Every winter, Winston-Salem brings out its oldest traditions. Moravian stars glow over the brick sidewalks of Old Salem. Bakers roll Moravian cookies paper-thin, the way they have for generations. Downtown stays lively after dark, with seasonal menus, cozy bars, and shops dressed for the holidays.

That’s half the story. You’re the other half. Bring the friend who always picks the restaurant, the partner who’s overdue for a weekend away, or the whole crew. Winston-Salem sits under two hours from Charlotte and Raleigh, close enough for a last-minute weekend and full enough to start a winter tradition of your own.

You+ Timeless Traditions
Moravian settlers founded Salem in 1766, and their holiday customs still shape the season here. Walk the restored streets of Old Salem Museums & Gardens for candlelight tours, seasonal music, and fresh bread from the historic bakery. Bring home a tin of Moravian cookies and a many-pointed Moravian star for your own porch. After dark, follow the lights at the Tanglewood Festival of Lights in nearby Clemmons, a drive-through tradition for families across the region. Explore holiday traditions.

You+ Tables Set for the Season
Winston-Salem’s dining scene leans Southern and chef-driven: seasonal menus, craft cocktails by the fire, and local breweries pouring winter releases. Make dinner downtown the main event, then spend the next afternoon in the Yadkin Valley, where 45 wineries sit within 45 minutes of the city. Find your table.

You+ Winter Wanderings in the Arts District
There’s a reason Winston-Salem is known as the City of Arts and Innovation. Browse the galleries and studios of the Downtown Arts District, shop independent boutiques for handmade gifts, and spend an unhurried afternoon at Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Explore the scene.

You+ A Winter Weekend Escape
Wake up in a historic estate, a restored mill turned inn, or a boutique hotel inside a downtown landmark. Many dress for the holidays, so the season follows you right up to your door. Explore cozy stays.