Editors note: Some of the times and prices have been updated.

Decking the halls with traditions of the season, holiday delights at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center and The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center feature the inn's Graham Central Station, Hotel Roanoke’s near life-sized gingerbread house, Santa Claus, carolers, a New Year’s Eve charity ball, and more.

Fashions for Evergreens, the annual competitive decorated-tree display, returns to both hotels this year, including a full-size Christmas tree inside a two-story gingerbread house at Hotel Roanoke. The inn displays its trademark gingerbread house which includes a castle made of sugar and the chugging of a toy train.

Here are details of holiday events.

The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center 

For reservations call 540-231-0120.

  • Fashions for Evergreens
    A must-see display of 14 professionally designed trees, in the lobby through Jan. 1, present captivating decorating concepts and ideas, and anyone who stops by for a look can vote for a favorite.
  • The inn's Graham Central Station
    The inn's culinary team brought back the traditional gingerbread house creating a village complete with an ice castle and a model toy train set to delight guests young and old all season.
  • Family night at Preston's
    Each Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 20 starting at 5 p.m., patrons can enjoy dinner at Preston's for $12.95 each, with a children's menu also available. Dinner includes dessert plus coffee or tea along with a soup or salad and a choice from among three entrées: apple almond chicken breast, country fried pork chop, or pumpkin ravioli.
  • Sunday brunch with Santa
    Each Sunday leading up to Dec. 25, Preston's will feature a Santa-hosted Sunday brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A complimentary photo with Santa is included. Cost is $20.50 for adults, $10.95 for children.
  • Holiday carolers
    Cozy up to a complimentary mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the strolling carolers from Ad Hoctet, an octet of the Blacksburg Master Chorale, as they sing holiday favorites Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • A visit from Santa
    Cameras are allowed as kids hang out with a singing Santa Dec. 12; the 90-minute program starts at 5 p.m.
  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
    A four-course dinner priced at $34 on Dec. 24 at Preston’s runs from 5 to 9 p.m., while the Dec. 25 champagne brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the ballroom; cost is $26.95 for adults, $13.95 for children.
  • New Year’s Eve
    For those not inclined to stay up past midnight, a four-course dinner at Preston’s on Dec. 31 runs from 5 to 9 p.m. The $45 dinner includes entertainment and a champagne toast.

The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

  • Fashions for Evergreens
    Now in its fifth year raising money for United Way of Roanoke Valley, Fashions for Evergreens creates a festive atmosphere with more than 30 professionally designed trees on display. One of the most talked about displays is a tree that stands inside a two-story, completely furnished gingerbread house that includes upstairs bedrooms, a living room with fireplace, a full kitchen, a car, front porch swing, and even a backyard hot tub. The display runs through Jan. 1 and is free and open to the public.  
  • Holiday luncheon buffets
    Throughout December, the hotel's Regency Room buffet, on weekdays and Saturdays, will include holiday extras such as mulled apple cider, drink specials, and a build-your-own-dessert bread pudding station. Cost is $18 per person, $12 for children between 6 and 12.
  • Breakfast with Santa
    A breakfast buffet plus a photo with Santa are included in the ticket price ($50 adults, $30 children ages 3 through12, $5 children under 3), with proceeds benefiting the Roanoke Valley's CHIP (Child Health Investment Partnership). Families can request either an 8:30 a.m. or an 11 a.m. seating for the Dec. 14 breakfast. Tickets are available from CHIP Breakfast with Santa or by calling 540-857-6993.
  • Holiday tea dance
    A dinner buffet plus ballroom dancing is included in the ticket price. Sunday, Dec. 21 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $30 per person. Reservations are available by email or by calling 540-985-5900.
  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
    Dinner buffets are $42 for adults and $18 for children ages 3 to 12. For reservations call 540-985-5900.
  • New Year’s Eve Charity Ball
    The hotel hosts the annual charity ball for the Preceptor Omicron Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, an international women’s friendship network, with proceeds going to local charities, including the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and programs that support pediatric AIDS patients and wheelchairs for children. Cost is $185 per couple and includes a strolling buffet dinner for two, ballroom seating, live music, dancing, a champagne toast, and a balloon drop at midnight. Purchase tickets on the Web or call 540-342-5089.  
  • Regency Room New Year’s Eve
    Ring in the new year with an International New Year's Celebration in the Regency Room complete with dinner, dancing, and party favors. After dinner, head to the Pine Room Pub to count down the new year or take the elevator  to one of the hotel's deluxe suites or guest rooms. Cost is $75 per person. For more information, call 540-985-5900.
  • Win a two-night stay including dinner and breakfast for two
    Share your holiday memories with the hotel on social media by tagging the hotel, using #hrholidays14 or #hotelroanoke and you'll be automatically entered to win one of several prizes.
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