Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke honored Dr. Robert Brown (Carilion Clinic) as its 2025 Citizen of the Year for his dedicated community service, an annual award that recognizes outstanding local contributions.

Mill Mountain Zoo invites locals to help its animals this holiday season by joining its annual Angel Tree program, where donors can meet animal wishes for treats, bedding, or toys.

Visitors can pick an ornament at the zoo or donate online to support the rescued and endangered residents.

Roanoke’s Happenings calendar compiles holiday events from 30 local sources, offering residents a guide to live music, theatre, art tours, and family activities from Dec.

17 to Dec. 24 — check with venues for up-to-date details.

Local community and students (from the Burton Center for Arts and Technology) restored Hermitage Roanoke’s iconic love sign after storm damage toppled a tree last year.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony brought residents, staff, and Chamber representatives together to celebrate its renewal.

Virginia AARP's community ambassador warns travelers to stay alert at airports during the busy holiday travel season — WFIR’s Conner Arthur reported that checking offers carefully can help keep travel plans safe.

Gas prices in Roanoke fell by 6.7 cents to an average of $2.69 per gallon last week, according to a GasBuddy survey of 155 stations.

Some local residents noted that these rates are more affordable than in some other states + they hope prices drop further to ease budget pressures.

Virginia Credit Union and its Member One division donated $15K to support youth education programs in Lynchburg and Roanoke — funding an Early Head Start expansion for 90 children, after-school programming for 199 middle school students, and financial education classes for local families.

Virginia’s Department of Education rolled out a new school accountability system for the 2024-2025 school year with Tuesday’s initial results showing improvements over the old framework; analysts from JLARC say weaknesses in scoring thresholds and labels may require further changes to better support schools serving economically disadvantaged students.

Virginia State Police mourn Senior Trooper Steven Ball who died on Sunday, Dec.

14; his funeral will be held Friday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. at Victory Baptist Church in Martinsville, honoring his quiet leadership and dedication.

Anthem is ready to meet with other insurers to lower health care costs as the premium subsidies that made plans affordable have ended—WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports that the move comes amid a new push to adjust market policies.

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.

K-Pop Glow Party and Laser Show

6-8 p.m. — Science Museum of Western Virginia — Family-friendly event — Experience an electrifying glow party with a mesmerizing laser light show set to K-Pop music.