Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas parade runs through downtown today as organizers invite families to enjoy festive floats + live music and seasonal cheer. WDBJ7
- ➤ Paul Eldert captured Roanoke Valley’s snow day on Monday using his action camera & station drone to record both first-person and aerial views of locals enjoying winter. The footage offers an engaging look at the day’s snowy scenes. WSLS 10
- ➤ Tanglewood YMCA celebrated its one-year anniversary on Dec. 10 with a community event + special activities at its center that highlighted a year of service and connection. The milestone marks a year of support for local families. WDBJ7
- ➤ Kurt Rheinheimer ended his tenure as editorial chief at Leisure Publishing on Nov. 26 after 41 years in Roanoke journalism (he began in 1984 as editor of The Roanoker magazine). The Roanoke Times
- ➤ A local woman recalled her husband's service when he was killed in the line of duty, sharing memories that honor his sacrifice & inspire community pride. WDBJ7
- ➤ The Rescue Mission of Roanoke is offering holiday support to local residents by providing food, shelter & essential services. The program begins today and aims to assist those facing rising costs. WDBJ7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Center in the Square, serving downtown Roanoke for 42 years, is slated for updates aimed at making it more visitor-friendly. The ongoing improvements will refresh the longstanding attraction (a local downtown staple) to better serve visitors. WFIR News
- ➤ The Harrison Museum of African American Culture has opened a small exhibit in its new space at Melrose Plaza to preview a grand opening set for February. The museum will offer flexible exhibits and expanded educational programs — launching its next 40 years campaign. WSLS 10
- ➤ Southwest Virginia Ballet presents the Nutcracker at the Berglund Center this weekend as a cherished holiday tradition for local audiences. WFIR News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Franklin County Public Schools is set to launch the Get Ready to Fly program to help preschoolers who lack social and academic skills from remote learning during the pandemic. The initiative will screen pre-K registrants & link families with community organizations by Jan. 30, with a spring 2026 launch planned. WDBJ7
- ➤ Virginia Tech’s counselor education program got a $1.4 million HRSA grant over four years to train more mental health counselors in underserved communities including Roanoke. Seven graduate students will receive $25,000 fellowships along with funding for professional development. The Roanoke Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke first responders and Carilion Children’s Hospital are teaming up to bring Christmas cheer to young patients this season. Santa will rappel from outside the 11th-floor window — with help from fire, EMS, police, sheriff’s, and hospital police — to help children feel at home. WSLS 10
- ➤ After two years using a mobile unit, The Blood Connection opened its new brick-and-mortar donation center at Valley View and cut a ribbon. Delisa English, the center’s President & CEO, marked the milestone under Carilion Clinic's contract. WFIR News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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