Moravian Festivities & Flavors

Winston-Salem's signature holiday traditions trace back to the Moravians, the German-speaking settlers who founded Salem in the 1700s. More than 250 years later, many of those customs remain part of daily life, creating holiday experiences that feel remarkably authentic and increasingly rare. You can learn more in our Moravian Holiday Guide, but a few highlights include:

Holidays in Old Salem. The heart of it all is Old Salem Museums & Gardens, one of the nation's largest living-history sites. Throughout the holidays, costumed interpreters share centuries-old traditions through festive trade demonstrations, seasonal programming, holiday markets, and lantern tours. The Heritage Bridge glows with dozens of illuminated Moravian stars, while Winkler Bakery turns out fresh batches of Moravian cookies—the thin, spiced treat that has become North Carolina's unofficial holiday icon. Events unfold from late November through Christmas.

Moravian Candle Tea. osted by Home Moravian Church inside the historic Single Brothers House, this beloved tradition invites visitors to experience Moravian Christmas customs firsthand. Guests move room to room enjoying carol singing, candle-making, coffee and sugar cake, and an elaborate hand-built "putz" nativity display. The event takes place daily in early December (2026 dates: Dec. 3–12).

Christmas Eve Lovefeasts. The season peaks when dozens of Moravian churches hold candlelight Lovefeasts. After an evening of carols, coffee, and Lovefeast buns, beeswax candles pass hand to hand before rising together in a darkened sanctuary. It's a tradition that has endured for generations—and one that remains as moving as it is visually striking.

Tanglewood Festival of Lights

For more than three decades, Tanglewood's annual Festival of Lights has drawn visitors from across the Southeast. The drive-through display, repeatedly recognized among North Carolina's best holiday attractions by Travel + Leisure, transforms Tanglewood Park into a five-mile spectacle of more than a million lights and 80-plus displays. 

Midway through the route, visitors can stop at the Tanglewood Barn for holiday treats, shopping, and S'moresville, a marshmallow-roasting station that has become a tradition of its own. The Festival of Lights runs nightly from mid-November through New Year's.

• Looking ahead to New Year's Eve? Tanglewood's annual Running of the Lights gives participants a rare chance to experience the illuminated route on foot, with both 5K and fun-run options beginning at midnight. See details here.

Historic Homes, Dressed for the Holidays

The holidays also transform Winston-Salem's grand estates and historic homes, each offering its own take on the season.:

Reynolda. Once the country estate of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds and his family, Reynolda embraces the season across its campus. Expect decorated shops and restaurants in Reynolda Village, seasonal programming in the gardens, and Reynolda House adorned for the holidays with special events, including the popular Caroling Fridays series.

Graylyn Estate. This castle-like estate, recognized among America's top boutique hotels, goes all in on holiday décor. The property features themed Christmas trees, extensive nutcracker collections, twinkling lights, and an elaborate gingerbread display. Dining, seasonal events, and holiday experiences are open to overnight guests and day visitors alike.

Körner's Folly. Often called "the strangest house in America," this nearby Victorian-era landmark decorates all 22 of its rooms for the season. Garland, lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees fill the home's whimsical spaces, creating one of the region's most memorable holiday tours. Seasonal tours run from late November through early January..

• Steps away from Körner's Folly, Ciener Botanical Garden presents Spectacular Holiday Blooms, a one-of-a-kind display featuring 10,000 illuminated flowers handcrafted from recycled materials.

UNCSA’s The Nutcracker Comes Home

After several years away, UNC School of the Arts will bring its acclaimed production of  The Nutcracker to Reynolds Auditorium—the very stage where the performance premiered six decades ago. 

The production combines UNCSA's nationally recognized dance, music, and design programs with guest artists and live accompaniment from the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra. For generations of local families, it's been a defining part of the holiday season. Performances typically take place in mid-December, with tickets going on sale in late July.

Downtown Window Shopping

Downtown Winston-Salem becomes a holiday destination in its own right, filled with seasonal markets, performances, pop-up events, and festive storefronts. 

The signature event is Window Wonderland, an annual decorating competition that lights up businesses throughout downtown. Local shops, galleries, restaurants, and offices transform their windows into holiday displays, while visitors vote for their favorites throughout the season. The event also provides the perfect excuse to explore downtown's independent retailers, galleries, and creative spaces, particularly in the Arts District, where holiday shopping comes with plenty of local character.

Ready to See it Yourself?

Plan a visit. We host media all year long, including the holidays. Fill out our Travel Request Form with your preferred dates, and we'll help set up your trip. 

Images & b-roll. We've built a media gallery of high-res photos and b-roll covering everything above and more — all free to download and use. 

Questions? Whether you need help with a story, holiday inspiration, or simply want to connect our team is happy to help. Here's where to start:

• Michael Breedlove – Communications & PR: 336.829.0208 | [email protected]

• Maria Hayworth – President & CEO, Hayworth PR 386.677.7000 | [email protected]
 

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