ROANOKE, Va. – Changes are coming to Downtown Roanoke's beloved Dickens of a Christmas celebrations.
In honor of the 35th year, organizers have decided to add a Dickens Winter Carnival that will feature 11 attractions, including a Ferris wheel. All-you-can-ride wristbands will be sold on-site for $5. Because of this addition, the Christmas parade will now be on a Saturday instead of the traditional Friday.
The festivities will kick off Friday, December 1 with the lighting of the Roanoke Christmas Tree in Wells Fargo Plaza, the grassy area next to the pedestrian bridge that leads to the Hotel Roanoke. That ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the tree lighting happening at 6:20 p.m. There will be live performances by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Miss Mona's School of Dance, Fame All Stars Cheer Group, and Triad Arial Arts.
The new carnival will be Friday, December 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cash and credit will be accepted for the $5 wristbands. An adult accompanying a child (12 and under) can ride for free.
This year's parade will be held Saturday, December 9 at 6 p.m. It will follow the same route as it usually does, beginning at the intersection of Jefferson St. Elm Ave., turning onto Campbell Ave., going past Market Square and then ending at Williamson Rd.
The Roanoke Valley SPCA will once again have its pet costume contest Friday, December 15 at the Wells Fargo Plaza. The contest begins at 6:30 p.m. A zone with artificial snow will be set up so that children can sled and play in the "snow," no matter what the forecast holds.
Elmwood on Ice will be open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. during all three Fridays of Dickens. As always, each night of Dickens will feature carriage rides, live carolers, a living nativity scene, and photos with Santa. There will also be a magician, fire-eater and sword swallower to add to the entertainment.