Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke County and Salem opened a new 0.6-mile section of the West Roanoke River Greenway last month near West Riverside Drive and Kingsmill Drive in Salem — the project is part of broader efforts to extend the trail, with a phase set to connect to Green Hill Park in spring.

Small Blessings Children’s Outreach Center on Melrose Avenue offers after-school tutoring, homework help and computer access for families in Ashton Heights.

Founder CaSandra Williams—who works with children aged 5 to 17 and community members—is accepting donations to expand the nonprofit’s services.

Mohammed Taher, 82, teaches ballroom dancing nightly at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Roanoke and has done so for over 40 years.

Born in Cairo, he shifted from ballet to ballroom and continues to share his passion with local students.

Roanoke's weekly events calendar for Dec.

10 to 17 includes holiday tours at Historic Fishburn Mansion, live music at local breweries, festive theatre performances, and gatherings at museums and public spaces (with registration sometimes required).

A Hometown Talk article examined holiday spending as local shoppers adjusted their budgets ahead of the season.

The piece highlighted community trends & encouraged residents to plan their purchases carefully.

Small Blessings Children's Outreach Center in Roanoke is offering an after school program for children (contact the center for registration details) today, providing a supportive space until parents pick them up.

Officials announced that Roanoke parking garages removed traditional gates late last night to ease traffic flow & improve safety across the city today.

The federal courthouse, renamed in July for civil rights lawyer Reuben Lawson, lost its visible name when GSA workers damaged the stone backdrop — officials said repairs are underway with no set timeline.

Carilion Clinic is asking the community to help brighten Christmas for inpatient children and teens who will be away from home on December 25.

Two hospital units are coordinating efforts to bring extra holiday cheer.

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.