Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas: December 5, 12, 19 - 2025
The Roanoke Valley's largest holiday celebration, Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas, returns for its 43rd year, taking place on the first three Friday nights in December.
Night 1 - December 5, 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.
Night 2 - December 12, 6pm - 10pm
Featuring The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade presented by ValleyStar Credit Union
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!
The parade is full, and we are no longer accepting applications.
Night 3 - December 19, 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
Cox S'mores Station
Head to Salem Avenue behind the City Market Building to roast your marshmallow to golden perfection over a fire pit 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.
Snowzilla Jr.
At almost 35 feet tall and 90 feet long, Snowzilla Jr. is a huge winter-themed inflatable slide. Climb 20’ of rugged terrain to the summit, and at the top of your hike, you are faced with almost 50’ of an exhilarating slide! Beneath this massive winter-themed slide is an enclosed jumping area moonwalk.
Additional Information
Please click here to review the street closures for all 3 nights.
There will be a 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.
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.
Vending & Volunteering
Want to be a vendor? Complete the application and return it to Tyler Mundy at TylerM@DowntownRoanoke.org.
Our nonprofit relies on dedicated volunteers to help make Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas successful.
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 all of the Scout Elves hiding in downtown stores.
Thank you to these great sponsors:
