Moravian Magic: Unique Holiday Wonders in Winston-Salem

Looking for a truly unique and memorable holiday experience? Discover Winston-Salem, where Moravian heritage shines brightest at Christmastime. Step into the enchanting atmosphere of Old Salem, a historic village transformed into an 18th-century holiday wonderland. Wander lantern-lit streets lined with greenery, breathe in the aroma of fresh-baked Moravian cookies, and soak up the timeless charm that makes this season unforgettable.

But Old Salem is only part of the story. Here’s your guide to celebrating the holidays—Moravian style.

Old Salem: Your Holiday Headquarters

A visit to Old Salem Museums & Gardens is memorable any time of year—but it’s truly magical during the holidays. Visitors from near and far come to experience the customs of the town’s original settlers, the Moravians, who arrived from Europe in the mid-1700s. Their rich holiday traditions remain a signature part of the Old Salem experience today.

“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 access to more than a dozen historic buildings, each adorned with period holiday décor. Chat with costumed interpreters, watch craft demonstrations, and try your hand at Moravian holiday customs. Don’t miss a photo stop on Old Salem’s iconic Heritage Bridge, where dozens of glowing Moravian stars create a picture-perfect scene.

No visit is complete without a stop at the historic Winkler Bakery for fresh-baked sugar cake, lovefeast buns, and Moravian cookies. Need a pick-me-up? Grab a coffee at Lot 63 or lunch at Muddy Creek Café. Before you leave, shop for gifts at Winkler Book & Gift, located just above the bakery.

Special Old Salem Experiences

• Salem Saturdays at Christmas bring extra cheer to the district each weekend (Nov. 29–Dec. 20) with family-friendly activities, live demonstrations, and festive touches—including visits from Old St. Nick himself. Many Saturdays also coincide with other special events, such as ChristmasFest on Dec. 13.

• See Old Salem by lantern light during the Joy of Christmas Evening Tours, held Fridays and Saturdays from Thanksgiving through Christmas. These ticketed tours guide guests through candlelit buildings, where interpreters share the sights, sounds, and stories of an 18th-century Moravian Christmas. Tours last about an hour and are suitable for all ages.

Candle Tea: A Tradition for the Ages

Held for nearly a century at the Single Brothers House, Home Moravian’s annual Candle Tea is a cherished tradition marking the joyful anticipation of Advent and Christmas. This year’s event runs Dec. 3–14 (Wed–Sat), with tours departing every 15 minutes from early afternoon through evening.

Despite its name, no tea is served. Instead, guests move room-to-room in small groups to experience Moravian customs firsthand—from candle-making and carols played on a historic organ to samples of coffee and sugar cake. The finale unfolds in the sub-basement, where “The Putz”—a detailed miniature of 19th-century Salem on Christmas Eve—captures imaginations of all ages.

• GOOD TO KNOW: Walk-ins are welcome when space allows, but advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Moravian Lovefeasts: Simple, Traditional, Awe-Inspiring

Carols, coffee, and candlelight—simple traditions that have come to define Christmas in Winston-Salem. These are the hallmarks of the Christmas Eve Lovefeast, held annually at Moravian churches throughout the region. While Lovefeasts occur year-round, they take on a special glow at Christmastime, when sanctuaries are filled with music and the warm light of beeswax candles passed hand-to-hand. As the room glows, voices unite in “Morning Star,” a hymn led by children and echoed by the congregation. All services are free to attend.

GOOD TO KNOW: More than two dozen Moravian churches across the region hold Christmas Eve Lovefeasts, with many offering multiple services. Most also host a Christmas Lovefeast the Sunday before Christmas Eve. For exact times, visit individual church websites. (Search Moravian churches in Winston-Salem)

More Can't-Miss Moravian Events

Dec. 6
Christmas at Bethabara. 1:30–4:30 p.m. Celebrate Christmas at the South’s first Moravian settlement as Historic Bethabara Park transforms into a festive wonderland. Explore the 1788 Gemeinhaus, learn about Moravian customs, dip candles, and watch trade demonstrations. Enjoy carols by the Moravian Brass Band and sample traditional treats. Admission is free.

Dec. 7
Wake Forest Christmas Lovefeast. 7 p.m. The largest annual Lovefeast in North America fills Wake Forest University’s Wait Chapel each December. For more than 50 years, students, alumni, and the community have gathered here to share in this radiant Moravian tradition. Outside, thousands of luminaries light Hearn Plaza (the Quad), creating a breathtaking holiday scene. Admission is free. Visit lovefeast.wfu.edu for details.

Dec. 13
ChristmasFest. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, this festive event fills Old Salem with choirs, brass bands, artist demos, shopping, and food vendors. Family-friendly activities—including a visit from St. Nick—add to the seasonal cheer. Admission is free.

Looking for more holiday events and spectacles? Explore our Events Calendar for dozens of happenings through New Year’s Eve.