Winston-Salem Ultimate Holiday Events Guide

 

Throughout the Season (multiple dates)

Holidays in Old Salem
Old Salem Museums & Gardens feels extra magical this time of year. An All-In-One Ticket grants access to a dozen+ historic buildings adorned in period décor. Meet costumed interpreters, see festive trade demonstrations, and experience Moravian traditions. Highlights include:

• Joy of Christmas Evening Tours. Nov. 28–Dec. 20 (Fridays & Saturdays)
  Explore several historic buildings by lantern light. Tours run 6:30–8 p.m., depart every 15 minutes, and last about 1 hour. Tickets: $60 adults; $40 students. Suitable for all ages.
• Salem Saturdays at Christmas. Nov. 29–Dec. 20 (Saturdays)
  Enjoy an elevated mix of holiday activities during operating hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Tanglewood Festival of Lights (Nov. 14–Jan. 2)
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. Open nightly.

Holidays at Reynolda (season-long)
The former estate of R.J. and Katharine Reynolds is dressed for the season with special programs at Reynolda House and Reynolda Gardens. Included with museum admission: Caroling Fridays (Dec. 5, 12). Ticketed highlights include Enchanted Christmas Evening tours (Dec. 13, 17) and Wreath Decorating classes (Dec. 3–7). Don’t miss shopping and dining in Reynolda Village, which features holiday specials and festive decor throughout the season.

Christmas at Körner’s Folly (Nov. 25–Jan. 3)
The “strangest house in America” shines with Victorian-inspired décor across 22 rooms. Self-guided tours: Tue–Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun 12–4 p.m. (last entry 3 p.m.). Tours take ~1 hour. Tickets: $12 adults; $6 ages 6–18; free 5 and under. Also see Christmas by Candlelight evening tours (Dec. 13, 20).

Spectacular Holiday Blooms (Nov. 29–Dec. 21; weekends)
5:30–9 p.m. Stroll among illuminated “recycled tulips” at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in Kernersville, plus festive trees and over 10,000 glowing “flowers.” The display is open to tour each weekend evening (Friday to Sunday). Tickets: $5 adults; $2 students; free ages 5 and under.

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Late November Events (Nov. 22–30)

Nov. 22–23 — Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair
Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 12–5 p.m. 100+ artisans from across the country fill the Benton Convention Center with handcrafted works in clay, glass, fiber, metal, and more. Admission: $11 adults; free for ages 18 and under and K–12 educators.

Nov. 22 — Reynolda Village Holiday Stroll
1–5 p.m. Celebrate the season with shopping, dining, and holiday fun at Reynolda Village. Enjoy carolers in Victorian costume, carriage rides, visits with Santa, seasonal décor, and special sales.

Nov. 22 — Holiday Market at 500 W. Fifth
Festive lights, local vendors, sweet treats, and a Christmas tree lighting at the 500 W. Fifth building (formerly the GMAC Tower). A great downtown kickoff to the season. Admission is free.

Nov. 27 — Turkey Strut 5K
8:30 a.m. The 18th annual Thanksgiving Day 5K at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds also features a 1-mile Fun Run. 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 Maker 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 a jazz flair. Reynolds Auditorium. Tickets start at $29.

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December Events

Dec. 3–6, 11–14 — Home Moravian Candle Tea
Held at the Single Brothers House in Old Salem for nearly a century, this beloved tradition features carol singing, candle-making, coffee and sugar cake, and signature décor. Reservations strongly advised. Times vary; tours ~90 minutes. Tickets: $9 adults; $5 ages 3–12.

Dec. 5-21 — NC Black Rep: A Motown Christmas (weekends)
Fri–Sat: 7:30 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m. Celebrate the season with this spirited holiday revue at Hanesbrands Theatre. Enjoy classic carols infused with the soulful Motown sounds of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5. A special Thursday performance will also be held Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5-21 — Theatre Alliance: Holiday Inn (weekends)
The joyous musical based on the classic film, featuring dazzling dance numbers and Irving Berlin hits like “White Christmas.” Theatre Alliance stage (650 W. Sixth St.). Shows 7:30 p.m. (Fri–Sat) and 2 p.m. (Sun). Tickets: $23–$25.

Dec. 6 — YMCA Mistletoe Run
7:30 a.m.–12 p.m. The 42nd annual race features a half-marathon, 5K, and 1-mile Fun Run through Buena Vista. Begins and ends at William G. White YMCA (775 West End Blvd.). Expect music, mascots, and donuts at the finish. All participants receive a race shirt.

Dec. 6 — Christmas at Bethabara
1:30–4:30 p.m. Discover Moravian holiday customs at Historic Bethabara Park. Tour the 1788 Gemeinhaus, dip candles, see trades demonstrations, hear carols from the Moravian Brass Band, and enjoy seasonal treats. Admission is free.

Dec. 6 — Sawtooth Spotlight Holiday Market
11 a.m.–4 p.m. Shop handmade gifts from regional artists at Sawtooth School—ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paintings, photography, and more—plus hands-on activities, demos, food trucks, and an onsite holiday shop. Admission is free.

Dec. 6 — Winston-Salem Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
5–8 p.m. The city’s holiday parade travels down Fourth Street, then turns onto Liberty Street en route to Corpening Plaza for the annual tree lighting. Admission is free.

Dec. 6, 13, 20 — Theatre Alliance: ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
11 a.m. shows. This family-friendly production follows the adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a determined little girl on a mission to the North Pole. A joyful holiday tale perfect for all ages. All tickets: $12.

Dec. 7 — UNCSA Cantata Singers Holiday Concert
3–5 p.m. Ring in the season with the UNCSA Cantata Singers’ annual holiday concert at Home Moravian Church. Students from the university’s voice and opera programs fill the sanctuary with grand, uplifting melodies that capture the spirit of the holidays. Admission is free.

Dec. 7 — Wake Forest Christmas Lovefeast
7–8:30 p.m. A 50-year campus tradition bringing together students, alumni, and the community. Doors open at 6 p.m.; musical prelude at 6:40 p.m. Admission is free.

Dec. 7 — Kernersville Christmas Parade
2:30–4:30 p.m. The parade runs from Pineview Drive and Highway 66 down East Mountain Street to Kernersville Elementary. Admission is free. Several businesses in Kernersville will also be hosting special events aligned with the parade, including a Parade Party at Brewer's Kettle that runs all day beginning at 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 — Christmas in the Coalpit
12–4 p.m. Shop a holiday market featuring three dozen local vendors at Incendiary Brewing’s Coalpit. Enjoy live music by William NeSmith and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pets welcome.

Dec. 11-21 —  Little Theatre:  A Christmas Carol (weekends)
The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem brings Charles Dickens’ timeless tale comes to life at Reynolds Place Theatre inside the Milton Rhodes Center (251 N. Spruce St.). Shows are Fridays to Sundays with various showtimes; see venue for details. Tickets start at $14.50.

Dec. 12 — High School Reunion’s Christmas Vacation
Doors 7 p.m.; Show 8 p.m. Rock around The Ramkat at this two-set holiday concert and ugly sweater party featuring regional favorite High School Reunion. Expect high-energy ’90s and 2000s throwbacks, sing-along anthems, and nostalgic cheer. Tickets: $21 (benefiting Samaritan Ministries’ Penny Campaign).

Dec. 12 — UNCSA Presents: Photona
7:30–9:30 p.m. Step into the mesmerizing world of Photona, a multimedia showcase of light, projection, and sound created by UNC School of the Arts Design & Production students. Experience cutting-edge artistry with state-of-the-art equipment from leading lighting companies, then join interactive Q&A sessions and vote for your favorite performance. Held at Freedman Theatre on the UNCSA campus. Tickets: $20–$25.

Dec. 13 — ChristmasFest in Old Salem
10 a.m.–5 p.m. A German-style market with choirs, brass, artist demonstrations, gift shopping, food and drink, kids’ activities, and an appearance by St. Nick. Admission is free.

Dec. 13 — Winston-Salem Symphony: Handel’s Messiah
7:30 p.m. The symphony presents the famed oratorio—best known for the “Hallelujah” chorus—at Wait Chapel (2625 Wake Forest Rd.). Tickets start at $10.

Dec. 13 — Kaleideum After Dark: Twin City Santa
7–11 p.m. Kaleideum’s popular 21+ series gets festive with a special holiday edition benefiting Twin City Santa’s 22nd Annual Toy Drive and Semi-Formal. Dress to impress, bring an unwrapped toy (valued at $25 or more), and enjoy a night of holiday fun featuring DJ Hek Yeh, holiday karaoke in the Digital Dome, a photo booth, and hors d’oeuvres. Each ticket includes two drink tickets for beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages. Admission: $30 plus toy donation.

Dec. 13 — German Christmas Market at Körner’s Folly
10 a.m.–3 p.m. Experience a festive German-inspired Christmas Market at Körner’s Folly in Kernersville. Browse handmade gifts from local artisans, meet small business owners, and enjoy live music, hot chocolate, treats, and art-making activities—including trimming the Community Tree. Market admission is free and pairs perfectly with a holiday tour of the historic home.

Dec. 14 — Lewisville Christmas Parade
3–5 p.m. Celebrate the 40th annual Lewisville Christmas Parade featuring festive floats, marching bands, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Kids can bring a bucket to collect candy tossed along the route. The parade begins at Shallowford and Lewisville-Vienna Roads and travels west for one mile, ending at the Lewisville Shopping Center. Free to attend.

Dec. 14 & 21 — Tour Pour Du Jour at Graylyn
4–6 p.m. See Graylyn Estate in its holiday finest during guided tours with appetizers and select wine samples. $25 per person. Graylyn, 1900 Reynolda Road.

Dec. 16 — Piedmont Wind Symphony: Boogie Winter Wonderland
Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7:30 p.m. The Piedmont Wind Symphony returns to The Ramkat for its funk-filled holiday concert blending brass, soul, and dance-floor energy. Enjoy reimagined seasonal favorites and hits from “Boogie Wonderland” to “Winter Wonderland.” Tickets: $40–$45.

Dec. 20 — The Grinch at Bookmarks
10 a.m.–8 p.m. Meet everyone’s favorite holiday grump during this all-day family event at Bookmarks Bookstore in downtown Winston-Salem. Enjoy festive activities, photos with The Grinch, and complimentary gift wrapping for in-store purchases. Admission is free, but advance registration is required to reserve a time slot.

Dec. 18 — Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
8:30–10 p.m. Enjoy a spellbinding evening of holiday music as the Listeso String Quartet performs classic Christmas carols amid the warm glow of candlelight. This immersive, multi-sensory concert takes place in the elegant grand ballroom of the Millennium Center. Tickets start at $23.50.

Dec. 19 — Art Crush: Holiday Edition
7–10 p.m. A third-Friday block party in the Downtown Arts District with vendors, music, extended gallery hours, festive décor, specials, and visits with Santa. Sixth & Trade Streets. Admission is free.

Dec. 20 — Christmas for the City
1–6 p.m. A citywide celebration at the Benton Convention Center featuring live music, performances, kids’ activities, a make-your-own-toy workshop, Santa, and more. Admission is free.

Dec. 20 —  Drone Light Show: A Christmas Carol
6:30–8:30 p.m. More than 500 drones light up the sky above Truist Stadium with a retelling of A Christmas Carol, presented with leading drone-art company, Celestial. Tickets start at $15.

Dec. 23 — Vienna Light Orchestra
Two shows: 3 & 7 p.m. Experience beloved holiday classics amid glowing lights and “falling snow” at Reynolds Auditorium (301 N. Hawthorne Rd.). Tickets start at $45.

Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve Lovefeasts
Carols, coffee, and candlelight define the region’s beloved Moravian Lovefeast tradition. Dozens of churches hold services throughout the day; many also offer Lovefeasts on Sun., Dec. 22. Check individual church websites for times. See a quick search list here.

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More Events (non-holiday)

Ice Skating at the Fairgrounds (season-long)
Public skating returns to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex with daily sessions. Admission: $10–$12; skate rentals $3. Special events include “Skate with Santa” (Sun., Dec. 14). See the full calendar on the Fairgrounds website.

Concerts at The Ramkat
Downtown’s premier music venue hosts regional and national headliners during the holiday season. Several holiday-themed shows are listed above. Non-holiday highlights include include Camel City Yacht Club Harvey Street (Dec. 4), Time Sawyer (Dec. 5), and Morgan Wade (Dec. 18).  Ramkat will also host the annual FemFest (Dec. 6), an electrifying night celebrating women in music—with proceeds benefitting Family Services. For all upcoming show, go to ramkat.com

Wake Forest Men’s Basketball (Nov. 25–Dec. 21)
Joel Coliseum hosts marquee matchups this month, including the ACC/SEC Challenge vs. Oklahoma (Dec. 2). Other home games: Campbell (Nov. 25), Northeastern (Nov. 28), Queens (Dec. 14), Longwood (Dec. 17), and Vanderbilt (Dec. 21). Visit wakeforestsports.com for times and tickets.

Twin City Thunderbirds Hockey (Nov. 29–Dec. 31; various dates)
Winston-Salem’s hometown team hits the ice at the Fairgrounds Arena on select Fridays and Saturdays, from a Nov. 21 tilt vs. Pee Dee Ice Caps to a Dec. 31 matchup with the Blue Ridge Bobcats. Start times vary. For schedules and tickets, visit the Thunderbirds website.

Reynolda Exhibit: Camel City – Tobacco & Transformation, 1875–1964
This striking exhibition at Reynolda House traces the rise and legacy of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco amid its 150th anniversary through artifacts, advertising, and fine art. On view through Jan. 4.

NCMA Exhibit: We Belong Here: The Gutierrez Collection
NCMA Winston-Salem presents this groundbreaking new exhibit, on view Oct 23–Dec 27,  showcasing contemporary works from NC–based collectors Onay Gutierrez and Jeff Childers. Featuring 40+ works by international artists including Kehinde Wiley, Mickalene Thomas, and Beverly McIver, the show explores themes of identity, representation, and community. It's viewable during operating hours at NCMA Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA).

Taste of Art at Sawtooth School
Popular one-night workshops where guests create art to take home. Classes held Fridays (and select Saturdays) throughout November at the downtown Sawtooth School, with some sessions at The Generations Center. Explore glass, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, and more.

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