Winston-Salem Ultimate Holiday Events Guide

Multiple Dates (season-long events)

Holidays in Old Salem (season-long)
A visit to Old Salem Museums & Gardens is memorable no matter the time of year. But there's something extra magical about visiting during the Christmas season. An All-In-One Ticket grants you access to more than a dozen historic buildings, all adorned in period holiday decor. Chat with period-dressed interpreters, watch festive trade demos, and get hands-on with Moravian traditions. While holiday experiences are available daily during the season, here are a few standout events:

• Old Salem Joy of Christmas Evening Tours. Nov. 28-Dec. 20 (Fridays and Saturdays), These festive tours offer a rare chance to explore several historic buildings in Old Salem by lantern light. Costumed interpreters lead groups of 12 from stop to stop as you experience the sights, sounds, and stories of an 18th-century Salem Christmas. Tours run from 6:30–8 p.m., departing every 15 minutes, and last 1 hour. Tickets are $60 adults, $40 students. Suitable for all ages.
• Salem Saturdays at Christmas. Nov. 29-Dec. 20 (Saturdays) . 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Held each Saturday from Nov 30 to Dec 21, the daylong events offer an elevated mix of special activities and attractions at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. An All-In-One Ticket grants you access to more than a dozen historic buildings, all adorned in period holiday decor. You can chat with period-dressed interpreters, watch festive craft and trade demonstrations, visit with St. Nick, and get hands-on with many Moravian holiday traditions. As a bonus, most Salem Saturday events are held in conjunction with other festive events happening in Old Salem, such as ChristmasFest on Dec. 14. 

Tanglewood Festival of Lights (season-long)
6–11 p.m. One of the Southeast’s largest light displays returns with 80+ scenes and over a million lights along a 5-mile route. Admission: $20 cash / $23 credit per family vehicle. Mid-route Gift Village features shopping and s’mores at S’moresville. The Festival of Lights is open nightly, Nov. 14 to Jan 1.

Holidays at Reynolda (season-long)
The former estate of R.J. and Katharine Reynolds is dressed in its holiday finest starting throughout the season. Several offerings are included with regular museum admission, such as Caroling Fridays (Dec. 5, 12). Ticketed holiday events included the Enchanted Christmas Evening tours (Dec. 13, 17) in Reynolda House and Wreath Decorating Classes at Reynolda Gardens (Dec. 3-7). Visitors can also take a festive stroll through the boutique shops and eateries at Reynolda Village—especially during the annual Holiday Stroll on Nov. 22.

Christmas at Körner’s Folly (Nov. 25-Jan. 3)
Experience "the strangest house in America" in full holiday splendor at Körner’s Folly in Kernersville. All 22 rooms are decked with Victorian-inspired décor. Visitors can enjoy self-guided holiday tours of the home Tuesday–Saturday, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and Sunday, 12–4 p.m., with the last entry at 3 pm. Self-guided tours take approximately 1 hour. While you're there, be sure to wander through the Körner’s Folly gift shop to find Victorian-inspired Christmas gifts. Tickets can be purchased online or onsite; $12 adults, $6 kids (6-18), free for kids 5 and under. Also mark your calendar for the home's Christmas By Candlelight evening tours Dec. 7 and 21.

Nov. 29-Dec. 21 (various nights)
Spectacular Holiday Blooms at Ciener Botanical Garden. 5:30–9 p.m. Looking for a unique (and upcycled) take on holiday light displays? Enjoy a stroll through the illuminated recycled tulips at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in Kernersville. Nearly every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening (through Dec 21), the garden hosts this one-of-a-kind spectacle featuring illuminated trees, festive lights, and more than 10,000 'flowers.'  Tickets are $5 adults, $2 students, free for 5 and under.

Nov. 29-Dec.31 (various dates)
Carolina Thunderbirds Hockey. The Carolina Thunderbirds, Winston-Salem's hometown hockey team, will play multiple home games from mid November through New Years Eve, starting with a Nov 21 matchup against the Pee Dee Ice Caps and ending with a Dec. 31 game against the Blue Ridge Bobcats. Games are typically held Fridays and Saturdays at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena. Start times vary by game. For times or to purchase tickets, visit the Thunderbirds website.

Nov. 25, 27, Dec. 7, 17
Wake Forest basketball. The Demon Deacons will play a number of exciting games at Joel Coliseum this month, including a Dec. 2 matchup against Oklahoma in the ACC/SEC challenge. Other holiday season matchups include Campbell (Nov. 25), Northeastern (Nov. 28), Queens (Dec. 14), and Longwood (Dec. 17),  concluding with another SEC bout against Vanderbilt (Dec. 21). For more info or to purchase tickets, go to wakeforestsports.com.

Holiday Events (Thanksgiving through NYE)

Nov. 27 — Turkey Strut 5K
8:30 a.m. The 18th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds includes a 1-mile Fun Run and family activities. Strollers and dogs welcome. Proceeds benefit the We Care House & Food Pantry. Please bring at least three canned goods to donate.

Nov. 28-29 — Merry Makers Market (Kernersville)
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Celebrate Black Friday and Small Business Saturday at Ciener Botanical Garden with dozens of artisans, makers, and food trucks—different vendors each day. Admission is free.

Nov. 29 — Winston-Salem Symphony: A Carolina Christmas
7:30 p.m. A Thanksgiving-weekend tradition led by conductor Michelle Merrill with vocalist Tony DeSare—classic holiday songs with jazz flair and festive sparkle. Reynolds Auditorium. Tickets start at $29.

Dec. 3-6, 11-14
Home Moravian Candle Tea. Held at the Single Brothers House in Old Salem for nearly a century, Home Moravian Church's annual Candle Tea lets you share in Moravian holiday traditions, including carol singing, candle-making, coffee and sugar cake, signature holiday decor, and more. While walk-ins are admitted if possible, reservations are strongly advised. Times vary by day; tours last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are $9 adults, $5 kids (3-12). 

Dec. 5
Lewisville Christmas Tree Lighting. 7 p.m. The town of Lewisville's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Shallowford Square will feature caroling, hot chocolate, cookies, kids activities, and a visit from Santa. 

Dec. 7
YMCA Mistletoe Run. 7:30 a.m.–12 p.m. The 41st annual Mistletoe Run will include a 5k, 1-mile fun run, and half-marathon through Buena Vista. The race begins and ends at the William G. White YMCA, 775 West End Blvd. There will also be have bounce houses, music, cheerleaders, community mascots, donuts at the finish line, and more. Every participant will receive a race shirt.

Dec. 7
Christmas at Bethabara. 1–4:30 p.m. Experience Christmas at the first Moravian settlement in the South as Historic Bethabara Park transforms into a festive wonderland. Explore the 1788 Gemeinhaus, adorned with traditional decorations, and learn about Moravian holiday customs. Try your hand at dipping a candle and other seasonal crafts. Watch historic trades demonstrations, listen to carols from the Moravian Brass Band, and savor seasonal flavors with Moravian treats. Admission is free.

Dec. 7
Sawtooth Spotlight’s Holiday Market. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. This holiday market pulls in artists from around the region to sell handmade items at Sawtooth School, located inside the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts. You’ll find various items from ceramics, jewelry, and textiles to paintings, photography, and woodworking crafts. There will also be hands-on activities, craft demonstrations, food trucks, and more. The event is free and open to all, with a suggested $5 donation to support scholarships and community outreach. Sawtooth will also be selling locally made holiday gifts throughout the season at their onsite shop and gallery.

Dec. 7
Winston-Salem Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. 5–8 p.m. Put on by the Winston-Salem Ambassadors, the city’s holiday parade starts at 5 p.m. and will travel down Fourth Street before making a right onto Liberty Street en route to Corpening Plaza. Once there, the Downtown Partnership will hold its annual tree-lighting. Admission to both events is free.

Dec. 8
Historic West End Holiday Homes Tour. Noon-5 p.m. See some of Winston-Salem's most beautiful and historic homes bedecked in holiday décor during this 23rd annual event. This year's tour features eight stops, many of which serve refreshments to tour-goers along the way. Advanced tickets are $20 (day-of tickets are $25) with proceeds going to the West End Neighborhood Association. Stop by Joymongers starting from noon to purchase tickets and pick up maps/brochures detailing the stops. 

Dec. 8
Wake Forest Christmas Lovefeast. 6–8 p.m. For more than 50 years, Wake Forest has held a Lovefeast that brings together students, faculty, alumni, and the community. The school will hold two services this year at Wait Chapel, with the earlier being geared toward families. Admission is free. 

Dec. 8
Kernersville Christmas Parade. 2:30–4:30 p.m. Downtown Kernersville will come alive during the town’s Christmas Parade, which starts at the corner of Pineview Drive and Highway 66 and continue down East Mountain Street to Kernersville Elementary. Admission is free.

Dec. 8
Community Christmas Festival at WinMock. 5–7 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season at the historic WinMock barn in Bermuda Run. There will be vendors selling community crafts and goods, live music, a bounce house, food truck, family photo area, carnival games, and more. All ages are welcome; admission is free.

Dec. 8
Christmas in the Coalpit. 12–4 p.m. Outside of Incendiary Brewing Co., in the historic Coalpit gathering space, there will be a holiday market with nearly three dozen local vendors. In addition to the vendors, there will be live music by William NeSmith and an opportunity for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pets welcomed.

Dec. 8, 29
Tour Pour Du Jour at Graylyn. 4–6 p.m. Guests can see Graylyn Estate dressed in its holiday finest during this month’s Tour Pour Du Jour events. Each event includes a guided tour of the estate, appetizers, and samples of select house wines. $25 per person. Graylyn, 1900 Reynolda Road.

Dec. 10
“Handel’s Messiah” by the W-S Symphony. 7:30 p.m. The symphony’s annual holiday concert spotlights one of the most famous oratorios, “Handel’s Messiah”  best known for its rousing “Hallelujah” chorus.  The concert will be in Wait Chapel (2625 Wake Forest Rd.) on the Wake Forest campus. Tickets start at $10.

Dec. 11 
4 Calling Birds Winter Tour. 7 p.m. Internationally acclaimed performers Ian and Eva Benjamin are teaming up with local favorites Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann for this uplifting concert on holiday tunes at Hanesbrands Theatre, 251 N. Spruce St. Tickets are $15.

Dec. 12-15, 19-22 (various times)
“White Christmas” by the Theatre Alliance. This wholesome musical is the story of two WWII veterans who follow a singing sister duo to their Christmas show at a lodge in Vermont. It features 17 Irving Berlin songs, including the beloved title track, “White Christmas.” All shows will be at the Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance stage, 650 W. Sixth St. Performance times vary. Tickets are $21.

Dec. 12-15, 19-22 (various times)
A Christmas Carol by the Little Theatre of W-S. The Little Theatre is bringing Charles Dickens’ holiday classic to life during two long weekends in mid-December. Shows will be at Reynolds Place Theatre inside the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 251 N. Spruce St. Tickets start at $14.50. 

Dec. 14
ChristmasFest in Old Salem. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Held in in the spirit of a traditional German Christmas market, this third annual event features a festive mix of offerings. Christmas carols will ring out throughout, performed by various choirs, bands, brass ensembles, and more. Other highlights include artist demos, holiday gift shopping, food/drink vendors, and various kid-friendly activities. (including an appearance by St. Nick himself.) Admission is free.

Dec. 14
Festive Family Friday at Kaleideum. 4:30–8:30 p.m. Head to Kaleideum in downtown for this holiday celebration for the whole family. Listen to live music, create festive holiday crafts and reindeer food, and visit with Santa (on the roof!) Tickets are $7 online, $10 at the door. For an extra-special holiday treat, add on the Cupcakes & Cocoa with Santa in the Digital Dome. For just $15 more per person, you can enjoy a delicious treat, a special craft, and a professional photo with Santa in a cozy holiday setting. (Pre-registration required for Cupcakes & Cocoa.)

Dec. 19
“Candlelight,” a Holiday Special by UNCSA. 8:45 p.m. A new offering this holiday season, this is a live, multi-sensory musical experience performed by the Listeso String Quartet. Amid the glow of candlelight, they will perform many holiday favorites, including pieces from “The Nutcracker,” as well as songs of Hanukkah. The concert will be at UNCSA’s Freedman Theatre, 1533 S. Main St. Tickets start at $33.

Dec. 20
Art Crush: Holiday Edition. 7–10 p.m. Held the third Friday of each month, this block party lets you experience the best of the Downtown Arts District with vendors, music, and extended gallery hours. This month will feature a special holiday theme with curated mix of decorations, holiday specials, festive performances, and a few special guests (including Santa himself). Stroll the block, mingle with fellow art crushers, and buy unique, handmade gifts while supporting local artists. ART Crush is at the corner of Sixth and Trade Streets. Admission is free.

Dec. 21
Christmas for the City. 1–6 p.m. Local churches, businesses, nonprofits and members of the arts community all come together at the Benton Convention Center for this citywide party that celebrates the diversity of our community. Highlights include live music, art performances, kids’ activities, a make-your-own toy workshop a visit from Santa, and more. Benton Convention Center, 301 W. Fifth Street. The event is free and open to the public.

Dec. 21
"A Christmas Carol" Drone Light Show. 6:30 p.m. The Dash are hosting the first-ever Holiday Drone Light Show in the Triad, bringing 500 drones to Truist Stadium to light up the sky with a rendition of the classic story, A Christmas Carol. The event is being done in partnership with Celestial, an industry-leading drone show art company. Tickets start at $20. 

Dec. 21
Motown Christmas featuring Envision. 7 p.m. Experience the magic of Motown with live music from local favorites Envision. Indulge in delicious food and a variety of drinks while enjoying the festive atmosphere and participating in a live auction.  This event is hosted by Delta Arts Center and held at UR Coliseum, 4421 Poindexter Road in Walkertown, NC.

Dec. 23
Vienna Light Orchestra. (two shows): 3:30 and 7 p.m. Get ready to be enchanted by the world-renowned Vienna Light Orchestra as they perform renditions of beloved holiday classics like "White Christmas," "O Holy Night," and "Ave Maria” amid holiday lights and falling snow. The concerts will be at Reynolds Auditorium, 301 N. Hawthorne Road. Tickets start at $45. 

Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Lovefeasts. Carols, coffee, and candlelight: simple traditions that have come to define the holiday season for many in Winston-Salem. They’re all components of the Christmas Eve Lovefeast, held annually at local Moravian churches. More than two dozen Moravian churches in our region hold Christmas Eve lovefeasts — with many holding multiple services throughout the day. Most churches also hold a Christmas Lovefeast the Sunday before Christmas Eve (Dec. 22). For specific service times, you’ll need to check individual church websites. (Here are the results of a quick search of Moravian churches in Winston-Salem.) 

Looking for more holiday events, shows, and spectacles? Check out our online Events Calendar for a guide to all the holiday happenings through New Year's Eve.