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The Holidays are quickly approaching, and the air is full of excitement and joyful anticipation. There is so much to do, lights to see, and activities to participate in. We have compiled a list of upcoming events so you can mark your calendars.
Every corner of each room is decorated with beautiful holiday splendor.
Photo by Mary Johnston
November 15 Thru January 1 – Tanglewood Park Festival Of Lights – 6pm-11pm
Drive through a dazzling winter wonderland, nightly 6 – 11pm, with over a million glowing lights for the 33rd year. Over 80 displays delight guests along the winding path as they listen to holiday music. Stop midway through The Red Barn Gift Shop and S’moresville to purchase holiday crafts, homemade gifts, sticks with marshmallows, or s’mores kits. S’moresville closes at 10pm. It is a wonderful holiday tradition! $20 cash; $23 credit card per car. Carriage and Hayrides are available. See the website for prices. Discount nights: November 18, 19, 25, & 26: cars $10 cash, $13 credit card. Special Events: November 9, Miles for Meals 5K – Support the Hillsdale Church Food Ministry. November 10, TOAST Families – walkers, strollers, wagon rollers, stroll through the beautiful lights! Nov 11-12, Paws In The Park – bring your furry friend for a walk through the lights. December 31, Running of the Lights – race through the Festival of Lights at midnight. See the Festival of Lights website for more details.
- The entrance to Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park is off of NC Highway 158 (Clemmons Road)
- 336-703-6400
November 23 Thru January 1 – Sunset Hills Christmas Balls
Sunset Hills is a neighborhood in Greensboro that decorates its yards with giant balls of lights. The display makes the neighborhood look magical. Nov 23 there will be 2 bands and food trucks as the neighborhood celebrates the lighting of the balls. It is a delight to drive through, or you can park, not blocking driveways, and walk around through the lights. The lights stay light until around 11pm. Bring a can of food for the food banks and deposit in one of the bins in the neighborhood. On December 14th, they will hold The Running Of The Balls, a 5-K event to raise money for the Second Harvest Food Bank. All ages can participate, runners and walkers alike. Runners leave at 6pm, followed by walkers. Bands will be playing on this fun-filled night. The cost to participate is $50 for adults and $25 for youths. See Website for details.
November 26 Thru January 4 – Christmas At Körner’s Folly
Take an unforgettable holiday tour through Körner’s Folly, where the home’s 22 rooms are decorated floor to ceiling in the 2024 theme, A Gilded Christmas. Self-guided tours are available Tues-Sun, 10am-4pm, with the last entry at 3pm, and take approximately an hour. Experience the holidays in an amazing way. Adults $12; Youth (6-18) $6; Children (0-5) Free. Visit their gift shop to find Victorian-inspired Christmas gifts, too. See their website for tickets.
- 413 S Main Street, Kernersville, NC
- 336-996-7922
It is the perfect place to take a holiday photo.
November 30, December 7, 14, 21 – Salem Saturdays At Christmas – 10am – 2pm
Learn how the historic town of Salem created an environment of celebration and reflection. Start at the Visitor’s Center, cross the beautiful Heritage Bridge, visit the museum center, and go to The Blum House to see how historical woodworking was done. Then, travel to The Miksch House to learn how a family used and preserved produce in Old Salem. Explore the history of Moravian medicine at The Doctor’s House, one of Salem’s largest family homes, and continue for so much more, ending at Winkler’s Bakery, where you can purchase a sweet treat! Special events occur on these Saturdays, including hands-on children’s activities, music, markets, and Santa on December 21st. See the website for details and tickets.
Salem Saturdays At Christmas Website
- 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, NC
- 336-721-7350
November 29 thru December 21 – Joy Of Christmas Evening Tours
Enjoy a lantern-lit tour and festive storytelling as you explore the history of Old Salem’s Tavern Museum, Volger House, and Boys’ School. You will take part in an activity that may include ornament making, illuminations, and springerle molds, and you will take the craft home with you to enjoy as a memory of the experience. The tours take place on Friday and Saturday evenings. See the website for details and reservations.
Joy of Christmas Evening Tours Website
- Old Salem
- 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, NC
- 336-721-7350
November 23 – Reynolda Village Annual Holiday Stroll – 2pm – 6pm
Start the holiday season with a walk through historic Reynolda Village. You can view the holiday selections in the shops, enjoy the carolers in Victorian costumes roaming the village, stop for something to eat, visit Santa in The Barn, and take a free carriage ride from 3-6pm. Plan for a significant wait for the carriage rides. The queue for the rides will be near the boathouse. This event is free and popular so that parking can be difficult; use the overflow lot across the street at Reynolda Church.
Reynolda Village Annual Stroll Website
- Reynolda Village
- 2201 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC
November 29 Thru December 29 – Christmas At The Farm – 6pm – 10pm
Stroll through the light maze, take a hayride through the lights, write a letter to Santa, ride the barrel train express, run the reindeer games obstacle course, jump in the bounce houses, and more at The Farm, just a little over a half hour ride from Winston-Salem. Tickets are required; buy online in advance, and cannot be purchased at the gate. Santa Experience, S’Mores, and concessions are priced separately. See the website for more information and to buy tickets.
- The Farm
- 769 Bray Ford Road, Dobson, NC
- 336-817-5208
December 1 – January 6 – The Christmas Family Lights – 5:30pm – 11pm
An incredible display by a family with 38 years of experience includes over 50,000 lights and holiday music. This display is a must-see for your Christmas lights tour.
The Christmas Family Lights Facebook
- 3420 Shiloh Church Road, Winston-Salem, NC
December 3 – Moravian Star Lighting – 5:45pm
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center holds its annual Moravian Star Lighting Celebration in early December each year. The event is free and open to the public and officially marks the beginning of the holiday season in Winston-Salem. There is a brief worship service, and the Community Moravian Band provides music during the event, during which hot cider and Moravian cookies are served.
December 6 – Festive Family Friday At Kaleideum – 6pm – 9pm
A Family fun event where you can enjoy live music, create holiday crafts and reindeer food, and visit Santa in the Rooftop Adventure! Tickets are $7 per person online and $10 at the door. Add on a unique experience, cupcakes and cocoa with Santa in the Digital Dome, a special craft, and a professional photo shoot with Santa. Pre-registration is required for this add-on experience at an additional cost of $15 per person. See the website for more details and to purchase tickets.
Festive Family Friday at Kaleideum Website
- Kaleideum
- 120 W 3rd Street, Winston-Salem, NC
- 336-767-6730
December 6 – Joy Tuba World – 6:30pm
This is a free concert of Christmas carols performed by dozens of tuba and euphonium players. Come and enjoy a unique concert featuring your holiday favorites. 2024 marks the 51st anniversary of Tuba Concerts held in over 300 cities in the United States.
- First Presbyterian Contemporary Worship Center
- 200 N Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC
December 6 thru 8 – The Nutcracker
Stunning sets, exquisite costumes, phenomenal dancing, and special effects make this a top-notch production and a favorite of families and lovers of the arts. UNCSA’s production is the only “The Nutcracker” performance in the Triad to be accompanied by a live orchestra. The Nutcracker will be held this year at The Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro due to the renovation of The Steven’s Center. Tickets are available at TangerCenter.com and Ticketmaster and begin at $39.
- Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
- One Abe Brenner Place, 300 N Elm Street, Greensboro, NC
- 336-333-3500
December 6 & 13 – Caroling Fridays At Reynolda – 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Museum visitors will gather in the historic Reynolda House reception hall to share Christmas cheer through song and community. No singing experience is necessary – just the joy of the season. The caroling is included with museum admission. Pre-registration is encouraged but optional.
Caroling Fridays at Reynolda Website
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art
- 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC
- 336-758-5150
Photo courtesy of Kristi Marion
December 7 – Holiday Parade And Tree Lighting – 5pm
Winston-Salem will hold its Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on December 7 at 5pm. The parade will usher in the holiday season of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, and Yule. The parade will begin at the intersection of Fourth and Poplar Streets, continue down Fourth to Liberty Street, and proceed to Corpening Plaza. The Tree Lighting will take place at Corpening Plaza around 6:30pm.
December 7 – Santaboose – 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Santa will arrive at 5:30 at the little red caboose in Rural Hall. Come and visit him while Hollywood snow falls outside. Children’s activities, food trucks, and the Depot will be open for tours. Free admission.
- Rural Hall Historic Train Depot
- 8170 Depot Street, Rural Hall, NC
December 8 – Christmas In Bermuda Run – 2pm – 5pm
Visit Santa and Mrs Claus and the Elves at the 4th Annual Christmas at Bermuda Run at The Gazebo in Town Square. You can leave Letters For Santa, and games are for all ages. Enjoy some crafts and music. Wear a Tacky Christmas Sweater and enter the judging for that. The Gingerbread House contestants must have their houses registered between 1:30 and 2pm. Here is the information for that contest. At 4:15pm, Dr Seuss will read a story, and the tree lighting will be at 4:45pm. If you want to donate a small gift for children served by Family Promise of Davie County and/or a personal care item for seniors served by A Storehouse for Jesus, there will be collection boxes. Town Square is located at 110 Kinderton Blvd, Bermuda Run.
December 10 – Handel’s Messiah – 7:30pm
Winston-Salem Symphony will present Handel’s Messiah at Wake Forest University, Wait Chapel, on Dec 10 at 7:30pm. The glorious “Hallelujah” chorus, expressive arias, and majestic choruses have drawn crowds since the composition premiered in 1742. See the website for more information and tickets.
- Wait Chapel
- 1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, NC
December 12 & 19 – Salem Band – All The Angels Sing – 7:30pm
Salem Band Holiday Concerts, All The Angels Sing, features selections such as A Celtic Christmas, Angelic Celebration, Christmas Bells are Ringing, Angels from the Realms of Glory, Gabriel’s Message, Midnight in Bethlehem, and more. Manheim Steamroller fans will love Chris Davis’ Fanfare and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and there will also be carol sing a longs. The concerts are free.
- Clemmons First Baptist Church
- 3530 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC
December 14 – ChristmasFest – 10am – 8pm
A Moravian Advent & Christmas Festival and Holiday Market, ChristmasFest features Christmas carols, holiday music, artist and craft person demos, food and drink vendors, and items for sale. There will also be activities for children, including decorating cookies, ornament, star-making, and candle trimming. Santa will be there 11am-2pm and 3pm-7pm. Admission is free.
- Elberson Fine Arts Center, Salem College
- 412 Rams Drive, Winston-Salem, NC
December 17 – An Enchanted Christmas At Reynolda – 5:30pm – 8:00pm
This family-friendly event is a great holiday experience. It includes a self-tour through the historic house decorated in the style of the first Christmas in 1917 while holiday songs play on the original Aeolian organ. Then, enjoy a hot chocolate bar and make holiday cards. The cost is $25 for non-members and free for members. See the website to register.
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art
- 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC
- 336-758-5150
December 19 – Candlelight Christmas Concert – 8:45pm
The Listeso String Quartet performs 60 minutes of music inspired by the holiday season in this multi-sensory experience. The program includes music from The Nutcracker, The Skaters Waltz, The Snow Is Dancing, and holiday classics under candlelight. This event is for those 8 years old or older. An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 16. Tickets are not available at the door. They must be bought in advance. See the website for tickets.
Candlelight Christmas Concert Website
- Gerald Freedman Theater at Alex Ewing Performance Place
- 1533 S Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC
December 21 – Christmas For The City – 1pm – 6pm
A free citywide Christmas party that features live music, art performances, original work by local artists, a make-your-own-toy workshop, and Santa Claus! To be held at Benton Convention Center, volunteers hope to make this 16th annual event a meaningful Christmas experience for the whole community!
Christmas For The City Website
- Benton Center
- 301 W 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC
- 336-747-3067
December 21 – Holiday Drone Light Show – A Christmas Carol – 6:30pm
Be there for this one-of-a-kind experience! The Winston-Salem Dash will hold the first-ever Holiday Drone Light Show at Truist Stadium. The Dash has partnered with Celestial to bring over 500 drones to light up the sky with a rendition of A Christmas Carol. Witness towering elements create famous characters from the iconic story and enjoy a heart-warming, narrated journey through the timeless tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve and his ghostly visitors, who lead him to a profound transformation. The event is presented by The Sutton Brothers. Gates will open at 5pm. Children 3 years of age and older must have a ticket. The Dash are offering the following tickets and packages: • Deluxe Suite, $1000 for 14 guests, including food, non-alcoholic drinks, meet & greet with Elsa from Frozen; • Flow Club Table, $240 for 4 guests, including access to buffet; • Flow Club Wings, $55/ticket, including access to buffet; • Baseline, $20; • Special Deal, 4-pack of baseline tickets for $70. Upgrade your ticket for $10 for a meet & greet opportunity with Elsa from Frozen. To purchase tickets and for more information go to the website.
Holiday Drone Light Show Website
- Truist Stadium
- 951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem, NC
- 336-714-2287
December 22 – Salem Swing Band Holiday Concert – 3pm
Enjoy your favorite holiday songs in swing style, featuring SSB vocalist Mignon Dobbins singing Ella Fitzgerald and other swing hits. Music from The Nutcracker, The Grinch, and Peanuts will be played, as well as Rockin’ Round The Christmas Tree, Silent Night, and much more. The concert is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
- Clemmons First Baptist Church
- 3530 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC
December 23 – Vienna Light Orchestra Tour 2024 – 3:30pm & 7:00pm
This world-renowned ensemble featuring musicians and vocalists from seven countries performs Christmas classics in flickering candlelight to bring holiday magic to the venue. Experience the warmth of the season with such classics as White Christmas, O Holy Night, and Ave Maria. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Ages 5 and older, anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There is limited seating; see their website for more information and tickets.
Vienna Light Orchestra Website
- RJ Reynolds Auditorium
- 301 N Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC
December 24 – Christmas Eve Lovefeasts
Christmas Eve Lovefeasts are held at Moravian Churches throughout the region. The feast of coffee and a sweet bun are served while Christmas Carols and hymns are sung, and small red fringed beeswax candles are handed to each participant. The candles are lit one by one in the darkened church to light it up with their glow. Services are free to attend. Check with your local congregation for times. Many churches hold multiple services.
Christmas Eve Lovefeast Website
December 31 – Running Of The Lights – Midnight
Spend New Year’s Eve doing something fun and healthy! Running of the Lights is a family-friendly 5K race that winds through Tanglewood’s Festival of Lights display and toasts the New Year at the finish line with Hot Chocolate. There will also be a 1.75-mile fun walk/run that starts at midnight. Registration for both events ends at 11:30pm on New Year’s Eve.
Running Of The Lights Registration Page
Another Sign Of The Season
In Winston-Salem, you know the Christmas season is near when you begin to see Moravian Stars hanging from people’s porches, in stores, downtown, and the beautiful large one on the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Find out what the star means and why it is a Christmas symbol.
What is your favorite Holiday tradition? Tell us in the comments.
