Get Your Holly On!
December means it's time to fight the chill and dark with plenty of lights, laughter and fun and the New River Valley is one of the best places to do just that. Check out these great events coming up on the calendar.
NOVEMBER 22
Fashions for Evergreens on Display The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, Blacksburg November 22, 2018 through January 1, 2019 Free
Fashions for Evergreens, the Inn’s annual competitive decorated-tree display, features 18 professionally designed trees that present awe-inspiring decorating ideas and concepts in an extraordinary display of holiday cheer. The holiday trees are designed by local businesses and organizations from throughout the New River Valley.
After you take in all of the dazzling trees, be sure to cast a vote for your favorite. Voting ends on Sunday, December 10, 2018.
NOVEMBER 24
2018 Four-Course Holiday High Teas
Palisades Restaurant, Eggleston
Saturdays Nov. 24 - December 22, 2018, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Cost: $16.95 (Call 540-626-2828 for reservations)
Palisades Restaurant presents their 2018 Four-Course Holiday High Teas. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a four-course Holiday Teas complete with scones, pastries, cookies and finger sandwiches. Select from dozens of specialty teas including our exquisite Buckingham Palace black tea. Seating is limited, so we do encourage you to get your reservation in advance before we sell out! https://www.facebook.com/ThePalisadesRestaurant

NOVEMBER 30
Inaugural Holiday Spirits Tree Lighting & Cocktail Party Roanoke City Market Building, Roanoke November 30, 2018, 6:00 - 10:00 PM General Admission: Free/VIP Tickets: $15.00
Celebrate the first tree lighting of the season at the City Market Building's inaugural Holiday Spirits Tree Lighting & Cocktail Party. Fork in the Market is slinging the drinks and Empty Bottles is playing the tunes. We'll light the tree at 7:00 pm and Santa may make an appearance. We're going all out for the most entertaining holiday party around and admission is free! Kick off the season with us!
Got an ugly sweater? A Christmas suit or dress? Don your best holiday attire to enter the Best Dressed Contest.
Holiday Carolers The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, Blacksburg Fridays November 30 - December 21, 2018, 6:00 - 8:00 PM Free Cozy up with a complimentary mug of hot cocoa for live entertainment by Blacksburg Master Chorale's own Ad Hoctet on November 30th, December 14th and December 21st and the Blacksburg High School Madrigal Singers on December 7th.
Holiday Magic - A Theatre Performance Adults: $25.00 Children: $10.00
The New River Valley Regional Theatre presents "Holiday Magic - A Theatre Performance"
• Friday, November 30th at 7:00 pm • Sunday, December 2nd at 2:00 pm • Sunday, December 9th at 2:00 pm • Friday, December 14th at 7:00 pm • Saturday, December 15th at 7:00 pm • Friday, December 21st at 7:00 pm
Join us for this seasonal offering of song, comedy, and moments to touch your heart. Holiday magic is a gift for all ages!
Breakfast with Santa Christiansburg High School, Christiansburg December 1, 2018, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Adults 13 & Over: $6.00, Children Under 12: $3.00, tickets at the door
Christiansburg High School's Music Department presents their 2018 Breakfast with Santa in Christiansburg High School Cafeteria. The family friendly breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, fruit, and drinks. Additional activities include pictures with Santa, meet with elves, balloon animal creations, games, crafts and live music!
This is a fundraiser for both the Christiansburg Choral Department and Band. Support our music students and join us for lots of holiday family fun!
Winterfest and Festival of Trees The Floyd Center for the Arts, Floyd December 1 and 2, 2018, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Free The Floyd Center for the Arts presents the 24th Annual Winterfest and Festival of Trees.
This year’s event features more than 30 artisan vendors selling their wares, kids’ holiday-themed art activities, our ever-popular Art Cafe offering breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks, and more than 50 trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses and organizations available in a silent auction.
The first Winterfest was designed as a year-end showcase of local artisanship and creativity, in time for local residents’ holiday shopping, many of whom have a policy of buying locally made handcrafted gifts for friends and family. Twenty-three years later, Winterfest remains the best opportunity for shoppers to find a wide variety of handmade, local, unique gifts all offered at one place, allowing shoppers to connect with makers and learn the stories behind the gifts.
https://www.facebook.com/FloydArts/. Holiday Cooking Demo with Chef Watson
Preston's (Inn at Virginia Tech), Blacksburg
December 1, 2018 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Cost: $9.00
Preston's, located within The Inn at Virginia Tech, presents Holiday Cooking Demo with Executive Chef Watson. Sample stollen French toast served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Each guest will receive a stollen bread treat along with recipes to bring home and enjoy later.
Space is limited and reservations are required. For reservations and more information, please call Preston's Restaurant at 540-231-0120.
 City of Radford Holiday Parade
Downtown Radford, Radford
December 1, 2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
The City of Radford presents their 2018 Holiday Parade. The theme for the 2018 Holiday Parade is "Radford Hometown Holidays Past, Present, Future". The parade route will line-up on East Main Street between Tyler Avenue and University Drive Bridge and proceed westward along Main Street to the Central Square Shopping Center.
The Nutcracker presented by The Blacksburg Ballet
Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg December 1, 2018, 1:00 - 3:00 PM Students: $15.00, Adults: $24.00 The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition for the entire family, capturing your imagination and transporting you to a magical world of toy soldiers and dancing snowflakes. The audience follows Clara on her journey as she meets colorful characters in the Land of the Sweets, from the captivating Sugar Plum Fairy to Mother Ginger's Bon Bon children. This iconic classical ballet enthralls audiences of all ages. http://www.dance-techperformingarts.com/the-nutcracker/
Scrooge The Musical
Warm Hearth Village Center, Blacksburg
Weekends December 1 - 9, 2018 3:00 - 5:00 PM
New River Stage presents Scrooge The Musical.
Performance Schedule:
• Saturday, December 1st at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
• Sunday, December 2nd at 3:00 pm
• Saturday, December 8th at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
• Sunday, December 9th at 3:00 pm
This timeless musical follows the plot of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", in which the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.Starring over 40 local actors from ages 5 to 60 this is the holiday show you do not want to miss. The show is family friendly. https://www.facebook.com/NewRiverStage/

DECEMBER 2
Pearisburg Christmas Parade & Pictures with Santa Downtown Pearisburg, Pearisburg December 2, 2018, 4:00 - 6:00 PM Free The Pearisburg Merchants Association presents the 2018 Pearisburg Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 2, 2018 in downtown Pearisburg, VA. Join Pearisburg for the annual holiday tradition. Immediately after the parade, head to the Pearisburg Town Hall (located at 112 Tazewell Street) for pictures with Santa and hot chocolate. https://www.facebook.com/events/348581419302447/
DECEMBER 4
City of Radford Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa
Radford Public Library, Radford December 4, 2018, 5:00 - 7:30 PM Free
Join The Radford Public Library for an evening of cookies by Radford Coffee Company, crafts, photos with Santa, festivities, and, of course, the lighting of the Radford's holiday tree! Featuring performances by: • Blacksburg Children's Chorale with Radford Satellite Choir • Santa's Ukulele Band • Grove United Methodist Handbell Choir https://www.facebook.com/radford.public.library
DECEMBER 7
Winter Lights Fest & TubaChristmas with Tree Lighting, Santa and Parade
Downtown Blacksburg, Blacksburg December 7, 2018, 3:00 - 8:00 PM Free Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. presents the 2018 Winter Lights Fest & TubaChristmas with Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade on Friday, December 7, 2018 at multiple locations in downtown Blacksburg, VA. Downtown Blacksburg will be a festive, fun packed hub of activity with something for everyone! Schedule:
• All Day: Vote for your favorite Holiday Tree & Micah’s Backpack Gingerbread House in Kent Square • 3:00-8:00 pm: Holiday Gift Market • 3:30-5:30 pm: Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Lyric (bring your own camera) • 5:00-7:00 pm: Holiday Art Walk • 5:00-7:00 pm: The Wilderness Road Chorus sings around downtown • 5:15 pm: Blacksburg Children’s Chorale sing on Henderson Lawn Stage • 5:45 pm: Tree Lighting Ceremony with Blacksburg Children's Chorale, Mayor Hager-Smith, Santa, Mrs Claus & WSLS 10 • 5:45-6:00 pm: King's Post carol singers in Kent Square • 6:00 pm: TubaChristmas co-sponsored by the Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. and the Department of Music at Virginia Tech on Henderson Lawn Stage • 7:00 pm: Holiday Parade co-sponsored by Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department & Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. The year's Holiday Parade theme is "Good Tidings of Great Joy!". The parade will begin on Stanger Street and it will turn right on Price's Fork Road, then turn right onto North Main Street and will proceed down Main Street ending at Eheart Street. In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be on Saturday, December 8, 2018. In addition, Downtown Merchants will hold their annual open houses from 4:00-8:00 pm including late night shopping, free gift wrap, snacks, beverages and holiday specials. https://www.facebook.com/DowntownBlacksburg.
The Nutcracker Bondurant Auditorium (Preston Hall), Radford December 7-9, 2018, 7:30 - 10:00 PM General Public: $7.00, Radford University Students, Faculty & Staff: Free, Children: $3.50 The Radford University College of Visual & Performing Arts presents with four performances starting on Friday, December 7, 2018 through Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Bondurant Auditorium located in Preston Hall on the campus of Radford University.
Performances: • Friday, December 7, 2018 at 7:30 pm • Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 2:00 pm • Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 7:30 pm • Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2:00 pm Radford University dance students perform the classic holiday ballet and audience favorite for the entire family. https://www.facebook.com/RadfordArts/
DECEMBER 9
The Arc of The New River Valley's Annual Cookie & Caroling Party
Blacksburg Christian Church, Blacksburg December 9, 2018, 4:00 - 5:30 PM Free The Arc of The New River Valley presents their Annual Cookie & Caroling Party on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Blacksburg Christian Church. Enjoy cookies and caroling with singer and songwriter Leslie Brooks in a family friendly holiday event. The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. https://www.facebook.com/Community-Opportunities-The-Arc-of-the-New-River-Valley-198838913484125 Luminary Display in Strouble's Mill
Stroubles Mill Neighborhood, Blacksburg
December 9, 2018, 5:30 PM - TBD
Free
The Stroubles Mill Neighborhood in Blacksburg, VA presents their 2018 Luminary Display on Sunday, December 9, 2018 starting at 5:30 PM. All the streets will be lined with luminaries and many houses will be decorated for the holidays. Everyone is invited to drive through the neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful lights of the season!
Directions: From Price’s Fork Road, turn onto Hethwood Blvd. When it ends, turn right onto Tall Oaks Drive and continue on into the Strouble’s Mill neighborhood. Please drive carefully because many people choose to walk along the streets on this special night.
DECEMBER 14
Home for the Holidays
Pulaski Plaza, Pulaski Cost: $10.00 The Adaire Theatre presents the play "Home for the Holidays" with five performances starting on Thursday, December 13, 2018 through Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the Pulaski Elks Lodge. Performance Schedule: • Thursday, December 13th at 7:00 pm • Friday, December 14th at 7:00 pm • Saturday, December 15th at 2:00 pm • Saturday, December 15th at 7:00 pm • Sunday, December 16th at 2:00 pm You're holiday ready, but you'll need some entertainment to go with all that festive cheer! Snuggle up with us this Christmas! Adaire Theatre presents “Home For the Holidays”, a musical holiday celebration that combines singing, dancing and comedy with the tradition of Christmas cheer. Featuring your favorite Christmas songs, this show is sure to melt your heart and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. https://www.facebook.com/AdaireTheatre/.
DECEMBER 16
Holiday Songfest
Beliveau Estate Winery, Blacksburg December 16, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM Free Beliveau Estate Winery presents their annual Holiday Songfest on Sunday, December 16, 2018. Join us for our annual Holiday Songfest with Holiday themed live music from 1:00-4:00 pm featuring the music of Luke Williams and Joey Ballard.
Blacksburg Community Band Winter and Holiday Concert
Blacksburg High School Auditorium, Blacksburg December 16, 2018, 3:00 - 4:00 PM Free
The Blacksburg Community Band, conducted by Jay A. Durner, presents their 2018 Winter and Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the Blacksburg High School Auditorium. The concert will be filled with contemporary and classic selections to get you in the holiday spirit. Please join us for a free concert with refreshments to follow. https://www.facebook.com/BlacksburgCommunityBand
DECEMBER 17
Holiday Wreath Workshop
Hahn Horticulture Garden (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg December 17, 2018, 6:00 - 8:00 PM General Public: $55.00, Friends of the Garden members: $45.00 Join us for a fun workshop with talented Richmond Floral Designer, David Pippin! David will demonstrate and guide us through making a spectacular wreath to enjoy through the holiday season. Fees includes all instruction and supplies to make one wreath. We encourage you to bring your own ribbon and decorations to personalize your creation. The workshop is limited to 18 participants. Please register by Wednesday December 12th at 5:00 pm by contacting Stephanie at vtgarden@vt.edu or 540-231-5970. http://www.hort.vt.edu/hhg/
Plant Nite: Holiday Hanging Ornament
Zeppoli's, Blacksburg December 18, 2018, 7:00 - 8:30 PM Regular Price: $58.68, Discounted Price: $40.68 (Use Promo code PLANT40) Just in time for the Holidays and gift giving, this Plant Nite project includes creating three hanging ornaments and three succulents with lots of decoration. Don't know of a gift idea, give the gift of a Plant Nite experience or keep one for yourself and give the other two for gifts.
We'll provide three ornaments, three succulents, soil, ribbon, and lots of decorative items to choose from (stand not included). We'll also bring one large glass globe if you'd prefer just one hanging planter. https://www.plantnite.com/events/holiday-hanging-ornament-at-zeppolis-italian-restaurant-wine-shop-10113136
DECEMBER 22
Jazz in the Lobby with Holiday Music from Justin Craig
Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke December 22, 2018, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Free Mountain Lake Lodge presents Jazz in the Lobby with Holiday Music from Justin Craig on Saturday, December 22, 2018. Justin Craig is a classical and jazz guitarist residing in Blacksburg, VA. He and his wife Marci are registered Suzuki guitar instructors at the Renaissance Music Academy. They specialize in starting young guitarists as early as age three. Justin divides his time between teaching, performing, arranging and teaching courses as Virginia Western Community College. http://www.mtnlakelodge.com
DECEMBER 24
2018 Frosty 5k and Free 1-Mile Fun Run
Food Lion (North Main Blacksburg), Blacksburg December 24, 2018, 11:30 AM - 2:45 PM Regular Registration: $20.00, Late Day Registration: $22.00, Race Day Registration: $25.00 Fun Run: Free Runabout Sports presents the 17th Annual Frosty 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run on Monday, December 24, 2018 starting and ending behind the Food Lion located at North Main Street in Blacksburg, VA. Race Schedule: • 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Packet Pickup & Race Day Registration • 12:30 pm: 1 Mile Fun Run start • 1:00 pm: Frosty 5k start • 2:15 pm: Awards and Raffle Five charities will be selected with the participants voting for their favorite choice. The charity with the most votes gets all of the proceeds from the event. http://frosty5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=6621
Christmas Eve Dinner Preston's (Inn at Virginia Tech), Blacksburg December 24, 2018, 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost: $42.95 (Call 540-231-0120 for reservations) Preston's, located within The Inn at Virginia Tech, presents their Christmas Eve Dinner on Monday, December 24, 2017. Tis the season for entertaining! Celebrate this festive night with a special four-course holiday plated dinner. https://www.innatvirginiatech.com/event_calendar
Source for this and the latest on all exciting events in the NRV: www.nextthreedays.com