Good morning, Roanoke.

The 22nd Annual Roanoke County Christmas Tree Lighting brought hundreds together on Monday afternoon as a 30-foot tree shined brightly during a festive event with arts and crafts, a juggler, hot cocoa, a kids' choir, and Santa Claus.

The Cave Spring Volunteer Fire Department escorted Santa on a fire truck+ and the tree will be featured for photos nightly until January at the South County Library.

Hotel Roanoke is hosting Fashions for Evergreens 2025 to benefit United Way of Roanoke Valley—local businesses and groups will decorate trees for the event.

Visitors can vote for a People’s Choice Award winner who will be announced Jan. 10, 2026, and one voter will win an overnight stay as the event runs from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.

Franklin County has opened warming centers to help residents stay safe as winter nears.

Redwood United Methodist Church with Callaway Church of God runs one center open daily from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., and the Salvation Army Lynchburg Corps operates another every night until the end of March — these centers help provide needed warmth for those in need.

K&W Cafeterias closed all remaining Roanoke and North Carolina locations on Monday after serving communities for over 88 years.

The company gave no reason for the immediate closure and thanked customers for their support — further details have not been provided.

Shine by JSP is a new non-profit theater group formed by husband-and-wife teams including former councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. and his wife Kristin Warren Jeffrey along with Pastor Kirby Spivey — the group will launch its first musical production 'Crowns' at the Dumas Center on Henry Street in late February to give African American artists a stage in Roanoke and the New River Valleys.

A new article shares simple ideas for locals to enjoy the holiday season with planned community events and family traditions.

It highlights festive activities—like the Mill Mountain Ringers performing ahead of a holiday show—that offer residents a chance to celebrate together.

Roanoke City and County Schools met Monday to review weather reports and send road crews out early to check bus stops, roads, and higher-elevated neighborhoods in freezing weather.

They will make a final call today at 5:45 a.m.—ensuring that every decision puts children first.

Norfolk Southern will close the at-grade railroad crossings on Layman Road and Glade Creek Road on December 3—maintenance work is set to take place.

Friendship Health and Rehab North and Friendship Health and Rehab South have been named among America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026 by Newsweek — the honor shows their strong care and high resident satisfaction.

The award gives local families confidence in choosing quality long-term care near home.

A new center in the SW Roanoke Norwich neighborhood—Boundless ABA—offers comprehensive therapy and play time for children with autism spectrum disorder, giving local families access to individualized care.

The center is open and is serving young children in need of specialized support.

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.

Illuminights Festival

Half-mile of stunning lights — Explore Park — Ticket details upcoming — Experience the magic of over 650,000 lights and festive activities for families.