The holiday season can really fly by in a flash if you’re not careful. It feels like we wait all year for the magical few months, only for us to get too overwhelmed to embrace it. This year, let’s resolve to change it up and create some long-lasting traditions! If you’re tired of getting caught up in the stress of the end of the year rather than making memories, I’d love to tell you about some of my favorite holiday events in Winston-Salem, NC. From hands-on activities to relaxing experiences, I’m positive you’ll find the perfect thing to prevent you from becoming the Grinch this year.
Don’t Skip These Wonderful And Exciting Holiday Events In Winston-Salem, NC This Season
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights takes place every year from the middle of November through the first day of January. The Winston-Salem, NC event lets you take in the holiday lights however you’d like. Hop in your car and gaze at them while blasting your favorite Christmas albums, or reserve a carriage and view them in style! And while the site is known for their displays, there’s plenty of other activities to fill your evening. Roast some marshmallows over in S’moresville or do some holiday shopping inside the Gift Shop. The grounds offer overnight accommodations over at the Manor House Bed and Breakfast, and there are tons of themed activities that you can plan into your holiday schedule. Tanglewood Park is just ten minutes outside Winston Salem and can be found at 4061 Clemmons Road in Clemmons.
Holidays at Old Salem
Holidays at Old Salem invites you to step inside a time machine and celebrate holiday events throughout the Winston-Salem, NC generations. The historic town lets you check out different artifacts and learn all about the holidays of the past. The Visitor Center puts up brand new exhibits that walk you through the town’s history, while the Blum House Joinery Workshop shows you all the tools that built the area. You’ll also get to view the different cultures that contributed to the town. Head over to the Doctor’s House and see the contributions of the Africans and Cherokees, or step inside the Salem Tavern Museum to see the intersection of the town’s diverse residents. You can find it all at 900 Old Salem Road in Winston-Salem.
Christmas with the Reynolds Family
For years, Reynolda has been a fabulous destination steeped in history. The distinguished estate has been transformed into a museum that shows you artifacts from centuries prior as well as priceless American art from names such as Georgia O’Keefe, Stuart Davis, Andy Warhol, and Grant Wood. Over the holiday season, the house is decorated with elegant Christmas decorations, and knowledgeable guides are there to tell you all about the traditions of the home. Your personalized tour will end with Christmas treats as well as a visit to the gift shop. The tours start every 15 minutes and will last for approximately 1 hour. You can tour the house at 2250 Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem.
Christmas at Körner’s Folly
Christmas at Körner’s Folly takes place every year and starts on the Friday following Thanksgiving. Over the next month and a half, the Winston-Salem, NC estate is transformed for the holiday season events. Every year, the estate chooses a different theme and goes all out with the decorations. For the 2023-2024 season, the estate has been decorated with the theme of Flights of Fancy, celebrating the soaring imaginations of some of the greatest minds. You can take a self-guided tour that lasts for around 1 hour. You’ll get the chance to see the traditions of Victorian Christmas on top of one-of-a-kind exhibits. But make sure you check out the schedule throughout the season. Then, you can take part in special events such as the Kernersville Yuletide or the Christmas by Candlelight celebration. Körner’s Folly is located at 413 South Main St. in Kernersville.
Spectacular Holiday Blooms
While the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden is a hot spot for nature lovers any time of the year, it becomes a must-visit destination during the holiday season. Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, the grounds come alive with over 8.000 “flowers.” Volunteers have dedicated over 5,000 hours to creating unique holiday light displays with recycled plastic bottles crafted to look like breathtaking botanicals. Tulips dangle over archways while wisteria lines the paths. The entire event takes place outdoors and lasts until December 30. The garden also plans plenty of Christmas events including a visit from Santa as well as a workshop to learn how to make the blooms yourself. The gardens are located at 215 South Main Street in Kernersville.
The Nutcracker at UNCSA
The Steven Tanger Performing Arts Center at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts will stage The Nutcracker. While the productions has been an annual holiday event tradition at the school since 1966, they used the 2023 season to show off the newly renovated Winston-Salem, NC performing arts center. Come see this beloved Christmas story performed by the skilled students at UNCSA. While all ages will positively adore the play, the school offers The Nutcracker Tea Party for ages 3-10. This condensed version lasts for 45 minutes and features selections of dances from the play. You can see the live performances at 1533 South Main St.
Running of the Lights
If you need a great way to stay active over the holidays, check out the Running of the Lights. The race happens every year inside the Tanglewood Festival of Lights. You’ll have the option of a 1.75 Fun Run or a 5.5K. You’ll get a custom race shirt as well as the cutest medal decorated with cartoon holiday lights. The best part about the race is that it takes place on New Year’s Eve. You’ll line up at the starting line and take off at midnight. So you can take a running start into the New Year. The race feels like an absolute party, and there will be celebratory toasts as well as the Times Square ball drop streaming at the start line. After you’ve finished, enjoy some hot cocoa and celebrate the New Year with other attendees. The race kicks off at 7714 Idols Rd in Clemmons.
The Whole Family Can Find Excitement This Season With These Fantastic Holiday Events In Winston-Salem
With any of these holiday events in Winston-Salem, this year will be downright jolly! Check them out so you can make some magical memories this holiday season.
If you’re looking for another way to make this season unforgettable, we should talk. I’m a North Carolina photographer, and I adore working with families to plan gorgeous photo sessions to celebrate all the major moments in life. From graduation celebrations to maternity portraits, I want to make sure you can document everyday magic. If you’ve been considering booking some pictures this holiday season, I would love to have a conversation so you can decide if my style is right for you. Contact me today to get the conversation started!
