Enjoy These Merry Must-Sees in Winston-Salem

Discover early Moravian traditions as you stroll the charming streets of Old Salem, where costumed interpreters bring 18th-century Moravian traditions to life. For a festive experience, check out Salem Saturday at Christmas each weekend (Nov. 30-Dec 21), or head out to the annual Candle Tea. And, of course, no visit to Old Salem is complete without a stop by Winkler Bakery for Moravian cookies, sugarcake, and other fresh-baked treats.

The holiday season in Winston-Salem is not complete without a leisurely drive through Tanglewood's Festival of Lights, recently named the top holiday light show in the Carolinas by Travel + Leisure Magazine. The display features over 80 scenes and a million twinkling lights set along a 5-mile route at Tanglewood. To make the most of your trip, be sure to check out our Insider's Guide to the Festival of Lights for some handy tips and tricks.

Steep yourself in holiday cheer at Reynolda, the former estate of R.J. and Katharine Reynolds. Stroll through the boutique shops and eateries at Reynolda Village, adorned with festive decorations, during the annual Holiday Stroll (Nov. 23). Take a wreath decorating class or purchase poinsettias at Reynolda Gardens. And don't miss Reynolda House, dressed in its holiday finest, where special events like Caroling Fridays are sure to delight.

Experience "the strangest house in America" in full holiday splendor at Körner’s Folly! Never is the home more charming than the holidays, when its 22 rooms are decked with Victorian-inspired décor. From Nov. 26 to Jan. 4, visitors can enjoy self-guided holiday tours of the home, which dazzles floor-to-ceiling garland, lights, and Christmas trees in nearly every room. And mark your calendar for the home's Christmas By Candlelight evening tours Dec. 7.

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. Each weekend evening from Nov. 29 to Dec. 29, the garden hosts its annual Spectacular Holiday Blooms, a one-of-a-kind spectacle featuring illuminated trees, festive lights, and more than 10,000 'flowers.' Need a unique gift? Check out the garden's Merry Makers Market (Nov. 29-30).

Find a unique, handmade item for everyone on your list at our downtown shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Shop like a local along Trade and Liberty Street for a unique blend of local galleries and small businesses like Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery, Visual Index, Kin & Cottage, Mast General, and more. As a bonus, many downtown businesses are decked in holiday decor thanks to the annual Window Wonderland competition. 

For many, the Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair is the official kickoff to the holiday season. Held annually the weekend before Thanksgiving in the Benton Convention Center, the fair welcomes nearly 100 of the Southeast's top artisans and thousands of shoppers each year. Enjoy craft demos, live entertainment, and seasonal eats while shopping row upon row of unique home goods, jewelry, ceramics, glass, wearables, furniture, and more.

Winston-Salem sure knows how to put on a show for the holidays! Get lost in the music at annual holiday concerts, such as the WS Symphony's "Carolina Christmas" (Dec. 1) or Christmas with the Vienna Light Orchestra (Dec. 23). Delight in seasonal favorites such as "A Christmas Carol" by the Little Theatre and "White Christmas" from the WS Theatre Alliance. Check our our Events calendar for details on more holiday shows.