Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas December 6, 13, 20 - 2024
The Roanoke Valley’s largest holiday celebration, Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas, returns taking place on the first three Friday nights in December.
Night 1 - December 6, 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.
You can watch the tree lighting live on WDBJ7, too.
Night 2 - December 13, 6pm - 10pm
Featuring The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade presented by Ridge View Bank
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.
The parade is rain or shine!
You can watch the parade on WZBJ24.
*Please note that our parade is now full.
Night 3 - December 20, 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.
Categories: Best Holiday Theme, Crowd Favorite, Most Creative, Funniest Costume, and Best Smile
S'mores Station presented by your Blue Ridge Honda Dealers
Head to Salem Avenue behind the City Market Building to roast your marshmallow to golden perfection over a firepit and warm your hands at the same time. FREE pre-made kits include all of the s'more making essentials, including chocolate, graham crackers, and a marshmallow. Kits are available 6pm to 9pm while supplies last.
Flurry Frenzy presented by Galen College of Nursing
Get ready for a flurry of fun at Century Plaza on Friday, December 20th for our first ever Flurry Frenzy! Sponsored by the Galen College of Nursing, experience the joy of winter with a thrilling snowball fight—no snow required! Armed with soft, artificial snowballs, participants of all ages will battle it out in a family-friendly competition.
Additional Information
There will be the Cox Mobile Kids Zone with inflatables, games, and activities each night of Dickens.
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.
Get a free photo with Santa courtesy of PARK Roanoke. As a professional photographer, Patrick Perkins
has a special ability to connect with clients. Patrick is offering free photo sessions in Market Square.
We created a beautiful insert for Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas in The Roanoke Times. The insert includes details about performances (singing and dancing), entertainers (fire performers, sword swallowers, balloon artists, etc.), which businesses are open late, and general event information.
Look over the insert to know exactly what you can expect at Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas.
The Elf on the Shelf® Adventure
We’re excited to bring back The Elf on the Shelf® Adventure sponsored by Gentry Locke again this year! You can come on a fun scavenger hunt and find the 16 Scout Elves hiding in downtown stores.
As a nonprofit, we rely on dedicated volunteers to help make Dickens a success.
Please review the street closures for all 3 nights of festivities.
Thank you to these great sponsors:
