Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke homeless service providers are readying for the cold months as rising rents and pandemic impacts have increased service needs.

Local agencies operate warming buses and day shelters while the Hope and Home Task Force will send housing recommendations to the council in 2026 (services may expand).

The Local Office on Aging urges community members to bring festive joy to seniors through volunteering and donations (updated moments ago).

This reminder aims to brighten the holidays as individuals and groups spread warmth in the community.

Local law enforcement agencies announced the sale of the 2026 Jaws of Justice K9 Calendar to support Crime Stoppers of Central Virginia as community members cast votes on their favorite K9 teams; calendars cost $15 plus $4.95 for shipping and are available for pre-order online.

Former Salem and UGA football player Chris Cole delivered Christmas gifts to young patients today at Carilion Children’s Hospital — sparking smiles during the holiday season.

Former Salem star Chris Cole, a Georgia linebacker, volunteered at the sheriff's shop with a deputy event in Roanoke to help kids this holiday break — his team will play Ole Miss in the college football playoffs on New Year's Day.

The weekly Happenings calendar lists local holiday events from today through Dec.

31, featuring a Christmas Eve luminary display on Main Street, live music at local breweries, and cultural celebrations (including a Kwanzaa event at the Harrison Museum) across community venues.

This morning, Q99 surprised local listener Ms. Parker and her family with Christmas gifts as part of its third Breaking and Entering event, delivering new furniture from Grand Home Furnishings, a cash check and breakfast at Hotel Roanoke when the Q99 van arrived.

National recording artist Morgan Wade returned home for a pop-up concert at Dogtown Roadhouse last Saturday (the stage where she first performed) and reflected on her small-town roots as she ends years of touring; she will pause touring in 2026.

Gas prices at Star City dropped by 3.8 cents yesterday to average $2.65 per gallon, according to a report on Dec.

23.

Governor Youngkin announced $154.5M in housing loans to support nearly 50 projects — including a $4M project in Roanoke County with Lawson Companies that will add over 3,000 homes for low-income households.

The loans come on top of $975M from public and private sources as part of a $1.1B affordable housing investment.

Roanoke shoppers fill local stores today as they search for Christmas gifts amid rising prices and tighter budgets.

Local businesses count on last-minute sales to boost the season, with one visitor noting a 45-minute wait (reflecting the busy holiday pace).

Blue Ridge Parkway has issued winter safety tips for visitors planning to recreate in the park, warning against using areas closed due to Hurricane Helene — the guidance advises caution with slippery surfaces, changing weather, and limited cell service.

Make-A-Wish is offering its Holiday Wish Line until Dec.

31 so callers can hear pre-recorded messages from six kids facing critical illnesses. Interested callers can reach the hotline at 480-914-9474 to share in the hope.

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!

Do Portugal Circus

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

Do Portugal Circus

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