Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas returns: What you need to know

Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke is reviving a favorite holiday custom. The lighting of the City of Roanoke Christmas tree on Friday night marks the beginning of three weeks of festivities for Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas.

The tree lighting on the plaza behind the Market building occurs at 6:20 p.m., and the ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. The Roanoke Valley Choral Society, LEAP Performing Arts Academy, and Opera Roanoke will all perform live on stage.

The first three Fridays of December are when Dickens of a Christmas takes place. Every night, the festivities last until 10:00 p.m. and include fire eaters, carriage rides, a s’mores station, performances, and more. A no-snow-snowball fight is new this year.

“Well, from what I’ve heard, it’s going to be cold, so bundle up.” However, we’re ecstatic. Everyone descends to witness it for themselves. This is actually the formal or unofficial start of the holiday season in Roanoke. We’re really thrilled to be able to do this, make those memories, and participate in the Valley’s holiday customs each year,” said Izzy Post, director of marketing and communications for Downtown Roanoke Inc.
– December 13: The Ridge View Bank-sponsored City of Roanoke Christmas Parade will travel the same path as in years past, starting at Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue, then down Campbell Avenue, passing Market Square, and concluding at Williamson Road. The parade this year begins at 6:30 p.m.

On December 20, the Roanoke Valley SPCA will hold its yearly Pet Costume Contest on the Radford University Carilion Main Stage in the plaza behind the Market Building. On the evening of the event, pet owners can begin registering their animals at 5:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., the competition gets underway.

On December 20, Blue Ridge Honda Dealers will host a S’mores Station with readymade s’mores kits that may be roasted over a fire from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., while supplies last. Galen College of Nursing introduced Century Plaza to Flurry Frenzy, a snowball fight that doesn’t require any snow.

Road closures will occur for Dickens of Christmas events, which you can learn out about here.
According to Post, it’s crucial to plan your parking arrangements in advance because many people are anticipated to be out.

There will be a lot of people directing traffic because it’s a family event, there will be a lot of people, and it’s getting dark early. For this reason, Post said, “We’re really thankful for the Roanoke Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and we have security to help us out.”