downtown winston-salem

Holiday Events in the heart of the city

December 2nd

WS Ambassadors Holiday Parade

Start your Holiday season off at the WS Ambassadors Parade! Parade route begins on 4th St. and takes a right on Liberty St.

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Downtown Winston-Salem

4th & Liberty Streets

5:00 pm

December 2nd

City Tree Lighting Celebration

When the parade is over, come down to Corpening Plaza to watch the tree get lit!

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Corpening Plaza

237 W. 1st St.

6:30 pm (immediately following the parade)

December 1st

Tuba Christmas

Enjoy a FREE concert of Christmas carols performed by dozens of tuba and euphonium players on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 PM at First Presbyterian Contemporary Worship Center. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Tuba Christmas concerts which are held in over 300 cities throughout the United States to celebrate those who enjoy, play, teach, and compose music for instruments in the tuba family. Harvey Phillips created this annual event to honor the tubist William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day, 1902.

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First Presbyterian Contemporary Worship Center

200 N. Cherry St.

6:30 pm

December 1st

Twin City Santa - 20th Annual Toy Drive & Semi-Formal

Hosted by the Twin City Santa nonprofit group, this semiformal holiday party brings hundreds of young professionals together for a good time and a good cause. Live music, hors d’ouerves, and complimentary beer/wine with ticket purchase and toy donation.

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The Millennium Center

101 W. 5th St.

8:00pm-12:00am

December 2nd

Sawtooth Artists Market

Nothing sparks holiday magic like the sight of hand-made ornaments, sparkling jewelry, and beautiful textiles. From 11:00am-7:00pm on Dec. 2 artists will be demonstrating and selling their work in the studios and galleries. Food Trucks will be on-site.

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Sawtooth School for Visual Art

251 N. Spruce St.

11:00am-7:00pm

December 21-23

Christmas with the Crawfords: A Musical Comedy

Based on the actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast of the Crawford family from their Brentwood mansion in the late 1940s, Christmas with the Crawfords is a loving homage to and parody of Hollywood's "Golden Age". Magic, music and mayhem rule the holidays as Mommie Dearest tries to prove to the world she's not all washed up, only to have her evening come crashing down in a campy mélange of cat fighting and family feuding.

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WS Theatre Alliance

650 W. 6th St.

Dec. 8-17

Annie Warbucks: The Musical

Dec. 8-10 & Dec. 15-17. All the ingredients that made Annie so successful are here once again, with an old-fashioned romance and Christmas cheer, in Annie Warbucks! The action picks up right where Annie leaves off, when Child Welfare Commissioner Harriet Doyle arrives on the scene to inform Daddy Warbucks that he must marry within 60 days so that the newly adopted Annie can have a proper mother.

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Theatre Alliance

650 W. 6th St.

December 16th

Christmas for the City

This one-of-a-kind celebration unites the local arts community, businesses, nonprofits, and churches for a free holiday party. Highlights include live entertainment, art displays, kids’ activities, toy workshop, a visit from Santa, and more.

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Benton Convention Center

301 W. 5th St.

1:00 - 6:00pm

December

Old Salem Joy of Christmas Evening Tours

Dec. 1-2, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16. Step back in time to experience the cherished tradition of Old Salem’s evening tours. These tours invite you to uncover the rich history of Old Salem’s Tavern Museum, the Vogler House, and the Boys’ School. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas from the 1800s with our engaging and informative experiences. Delight in hands-on activities that transport you to the heartwarming holiday season of yesteryears. For adults, tickets are $60, and children are $35. Don’t miss this chance to create cherished memories and rediscover the charm of Christmases long past.

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Old Salem

Varying Times

Candle Tea

Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 4-5, Dec. 7-9. Each year hundreds of guests come to the historic Single Brothers House in Old Salem to experience this rich tradition. As a Moravian brass band plays nearby, costumed volunteers welcome guests with an introduction to the history of the Moravians in Salem, followed by carols in the Saal accompanied by an 18th century Tannenburg organ, the sweet aroma of a beeswax candle-making demonstration, a visit to the original kitchen to enjoy coffee and sugar cake, and finally a viewing of the amazing Salem putz and the nativity scene.

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Single Brothers' House of Old Salem

600 S. Main St.

Varying Times

Dec. 7-17

A Christmas Carol

The Little Theatre presents A Christmas Carol! Imprisoned in the dark and miserly life he has chosen, Ebenezer Scrooge faces a fateful night of ghosts, memories, visions, and fears. Will the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come help him find the way to a kinder heart and a brighter future? This hopeful and merry adaptation of everyone’s favorite Christmas classic is sure to bring holiday cheer to the whole family!

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Reynolds Place Theatre

251 N. Spruce St.

Varying Times

December 16th

Winston Junction Holiday Market

Join us at Winston Junction Market! You'll find amazing artists and makers selling handmade items, food trucks, sweet treats, and live music. Plus FREE photos with Santa!

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Winston Junction Market

901 N. Trade St.

11:00am-4:00pm

December 16th

A Wise Man's Christmas Party

Oh Deer SAVE THE DATE! Can you believe it's that time already? Your presents is requested at our annual Christmas Party on December 16th! Beer Releases, Food Trucks, Live Music, Baby Goats, Funnel Cakes, Gift Wrapping and so much more! Food Trucks: Mo'Empanadas 12-4 PM, Funnel Cake King 2-7 PM, My Kitchen 5-10 PM Live Music: Playing Holiday Hits!

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Wise Man Brewing

826 Angelo Bros Ave.

12:00pm

December

Santa at Mast General

December 9, 10, 16, 17 from 2:00pm-5:00pm. Jolly Old St. Nick is making an appearance as he starts making his list and hearing out everyone’s Christmas wishes. Before he harnesses up the reindeer team and takes his sleigh to the sky, be sure to pay him a visit! Bring along your family’s littlest believers and well-behaved dogs for an unforgettable Christmas memory. Also, please be sure to bring your own camera for the photo op!

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Mast General Store

516 N. Trade St.

Saturdays

ROAR Holiday Market

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23: 11:00am-4:00pm. It's a Winter Wonderland at ROAR's Holiday Market! Experience the magic with our exclusive Downtown Winston-Salem pop-up featuring Ronnie's Country Store, Dewey's Bakery items, and ROAR baskets.

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ROAR

633 N. Liberty St.

11:00am-4:00pm

December

Salem Saturdays at Christmas

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23. Join us in Old Salem this holiday season! Learn how the historical town of Salem created an environment of celebration and reflection in the solitude of this rural landscape. A Moravian Christmas in North Carolina has a distinctive southern quality. A slight nip in the air, an abundance of greenery, the intricate putz, decorated pyramid trees, and of course baked treats from Winkler Bakery make for a unique learning experience.

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Old Salem

10:00am-4:00pm

December 3rd

Christmas in the Coalpit

Come shop from over 35 local makers, artists, and businesses! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, too! Come shop, eat, and drink local. Family and pet friendly!

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Incendiary Brewing

449 N. Chestnut St.

12:00pm-4:00pm

Dec. 1-17

Nativity According to the Gospels

An electrifying rendition of the Christmas story told with an infusion of gospel music, dance, and spoken word. A Winston-Salem holiday classic, Nativity According to the Gospels is a foot-stomping, handclapping theatrical performance, filled with brilliant costumes and Afro-centric dance.

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Hanesbrands Theatre

209 N. Spruce St.

Varying Times

December 16th

Jingle Jog 5k & Santa Strut

The Jingle Jog 5K and Santa Strut has been a Triad holiday tradition. This is a truly festival family (friends and pooches included) holiday event for all. Come join us for a great run and some Christmas fun! Participants get a Christmas ornament finishers medal and those 21+ get a complimentary craft beer from Radar Brewing. Bring your dog to run/walk with you or arrive early for your chance to run with a rescue.

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Radar Brewing

222 E. 9th St.

7:00am

December 3rd

Tucker's Tap Yard Howliday Party

Let's get festive at Tucker's! Join us for our second annual Howliday party! DesiLu will be taking pictures of pups with Santa 4:30-6:30PM. We will also have specialty cocktails & pup cups.

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Tucker's TapYard

1010 N. Liberty St.

4:00pm

December 9th

Holiday Ornament Event at Cobblestone Farmers Market

Free family fun! Make an ornament from natural materials found at Gateway Nature Preserve! Look for our booth at Cobblestone Farmers Market.

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Cobblestone Farmers Market

1007 S. Marshall St.

9:00am-12:00pm

Dec. 5th

Piedmont Wind Symphony: Home for the Holidays

Wrap yourself in the magic of the season at Home for the Holidays! Join us for an enchanting evening, where the Piedmont Wind Symphony brings beloved holiday tunes to life. From festive favorites to heartwarming classics, immerse yourself in the warmth and joy of the holidays with melodies that will captivate and uplift your spirit!

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Centenary United Methodist Church

646 W. 5th St.

7:30pm

Dec. 31

Wise Man Brewing New Years Eve Party

We're kissing 2023 goodbye and welcoming 2024 with a dance party with DJSK! Come ring in the new year with us!

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Wise Man Brewing

826 N. Angelo Brothers Ave.

8:00pm-1:00am

Dec. 15th

JOY! A Spring Theatre Touring Revue Show

JOY is a musical holiday revue that Spring Theatre is touring to retirement communities throughout the holiday season! Including kids, teens and adults from the community, join this amazing cast to really get in the Christmas spirit. ONE NIGHT ONLY as other performances are private throughout the season.

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Hanesbrands Theatre

209 N. Spruce St.

7:00PM

Dec. 31st

Back to 80s: New Year's Eve Party

Celebrate New Year's Eve in true '80s style. We're throwing the ultimate NYE '80s Party, and you're invited to join in on the fun. $50/each Couples Ticket: $95 (Admits two people). NYE Party Highlights: Cash Bar, Appetizers and Grazing Table (8:30 PM - 10:30 PM), Party Favors and Noise Makers, Countdown Champagne Toast, Cigars on the Deck, DJ spinning the hottest '80s hits, Photo Booth for capturing memories. Room Packages Available (Double Occupancy): Make the most of your night and book a room package at The Shaffner Inn or Summit Street Inns!

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The Shaffner Inn

150 S. Marshall St.

8:30pm

December

Grinch Bar at The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel will have a daily Grinch Bar! Grinch themed drinks, sweet treats and all the decor that takes you to Whoville!

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The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

51 E. 4th St.

6:00pm-10:00pm

Dec. 16th

Founders Restaurant Santa Brunch

Join us for a Santa Brunch at Founders Restaurant at The Shaffner Inn from 8:00am-2:00pm! Santa Claus will be making a special appearance from 11:00am-2:00pm. Don't miss the chance for your little ones to meet and greet with the jolly man himself. You can even take a picture with Santa! Spread the holiday cheer by bringing a new gift for Toys for Tots. Indulge in our delicious Founders brunch and a special 1-Day Only Holiday Cocktail Menu. For the little ones, we have a delightful Kids' Brunch Menu. Reservations are required. Reserve your spot by calling 336.293.6875.

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Founders Restaurant at The Shaffner Inn

150 S. Marshall St.

8:00am-2:00pm