Good morning, Roanoke.

Friends of Mountain View and city officials plan a $6 million restoration of historic Fishburn Mansion and its grounds to honor its legacy as a recreational space; the project includes naming the cottage Bea's Cottage and launching a capital campaign in 2026.

Norfolk Southern awarded $100K in grants to local nonprofits to support community projects across Roanoke.

The company aims to strengthen local support networks & build lasting partnerships in the area.

Beacon Credit Union donated $5,000 to Rescue Mission of Roanoke for crisis intervention services (presented at a ceremony on Friday, Dec.

12). It will donate another $40,000 to local charities over the next two weeks.

RAM House is making progress on its campaign to renovate a larger day shelter space on Elm Avenue, with a matching challenge grant supporting the effort.

The shelter helps Roanoke's homeless and will open its new space soon.

Hotel Roanoke—long known for its charm—was named among the top 10 best hotels for the holidays Monday, Dec.

15. Guests appreciate its festive atmosphere and reliable service, making it a popular pick this season.

Gas prices at Roanoke stations dropped by 6.7 cents per gallon over the past week+ averaging $2.69 on Monday, Dec.

15, based on GasBuddy’s survey of 155 sites, with prices down 10.1 cents from a month ago and 13.8 cents from a year ago.

Roanoke Shine players visited Hurt Park Elementary on Monday to boost teacher Thomas Kivlan's Pickle Math program, which combines pickleball fundamentals with math lessons to build student confidence.

Kivlan hopes to expand the initiative to more local schools soon.

Local residents voiced strong concerns against proposed casino developments as city officials update zoning rules.

Authorities plan to hold public hearings soon (details pending) to gather community feedback.

A construction project has begun on Route 11 to improve pedestrian safety between North Roanoke Assisted Living and Plymouth Drive.

A southbound lane closure will take effect Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. + message boards will guide drivers.

Pulaski County Motorsports Park will reopen in 2026 after renovations update the facility that lay dormant since July 2023 — setting the stage for the upcoming racing season.

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.