downtown winston-salem

Holiday Events in the heart of the city

Dec. 7th

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 more

Downtown Winston-Salem

4th & Liberty Streets

5:00 pm

Dec. 7th

City Tree Lighting Celebration

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

read more

Corpening Plaza

237 W. 1st St.

6:30 pm (immediately following the parade)

Dec. 6th

Tuba Christmas

Enjoy a FREE concert of Christmas carols performed by dozens of tuba and euphonium players on Friday, December 6th at 6:30 PM at First Presbyterian Contemporary Worship Center. 2024 marks the 51st 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 more

First Presbyterian Contemporary Worship Center

200 N. Cherry St.

6:30 pm

Dec. 6th

Twin City Santa - 21st 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 more

The Millennium Center

101 W. 5th St.

8:00pm-12:00am

Dec. 2-3

Sawtooth Artists Market

Dec. 2 from 6:00-8:30pm and Dec. 3 from 10am-3pm. Sawtooth Artists Market is a celebration of our artist instructors, students, and arts community. Our most talented artisans will be in our studios demonstrating and selling their work!

read more

Sawtooth School for Visual Art

251 N. Spruce St.

Dec. 7-21

Yo, Ho, Ho: A Pirate’s Christmas

Dec. 7, 14, 21. What will become of Christmas when Santa Claus and the citizens of the North Pole are kidnapped by a bunch of directionally challenged pirates? It's up to a little seven-year-old girl named Eve to save Christmas for everyone! This wondrous musical is destined to become a holiday tradition for you and your entire family!

read more

WS Theatre Alliance

650 W. 6th St.

Dec. 12-22

Annie Warbucks: The Musical

Dec. 12-15 & Dec. 19-22. Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.

read more

Theatre Alliance

650 W. 6th St.

Dec. 21st

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 more

Benton Convention Center

301 W. 5th St.

1:00 - 6:00pm

December

Old Salem Joy of Christmas Evening Tours

Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14, Dec. 20-21. Explore the history of the Tavern Museum, Vogler House, and Boys’ School in this seasonal tradition. This year’s activities feature ornament making, illuminations, and springerle molds, all paired with lantern-light and festive storytelling. These crafts will come home with you to enjoy for years to come! 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 yesteryear. For adults, tickets are $60, and children are $40.

read more

Old Salem

Varying Times

December

Candle Tea

Dec. 4, Dec. 5-7, Dec. 7-9, Dec 12-13. 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 more

Single Brothers' House of Old Salem

600 S. Main St.

Varying Times

Dec. 12-15,

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 more

Reynolds Place Theatre

251 N. Spruce St.

Varying Times

Dec. 16

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 more

Winston Junction Market

901 N. Trade St.

11:00am-4:00pm

December

Santa at Mast General

December 14, 15, 21, 22 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. Bring along your family’s littlest believers for an unforgettable Christmas memory. Also, please be sure to bring your own camera for the photo op!

read more

Mast General Store

516 N. Trade St.

2:00 - 5:00pm

Saturdays

ROAR Holiday Market

Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21: 11:00am-4:00pm. Join us at ROAR's annual Holiday Market every Saturday from 11/23 until 12/21! This event will feature some of Winston-Salem's favorite local vendors and is fun for the whole family!

read more

ROAR

633 N. Liberty St.

11:00am-4:00pm

December

Salem Saturdays at Christmas

Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21. Join us in Old Salem this holiday season! On those days, special activities and attractions ring in the holiday season with heightened cheer. Each Saturday has something new to offer - check website for each Saturday theme!

read more

Old Salem

10:00am-4:00pm

Dec. 8th

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 more

Incendiary Brewing

449 N. Chestnut St.

12:00pm-4:00pm

Dec. 5-21

A Motown Christmas

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with this festive holiday revue. It’s the perfect blend of traditional Christmas carols paired with the soulful sounds from such Motown celebrities as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5. You might catch “Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”, in this memorable and fun Christmas treat for the entire family! See website for varying dates & times

read more

Hanesbrands Theatre

209 N. Spruce St.

Varying Times

Dec. 21st

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! Bring your dog to run/walk with you or arrive early for your chance to run with a rescue! The 5K race will take place on the Long Branch paved trail on the edge of downtown. The post-race celebrations are at Radar Brewing

read more

Radar Brewing

222 E. 9th St.

9:00am

Dec. 8th

Tucker's Tap Yard Howliday Party

Let's get festive at Tucker's! Join us for our second annual Howliday party! DesiLu Pet Portraits will be taking pictures of pups with Santa. Foodtruck on site!

read more

Tucker's Tap Yard

1010 N. Liberty St.

4:00pm

Dec. 3rd

Piedmont Wind Symphony: Home for the Holidays

Join us for Holiday Bells – an evening of timeless carols, festive favorites, and a special surprise where YOU could perform alongside the symphony!

read more

Centenary United Methodist Church

646 W. 5th St.

7:30pm

Dec. 11th

4 Calling Birds

This holiday showcase will feature the musical talents of internationally acclaimed performers Ian and Eva Benjamin, as well as touring performers! Celebrate the season with an evening of dazzling vocal performances all set to a soundtrack of December’s most beloved holiday classics.

read more

Hanesbrands Theatre

209 N. Spruce St.

7:00PM

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 more

The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

51 E. 4th St.

6:00pm-10:00pm

Dec. 21st

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 10:00am-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! Indulge in our delicious Founders brunch and for the little ones, we have a delightful Kids' Brunch Menu. Reservations are required. Reserve your spot by calling 336.293.6875.

read more

Founders Restaurant at The Shaffner Inn

150 S. Marshall St.

8:00am-2:00pm

Dec. 17th

Piedmont Wind Symphony Boogie Winter Wonderland

Spice up your holiday season with the Piedmont Wind Symphony's "Boogie Wonderland"—the ultimate date night for music lovers and boogie connoisseurs! This electrifying evening transforms holiday hits and timeless classics into a funky, soul-filled celebration perfect for those looking to shake up their seasonal traditions!

read more

The Ramkat

170 W. 9th St.

7:30pm

Dec. 6th

Kaleideum Festive Family Friday

Catch the holiday magic at Festive Family Friday in Kaleideum’s new museum in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem! The whole family can listen to live music, create festive holiday crafts and reindeer food, and visit Santa in the enchanting setting of our Rooftop Adventure, with the beautiful downtown skyline and twinkling lights behind you. Tickets are $7 per person online; $10 per person at the door. You can add on an exclusive experience during Festive Family Friday. Cupcakes & Cocoa with Santa in the Digital Dome is an additional $15 per person.

read more

Kaleideum

120 W. 3rd St.

6:00pm-9:00pm

Dec. 14th

Kaleideum After Dark: Ugly Sweater Party

Discover Kaleideum in a kid-free environment! Find your ugliest holiday sweater and join us! Raleigh band Hold Tone will be Jingle Bell rocking the museum, and we’ll have ornament-making in the Try It! Studio, an adult hot chocolate bar on the Rooftop Adventure, and holiday trivia contests with prizes in the Digital Dome. Come early to dance and play the night away! Buy tickets online and save money: $20 online, $25 at the door. Ticket includes two drink vouchers for beer and wine. A full cash bar with signature cocktails is available for more drinks, and you can buy your dinner at the food truck out front.

read more

Kaleideum

120 W. 3rd St.

6:30pm-9:30pm

Dec. 21st

A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show

The Dash are excited to host the first-ever Holiday Drone Light Show for the Triad on December 21 at 6:30PM, presented by Sutton Brothers! This will be a one-of-a-kind experience at Truist Stadium, in partnership with Celestial, to bring 500 drones to light up the sky with a rendition of the classic story, A Christmas Carol.

read more

Truist Stadium

951 Ballpark Way

6:30pm