Looking for places to see the big man in red this year? Santa isn't cancelled in Roanoke, Virginia! We've compiled a list of places where you can catch jolly St. Nick in Roanoke and Salem, Virginia. Let us know if we missed any!
1. The Gingerbread Festival
Salem Museum and Longwood Park
December 5th, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The 15th Annual Gingerbread Festival is an annual holiday favorite! This family-friendly event features a Gingerbread House Competition, holiday vendors, marshmallow treats, gingerbread cookie decorating, as well as holiday entertainment. And, yes, Santa will be there too! Kyle Edgell, Artist, will be drawing caricatures of your child with Santa. While supplies last. Gingerbread House tours will be inside the Salem Museum. Admission is free.
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2. Drive Thru Santa Pics at The Salem Civic Center
1001 Roanoke Blvd. Salem, VA 24153
December 5, 1-5 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a stop at the Salem Civic Center for holiday pictures with your wee elf (or elves)! The Christmas Couple will be here December 5th & 6th from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm each day. You'll be able to drive through the Annex, get out of your car for a photo. Pets are welcome too! Learn more here
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3. Santa's Winter Wonderland
Blue Ridge PBS
1215 McNeil Dr. SW.
Roanoke, VA 24015
December 11, 2020 to December 23, 2020 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Admission: Free; Donations are welcome
Santa's Winter Wonderland is the area's exclusive free drive-thru experience where kids can listen to Santa speak to them via a radio FM frequency. Attendees will venture through the Elf Village and see a myriad of light displays in all shapes and sizes. Show days, when you can interact with Santa are the first three Fridays and Saturdays in December starting December 4th. All other days through December 24th, except Mondays, are available for drive through of the Elf Village. Learn more here.
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4. Our Most Favorite Santa - The Santa Cares Project is on Zoom this year
Book here: https://www.santacares.org/visit
Sessions are available daily through Christmas Eve.
Santa usually visits with hundreds of school children during the holiday season at his Roanoke location at the History Museum of Western Virginia. This year, you can book an individual session with Santa for a Storytime and Sing-a-long.
The Santa Cares Project is a non-profit organization committed to fostering the Christmas Spirit all year through educational and creative programs. We believe the Christmas Spirit means it’s not about what you get, but how you love and care for yourself and others that matters. Santa . The Santa Cares Project
4. Live Zoom Calls with Santa from inside the City Market Building
City Market Building 32 Market Sq SE Roanoke, VA 24011
December 5th and 12th 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
As part of the 25 Days of Dickens celebration, attend a zoom session with Santa, straight from the North Pole. You will visit the City Market Building to attend this zoom session. There are many other performers and activities happening in Downtown Roanoke. Learn more here: 25 Days of Dickens, Zoom Calls with Santa
5. Zoom with Santa with Jump Into Mystery
Online from your home.
December 12-19, 1-5 p.m. during your designated time slot.
Zoom with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a personalized, individual session LIVE from the North Pole! This will be a memorable experience for you and your child, done from the safety of your home! Get tickets here.
