Insiders Guide - Dickens of a Christmas 2024
Category: What’s New
In this Insiders Guide, we'll give you the full scoop on everything you need to know about Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas. We cover parking, event details, highlight things you don't want to miss, and offer some tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Event Information
What: Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas is the Roanoke Valley's largest holiday celebration. There is a tree lighting, Christmas parade, pet costume contest, kids activities, train rides, horse drawn carriages, and food and crafts vendors.
When: The first three Fridays of December (6, 13, & 20) from 6pm to 10pm
Where: Downtown Roanoke
Night 1 - December 6th
The first night of Dickens kicks off with the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting, which takes place on Salem Avenue in the Plaza behind the Market Building. The ceremony begins at 5:30pm with the tree lighting at 6:20pm and will include live stage performances from Opera Roanoke and LEAP Performing Arts Academy. Arrive early for a good spot to watch the festivities.
Night 2 - December 13th
The highly anticipated City of Roanoke Christmas Parade presented by Ridge View Bank takes place on the second night of Dickens. The parade begins at 6:30pm on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, turns onto Campbell Avenue, goes past Market Square, and ends at Williamson Road.
The parade will include floats, bands, clowns, community groups, and more!
Night 3 - December 20th
The final night of Dickens is perfect for those wanting to bring a furry friend along. The beloved Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest takes 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 include Best Holiday Theme, Crowd Favorite, Most Creative, Funniest Costume, and Best Smile so start picking out costumes!
Dickens Highlights
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.
S'mores Station presented by your Blue Ridge Honda Dealers
Indulge in the delightful flavors of winter at the S'mores Station. 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 are available on Friday, December 20th, 6-9pm while supplies last!
Carriage Rides
If you adore horses, we have something you'll love. Carriage rides will be available 6pm-10pm on December 6th and 20th at Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas. Take in the wonder of the event while beautiful horses guide you around downtown.
The ticket booth is located near the carriage stop on Campbell Avenue.
How it works: Walk up to the ticket booth and purchase a ticket. Carriage rides are $5 per person and kids under 3 ride for free. We accept cash and credit cards. Once you've received your ticket, staff will direct you to the line for rides. Once you reach the front of the line, hand staff your ticket and you will be assisted into the carriage. Then, ride around and have a good time. When the ride is over, someone will assist you down to the ground.
Please note that ticket sales end at 9:30pm.
Cox Mobile Kids Zone
Bring the little ones to the Cox Mobile Kids Zone for a night filled with fun! Kids 12 and under can enjoy a variety of free activities, including inflatables, interactive games, and hands-on activities from 6-9pm all three nights.
This special zone is conveniently located next to the City Market Building, between Market Street and Wall Street.
Santa's Workshop
Don't forget to visit the Roanoke City Market Building for children's activities. While you're there, mail a letter to Santa at the North Pole. Get into the holiday spirit with craft kits from Home Depot. Your keepsake will keep the magic alive for years to come.
Santa’s Workshop is located on the ground floor and will be open all three nights of Dickens.
Cactus Joe Choo Choo
Take a ride on the amazing Cactus Joe Choo Choo! The train route travels down Salem Ave., passing the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree, Cox Mobile Kids Zone, and City Market Building, before turning around at the Taubman Museum of Art and heading back to the start. Catch the train on December 6th and 20th, 6-10pm.
Free Santa Photos presented by PARK Roanoke
As a professional photographer, Patrick Perkins has a special ability to connect with clients. Patrick is offering free photo sessions with Santa at Dickens of a Christmas, courtesy of PARK Roanoke.
Head over to Market Square and look for Santa! You will find Patrick there on December 6th, 7-9 pm, December 13th, 8:30-10pm, and December 20th, 7-9pm.
Top Tips for Making the Most of Dickens
Parking and Street Closures - Plan Your Trip in Advance
Parking can be stressful, but we're here to make it as simple as possible. We recommend PARK Roanoke because they offer parking in lots and garages at rates lower than privately owned lots and garages. You can find a full list of downtown parking options here.
Make sure to review our street closures for the event so that you can decide the on best route and parking. There are quite a few closures!
Read our Official Guide
We created a beautiful insert for Dickens 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.
If you haven't already, look over the insert to know exactly what you can expect at Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas.
Save Time for The Elf on the Shelf® Adventure in Downtown
Santa's Scout Elves have landed in Downtown Roanoke. Come on a fun scavenger hunt and find the 16 Scout Elves hiding in downtown stores and restaurants.
You can pick up a passport from any of the participating locations. Once you find a Scout Elf, tell an employee at the location and get a stamp. Once your passport is full, meaning you've found all 16 Scout Elves, drop off your completed passport at Mast General Store by 6pm on January 6th to be entered for a chance to win $1,000!
Stroll Through the Market
In addition to all of the amazing restaurants and retailers we have downtown, Market Street will feature an extraordinary variety of seasonal vendors. You'll find everything from beautifully handcrafted holiday wreaths and ornaments to irresistible treats like kettle corn.
Whether you're searching for the perfect gift, a festive snack, or something to make your holidays shine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Plus, roasted chestnuts will be available on December 6th and 13th on Campbell Avenue, in front of 202 Social House. Peruse the items for sale and maybe check an item off your Christmas shopping list. Some vendors will be set up at the Market stalls and others can be found in the Square. See what they have to offer.