Lynchburg Academy Center of the Arts to present circus-style act in November
During the performance, the center said that umbrellas will fly, fabrics will soar over the audience, balloons will swallow people, and snow will swirl and fill the stage – Air Play performances bring life to the air, transforming ordinary objects into uncommon beauty.
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16 ideas to spice up your Valentine’s Day plans in Southwest, Central Virginia
ROANOKE, Va. – Still haven’t planned the perfect Valentine’s Day date for your special someone? AdFort Hill Bowling’s 5th Annual Valentine’s Day Tournament in LynchburgPut your game face on for this date night with a bowling tournament at Fort Hill Bowling Center. Valentine’s Day Candlelight Wine Dinner in ForestWine and dinner by candlelight? Valentine’s Packages at Hotel Roanoke in RoanokeWith several packages offered, Hotel Roanoke has options from intimate getaways or much-needed alone time. Do you know any other romantic date ideas?
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Opera adapts to pandemic, hosts drive-thru show in a parking garage -- and the results are stunning
DETROIT – When one thinks of the opera, images of a parking garage are unlikely to come to mind, but some unexpected creativity during the pandemic allowed people to experience the opera from their vehicle. This proves it: When you can’t pack people into a theater, you find another way to perform. Michigan Opera Theatre opened its season in late December this way. Each act performed on a different level of the opera house garage. Watch nextREAD: Michigan Opera Theatre names Yuval Sharon new artistic director
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Illuminights kicks off the holiday season during its first weekend
ROANOKE, Va. – Illuminights is truly a winter wonderland experience that’s safe for the whole family, and people from across Virginia came to check it out during its first weekend on Friday. This half-mile walking trail at Explore Park has been transformed with more than 500,000 bright and shining lights. Though it’s only the second year of Illuminights, there has been a slight twist: social distancing. Guests are expected to social distance, wear a mask and pre-register for 30-minute time slots to keep everyone a safe six-feet apart. If you want to see the magic for yourself, register for a spot and buy your ticket online by clicking here.
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Franklin County shines bright with new drive-thru Christmas lights experience
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – If the dancing Santa doesn’t give it away, we’ll make it clear: Franklin County is definitely in the spirit. The Land of Lights is a new drive-thru experience, making smiles and shining bright. “With so many things canceled due to COVID we decided that we wanted to provide folks with something to bring a little joy this year,” said Nikki Custer, Franklin County Parks and Recreation athletics manager. Riley Smith gave it her seal of approval while her grandmother Emily Smith said it was pure Christmas joy. 2020 has shown us to make the best of the situation at hand, and this is an example of that.
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DAK Lights kicks of 10th season of holiday shows
DUBLIN, Va – One of the most famous light shows in the New River Valley is set to kick off Friday night. DAK Lights started its light and music show a decade ago in hopes of bringing Christmas cheer to people across Southwest Virginia. Since then the show has grown and expanded to include other holidays like Halloween. The event is starting a little early this year in hopes of bringing some more joy after a long year. The show will run every night from 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Randolph Park in Dublin through New Year’s Eve.
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Holiday events still happening in Southwest, Central Virginia to put you in the Christmas spirit
Santa at River Ridge Mall in LynchburgDates and Times: Nov. 21 - Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring the family to Explore Park to see all the twinkling holiday lights displays Roanoke County Parks has to offer. Watch holiday lights choreographed to the festive sounds of the season from the comfort of your car. Santa’s Winter Wonderland in RoanokeDates: Dec. 4 - Dec. 24In this drive-thru experience, kids can listen to Santa speak to them via a specific radio station. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in SalemDate and Time: Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.Join the City of Salem at the Farmers Market Christmas Tree to ring in the season.
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Santa is boating into Smith Mountain Lake this holiday season
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. – The Macy’s Santa may be gone this year, but the Bridgewater Plaza Santa is here to stay. One of Smith Mountain Lake’s oldest holiday traditions, Santa Around Bridgewater Plaza, will take place in Nov. 28 with a few new safety precautions in place. Right at 11 a.m., Santa is making a special appearance by boat at 11 a.m. to hear all the good boys and girls' wish lists at Smith Mountain Lake Coffee House while enjoying some free hot chocolate and cookies. “Santa will wear a face shield and children will take turns sitting in a circle six feet away to talk to him,” Gray said. “Smith Mountain Lake has so many awesome merchants who are eager to help you find the perfect holiday gifts.”Admission to the event is free.