Good morning, Roanoke.

Market on Melrose celebrates one year of fighting food insecurity by offering fresh, affordable groceries and local jobs.

The store, founded to serve Northwest residents and planning to expand its Henrietta's Cafe, employs mostly neighborhood staff (75% from the area).

The Community Christmas Store is transforming an empty space into a festive wonderland for local families to shop for holiday gifts—volunteers have prepared it to serve 545 children and nearly 200 seniors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Saturday.

Hotel Roanoke was named one of USA Today’s Top 10 Hotels for the Holidays when the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards were announced on Thursday.

The recognition highlights the hotel’s long-standing dedication to creating a festive holiday experience for guests in the community.

Fork in the Market reopened downtown Thursday after nearly 173 days closed because of a June fire+customers cheered its return as local business leaders supported the recovery.

Roanoke County unveiled ambitious development plans at Wednesday’s State of the County Address at Green Ridge Recreation Center, centering on the new acquisition of Explore Park to boost job creation and community events.

Officials said the move will spur more infrastructure investments and local opportunities.

Roanoke County now lets residents add cell phone numbers and extra details to RoCo Alert so recorded notifications reach homes during emergencies (alerts can be county-wide or neighborhood-specific).

Psychologist Kia-Rai Prewitt at Cleveland Clinic outlined strategies to ease Sunday anxiety, including planning enjoyable activities + evaluating work conditions.

Her advice helps those who feel stressed about the upcoming workweek.

Nicole DeFoor, a third-year student at VTC working in Jennifer Munson’s lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, has received the Zeta Beta Tau Graduate Fellowship to study glioblastoma — her research explores how fluid flow affects tumor cell signaling and may lead to new treatment ideas.

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.