The first day of winter is this month, and we're here to help you thrive this season! Check our our Seasonal Survival Guide for tips and suggestions to make the most of the shorter days this time of year. Plus, if you're looking for holiday programs, rest assured that we've got plenty!


Live Wreath Making workshops are already underway, Candlelight Christmas Tours at the Fishburn Mansion start soon, the Yule Masquerade Ball is back, and the Annual Holiday Open House is December 14. New this year is a Belle & Beast Enchanted Christmas Ball, a delightfully whimsical holiday event! We're also looking forward to a group tour of the holiday décor at The Greenbrier and Homestead Resorts. Happy Holidays!
SEASONAL SURVIVAL GUIDE

Join us for our FREE Holiday Open House at the Historic Fishburn Mansion! The mansion and grounds will be open to the public for a self-guided tour experience on Sunday, December 14 from 1:00-5:00 PM.


Step back in time as you explore the mansion in its holiday splendor. Learn about the history of the home and the family that occupied it while enjoying the décor and imagine Christmases of decades past.
MORE INFO

Help care for Roanoke's trees by becoming a Volunteer Tree Steward!


This free training is only offered once a year and includes expert instruction on tree biology, planting, pruning, diseases, and more. The training starts with nine Monday night classes beginning January 26, followed by three Saturday morning field sessions in the spring. Space is limited, register by January 12.
SIGN UP

Be sure to stop by the Mill Mountain Discovery Center this holiday season. We've got a variety of unique gifts, including Roanoke Star ornaments, shirts, beanies, tumblers, and much more!


Plus, enjoy the free crafts and educational exhibits while you explore, and take a stroll through the wildflower garden to enjoy holiday decorations courtesy of the Mill Mountain Garden Club!


Open Thursday through Sunday from 12-4 PM.
DISCOVERY CENTER
 

PARK PROJECT UPDATES

Check out the video below to take a peek at progress on the In-River Park, and stay tuned to our social media for upcoming details on other ongoing projects in our park system!
CITY PROJECTS HUB
 
 

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UPCOMING LOCAL DAY TRIPS:

DEC 6 - Southern Living Idea House Tour in Charlottesville 🏘️

DEC 13 - Holiday Tours at Homestead & Greenbrier Resorts 🎄

JAN 17 - Draper Blooms High Tea & Thee Draper Village ☕
 

SAVE THE DATE: ROANOKE 100 MILER

Here's a New Years resolution you'll actually look forward to! The Roanoke 100 Miler is a great way to stay active during the cold winter months. All it takes is committing to complete 100 miles in 100 days.⁠ You can walk, run, bike, hike, or substitute one mile with 30 minutes of human-powered activity (like yoga, rock climbing, basketball, dancing, swimming, etc.).


There are hundreds of ways to participate, so what are you waiting for? Save the date: kickoff is January 13!
MORE INFO - REGISTRATION COMING SOON

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Candlelight Christmas Tours

Enjoy an intimate tour of Roanoke’s Historic Fishburn Mansion by candlelight. Tours are held at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM on December 11 & 12. Space is limited, sign up here.

WHEN SCHOOL'S OUT, WE STILL PLAY!

Could your child use some enrichment this winter break? Our P.L.A.Y. Winter Camp if full of activities, games, crafts, movies, and more!

  • Ages 5-11 (grades K-5)
  • December 29-31 and January 2 (closed January 1)
  • 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Held at Preston Park Recreation Center
  • Breakfast and a snack provided (please pack a lunch)
  • $100/child for all 4 days
More Info and Sign Up Details

Plus, we're offering another Parents' Night Out on Dec. 19 from 6-10 PM. Perfect for date night or getting some Christmas shopping done!
  • Dinner & Snack Provided
  • Held at Preston Park Rec Center
  • Ages 5-11 (grades K-5)
  • $25/child

To register or learn more, contact Preston Park Rec Center directly at 540-853-2770.
 

ICYMI

Our Urban Forestry team have the very big job of setting up the official City of Roanoke Christmas tree in John Nolen Plaza every year.


Click the photo to view more of the 2025 tree set up (plus, an "unwrapping" video), and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@playroanoke) so you don't miss updates like this!


Remember to head downtown for the first night of Dickens of a Christmas this Friday, December 5 for the official Tree Lighting! 
PLAY Roanoke Instagram
 
 

PLAY PROGRAMS THIS MONTH
 

DEC 4 🚐 DAY TRIP: Trader Joe’s & Lunch – Greensboro, NC

DEC 6 🦅 Birding Tour at Greenfield Recreation Park

DEC 6 🥾 Devils Marbleyard Hike

DEC 6 🚐 DAY TRIP: Southern Living Idea House Tour – Charlottesville, Virginia

DEC 7 🚲 Happy Valley Grit Gravel Race

DEC 12 🎀 Live Wreath Making

DEC 11 & 12 🕯️ Candlelight Christmas Tours

DEC 13 🥾 Winter Wonderland Hike and Warm Spring Float

DEC 13 🚐 DAY TRIP: Holiday Tours at Homestead & The Greenbrier

DEC 13 🌹 Belle and Beast’s Enchanted Christmas Ball

DEC 14 📷 Outdoor Photography Basics

DEC 14 🎄 Holiday Open House at the Fishburn Mansion

DEC 19 🌜 Parents’ Night Out

DEC 20 🦅 Birding Tour Claytor Lake

DEC 20 ✨ Yule Masquerade Ball

DEC 29-31 & JAN 2 ❄️ P.L.A.Y. Winter Camp
VIEW FULL ACTIVITY CALENDAR
 

Roanoke Parks and Recreation | 215 Church Avenue Room 303 | Roanoke, VA 24011 US

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