NOV. 12 >>> NOV. 14

Stocked Market

Merchants from around the country are in Roanoke for a weekend of holiday shopping. Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8 advance, $9 door. Roanoke Civic Center. 343-3663.

NOV. 13

Faith & Arts Ministry Annual Holiday Craft & Bake Sale

Local crafters support the community. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 4040 Williamson Road, Roanoke. 366-9481.

Music for Memories: A Christmas Homecoming

A fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association and the Adult Care Center of Roanoke. Featuring recording artist Stella Parton and Michael Learned and Mary McDonough from "The Waltons." 2 p.m. An offering will be taken. Life Church, 7422 Deer Branch Road, Roanoke. 947-2207.

Thanksgiving 101

Menu includes the perfectly prepared Thanksgiving turkey with cornbread stuffing and gravy, sweet potato souffle, roasted asparagus and the popular pumpkin roll with cream-cheese filling. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $30. Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke. 776-3693.

NOV. 17

Ladies Shopping Night for the Holidays

Stop by the Roanoke and Salem stores for special savings this night only. 5 to 8 p.m. Amrhein's Fine Jewelry, Brides & Formals, 2740 Ogden Road, Roanoke. 989-7100.

Holiday Side Dishes

New spins on old favorites, new ideas and tips for creating an impressive holiday spread. 6 p.m. $55. Gourmet Pantry, 401 S. Main St., Blacksburg. 951-1995.

NOV. 18

Hollins University Writers' Harvest Reading

Faculty writers from Hollins will read from their work to raise money for the hungry. Proceeds benefit Feeding America Southwest Virginia. 8 p.m. $10; $5 students. Richard Wetherill Visual Arts Center Auditorium, Hollins University. 362-6317.

NOV. 18 >>> DEC. 26

Barter Theatre presents "It's a Wonderful Life"

Relive the heartwarming and uniquely American holiday story of George Bailey, Mary, Clarence, Mr. Potter and the citizens of Bedford Falls. Check theater for times and prices. Barter Theatre, 127 West Main St., Abingdon. www.bartertheatre.com

NOV. 19-21

Christmas Market in Marion

Three dozen artists, crafters and more. Friday, 3 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Free. Marion Farmers Market Pavilion. (276) 783-4190.

NOV. 20

Monster Holiday Indoor Flea Market

7 a.m. Free. Roanoke Civic Center, 710 Williamson Road, Roanoke. 853-2241.

Annual Children's Parade

Children's groups are invited to be in the parade dressed in the uniform for their group. Floats are encouraged but need to made from little red wagons or something similar. Open to all ages. 11 a.m. Grandin Village, Grandin Road, Roanoke. 777-1790.

NOV. 21

Kaleidoscope Christmas Parade

3 p.m. Historic Downtown Marion. (276) 783-4190.

NOV. 23

Greening of the Market

Volunteers needed to help decorate the Roanoke Farmers Market for the holidays. Downtown Roanoke. 342-2028.

NOV. 23-DEC. 26

Barter Theatre presents "A Tuna Christmas"

The sequel to "Greater Tuna." Witness the hilarity as two quick-changing actors portray all 22 roles. Times and prices vary. Barter Theatre, 127 West Main St., Abingdon. www.bartertheatre.com.

NOV. 25

Drumstick Dash 2010 5K Race & Family Walk

Enjoy music and historic sites along the way in the StellarOne Drumstick Dash, a fun, family-friendly, rain-or-shine, Thanksgiving Day event to benefit the Roanoke Rescue Mission. 9 a.m. $20 runners, $10 walkers, $5 children in strollers, $5 dogs on leashes through Nov. 15. Downtown Roanoke. 777-7687.

NOV. 26 >>> DEC. 17

Late Night Fridays in Buchanan

Merchants and restaurants will stay open until 9 p.m. on Friday nights. Nov. 26-27 is also Downtown Buchanan's Annual Christmas Open House, and the late hours will be kept Saturday, Nov. 27, too. Enjoy carols and festive displays. Downtown Buchanan. 254-1212.

NOV. 26

Candlelight Procession and Tree Lighting

Caroling, carriage rides, tree lighting ceremony and holiday cheer. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Downtown Lexington, 101 S. Main St., Lexington. 463-3777.

NOV. 26 >>> DEC. 23

Fantasyland

Visit Santa and have your picture taken. Also walk through festive displays of Christmas figures. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Adults/seniors, $5; children 3-17, $3; children 2 and under, free. Bring a nonperishable food item and get $1 off admission. History Museum of Western Virginia, 1 Market Square, Roanoke. 342-5770.

NOV. 27

Thanksgiving Open House at Foggy Ridge Cider & Blacksnake Meadery

Taste cider while overlooking heirloom apple orchards at Foggy Ridge and enjoy mead on Blacksnake Meadery's Sippin Porch. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5. Foggy Ridge Cider and Blacksnake Meadery. (276) 398-2337.

Dinner with Santa! and Virginia Dare Flotilla for Toys Christmas Boat Parade

Help Mariners Landing, Benjamin's at The Pointe and Santa Claus collect unwrapped toys for families and the Flotilla for Toys Parade. Receive a free kids meal for children 12 and under with each unwrapped toy donated. 5 p.m. Benjamin's at The Pointe Restaurant, 1217 Graves Harbor Trail, Huddleston. 297-4900. The Boat Parade begins at 7 p.m. at Mariners Landing.

Buchanan Holiday Tree Lighting

Sing carols and then count down to the tree lighting. Refreshments will be provided by downtown merchants. 7 p.m. Buchanan Town Hall, 19753 Main St., Buchanan. 254-1212.

NOV. 29

Roanoke Valley Choral Society Winter Concert

Sacred and secular music. 7:30 p.m. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 2101 Jefferson St., Roanoke. 915-1832.

NOV. 30

The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller

Part of the 2010-11 Brown Mercedes Benz Broadway in Charlottesville. 7:30 p.m. Price varies. John Paul Jones Arena, 295 Massie Road, Charlottesville. (434) 243-4960.

Roanoke Valley Community Band Winter Concert

A variety of music, including several holiday selections. 7 p.m. Donations accepted. Cave Spring High School, 3712 Chaparral Drive, Roanoke. 775-8885.

DEC. 1

Gifts from Your Kitchen

An evening of entertainment and creativity for your holiday. 6 p.m. $55. Gourmet Pantry, 401 Main St., Blacksburg. 951-1995.

DEC. 2

Vinton Christmas Parade

7 p.m. Downtown Vinton, Gus W. Nicks Boulevard and Pollard Street. 343-1364.

Hanging of the Greens Luncheon

A holiday luncheon and fundraiser for historic preservation projects in the Bedford area. RSVP by Nov. 24. Noon to 2 p.m. Members, $15; non-members, $16. Beddford Historic Meeting House, 149 W. Main St., Bedford. (434) 384-6566.

DEC. 2-4

"Scrooge"

Presented by New Century Church. Dec. 2 and 3, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 4, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Free. Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre, 710 Williamson Road, Roanoke. 853-5483.

DEC. 2-4; DEC. 9-11

"Christmas Belles"

Presented by Attic Productions. Evening shows at 7:30 p.m.; weekend matinees at 2 p.m. Adults, $12; students and seniors, $10. Attic Productions, 7490 Roanoke Road, Fincastle.

DEC. 3

Winter Lights Festival with Tuba Christmas

Carriage rides, business open houses, Tuba Christmas, pictures with Santa, parade, tree lighting and more. 4 to 8 p.m. Downtown Blacksburg. www.downtownblacksburg.com.

Sing We Now of Christmas

Christmas concert by the choirs of Virginia Tech. 8 p.m. $15. Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, 402 Second St., Roanoke. 344-6225.

Lexington Christmas Parade

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Downtown Lexington. 261-6436.

Salem Christmas Parade

6:30 p.m. Main Street, Salem. 387-0267.

Dickens of a Night

A street celebration of the holiday season. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Downtown Floyd. 745-6992.

DEC. 3, 10, 17

Dickens of a Christmas

Christmas tree lighting, Dec. 3; Christmas parade, Dec. 10; pet costume contest, Dec. 17. 6 to 10 p.m. Free. Downtown Roanoke. 342-2028.

DEC. 3-5, 9-12, 16-19, 21-22

"Narnia!"

Four young adventurers playing hide-and-seek in the country home of an old professor stumble upon an enchanted wardrobe that takes them to magical places. 7 p.m.; matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Adults, $20; children, $15. Roanoke Children's Theatre, Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke. www.roanokechildrenstheatre.org; 309-6802.

DEC. 4

The Christmas List

Fourth annual craft show featuring wooden items, baked goods, dog treats, quilts and quilt racks, jewelry and more. Half of concession proceeds benefit St. Francis Service Dogs. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taylor Masonic Lodge, 1220 Texas St., Salem. 588-8297.

Ye Olde Salem Christmas

Carriage rides, carolers, choirs, mass choir and children's games all ring in the holidays. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Salem. 375-3507.

Holiday Health Fest for Kids

Event focusing on promoting healthy choices. Featuring hands-on activities, face painting and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Valley View Mall. 772-7524.

Santa Arrives by Rail

This community holiday tradition marks Santa's seventh ride into Roanoke on a Norfolk & Southern caboose. Featuring story time, crafts, snacks and more. Wear your pajamas. 4:30 p.m. $8; $7. O. Winston Link Museum, 101 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke. 982-5465.

Bedford Christmas Parade

Noon. Downtown Bedford. www.centertownbedford.com.

Fincastle Christmas Parade

2 p.m. Downtown Fincastle. 473-8339.

Breakfast with Santa

Tickets are available at Salem Parks & Rec and through the Salem Lacrosse Foundation. 9 to 10:30 a.m. $5. Mac and Bob's, Downtown Salem. 375-3057.

Edible Gifts

Including homemade vanilla extract, handcrafted chocolates, gifts for the hot beverage lover and candied popcorn. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $30. Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke. 776-3693.

"The Magic Toyshop"

Presented by the Roanoke Ballet Theatre. This performance features Roanoke's City Youth Ballet and includes guest dancers from the Hollins Repertory Dance Company. 6 p.m. Adults, $20; students, $10; children under 3, free. Jefferson Center. www.roanokeballet.org.

The Last Good Christmas: A Celebration Under The Shadow of Impending Civil War

A living history program taking visitors back to a Christmas long ago. 3 to 8 p.m. Booker T. Washington National Monument, 12130 Booker T. Washington Highway, Hardy. 721-2094.

DEC. 4-5

31st Annual Old Southwest Holiday Parlor Tour

Eight houses and St. Mark's Lutheran Church are on the tour. 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. $15. Old Southwest Roanoke. 343-8794.

DEC. 4, 11

Christmas Craft Bazaar & Farmers Market

Featuring local churches, civic organizations and vendors with crafts, wreaths, fresh greens, baked goods and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. BB&T Parking Lot, 19792 Main St., Buchanan. 254-1212.

DEC. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

Holiday Open House at Chateau Morrisette

Start the holidays with beautiful seasonal decorations, discounts on wine and gifts, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, mulled wine, sparkling cider, winery tours and wine tastings. Noon to 4 p.m. Chateau Morrisette, 287 Winery Road, Floyd. www.thedogs.com.

DEC. 5

Virginia Mountain Vineyards Holiday Open House

Light food fare, holiday treats, Holiday Spice wine, hot cider for the kids and make a grapevine wreath while "A Chord" provides music. Noon to 5 p.m. Free. Virginia Mountain Vineyards, 4204 Old Fincastle Road, Fincastle. 473-2979.

Hollins University's White Gift Service

Hollins University's annual service of Advent and Christmas choral music. 7:30 p.m. Free. DuPont Chapel, Hollins University. 362-6451.

Christmas Home Tour

Visit landmarks and homes in Troutville, concluding with a reception at Troutville Church of the Brethren. Call to get complete list of stops. 1 to 5 p.m. $7. 992-4401.

Floyd Christmas Parade

3 p.m. Downtown Floyd. 789-7210.

DEC. 6

Roanoke County's Annual Tree Lighting

Christmas carols will be sung by Roanoke County's After School for Kids participants. Light refreshments will be served. Stay for a visit with Santa Claus. 6 p.m. Free. Green Ridge Recreation Center, 7415 Wood Haven Road, Roanoke. 387-6078.

DEC. 9

Van trips to Christmas at Hotel Roanoke

Enjoy the hotel's beautiful decorations and the display of trees decorated by area businesses. After lunch, tour the Fire Station No. 1 located in the downtown area. Vans depart from Kessler Mill at 9:45 a.m., return at 3 p.m.; depart Brambleton Center at 10 a.m., return at 2:45 p.m.; depart Green Ridge at 10 a.m., return at 2:45 p.m. $42 fee includes lunch buffet, tour of fire station, van and escorts. 387-6078.

Ladies Night in Blacksburg

Free gift wrap, personal shopping assistance, special discounts and more. Participating downtown Blacksburg merchants will be open late. Full details at www.downtownblacksburg.com.

Dec. 10

Roanoke Symphony Holiday Picnic at the Pops Concert

Holiday music performed by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. 7 p.m. $8 to $34. Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem. www.salemciviccenter.com.

Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18

"GIVE, A Christmas Musical"

A musical about a family struggling with an overabundance of stuff and a lack of happiness at Christmastime. Profits will be divided among three local charities. 8 p.m. $12. Dumas Center, Downtown Roanoke. www.givemusical.com.

DEC. 10-12

"The Gospel According to Scrooge"

The Dec. 10 performance will be dinner theatre, Dec. 11 will feature high tea and Dec. 12 will feature desserts. The musical is a Christian adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.; Sunday, 5:30 p.m. Price varies depending on performance. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Grandin Court Baptist Church, 2660 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke. 774-1684.

DEC. 11

Breakfast with Santa

A breakfast buffet, children's entertainment, a Christmas musical and pictures with Santa. Proceeds Benefit CHIP of Roanoke Valley. 8 a.m. Adults, $30 or $35 after Dec. 1; children, $19 or $24 after Dec. 1. Children 2 and under are free. Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke. 857-6993.

Buchanan Holiday Parade

4 p.m. Main St., Buchanan. 254-1212.

Kids in the Kitchen: Holiday Baking

Make festive cookies to celebrate the season. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $26. Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke. 776-3693.

Historic Fincastle Inc. Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace

Holiday Home Tour and Marketplace with more than 30 vendors. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $15. Fincastle Baptist Church, 7330 Roanoke Road, Fincastle. 265-0035.

Holiday Open House at Foggy Ridge Cider & Blacksnake Meadery

Enjoy mulled mead by the fire at Blacksnake Meadery and apple themed treats at Foggy Ridge. Last open day of the season. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Foggy Ridge Cider and Blacksnake Meadery. (276) 398-2337.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk

Fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation. Wear a themed costume and run or walk with a team. 9 a.m. Price varies. Downtown Roanoke. jinglebellrunroanoke.kintera.org.

DEC. 11-12

The Nutcracker

Performed by The Southwest Virginia Ballet. Dec. 11, 7 p.m.; Dec. 12, 3 p.m. $17 to $41 for adults; $13 to $23 for children under 18. Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre, 710 Williamson Road, Roanoke. 853-5483.

DEC. 12

Candlelight Christmas Home Tour

Tour six Botetourt area homes dressed in their season's finest. A reception will follow. 1 to 6 p.m. Advance tickets available or at the door of each home. 254-1212.

SPCA Holiday Open House

The pets will be wearing their holiday finest hoping to meet their new families. Refreshments and activities for kids will be a part of the day. Bring your pet for a photo with Santa. Noon to 3 p.m. $10 for photo with Santa. Roanoke Valley SPCA, 1340 Baldwin Ave., Roanoke. www.rvspca.com.

Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops in Martinsville

More than 100 musicians and singers bring the spirit of the season to the community, and Grace Network will be collecting canned goods before the show. 7 p.m. $5 to $20. Martinsville High School Auditorium, 351 Commonwealth Blvd., Martinsville. (276) 632-3221.

DEC. 13

St. Lucia Christmas Concert

Featuring area choirs and musicians. Reception with Swedish treats will follow. 7:30 p.m. An offering will be taken. St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 631 Jefferson St., Roanoke. 989-7414.

DEC. 16

Easy Christmas Cooking

Learn some fun and simple Christmas recipes. 6 to 8 p.m. $30. Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke. 776-3693.

Gents Night

Free gift wrap, personal shopping assistance, special discounts and more. Participating downtown Blacksburg merchants. Stores and restaurants will be open late. Full details at www.downtownblacksburg.com.

Red, White and Art

Featuring Professor Michael O'Malley discussing the works of Thomas Nast and his imagery of St. Nick. 6 p.m. Free. Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave., Roanoke. 204-4100.

DEC. 17

Christmas Unplugged at the Stonewall Jackson House

Join a costumed guide for a candlelight tour of the Jackson House accompanied by live holiday music. Tours are followed by hot spiced cider and cookies. 5:30 to 7 p.m. $5. Stonewall Jackson House, 8 E. Washington St., Lexington. 463-2552.

DEC. 18

Gingerbread Houses

Assemble and decorate a gingerbread house. For all ages and skill levels. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 per house. Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke. 776-3693.

DEC. 24

Christmas Eve Luminary Display

If you, your church or your civic organization would like to participate, contact Buchanan Town Hall. 6 p.m. Main Street, Buchanan. 254-1212.

DEC. 31

New Year's Eve Gala

Featuring The Kings and the William Penn Quartet. Party favors and champagne at midnight. Black tie optional. Proceeds to benefit local charities. Prime Rib Buffet 7 to 8:30 p.m.; dance 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $82.50 per person, $165 per couple. Hotel Roanoke. 342-5089.

New Year's Eve Bell Ringing

Come for refreshments and the countdown to midnight when all the historic church bells ring in the New Year and the beginning of Buchanan's Bicentennial Celebration. Midnight. Trinity Episcopal Church, 19640 Main St., Buchanan. 254-1212.

New Year's Lightning on The Lake

Featuring live musical entertainment by Dragonfly starting 7:30 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Includes dance, party favors, hors d'oeuvres, midnight champagne toast and a fireworks display. Must be 21 or older to attend. 297-4900.

jan. 6

Epiphany Tree Burning

Enjoy carols and refreshments on Twelfth Night culminating in a bonfire made from the town's holiday tree and other family Christmas trees. 7 p.m. Buchanan Town Park, Lowe Street, Buchanan. 254-1212.