The Roanoke Times Dickens of a Christmas has begun in Downtown Roanoke! It's the 40th anniversary of this fantastic event and includes three magical snowy evenings with a 100% chance of snow on Market Street 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm each night of Dickens. There will be a Kids Zone with inflatables, games, and activities. Carriage Rides will be available on the first and third nights of Dickens for $5 per person. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 3 and under are free. 

Night 1 - December 2, 6pm - 10pm: Featuring The City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting

The Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on Salem Avenue in the Plaza behind the Market Building. The ceremony begins at 5:30 pm with the tree lighting at 6:20pm and will include live stage performances.

Night 2 - December 9, 6pm - 10pm: Featuring The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade

The parade begins on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, turns onto Campbell Avenue, goes past Market Square, and ends at Williamson Road. This year's parade will start at 6:30pm.

Night 3 - December 16, 6pm - 10pm: Featuring the Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest   

The beloved Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest returns, taking place on Salem Avenue at the Plaza behind the Market Building. Pet owners may start registering their pets at 5:30pm the night of the event. The contest begins at 6:30pm with the following categories: Best Holiday Theme, Crowd Favorite, Most Creative, and Funniest Costume.

Plus, Come on a fun scavenger hunt and find the 16 Scout Elves hiding in downtown stores. Find them all and be entered for a chance to win $1,000! Pick up a Passport at any of the participating Scout Elf locations. Get a stamp from the business when you find a Scout Elf. Once your passport has all of its stamps (meaning you've found all the Scout Elves), return it in the drop box located in the official elf adoption center - Mast General Store (401 S Jefferson Street) by 5pm on 12/16 and you'll be entered to win $1,000. The winner will be notified on December 16th.

We hope to see you downtown shopping local, dining out, and enjoying the holiday festivities in our beautiful city! Be sure to shout out @hometownblessings so we can enjoy your holiday photos!

@downtownroanoke @roanoketimes