Belle, Beast, and their surprise royal friends. Purchase tickets in advance. ($)
• 6 to 10 p.m. — Christmas Family Vacation Drag Show at Blindhouse Beer Company (534 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 6 to 10 p.m. — Dickens of a Christmas Night Two: City of Roanoke Christmas Parade (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). The parade begins on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, turns onto Campbell Avenue, goes past Market Square, and ends at Williamson Road. This year’s parade will start at 6:30pm. Enjoy holiday vendors, performances, carriage rides, and more while you’re downtown.
• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Nathan Seldomridge at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 
• 6:30 p.m.. — Tacky Holiday Sweater Murder Mystery at The Claiborne House Inn and Retreat (185 Claiborne Ave., Rocky Mount). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive on time. Purchase advance tickets. ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Holiday Brass presented by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at Cave Spring United Methodist Church (4505 Hazel Dr., Roanoke). ($)
• 7:05 p.m. — Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Macon Mayem at the Berglund Center Coliseum (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Geezer - A Tribute to Weezer w. Virginia Electric at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. — Live music: Gangstagrass at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Billy Joel Tribute the Stranger at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Caleb Carpenter at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Damon Mitchell at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).

Saturday, Dec. 13

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Grinchmas at the Science Museum of Western Virginia (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). We're turning the entire museum into a swirl of holiday cheer, Who-size excitement, and Grinchy surprises around every corner.If your kiddos love cookies, cocoa, slime, animals, movies, and the Grinch himself… this is the day they’ll talk about all season long. Member tickets Non-member ($)
• 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Author event: Nelson Harris book signing at The Salem Museum (801 E. Main St., Salem). Author and historian Nelson Harris will be at the Salem Museum to sign copies of his books and discuss his latest literary projects.
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Live music: Dan Carrell at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 2 p.m. — “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” presented by the Barter Players at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). Set at the Cincinnati Zoo, this festive musical follows seven-year-old Lois Jean, whose Christmas wish is for the zoo’s hippo, Big Suzy, to give birth in time for the holidays. ($)
• 2 to 6 p.m. — Artists & Artisans Market at The Bibliopub (416 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). Meet local authors, snag limited signed books, explore handmade gifts, and check off your holiday shopping list all in one magical place.
• 4 to 5:30 p.m. — Buchanan Christmas Parade along Main Street in downtown Buchanan. Come early to shop at the Buchanan holiday market, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main Street will be closed beginning at 3 p.m. Rain date: Dec. 14.
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: Kerosene Willy at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6 to 10 p.m. — Yule Ball at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Witches, wizards, and magical folk of all houses —you are cordially invited to the annual Yule Ball, held in our very own Great Hall at Starr Hill. Bring a Toys for Tots donation (especially for older students/teens) and you will receive a $5 credit toward your tab the night of the event. ($)
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Lenny Marcus Trio at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3722 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 to 9 p.m. — Line Dancing with Angela at The Alley Cat (335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount).
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) — Live music: Colby T. Helms Homestead Jam w. Trey Hensley, Josh Gooding, Ettore Buzzini, The VA Creepers at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7) — Live music: Bob Schneider & Steve Poltz at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount). ($)
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Gar-Y-Oke (karaoke) at Pok-E-Joe’s (105 E. Washington Ave. Vinton). 
• 10 p.m.  — Live music: Drew Foust & The Wheelhouse at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). Purchase tickets here. ($)
• 10 p.m. — Live music: Damon Mitchell at Sidewinders (16 Campbell Ave. SE, Roanoke).

Sunday, Dec. 14

• 10 a.m. — The Holiday Spectacular presented by Leap Performing Arts Company at the Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke). After running away from home, a young dancer named Emily stumbles into a dazzling town Santa has mysteriously forgotten. Original play and music by Heather Leeper. ($)
• 11 a.m. to noon — Yoga with BodyMindSoul Yoga at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem). ($)
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Live music: Aaron Geller’s Birthday Jam at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 1 to 6 p.m. — Free Holiday Open House at the Historic Fishburn Mansion (714 13th St. SW, Roanoke). Step back in time as you explore the Historic Fishburn Mansion in its holiday splendor. Learn about the history of the home and the family that occupied it while enjoying the décor, and imagine Christmases of decades past.
• 2 p.m. — Guitars Under the Star presented by 3rd Street Coffee House at Mill Mountain Discovery Center (2000 J.B. Fishburn Pkwy). Gather together with acoustic instruments in hand and celebrate music. Originals or covers are fine. Everyone is welcome. 
• 2 p.m. — Winter Solstice Gathering presented by Roanoke Church of the Wild at Happy Hollow Gardens Park (6697 Mount Chestnut Rd., Roanoke). Sign up in advance to receive event reminders.
• 5 to 8 p.m. — Live music: Mason Creek Bluegrass at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
• 6 p.m. — DnD Comedy Night at Atheling Meadworks (123 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke). Get ready for a unique experience where our comedians will roll the dice and improvise their way through fantasy scenarios. Whether you're a seasoned DnD player or just looking for a good time, this event is perfect for all levels of experience. ($)

Monday, Dec. 15 

• 6:30 p.m. — Live music: Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (409 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke). 

Tuesday, Dec. 16

• 4 to 7 p.m. — Open Art Studio Space at Wellness on Melrose (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Work on your own project or get inspiration from a resource artist. Use our supplies or bring your own. All artistic levels are welcome. Repeats weekly.
• 4 to 8 p.m. — Happy Hour for All at A Few Old Goats Brewing –– Roanoke (515 8th St. SW, Suite 228, Roanoke). 
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Handel's "Messiah" presented by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 7 p.m. — Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 2025 at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (710 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke). A thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and your favorite holiday music, this spectacular production will transport you to a winter wonderland of awe and enchantment. ($)
• 9:30 p.m. — Live music: The Request Line with Jared Stout at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

Wednesday, Dec. 17

• 6 p.m. — Silent Book Club at Ursula’s Cafe (511 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). No assigned reading. No pressure.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — 10th Annual Grandin Holiday Lights Extravaganza in the Historic Grandin Village (2014 Memorial Ave., Roanoke). Wear your reflective gear (the roads will be open) and come on out to see all the lights!
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Tim Martin and Brian Wheeling at Brambleton Deli (3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke).
• 7 p.m. — Live music: Solacoustix at Montano’s International Gourmet (7813, 3722 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke). 
• 7 to 11 p.m. — Open Mic at The Front Row (356 Salem Ave., Roanoke). Whether you're a poet, musician, comedian, or just have something to say, this is your chance to shine. 
• 7:30 p.m. — Live Music: Morgan Wade at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke). ($)
• 9:30 p.m.  —  Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke). 

More Festive Events

• Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. — Live music: Farmer Family Band Presents: Songs for the Season at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• Dec. 19, 8 p.m. — Live music: Isaac Hadden Family Christmas Jam at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke). ($)
• Dec. 20, 8 p.m. — Inaugural Santa Con at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Come dressed as a good or bad santa, reindeer, frosty, present or anything holiday themed! DJ and holiday cocktails. Corned Beef & Co gift cards to first, second and third place for best dressed!
• Dec. 20, 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30) — Live music: Salsa Noke: Holiday Pajamas Dance Party at The Spot on Kirk (22 Kirk Ave. SW, Roanoke). ($)
• Dec. 31, 6 p.m. — Killer Countdown Murder Mystery at Stave & Cork (115 E. Main St., Salem). Play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. Everyone will get their character role at this adults-only murder mystery event, so be sure to arrive on time. Purchase advance tickets. ($)
• Dec. 31, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. — New Year’s Eve Party at Corned Beef & Co. (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke).

Ongoing Festive Events

• Through Dec. 14 — “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” presented by Attic Productions (7490 Roanoke Rd., Fincastle). In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas! Ages 5+ with parental guidance. ($)
• Through Dec. 20 — Songs & Stories with Santa (formerly Fantasyland) at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Santa teaches important lessons of love and sharing as he tells original stories, sings, plays guitar, and interacts with the children through fun activities. Santa has set program times; advanced tickets are required, and tickets are non-transferrable. Every Saturday until Christmas. ($)
• Through Dec. 21 — “A Christmas Story” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre (1 Market Sq., Roanoke). Set in the 1940s, the play follows the adventures of young Ralphie Parker, who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas despite warnings from his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus. ($)
• Through Dec. 23 — Opening Night: Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Blue Ridge PBS (1215 McNeil Dr., Roanoke). From the moment you arrive at this magical holiday lights drive-through, you’ll be surrounded by twinkling lights, festive music, and whimsical holiday scenes — each one handcrafted with care to capture the spirit of the season. Closed on Mondays. 
• Through Dec. 25 — Land of Lights at Franklin County Recreation Park (2150 Sontag Rd., Rocky Mount). Drive the half mile loop and enjoy the Christmas lights with your whole family! Donations accepted.
• Through Dec. 31 — Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail Opening Night in downtown Fincastle.  Beautifully decorated trees, specially designed by local businesses and organizations. 
• Through Jan. 1 — Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). 
• Through Jan. 2 — Vintage Fantasyland exhibit at O. Winston Link Museum (101 Shenandoah Ave. NW, Roanoke). The vintage Fantasyland decorations from the old Heironomous location in downtown Roanoke will be on display at the museum this season. Regular admission applies. While you’re in the building, check out the Deck the Doors event in the Virginia’s Blue Ridge lobby, featuring doors creatively decorated by local businesses, artists, and nonprofits. Visitors can vote for their favorite door— with dollars — to support the museum’s mission. (Note: Santa will be appearing at the Taubman Museum of Art this year.) ($)
• Through Jan. 3 — Buchanan Festival of Trees in the Town of Buchanan (19753 Main St.). Admission by donation. ($)
• Through Jan. 3 — Buchanan Festival of Lights in the Town of Buchanan (19753 Main St., Buchanan). The Lights will be on each evening beginning Nov. 29 through Jan. 3, with admission by donation. For additional information please call the Buchanan Town Hall at 540-254-1212. ($)
• Through Jan. 4 — Illuminights at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd., Roanoke). Wander a half-mile wooded trail filled with over 650,000 dazzling lights, new themes, and festive fun for the whole family. ($)
• Through Jan. 5 — The Elf on the Shelf Adventure presented by Downtown Roanoke, Inc. all around Downtown Roanoke. Come on a fun scavenger hunt and find the Scout Elves hiding in downtown stores. Find them all and be entered for a chance to win $1,000. See website for rules. 

Looking Ahead

• Dec. 19-21 — Guided Candlelight Tours of the Galleries at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Enjoy 45-minute tours starting at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. beginning on this third night of Late Nights at the Taubman. These tours are held in conjunction with the popular Candlelight Concerts taking place at the Museum this weekend, but you don’t have to attend the concert to experience these special tours. ($)

Ongoing

• Through Dec. 27 — “Colors” at Art on 1st (300 1st St. SW, Roanoke). Color can transform a space, evoke emotion, or shift perspective. For this group exhibition, we invite artists to explore the role of color in their work and how it influences the way we see and feel. All styles, mediums, and experience levels are welcome. 
• Saturdays through Dec. 27 — Downtown Roanoke Food & Cultural Tour starting at 11:15 a.m. from Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). A walking tour that connects Roanoke's local food scene with the city's colorful history. Visit six food-tasting locations within the historic and vibrant downtown historic district. Delicious samplings, enough for a hearty meal for most, are served from locally-owned eateries at iconic historic locations. ($)
• Weekends through Dec. 31 — S’mores on the Courtyard at Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke). Pick up the S'mores Kit in STEAM Coffee + Eatery while making new friends, sharing stories and enjoying the tradition of making S’mores. Every weekend in December. ($)
• Every Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — VA Works Assistance presented by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement in Meeting Rooms B and C at the Roanoke City Main Library (706 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Do you need help with your job search? Looking for temporary income support or transition and training services? Visit the workforce experts at their satellite desks at the Main Library in downtown Roanoke.