Home for the Holidays – Sleighing Winter Break

We’re making a list to help you find the most festive spots around the Roanoke Region.

Cheers to Catching Up: Local Roanoke Spots to Sip, Snack, and Be Merry

Let’s catch up! From coffee to craft cocktails, here are the best places for sipping with friends, old and new. Each stop gets a Santa Category based on its holiday energy, from casual spots to full-on holiday cheer.

🎅 = Chill Vibes (Subtle holiday touches, cozy but not OTT)

🎅🎅 = Warm & Festive (Holiday lights, themed drinks, general holiday mischief)

🎅🎅🎅 = Christmas AF (Festive overload, pop-ups, holiday decor everywhere)

 

🎅 Second Cafe: The cutest coffee shop in Old Southwest Roanoke. Big bay windows, lots of cozy seating, friendly staff, and quality drinks.  

🎅🎅 The Albemarle Bakery and Coffee House: Another great Old Southwest option for warm pastries, charming cafe vibes, and plenty of room to linger. 

🎅🎅 Sweet Donkey Coffee: An all-season classic, but always knows how to bring in a little extra holiday glow. They also have meeting rooms upstairs that you can reserve if you need that alone time away from all the holiday hubbub. 

🎅 Six and Sky Rooftop Grille: A swanky, modern rooftop bar with a sprinkle of holiday vibes baked into their seasonal menus.

🎅🎅 Train Station Speakeasy (Holiday Pop-Up): A limited-time Christmas speakeasy serving up festive cocktails and cozy cheer. This is also an event venue for holiday shin digs! 

🎅🎅🎅 Miracle at Stellina: Yummy cocktails in a T-Rex Christmas cup, naughty and nice shots in ceramic Santa heads, wrapping paper lining the walls, and an upside-down Christmas tree. Need we say more??

🎅 Town Center Tap House: While this Daleville spot is not covered in holiday garb, this place is the spot for trivia, holiday cocktails, and Christmas ranch (kidding, it’s just regular ranch… but it’s worth mentioning.) 

🎅🎅 Anastasia’s Speakeasy: Hidden and classy, with a sprinkle of holiday. They’ve got delicious holiday cocktails, rare bourbons, and delish bites in a sneaky spot in Rocky Mount, VA.  

🎅🎅 Olde Town Social House: Vintage living room vibes meet small plates, wine, cocktails, and local charm. 

🎅 A Few Old Goats Brewing Buchanan: This is a good spot for those who prefer spacious brewery vibes vs. the cozy cocktail spot. They even have winter brews!

🎅 Bloom: Natural lighting, intimate, and not aggressively festive but elegant enough to feel special. Hot plates, shareables, delicious cocktails, and delish pot pie. 

🎅 Olde Salem Brewing: Main street charm and market lights? That’s small-town holiday magic. They also have a location on Market Street in downtown Roanoke!

🎅 Big Lick Brewing Company: Yummy beer, outside firepits, pinball machines, and board games. They also have live music performances on the regular, so check their schedule online.

Shop Small, Stress Less: Local Roanoke Region Shop Stops

Last-minute shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Support local businesses and knock out your list with thoughtful gifts from across the region! Each shop gets a Gift Category, whether you’re looking for a special knick-knack or the latest trend.

🎁 = Local Art, Clothing, & Decor (For the art and design lovers)

🚵 = Outdoorsy Finds (Whether you’re gifting an experience or equipment)

🛍️ = One-Stop-Shop (Great mix of local gifts for all ages/interests)

 

🎁 Sycamore Station: The cutest community hub in Salem. They sell art from local artisans, as well as sandwiches and various drinks, if you’d like a quick bite or a coffee while you shop.  

🎁 The French Farmhouse: Perfect spot if you’re shopping for someone who loves rustic, elegant decor. 

🛍️ Mast General Store: From barrels of candy to home goods and outdoor gear, this is one of those places where you can find something for everyone on your list. All while shopping small, too!  

🎁 Crafteria: Find small-batch food and handmade goods from 60+ craftspeople. Find anything from records, pottery, coffee, candles, Appalachia-themed gifts, jewelry, and woodworking. 

🛍️ Chocolate Paper: Grab an eclectic ornament for your whimsy friend, a cocktail smoker for your bourbon buddy, and homemade truffles for the sweet tooth in your crew. This downtown gem is packed with unexpected treasures.

🎁 Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center in Clifton Forge: Their shop offers one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces from artists of all media!  

🚵 Roanoke Mountain Adventures: If you’re shopping for someone outdoorsy and love a good deal, this one is for you. They sell everything from bikes to boats and even ski equipment! They also offer guided e-bike tours around the city if you’re down for an adventure.

🚵 Rock Outdoors: If you’re in the Smith Mountain Lake area, you have to check out this boating, fishing, and outdoor shop in Westlake Center, featuring top brands like Boggs, Chubbies, Hydroflask, Sanuk, Drake, Huk, and more. 

🎁 Gifts Ahoy: Another gem in the SML area. This store, located at the Bridgewater Plaza, offers souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, and even some delicious, mouth-watering fudge.  

🎁 Black Dog Salvage: If you wanna gift something that tells a story, this is the place to shop. You can find literally anything in there. Anything.

🎁 Crystal Spring Grocery: A refreshing eatery that also sells local artisanal goods and quality wine.  

🎁 310 Rosemont in downtown Roanoke: A contemporary boutique where you’ll find all the latest trends for both men and women.  

🎁 Artisan Christmas Market at Explore Park: This market features unique handmade gifts from over 30 local artisans! 

🚵 Walkabout Outfitter in Downtown Roanoke and at Valley View Mall, you’re able to find the best outdoor brands such as Patagonia, L.L. Bean, KAVU, CamelBak, Cotopaxi, and many more.

The Classical Christmas Things of Roanoke

Did you know that the Roanoke Star was gifted initially as a Christmas decoration? That’s right, Roanoke keeps its Christmas cheer up and running all year long, and Roanoke just isn’t Roanoke without these Christmas classics. Each activity gets a Festivity Category based on how Christmasy it is, from a cozy nod to the season to full-on Clark Griswold.

🎄 = Sprinkle of Holiday Cheer (a dash of holiday for the season)

🎄🎄 = Merry & Bright (festive fun for a day)

🎄🎄🎄 = A Whole Lotta Spirit (Christmas-on-steroids)

*Make sure to click the links to check the dates for these events.  

 

🎄🎄🎄 Illuminights: Wander around a half-mile wooded trail filled with over 650K lights! The Winter Walk of Lights at Explore Park is mindfully reinvented each year, making it new every year.  

🎄🎄🎄 Land of Lights: This drive-thru light experience in Franklin County is free, and you don’t even have to leave the warmth of your car to experience the magic!  

🎄🎄 Mill Mountain Theater: This theater is our go-to for watching the classics we all love. Check out their schedule and go with your friends and family. They know how to put on a show!

🎄🎄 Botetourt Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail: Beautifully decorated trees designed by local businesses and organizations. These are displayed in historic downtown Fincastle. 

🎄🎄Fashions for Evergreens: Did you really come home for the holidays if you didn’t look at the trees at the iconic Hotel Roanoke? Make it a whole experience and grab a drink at the 1882. 

🎄🎄SWVA Ballet The Nutcracker: You can’t tell us your holiday season would be complete without the Rat King. Picture this: pre-game snacks at Sidecar, followed by a showing of The Nutcracker, and a nightcap at Martin’s Downton. Cheers to the Rat King!

🎄🎄Dickens of a Christmas: A can’t-miss holiday event in downtown Roanoke featuring vendors, food, and entertainment.  

🎄🎄🎄 Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest: This is a fan-favorite event. We don’t need to explain why.  

Where to Go for Festive Fun with Friends in Roanoke

Because holiday cheer is better when shared, here are the spots to turn a plan-less night into something merry and bright. Each adventure is marked with an Activity Category, letting you know if it’s just a light dusting of holiday spirit or a full-on blizzard of cheer.

❄️ = Lightly Festive (a regular activity with a sprinkle of holiday cheer)

❄️❄️ = Solidly Seasonal (has a noticeable holiday twist)

❄️❄️❄️ = Holiday Magic (super festive, holiday-specific, or only happens this time of year)

 

❄️❄️Ice Bumper Cars: Bumper cars are fun, right? Bumper cars on ice, where you spin 360 degrees? Legendary. Zero skill required, maximum laughter guaranteed. 

❄️The Spot on Kirk: Intimate shows, eclectic genres, and that cozy, only-in-Roanoke music magic. Pro tip: Catch a show and then hit up Lucky for a nightcap.

❄️❄️❄️TheSlapShop Workshop: Make something merry! G2KN Talent Ambassador Gabrielle King hosts holi-clay workshops where you and a buddy can craft a keepsake.

❄️❄️Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Hockey: Loud, fast, fun. Nothing screams friendship like actual screaming, chanting, and cheering at a Dawgs game.

❄️❄️Motel Studios Class: Try something new or flex your inner artist. A hands-in studio class makes the perfect friend date. 

❄️Bingo or Trivia at Twin Creeks Brewing in Vinton: Enjoy cold pints, get a little competitive, and who knows, maybe you’ll even win some prizes!   

❄️❄️❄️Elf on the Shelf Adventure: This is a fun scavenger hunt that might just help you discover your new favorite local store (you could even win some $$$).  

❄️❄️❄️Grandin Holiday Lights Extravaganza: Wander Grandin Village with cocoa in hand while soaking in the colorful light displays.   

❄️❄️❄️Holiday Open Skate at Lancerlot Ice Rink (Vinton): Lace up your skates at this full-sized rink with tons of open ice availability. For nearly two weeks during winter break, there are multiple holiday skate sessions per day, featuring lights, festive music, and cocoa at the snack bar!

Fresh Spots in Roanoke to Put on Your Radar

A lot has changed since you’ve been gone. Here are other new places you should check out while you’re still in town. We’ve categorized these by Freshness, from brand-spanking new to a spot you haven’t heard of yet!

🎉 = Cozy & Newish (Slightly new, but worth checking out)

🎉🎉 = Elf-Approved (A new spot you need to put on your radar)

🎉🎉🎉 = The Top of the Tree (Super buzzy, everyone’s talking about it)

 

🎉🎉🎉The Fishin’ Pig: Southern BBQ meets seafood with cocktails on the side – the kind of mashup that feels like a holiday feast! They also have a new patio for the warmer winter nights.

🎉🎉🎉The Haven: A downtown revival in the old Awful Arthur’s spot. Drinks, pool, and a festive buzz.

🎉🎉Brood: Salem’s new upscale date-night spot. It’s got the perfect blend of gourmet dishes and delicious cocktails, all in an authentic atmosphere.

🎉Ike’s Kitchen: Cocktails + anime + holiday lights = a new vibe you didn’t know you needed. The new Japanese anime-inspired bar attached to the restaurant features drinks like Princess Peach, Moon Prism, Flame Breathing Negroni – need we say more?

🎉🎉🎉The BiblioPub: Looking for a cozy night to yourself or with a friend, stop by Roanoke’s first bookstore, cafe, and bar. The ambiance is unmatched, the homemade food is delicious, and there is always something to read.

🎉Panda Boba: If you like boba, you have to try this boba spot in Vinton. They’ve got tons of flavors for you to mix and match.  

🎉🎉Noodle Factory: This new spot features fluffy bao buns and flavorful ramen. Perfect for the chilly weather!  

🎉🎉Donnie D’s Roanoke location: Who doesn’t love a good Donnie D’s bagel? And now they’re in Roanoke and Daleville!  

🎉🎉🎉Market on Melrose: Nutritious, high-quality groceries in NW! This is the perfect spot to spice up your grocery shopping while exploring a brand-new spot in our region. While you’re there, check out Henrietta’s Cafe for a hot meal. 

Ring in the New Year, Roanoke-Style

From all-night dances to mountain-top fireworks, Roanoke has a NYE option for every kind of reveler! Just remember: some of these spots may require tickets in advance, so grab yours before the ball drops. We’ve categorized these get-downs by energy scale, from low-key and quiet to champagne showers.

🕛 = Fresh Start (Quiet, reflective, make it your own)

🕛🕛 = Sparkling Bash (Festive, high energy, but not overwhelming)

🕛🕛🕛 = Countdown Craze (Full-on party, confetti-level chaos)

*Some of these may require tickets in advance.*

 

🕛 or 🕛🕛🕛 Taubman Museum: Live bands, dancing, desserts, and a speakeasy lounge with caffeine – plus quiet galleries when you need a breather. The grown-up’s ultimate NYE.

🕛🕛🕛 Sidewinders: Two stages, two DJs, and a midnight toast. It’s a boot stompin’, glass clinkin’ NYE blowout.

🕛🕛5 Points Music Sanctuary: They’re having a NYE party featuring Mojo Sauce Hornsmen and Ultimate Talking Heads Tribute band Same As It Ever Was.

🕛🕛🕛Six & Sky Rooftop Grille: Three different music acts plus multiple bars, fire pits, photo booth, party favors, and champagne toast.

🕛🕛🕛Martin’s Downtown: Live music, pickle shots, and classic Martin’s energy. If your goal is to start 2026 with a story, this is it.

🕛🕛The Park: Two DJs, special performances, midnight toast, and they’ll also be showing the live NYC drag show!

🕛Hike Mill Mountain: Not much of a New Year’s Eve person? Start the year off by moving your feet and breathing in the fresh air with walk/run clubs like RunAbout Sports and Fleet Feet Roanoke.

 

Welcome Home and Happy Holidays!

Whether you’re in town because of family or exploring all the magic our region has to offer, we’re glad you’re here.

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