Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke shelters are ready for the cold weekend with The Least of These Ministry offering meals, hot showers, and laundry services on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the Hope Center welcoming guests for food and warmth today (5 a.m. to noon).

Huddle Up Moms Support Shop and Diaper Bank held its official grand opening last night with remarks by Mayor Joe Cobb.

Located on Marshall Avenue downtown, the center now offers diapers, baby wipes and essential supplies for new and expectant mothers facing financial hardship.

A local in-home care service extended the deadline for the Karis Christmas for Seniors drive to help older residents in Roanoke this holiday season.

The organization aims to provide extra cheer and vital support to often overlooked seniors.

Vinton held its holiday parade yesterday — residents gathered to celebrate the season and remember Camden Thepsimuong through community tributes.

The Dickens of a Christmas tree lighting took place on Friday, Dec.

5 downtown where increased foot traffic boosted local businesses — Olde Salem Brewing offered special winter brews to attract more customers. Vendors noted a surge before and after the tree was lit.

Thursday's unexpected snowfall turned Wasena's hills into bustling sledding spots and spurred local outdoor stores to boost kid gear sales as parents replaced outgrown items — Charity Hall noted last-minute purchases are common on snow days.

Roanoke County Development Authority awarded over $108,000 in BEAP grants to more than a dozen local businesses in the county and Vinton to help them hire workers + enter new markets.

Roanoke city officials warned residents to watch for black ice as refreezing conditions make roads and sidewalks slippery.

They advised clearing sidewalks by 9 a.m. and parking on odd-numbered sides + helping snow crews work efficiently.

Psychologist Susan Albers at Cleveland Clinic says holiday sights and smells bring a mix of joy and longing by reminding us of treasured traditions.

She warns that too much nostalgia may weigh us down and advises trying new traditions to stay in the moment.

City officials have activated warming shelters to help residents stay safe amid cold weather.

Local leaders say the centers provide a warm, secure space for those in need & will remain available as long as extreme conditions persist.

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.

Sicard Hollow Live Performance

6:30-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check event site for cost — Experience fearless improv and psychedelic punk-grass rock as Sicard Hollow lights up the holidays.

Grace Potter Live at The Exchange Music Hall

8 PM – 12 AM — The Exchange Music Hall — Ticket prices TBD — Celebrate the opening of Roanoke's premier venue with an unforgettable New Year's Eve performance by Grace Potter.