The Roanoke Valley’s largest holiday celebration, Dickens of a Christmas, returns to downtown the first three Fridays of December.
Dickens of a Christmas kicks off December 6th with the lighting of the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree, on the Plaza behind the Market Building, on the Radford University Carilion Main Stage. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with the tree lighting at 6:20 p.m. and will include live stage performances by the Opera Roanoke, LEAP Performing Arts Academy, and the Roanoke Valley Choral Society.
The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade on December 13th, will follow the same route as previous years, beginning on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, turning onto Campbell Avenue, going past Market Square, and ending at Williamson Road. This year’s parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
The Roanoke Valley SPCA brings back its beloved Pet Costume Contest on December 20th taking place on the Plaza behind the Market Building, on the Radford University Carilion Main Stage. Pet owners may start registering their pets at 5:30 p.m. the night of the event. The contest begins at 6:30 p.m.