Good morning, Roanoke.

NORAD tracked Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve with over 1,000 volunteers and nearly 388,000 calls reported, keeping a 70-year tradition alive — a festive reminder as locals enjoyed busy last-minute shopping.

Brown family farm in Belspring marks 275 years of farming (originating from land awarded after the War Between the States) as Billy Brown and his descendants continue raising beef cattle while preserving a long family tradition.

Historians at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture helped the BBC share Mary Ann Macham’s journey to freedom 195 years ago by verifying an English minister’s letter (detailing her escape aboard a British ship and new start) that highlights her heroic legacy.

Roanoke families keep Christmas traditions alive as they gather to enjoy local hotdogs, admire neighborhood lights, and share meals with those in need.

Both locals and visitors honor customs passed through generations, reflecting the season's warm spirit today.

Dawn Custalow, an EL educator at William Fleming high school in Roanoke, shared her reflective message connecting the ancient Christmas story to today’s hopes.

She invited community members to consider the enduring lessons of light and faith (themes drawn from her work in education and cultural history).

A couple discovered a small bobcat kitten by the road on Dec.

24 and brought it to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, where staff treated its wounds and built a natural enclosure to help it learn hunting skills. Viewers can now watch its recovery on the center's critter-cam.

The Roanoke-Salem Baseball Hall of Fame announced five players will be inducted into the 2026 class.

The ceremony will take place soon at the museum in Roanoke+Salem.

The Salem RidgeYaks general manager is being inducted into the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame today, crediting his late owner for inspiring his long career.

The ceremony marks a significant honor for his commitment to local baseball.

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.