Good morning, Roanoke.

Residents on Mountain Pass Road in Troutville are worried about speeding on the hilly, narrow road, prompting the sheriff's office to conduct around 30 patrols since January (resulting in 24 stops and 9 tickets) after citizen complaints.

A local walker calls a small repaired slab on Mill Mountain his 'gratitude perch,' where he pauses daily on the greenway to reflect on his blessings.

The spot offers neighbors a quiet place to appreciate the mountain's beauty (a local nod to staying thankful).

A local woman described her struggle with rising costs as she finds it challenging to cover everyday expenses today, noting that increased prices have forced her to cut back on essentials and rethink her budget.

Her experience reflects wider economic pressures many locals face.

Snow fell Monday in Roanoke, marking an early winter that led city offices to close early for staff safety.

Local police advised residents to drive carefully while the fire department reminded everyone to water their trees and use space heaters with automatic shutoff — a record snowfall not seen since 2018.

Freedom First Credit Union donated $150K to Carilion’s Reaching Far, Caring Close campaign to expand cancer care; a check presentation was held on Nov.

20 with CEO Emeritus Nancy Howell Agee and Freedom First leaders — reinforcing local support for advanced treatment.

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.