With a name like PLAY Roanoke, you know we’re ready to shine this holiday season! We’ve got holiday programs for DIY enthusiasts, history buffs, energetic kiddos, and those looking for a way to unwind. Make the most out of your holiday season with our top picks.
Don’t Miss these Roanoke Christmas Classics
As November turns to December, the PLAY Roanoke Urban Forestry team will kick off the season by placing the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree downtown. The official tree lighting will take place Friday, December 2 with the ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the lighting happening at 6:20 p.m. Stick around after for the first night of the Downtown Roanoke, Inc. Dickens of a Christmas. The annual Roanoke Christmas Parade is another classic Christmas experience, happening Friday, December 9. Be sure to be there for a glimpse of the PLAY Roanoke float! If you need one more idea for a vintage Roanoke Christmas experience, plan a visit to the Mill Mountain Star – it was originally constructed as a Christmas decoration after all!
Christmas Tree Lighting | December 2 | Downtown Roanoke
Roanoke Christmas Parade | December 9 | Downtown Roanoke
Get Creative with Holiday Crafts
Flex your DIY muscles this holiday season with two great options! Join us for a wreath making workshop and fill your home with aromas of fresh evergreens. This beginner-friendly program is open to all ages and each participant will leave with a full size wreath to adorn their door throughout the season. Our candle making workshop is another great way to get crafty and creative. This program is for ages 12 and up and each participant will be able to create a custom candle, choosing color, fragrance, and decoration options. Space is limited.
Live Wreath Making Workshop | December 3, 1-3 PM | December 6, 6-8 PM
Candle Making Workshop | December 4 | 2:30-4:30 PM
Experience a Christmas of the Past
Step back in time and explore the Historic Fishburn Mansion in its holiday finest. The 42-room Georgian-Revival mansion was built in 1907 by Junius B. Fishburn. The spacious rooms are meticulously decorated during the holiday season for guests to enjoy. Candlelight Christmas Tours offer guests the opportunity to explore while learning about the history of the mansion and the family who occupied it. Or, join for the free Holiday Open House and drop in at your leisure for a self-guided tour. Candlelight tours require pre-registration and space is limited. The Holiday Open House is free and no registration is required.
Free Holiday Open House | December 11 | 1-5 PM
Candlelight Christmas Tours | December 8 and 9 | Tours at 5:30 PM and 7 PM
Find Your Calm This Season
If the holiday season is feeling more stressful and less jolly, you may be interested in our Restorative Candlelight Yoga. Take time to step away from the busy season and center yourself with a yoga flow surrounded by the calming glow of candlelight. This combination class will begin with an all-levels vinyasa flow, then shift to a restorative yin class. Based in the Historic Fishburn Mansion, you can also enjoy the festive decorations in a beautiful setting.
Restorative Candlelight Yoga | December 15 | 5:45-6:45 PM
Make this Season Sweet with a Treat!
Earn your stripes at Santa’s Candy Cane Hunt! Help uncover the candy canes that were hidden around the Fishburn Mansion by sneaky elves. Make sure you get to them before the hungry reindeer can find them, and keep an eye out for Santa, he may just drop in with a special treat! This fun program is great for ages ten and under, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Santa’s Candy Cane Hunt | December 17 | 11 AM-12:30 PM
