Good morning, Roanoke.

For the 10th year, Hip Hop Santa partnered with local organizations to distribute toys, clothes, and bikes (including 100 bikes from The Dream Team) to families and individuals in need in Roanoke.

The event boosted holiday cheer and community spirit this season.

Big Lick Comics is relocating its store from 3424 Orange Ave to 7547 Williamson Road, as announced by co-owners JD & Adam Sutphin.

They plan to reveal the grand opening date in a few weeks.

Hip Hop Santa (a local artist who adds a twist to tradition) visited several neighborhoods on Sunday, Dec.

21 and uplifted spirits with upbeat hip hop tunes and holiday cheer across Roanoke.

A new report from the Legal Aid Justice Center shows that English language learners score 30 to 50 points lower on standardized tests because the tests do not match their current language skills.

The General Assembly will consider education bills on Jan. 14 to improve language support and funding for these students.

Virginia State Police urges all drivers to drive safely during the holiday season as fatalities dropped from 813 last year to 704 as of Dec.

15. Officials advise buckling up, avoiding distractions, and picking a sober driver while Operation CARE runs until Jan. 1.

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace open enrollment ends Dec.

31 for plans starting Jan. 1—enrolling in January will delay coverage until Feb. 1. Residents can use online tools and over 5,000 certified assisters for help.

Mamisan Pain Relieving Topical Ointment sold at Walmart and Target has been recalled for lacking child-resistant packaging.

Customers who purchased jars from April 2024 through October 2025 for about $10 are urged to remove the ointment from children’s reach and call Plantimex for a free replacement lid (UPC 860006498115).

Preventive cardiologist Luke Laffin from Cleveland Clinic warns that overindulgence during the holidays can trigger heart rhythm disturbances or failure, causing palpitations, fatigue and shortness of breath—people with high blood pressure or diabetes should limit salty foods and alcohol while staying hydrated and seeking help if symptoms appear.

Todd Brooks, a resident of Forest with polycystic kidney disease, spends hours on dialysis while he awaits a kidney transplant & remembers his sister’s viral donor search in 2017.

He hopes the transplant will restore his strength for mountain hikes.

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.

Speakeasy Jazz Nights

7-9:30 p.m. — The Pine Room at Hotel Roanoke — $40 ticket — Experience the charm of a pre-Prohibition jazz club featuring T-FOX & the Fox City Band.

Do Portugal Circus

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Valley View Mall — Tickets available — Experience the excitement of a circus under the Big Top for the first time in Roanoke!

Winter Majesty: A Cozy Paint & Sip Night

6-8 p.m. — Well Hung Vineyard - Restaurant — Check ticket price — Dive into a cozy painting session with splashes of winter colors.

Do Portugal Circus

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Valley View Mall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Do Portugal Circus for the first time in Roanoke under the Big Top!