Wednesday, Dec. 1:
Radford Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Radford Coffee Company (RCC) will offer hot cocoa and cookies from the library parking lot prior to the lighting of the tree. The Radford Public Library Lamplighters are funding the refreshments from RCC. Libby and Olivia, members of the Grove United Methodist Handbell Choir, will perform music and also lead interactive handbell playing for little ones. Radford Mayor David Horton will provide the countdown for the tree lighting, and Santa will be on hand to flip the switch. This event takes place outside, rain or shine, so those attending should dress accordingly.
Talking About Books: “Perestroika in Paris”
At the Christiansburg Library at 11 a.m. This month’s book to be discussed is “Perestroika in Paris” by Jane Smiley, in-person and virtually.
Talking About Books: “Crying in H Mart”
At the Meadowbrook Public Library at 6 p.m. To be discussed is “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner. Call the Meadowbrook Library at 268-1964 to reserve a copy. Everyone is welcome.
Thursday, Dec. 2:
Radford Holiday Parade
Radford’s Holiday Parade, themed “Winter Nights and Magical Lights,” will take place at 7 p.m. The lineup begins at 6 p.m. The parade route will line up on East Main Street between Tyler Avenue and University Drive Bridge and proceed westward along Main Street to the Central Square Shopping Center.
Saturday, Dec. 4:
CHS Music Department Breakfast with Santa
At Christiansburg High School from 8 a.m. until noon. The Christiansburg High School Music Department presents its annual Breakfast with Santa featuring a pancake breakfast, games, crafts, and a photo op with Santa. Families may bring their own camera or phone and take a picture with Santa, his elves, the reindeer, and the high school’s music students. As an event in a Virginia public school, masks must be worn at all times by those attending except when they are eating. The cost for children 12 and under is $5, for ages 13 and up $8.
Creative Writing Group
At the Meadowbrook Public Library at 11 a.m. In person or on Go-To-Meeting for support, feedback, and writing tips. Email mupthegrove@mfrl.org or call 540-268-1964 for more information. A Go-To-Meeting account is not needed to join.
PAWS to Read – Dog Edition
At the Blacksburg Library at noon. Read to Derek the therapy dog. Registration is required.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
At the Blacksburg Library at 2 p.m. Teens. Dungeons. Dragons.
Sunday, Dec. 5:
Luminaries Display
The annual Stroubles Mill Neighborhood Association luminaries display in Blacksburg will begin at 5:30 pm. The rain date is Dec. 6.
Chess Club
At the Blacksburg Library at 3 p.m. Kids and teens ages 8 and up can come sharpen their chess skills. Supplies will be provided. All skill levels are welcome.
Monday, Dec. 6:
Photos with Santa
Photos with Santa at the Radford Public Library from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Registration is required. Call (540) 731-3621 to reserve a time for free photos with Santa. (Photos will be delivered digitally by email.)
Wednesday, Dec. 8:
Brown Bag Book Club
On the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m., the Radford Public Library offers a book discussion. Those attending may bring a lunch. To be discussed this month is The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah.
Holiday Pop-up Market
Have your picture taken with Santa and roast marshmallows under the stars from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Holiday Pop-Up Market in the Triangle Pocket Park on West Main Street in Radford. Sweets and treats, coffee and hot cocoa will be available. Vendors will be set up in the New River Valley Community Service parking lot.
Thursday, Dec. 9:
Storytime with Dancin’ Dee
At the Radford Public Library from 11 to 11:30 a.m. This is a special storytime with local artists. Those attending may make a leather bookmark from Dancin’ Dee Leatherworks to take home while enjoying enjoy stories about creating new art from old things.
Saturday, Dec. 11:
Handcrafted Holiday Pop up Market and Holiday Open House at Glencoe Mansion
The annual handcrafted Holiday Pop-Up Market hosted by MountainTrotter Arts from noon to 4 p.m. at Glencoe Mansion, Museum and Gallery. The market will offer one-of-a-kind and high quality handcrafted works by local artisans perfect for holiday shopping.
Hot beverages, sweet treats, and live holiday music will be part of the fun. Those attending can get into the spirit by checking out the gallery’s holiday display, “Christmas in Virginia, which will transport participants through Virginia’s past into the present.
Glencoe Mansion’s gift shop will feature a wide variety of items. As a special feature, the museum will offer works by local artists in its gallery space for holiday gift-giving ideas.
The event and the museum are both open to the public with no admission charge. In case of weather issues, the rain date will be Dec. 18.
Tuesday, Dec. 14:
Sons of Confederate Veterans meeting
The Sons of Confederate Veterans, Stuart Horse Artillery Camp 1784, will meet at 7 p.m. at Aly’s Italian Family Restaurant at 3204 Riner Road. Members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) are invited to attend. For further information, call 320-4315 or 239-9864.
Wintery Storytime
At the Radford Public Library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Those attending should wear their favorite (or ugliest) sweater for a winter-themed storytime.
Through Dec. 15:
United Way Festival of Trees
At the Old Town Mall in Downtown Christiansburg. Come see these beautiful trees in person and vote for your favorite. Voting ends at 9 p.m. on Dec. 15, but the trees will be on display until Jan. 3. Visit https://UWTrees.givesmart.com to vote. Votes are $1, and no limits are placed on the number of votes allowed. All proceeds stay local supporting the United Way NRV and its 22 Partner Agencies. Event sponsors are Corning, Inc., Foxridge Apartment Homes by HHHunt, and Quest Floor Care LLC.
Through Dec. 19:
Va. State Police Operation Christmas 2021
Virginia State Police is currently accepting donated items for Home Instead Senior Care and Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter through Dec. 19 at the state police Division VI headquarters at 3775 W. Main St. in Salem.
The following items are being accepted: blankets, sheets, white towels, white wash cloths, canned vegetables, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, deodorant, baby wipes, size 5 and 6 baby diapers, word-search books, adult coloring books, crayons, and colored pencils.
All month of December
Free COVID-19 Test Kits
Available at all branches of Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library, curbside only: free, rapid at-home COVID-19 antigen test kits. Tests are available at no cost with no library card needed. This pilot program is made possible through a partnership with the Virginia Department of Health. Users will need a Wi-Fi connection, a form of ID, and a mobile device or computer to complete the test.
Ongoing:
Second annual Radford holiday display contest
The Radford Chamber of Commerce’s second annual holiday display contest is underway as Radford businesses and residents are urged to come up with their best window or home displays. The entry fee is $25, and the entry deadline is Nov. 30 with decorations required to be up by Dec. 10. Public voting will then take place from Dec. 10 through Dec. 22.
