Good morning, Roanoke.

Rhonda Harrison is a local bus driver and youth director at the Valley Baptist Association who teaches youth about faith and leadership in Roanoke.

She cherishes memories of high school sports events & church gatherings while guiding the next generation.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile made two stops at Salem Kroger on Dec.

7—visiting Electric Road and West Main Street—to thrill hot dog fans during its holiday tour.

Roanoke organizers announced the Deck the Doors Fundraiser, inviting residents to join a door decorating contest + support local charities.

Further details on time and location will be shared soon.

The musician Theodore Jefferson, known as Ah_Jinx and a former foster youth, signed with Sony Music and will build a free music studio for local foster children to help them express themselves.

Roanoke's old First National Exchange Bank (101 S.

Jefferson Street) is set to become The Exchange Music Hall, a $10M restaurant complex and hotel, with Across-The-Way Productions programming it starting with a New Year's Eve show featuring Grace Potter and the Holy Roller Band in the coming weeks.

Roanoke History Museum and O.

Winston Link Museum launched Deck the Doors— a holiday fundraiser with 27 decorated doors at Blue Ridge Visitor Center. The event runs Nov. 28 through Jan. 2 and offers voters a drawing for a free night's stay at Promissory Hotel to support museum programs.

Roanoke’s housing authority will hold its Annual Employee Recognition and Holiday Luncheon on Friday, Dec.

12 at noon at Melrose Towers to honor staff amid federal budget uncertainty + challenges. The event, moved indoors to a resident building, shows the agency’s commitment to 5,000 residents.

The Virginia Department of Health launched a maternal health dashboard today that offers prenatal and postpartum care data and resources online.

The tool helps local families access important pregnancy-related information.

Star City native Zach Horton made his NFL debut on Nov.

27 for the Detroit Lions against Green Bay—he signed a three-year contract worth nearly $3M and will next play against the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 14.

Former Hokies coach Brent Pry will return as Virginia Tech's defensive coordinator, ESPN reports, reuniting him with head coach James Franklin after previous stints at Penn State and Vanderbilt, and potentially reducing the $6 million owed when he was dismissed in September.

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.