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The Moravian Candle Tea at Old Salem has been a Winston-Salem Christmas tradition since 1929. Participants experience the sights, sounds, smells, and even the tastes of early Moravian Christmas traditions.
2024 Moravian Tea
The 2024 Moravian Tea at Old Salem will begin Wednesday, December 4, and continue through Saturday, December 14, 2024. Tickets now on sale. Reserve your spot now.
Experience Early Moravian Traditions
Guides wearing early Moravian period attire lead guests on a tour of the Single Brothers House on Salem Square in Old Salem. In the “saal,” or chapel, guests sing carols accompanied by a restored 1797 Tannenburg organ. Breathe in the scent of little handmade Moravian beeswax candles with their accompanying red fringe. Note: The Single Brothers House is NOT handicapped accessible.
Guests can watch demonstrations of the making of these, view the lighted nativity scene, and the “putz” — a detailed miniature wintry scene of 1900’s Old Salem. As a special treat, guests enjoy a warm mug of Moravian coffee to wash down the fresh-baked Moravian sugar cake. The tour lasts one hour and forty five minutes.
The event, organized by the Women’s Fellowship of Home Moravian in Old Salem, draws around 10,000 visitors each year. Proceeds benefit many charitable causes.
Candle Tea 2024 Schedule
The main candle tea event is in Old Salem at Single Brother’s House. We are also posting information about the candle tea held at Ardmore Moravian church.
Old Salem Candle Tea
Candle Tea will be held in Old Salem at Single Brother’s House (600 Main St.) on the following days/times:
December 4, 2024 – December 14, 2024
Dates & Times:
General Public
- Wednesday, December 4: 1pm – 8:30pm
- Thursday & Friday, December 5 & 6, 1pm – 8:30pm
- Saturday, December 7, 11:30am – 8:30pm
- Thursday & Friday, December 12 & 13, 1pm – 8:30pm
- Saturday, December 14, 11:30am – 8:30pm
The tours last approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Tours of Old Salem including the Single Brothers House, are separate from the Candle Tea and handled by Old Salem. See directions and parking information on the Home Moravian Tea event page.
Scout & School Groups (Public, Private, and Home Schooled) Dates & Times
- Wednesday-Friday, December 4-6, 9:30am – 12pm
- Saturday, December 7, 9am – 11:15am
- Wednesday-Friday, December 11-13, 9:30 – 12pm
- Saturday, December 14, 9am – 11:15am
Scout and School tours last approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Scout patches are available for $1 each and must be ordered when making the reservation. See directions and parking information on the Home Moravian Tea event page.
Reserve Your Time Slot!
Reserved entry is limited to 26 per 15-minute admission slot. Walk-in guests will be accommodated as space is available. Reserve your slot early, as tickets usually sell out quickly. Reservations now available
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Old Salem candle tea cost?
- General admission – $9
- Children 3-12 – $5
- Children under 3 – Free (no ticket required)
- School and Scout teas (an abbreviated version of the regular candle teas) are $3.50 per person, including small children.
- Who manages the event?
- Candle Tea is completely staffed by Home Moravian Church volunteers. All proceeds go to outreach ministries locally and globally. Your visit helps people in need around the world
- Can I use my Old Salem Museum & Gardens ticket?
- No, the Museum & Gardens pass is not valid for this event
- What forms of payment are accepted?
- If you register in advance using the reserve your spot option above, you may pay with a credit card
- Walk-ins/at the door – only cash and checks are accepted
- Purchase of candles is cash or check only
- Is there a contact for additional questions?
- For questions not answered here or additional information, email info@candletea.org
- I have a question not listed here.
- Visit the Home Moravian Candle Tea event page for additional information
Ardmore Moravian Church Candle Tea
The Ardmore Moravian Church candle tea and bake sale will be held December 4-6, 2024. Candle tours start every 15 minutes, beginning at 5pm and the last tour begins at 8pm. Visitors learn about the birth of Christ and Moravian traditions, listen to music, see demonstrations, and enjoy Moravian cookies. There is no admission fee, but there will be a craft/bake sale on Thursday, December 5 with proceeds going to supporting the event. Armodre Moravian Church is located at 1213 W Academy Street, Winston-Salem, NC. More information at ArdmoreMoravian.org. (page not updated yet)
Children and senior groups are welcomed to Ardmore Moravian Church Candle Tea Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. Groups must call to schedule morning tours. Call 336-723-3444 to reserve a day and time.
The Spirit Of Candle Tea (Video)
This video, narrated by pastor Ginny Tobiassen and produced by Britton Sear, captures the spirit of Candle Tea at Home Moravian Church.
Learn The Meaning And Origins Of The Moravian Star
I love the first signs of Christmas in Winston-Salem, NC when Moravian stars light up porches, line the streets of downtown, and a giant 31-foot Moravian star is installed atop the tower of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, shining like a beacon. Learn about the origins of this legendary star that dates back to 1820.
What’s your favorite Winston-Salem holiday tradition? Let us know in the comments!