Moravian Magic: Unique Holiday Wonders in Winston-Salem

Looking for a truly unique and memorable holiday experience? Look no further than Winston-Salem, where the Moravian heritage shines bright during the Christmas season. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Old Salem, a historic village transformed into a festive 18th-century wonderland. Wander through streets adorned with greenery, savor the aroma of traditional Moravian cookies, and witness the captivating glow of lantern-lit tours.

Join in the festive spirit by attending a Christmas Lovefeast at one of the city's many Moravian churches, a centuries-old tradition that celebrates the season's true meaning. From the heartwarming glow of Moravian stars to the unique flavors of Moravian sugarcake, Winston-Salem offers something unforgettable during the holidays. So gather your loved ones, throw on a scarf, and get ready to create some lasting memories.

Here’s a guide to the holidays, Moravian-style, in Winston-Salem.

Old Salem: Your holiday headquarters

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. Visitors from near and far come to experience the customs of the town's original settlers, the humble, hardworking Moravians, who arrived from Europe in the mid-1700s. They brought with them a number of rich holiday traditions that are now a signature part of the Old Salem holiday experience.

“People often tell us that it doesn’t feel like Christmas until they come to Old Salem,” says Deborah Sikes (aka, Sister Deb), a historic interpreter in Old Salem's Winkler Bakery. “We allow them to step back in time and enjoy the holidays at a slower, simpler pace.”

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, and get hands-on with many Moravian holiday traditions. Be sure to grab a holiday photo on Old Salem's iconic Heritage Bridge, where dozens of Moravian stars create a one-of-a-kind scene. And no visit to Old Salem is complete without a stop by historic Winkler Bakery, where you can pick up fresh-baked treats such as sugar cake, lovefeast buns, and Moravian cookies. If you're looking to refuel, grab a coffee and snack at Lot 63 or a tasty lunch at Muddy Creek Cafe. Before heading home, pick up a souvenir or festive gift at one of several onsite shops, such as Stockberger Supply in the Old Salem Visitor Center or Winkler Book & Gift (located directly above Winkler Bakery).

Special Old Salem Experiences

• While Old Salem offers something special throughout the holiday season, it takes things up a notch during Salem Saturdays at Christmas. Held each Saturday from Nov 30 to Dec 21, the daylong events offer an elevated mix of special activities and attractions. (Families can even visit with Old St. Nick himself.) As a bonus, most Salem Saturday events are held in conjunction with other festive events happening in the historic district, such the ChristmasFest celebration Dec. 14. (More on that below.)

• Old Salem takes on a different glow at nighttime during its Joy of Christmas Evening Tours. Held on Fridays and Saturdays from Thanksgiving through Christmas, these ticketed tours offer a rare chance to explore the historic district 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 last around an hour and are suitable for all ages, making them great for family outings, date nights, or friend gatherings. You can find specifics on times and ticket costs on Old Salem's website.

Candle Tea: A tradition for the ages

Held at the Single Brothers House for nearly a century, Home Moravian's annual Candle Tea is a long-held tradition for many families who associate the event with the joyful anticipation of the Advent and Christmas seasons. This year’s Candle Tea will be Dec. 4–14, with tours running every 15 minutes beginning in the early afternoon and ending around 8:30 p.m. (most evenings). 

And surprisingly enough (at least to first-time visitors), no tea is actually served at the Candle Tea. Instead, guests travel room-to-room in small groups, experiencing different Moravian traditions. Activities include Christmas carols played on a historic organ, candle-making demonstrations, and sampling of Moravian coffee and sugar cake. The tour’s grand finale occurs in the sub-basement of the Single Brothers House, where guests get an up-close look at "The Putz” — a mini replica of Salem as it looked more than a century ago on a snowy Christmas Eve (seen above).

• GOOD TO KNOW: While walk-ins are admitted if possible, it's strongly advised to make reservations and pre-purchase your tickets. For more details, including tour hours, ticket costs, and special activities, visit the Candle Tea website here.

Moravian Lovefeasts: Simple, traditional, awe-inspiring

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 Moravian churches throughout the region. Although lovefeasts occur throughout the year, they take on a special glow at Christmastime. Toward the end of the service, the sanctuary lights give way to hundreds of flickering beeswax candles, passed hand-to-hand through the congregation. While the lights are dim, choir-led Christmas carols fill the air — among them, “Morning Star,” a traditional Moravian hymn that’s led by children and echoed by the congregation. All services are free to attend.

GOOD TO KNOW: There are more than two dozen Moravian churches in our region, and all hold Christmas Eve lovefeasts — with many holding multiple services. Most churches also hold a Christmas Lovefeast the Sunday prior to Christmas Eve. 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.) 

More Can't-Miss Moravian Events

Dec. 4-6
Ardmore Moravian Candle Tea. While Home Moravian's Candle Tea gets a lot of attention (and rightfully so), it's not the only Candle Tea in town. Ardmore Moravian Church also hosts a Candle Tea that offers a different experience for tour-goers. You'll hear stories and holiday, see craft demonstrations, and enjoy Moravian cookies. Admission is free. Ardmore Moravian is at 1213 W Academy St., less than a mile from downtown. ArdmoreMoravian.org

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. 8
Wake Forest Christmas Lovefeast. 7 p.m. The largest annual lovefeast in North America happens each year on the campus of Wake Forest University. That's where, for more than 50 years, the community has gathered with students, faculty, alumni, and visitors for a traditional Moravian Lovefeast inside radiant Wait Chapel. Adding to the glow is a collection of hundreds of thousands of luminaries placed just outside the chapel around Hearn Plaza (aka, the Quad), creating a holiday spectacle that's one-of-a-kind. Admission is free. For more details, go to lovefeast.wfu.edu.

Dec. 14
ChristmasFest. 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 a variety of kid-friendly activities. (including an appearance by St. Nick himself.) Admission is free.