On Christmas Eve that same year, the nation’s capital hosted its first-ever community Christmas celebration. According to a National Park Service article, a chorus of 1,000 local singers caroled with the US Marine Band and concluded their performance with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Boy Scout troops waved American flags, people dressed as angels and carried Nativity figures, and an electronically-lit placard reading, “Peace on Earth. Good Will to Men,” was raised above the entrance of the United States Capitol. 

The year honored the “unity” we find inside “community” both locally and nationally. The times would bring rapid change, and, by the end of the decade, Winston-Salem would be the largest city in North Carolina while the United States would emerge from World War I as a new international power. Let’s be reminded, in fast-moving times of our own, that we’re capable of creating change in the name of kindness and harmony when we set aside our differences and join with neighbors, friends, and family.  

Whether you come to Winston-Salem by chance or you’re already planning a visit to tackle your Christmas shopping, we hope you’ll find the spirit of togetherness that bonds the Twin Cities while you’re here. Take a look at this list of holiday happenings, which include visits from Santa, screenings of classic films, festive, live performances, gatherings galore, and MORE!  

Santa Visits the Mast Store 

Before Jolly Old St. Nick loads his sleigh and takes to the sky, he wants to hear the Christmas wishes of all the Triad’s sweetest kiddos! Bring a camera – and, also, the family pet – to capture memories, greet Santa Claus, and share the joy of the season. Santa knows there’s something for everyone on your own holiday gift list at the Mast Store, so if you live in or around Winston-Salem, bring the kids to visit him on the following dates: 

Saturday, December 13, 2 - 5 p.m. 
Sunday, December 14, 2 - 5 p.m. 
Saturday, December 20, 2 - 5 p.m. 
Sunday, December 21, 2 - 5 p.m. 

While your children tell Santa what’s on their wishlists, take care of your own holiday shopping in a relaxed setting with friendly, knowledgeable service far from the stress, hassle, and hurry of a big-box store. 

The Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights  

A drive-through Christmas extravaganza awaits minutes outside of Winston-Salem in nearby Clemmons. The Festival of Lights is a favorite Triad holiday tradition and has been called the best outdoor holiday light display in North Carolina years on end by Travel + Leisure magazine. The festival includes 80 original installations made of more than one million sparkling LED lights. This family car ride is sure to be a seasonal highlight as you weave through, underneath, and among glowing lights along the winding 5-mile path of Tanglewood Park. A holiday craft gift shop and even S’moresville, featuring DIY s’mores kits and a toasty bonfire await at the end of your journey. 

The Festival of Lights opens Friday, November 14, and lasts through New Year’s Day 2026. This attraction is so popular, especially on weekends, that entry lines may be backed up to a four-hour wait, so plan your visit accordingly. It’s advisable to take advantage of an early weekday, like Monday or Tuesday, with lighter traffic. Admission is $20 cash/$23 card per vehicle with Half-Price Nights, Nov. 17 – 18 and 24 – 25. Admission is paid at the gate ONLY with no advance ticket purchases. The show is open from 6 – 11 p.m. each evening aside from New Year’s Eve when it closes one hour early. More information is available at the event WEBSITE. 

Christmas at Old Salem 

Salem Christmas Saturdays start on November 29 and include festive music, vendor markets, hands-on activities, visits from St. Nicholas, and holiday-themed interpretation throughout Old Salem. Ticket information can be found HERE.?? 

Joy?of Christmas evenings?at Old Salem begin?on Friday, November 28 and?continue?on Friday and Saturday nights through December 20. A walking tour through?Historic Salem teaches participants about Christmas traditions and how they have evolved over time. The tours start at 6:30 p.m. These evenings often sell out, so?it’s?important to make your plans and purchase tickets ahead of time.?Ticket information can be found HERE.? 

©2017 Wake Forest University. Photo by Ken Bennett, courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem

North Carolina School of the Arts’ annual presentation of THE NUTCRACKER

The many talents of University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ students are put on full display in their presentation of Tchaikovsky’s?The Nutcracker. The performance is a collaboration of the university’s Dance, Music, and Design & Production schools, which culminates in an unforgettable seasonal spectacle.  

This iconic Triad holiday tradition has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for 60 years. Typically, the performance is held in Downtown Winston-Salem’s gorgeous Stevens Center; however, due to renovations, this year’s performance will take place on the stage of the impressive Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, 300 North Elm Street, Greensboro. Five performances are scheduled between Friday, December 5, and Sunday, December 7. Learn more and book your tickets at UNCSA’s WEBSITE. 

UNCSA performance of The Nutcracker - photo courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem

Kaleideum 

Festive Family Friday brings the “magic” of the Holidays to life from 2 – 8 p.m., December 5. Watch your kids’ eyes light up to holiday magic tricks performed by Steve Feldman, join them in making reindeer food, catch a show by Titifara Puppets, listen to the Season’s Best Carolers, and much MORE! Tickets are $5 per person and FREE to museum members. Learn more HERE.   

Party in the spirit of the season at Kaleideum After Dark, 7 – 11 p.m., Saturday, December 13. The museum teams with Twin City Santa on the group’s 22nd Annual Toy Drive and Semi-Formal. The festive fun will feature dancing to the beats of DJ Hek Yeh, holiday karaoke, hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth, and MORE. Mast General Store is proud to sponsor this Yuletide bash that gives back! A ticket and a donation are required of each attendee. For more info, visit this LINK.   

The Winston-Salem Ambassadors Holiday Parade & Downtown Winston-Salem Tree Lighting 

The Winston-Salem Ambassadors host the City of Arts and Innovation’s holiday parade, which rolls out at 5 p.m., Saturday, December 6. The event begins at the intersection of Fourth and Poplar and continues to Liberty Street. From Liberty, the parade heads to Corpening Plaza, where the City of Winston-Salem holds its Annual Tree Lighting ceremony around 6:30 p.m. Learn more with a CLICK. 

Trade Street Farmers Market 

The Mast Store’s Trade Street neighborhood is the heart of Downtown Winston-Salem’s arts district. Now, it’s also downtown’s breadbasket! The new Trade Street Farmer’s Market showcases the produce, choice cuts, baked goods, fine crafts, and MORE goods direct from local farmers and artisans. Check out the final installment of the year, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, December 7, to supply yourself with farm-to-festive table treats just in time for the Holidays.  

Shop Downtown and Stroll through a Window Wonderland 

As temperatures drop, a fun, friendly competition between Downtown Winston-Salem businesses heats up in time for the holiday shopping season. Wander through the Trade Street Arts District, promenade along Fourth Street, investigate the Innovation Quarter, and amble across all points in between taking your time to drop by local businesses, tick items off your Christmas shopping list, and take in the scenery. Vote on your favorite holiday-themed display in Downtown Winston-Salem’s Window Wonderland competition. Not to say we’re biased at the Mast Store, but our windows are always among the season’s most lavish, eye-catching, top contenders! Cast your votes before 3 p.m., Wednesday, December 17, because the winners will be announced later that day. 

a/perture 

When legendary actor Jimmy Stewart took on the starring role of George Bailey, a small-town building and loan manager who finds his business short $8,000 on Christmas Eve, he wasn’t met with fanfare. The movie in which he appeared, It’s a Wonderful Life, tanked at the box office when it was released in 1946. After generations of winning audiences’ hearts through television reruns, however, Stewart and director, Frank Capra, would be proud; It’s a Wonderful Life grew into the Christmas classic it was intended to be.  

While you can still catch It’s a Wonderful Life on television often this time of year, thanks to a/perture’s special holiday screenings, you can finally give this film its long-overdue in-theater adulation. Not to mention, it’s pretty cozy to share the experience of watching a black-and-white holiday masterpiece in a neighborhood arthouse cinema on a cold winter’s day.  

It's a Wonderful Life will show 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, December 17, and 3 p.m., Sunday, December 21 at a/perture, 311 West 4th Street. Visit its event page on a/perture’s WEBSITE to learn more.  

Christmas for the City 

Local churches, community groups, and members of the arts community unite to throw their city a FREE Christmas party that all its residents can enjoy. Christmas for the City creates meaningful, community-centric experiences through live music and arts performances. These interactions highlight Winston-Salem’s diversity and uniqueness while emphasizing the message of how the Holidays bring together neighbors from all walks of life. Join the party at the Benton Convention Center, 1 – 6 p.m., Saturday, December 20. For more information, visit the OFFICIAL EVENT WEBSITE.

We hope that you and your family take advantage of one or more of these local, holiday-themed offerings on your visit to Winston-Salem. Of course, while you’re in town, be sure to visit the Mast Store on Trade Street. Whether you’re on campus at Wake Forest University, cruising through the Tanglewood Festival of Lights, or attending a Lovefeast in Old Salem, the Mast Store is a short drive away, centrally located in the heart of Downtown Winston-Salem, and we hope to put that same “heart” into your family’s and our community’s holiday season!