Good morning, Roanoke.

Three local groups provided free Thanksgiving meals and essential items to help families in need this holiday season.

Addison’s Army of Angels, the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, and Aztec Rental coordinated events—ensuring that community members received a warm meal—and offered extra support to those struggling.

Three brothers—Eli, Elijah and Joshua—are seeking a loving adoptive home as twins Eli and Elijah, both 12, must stay together while their 15-year-old brother Josh dreams of a future with a strong father figure.

Eleven-year-old Emilio shows creativity in art and outdoor play as he seeks a stable family that offers consistent care.

He hopes to join a two-parent home with a similar-aged sibling—an environment where he can grow and feel supported.

Today, the Community Christmas Store of the Roanoke Valley launches an online auction at 5 p.m. that will run until December 2 at 8 p.m.—all proceeds will help 430 local families receive free clothing, toys, and food for the holidays.

Rescue Mission Of Roanoke celebrated its 20th annual Drumstick Dash on Nov.

27, where local residents raced to raise funds for the mission—a milestone in its long-running community effort.

A Roanoke artist will build a music studio for foster children so they can have a safe place to learn music and grow—official plans are still being finalized.

A report from Roanoke College says holiday shoppers are expected to spend about 5 percent less on gifts this season as a 3 percent inflation rate drives prices up.

Tariffs on imported items—such as apparel, home decor, and electronics—are pushing consumers to choose smaller gifts to stay within their budgets.

A local guide listed top Roanoke County shops for outdoor lovers and fitness fans, including Green Ridge Recreation Center, Pure Barre, and the Explore Park Visitor Center gift shop—each offering gifts for an active lifestyle.

Three top shops in Roanoke County are highlighted for beer and wine gifts, including Southern Hills Homebrew Supply, Wine Gourmet and Medmont Mercantile, and a new local brewery.

Southern Hills offers brewing kits & milling services while Wine Gourmet carries charcuterie supplies, glassware and unique wine bottles, and the brewery sells craft six packs or gift certificates.

RND Coffee in Vinton, Dogwood Restaurant, and Hollywood Restaurant and Bakery are the top spots for holiday treats in Roanoke County—offering donuts, gift certificates, and baked goods for local food lovers.

A local guide lists three top shopping spots in Roanoke County for people who have everything—PacaBerry Farm Shop, Windsor Gifts, and the Illuminights Artisan Christmas Market.

PacaBerry offers unique alpaca fleece goods while Windsor and Illuminights provide well-known brands and local handmade products for holiday gifts.

Three local shops in Roanoke County offer pampering treats for anyone who loves self-care—Polished Salon at the Forum Shopping Center shows a table of pampering goodies and custom scents, Her Perfect Day Boutique offers jewelry sets for $5, and Creative Occasions, whose owner Mark has been invited to decorate for holidays, provides beautiful flower bouquets.

Roanoke’s Zach Horton was elevated from the Detroit Lions practice squad to play his first NFL game against the Packers yesterday—he joined the team as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft.

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.

Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker

2-8 p.m. — Jefferson Center — $10 children's tickets — Experience the enchanting tale of Clara and her Nutcracker with stunning performances and holiday cheer.

The Santa Cares Experience

1 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Free entry — Enjoy seasonal songs with Santa and capture the holiday magic with Cloud Bobby.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffet Celebration

5-8 p.m. — The Regency Room — $56 adults, $28 children under 12 — Indulge in a festive buffet dinner in a historic setting this holiday season.