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.
read moreDowntown 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!
read moreCorpening 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.
read moreFirst 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.
read moreThe 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.
read moreSawtooth 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.
read moreWS 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.
read moreTheatre 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.
read moreBenton 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.
read moreOld 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.
read moreSingle 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!
read moreReynolds 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!
read moreWinston 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!
read moreWise 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!
read moreMast 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.
read moreROAR
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.
read moreOld 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!
read moreIncendiary 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.
read moreHanesbrands 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.
read moreRadar 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.
read moreTucker'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.
read moreCobblestone 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!
read moreCentenary 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!
read moreWise 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.
read moreHanesbrands 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!
read moreThe 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!
read moreThe 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.
read moreFounders Restaurant at The Shaffner Inn
150 S. Marshall St.
8:00am-2:00pm