Good morning, Roanoke.

Em and Alex reported from the Grand Illumination for the Out of the Office podcast, describing Illuminights’ Winter Walk of Lights with attractions like the trail, market, Santa, and hot chocolate—details that mark a festive event for locals.

They also noted that part of the celebration honored the county’s new ownership of Explore Park.

The nonprofit Rescue Mission will host its 20th Annual Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving Day with a 5K run for Roanoke Valley residents to get active before their holiday dinner (registration details will be shared soon).

Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport is preparing for record Thanksgiving travel as TSA lines and full parking lots signal a busy week ahead, with officials expecting about 7,500 travelers.

Airport representatives urge passengers to check flight statuses and arrive early—steps planned to ease holiday congestion.

Roanoke City Career and Technical Education students partnered with the Roanoke Elks Lodge to pack boxes of Thanksgiving food and meals for 123 families as part of the 27th annual community drive—students, teachers, and Elk Lodge members joined to support local families in need.

A house fire in Roanoke County displaced (three people) and resulted in (three cats killed) while one dog was rushed to an emergency vet.

On November 24, firefighters quickly extinguished a house fire on the 300 block of N.

Maple Street in Vinton that displaced three people and resulted in three dead cats — they rescued two dogs, sent one injured dog to a vet, and the American Red Cross is helping the displaced while officials investigate the cause.

A fire in Bedford County displaced residents and resulted in the death of two pets—firefighters battled the blaze while officials started investigating its cause.

Roanoke’s Mama Jean’s Barbeque opened its new building at 3404 Brandon Ave on Sunday—transitioning from a food truck and trailer to an indoor dining space with a patio.

The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.—and plans to expand to seven days a week in the future.

Radford City Public Schools have added stop-arm cameras on every bus to help protect children when they board and exit—drivers say the cameras record cars that illegally pass when the lights flash.

Officials will review the footage and share it with police so that drivers may receive tickets for breaking the law.

Local officials and residents raised concerns about the planned Mountain Valley Pipeline expansion—saying it may impact safety and local water quality.

A review of the project will continue as new details are released.

Monday morning, LewisGale Medical Center in Salem replaced its 30-year-old Chevy Nova used in the physical therapy space with a low-mileage Chevy Equinox after a large crew lifted it out, and the Nova will go on exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

The Equinox will join a ($1.3 million renovation) to upgrade the hospital’s rehab gym early next year.

Champions of Magic - Holiday Spectacular

7-8:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting evening of dazzling illusions and festive surprises for the whole family.

The Rescue Mission Drumstick Dash

5 AM – 11 PM — Elmwood Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a festive 5k run and family walk to support the Rescue Mission's meal services.

Phat Laces Concert

8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost not specified — Celebrate a post-Thanksgiving night with a vibrant hip-hop tribute featuring rap and funk influences.

The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute

8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost Info Not Provided — Immerse yourself in the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd with a heartfelt tribute performance.

Holiday Pops Spectacular by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra

7:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31-$56, Children 12 & under $12 — Experience a heartwarming celebration of holiday classics with LaTetra Lewis and the Pops.

Peen: A Tribute to Ween

8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — $ — Experience a lively tribute to the eclectic band Ween featuring The Big Debbies with their unique blend of groove and energy.

Fayetteville Marksmen at Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Berglund Center — $3 beers all game long — Kick off the weekend early with Thirsty Thursday while cheering on the Rail Yard Dawgs.

Roanoke's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9:00 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Check Eventbrite for ticket pricing — Embrace the holiday spirit with contests, games, and cheers in your ugliest sweater at this festive pub crawl.

The Nutcracker by Southwest Virginia Ballet

3-5 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket purchase required — Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with a large cast and live orchestra in this beloved holiday classic.

Handel's Messiah Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA — Ticket info available — Experience the timeless power of Handel’s Messiah through choral and orchestral performance.