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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.
Moravian Candle Tea 2025
The 2025 Moravian Candle Tea will be held for two weeks from Wednesday, December 3, through Saturday, December 13. Tickets are now available on the Home Moravian Candle Tea event page.
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 while savoring some 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 2025 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 3, 2025 – December 13, 2025
Dates & Times:
General Public
- Wednesday, December 3 – 12:30pm – 8pm
- Thursday & Friday, December 4 & 5 – 12:30pm – 8pm
- Saturday, December 6 – 9:30am-8pm
- Thursday & Friday, December 11 & 12 – 12:30pm – 8pm
- Saturday, December 13 – 11:30am-8pm
The tours last approximately one hour and 45 minutes. See directions and parking information on the Home Moravian Candle Tea event page.
Tours of Old Salem including the Single Brothers House, are separate from the Candle Tea and handled by Old Salem.
School Tours (Public, Private, and Home Schooled) Dates & Times
- Wednesday-Friday, December 3-5 – 9:30-12pm
- Wednesday-Friday, December 10-12 – 9:30-12pm
Scout Tours
- Saturday, December 13 – 9am – 11am
Scout and School tours last approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Scout patches are available for $1.50 each and must be ordered when making the reservation. See directions and parking information on the Home Moravian Candle Tea event page.
Reserve Your Time Slot!
Reserved entry is limited to 30 per 15-minute admission slot. Walk-in guests are welcome and will be accommodated as space is available. Reserve your slot early, as tickets usually sell out quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Old Salem candle tea cost?
- $9 Ages 13+
- $5 Ages 3-12
- Free Under 3
- $3.50 School/Scout tours, all ages (shorter tour)
- Who manages the event?
- Candle Tea is completely staffed by 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 – cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted
- Purchase of candles is cash or check only, unless pre-purchased online
- 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 3-5, 205. 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 lemonade and Moravian cookies. There is no admission fee, but there will be a craft/bake sale on Thursday, December 4 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.
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!
