Amelia Reynolds

Staff Writer

    Are you sitting on the couch twiddling your thumbs? Are you planning to go home, lie in bed, and scroll on your phone? Is 2025, and all the opportunities it brings, slipping away? Well, stop wasting time! As we start to gear up for the holiday season, it’s important to embrace adventure and finish off the year feeling like you’ve accomplished something. 

    I love a good adventure, and I’m always open to trying new things, so I feel qualified to create this list to inspire you. Here is a breakdown of the best things to do in Winston-Salem throughout the holidays to close out the year. 

    First up this fall season, opening November 14th, is Tanglewood Park’s 34th Annual Festival of Lights. It’s a must-see attraction that undoubtedly brings the winter cheer through miles of vibrant, gleaming lights and holiday displays. Grab a hot chocolate from Starbucks and arrive early, because the lines can be long! Having gone to the Festival of Lights before, another important tip is that you may need to get out of the car and walk, so bring a coat and comfy shoes. One of my favorite spots is the colorful rainbow archway road. This is an Insta-worthy backdrop for pictures with friends and family. More of my favorites include the eye-catching poinsettia display and festive hanging snowflakes. 

    Next, you can kick off your Thanksgiving break by supporting the Demon Deacons at the Wake Forest University Basketball game against Campbell University. The game will be played in Winston-Salem at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial (LJVM) Coliseum and is bound to bring big crowds and competitive spirit. The game will follow the predicted high-profile home game versus Michigan, with results expected to impact the game against Campbell. This is the perfect night to watch a basketball game because you won’t need to wake up early for school the next day. You can stay up cheering until the last seconds of the game. Also, you can carry your black and gold R.J. Reynolds spirit into the stadium, supporting both schools at the same time!

    Now that I gave you an option for watching sports, here’s one that you can participate in. The annual Turkey Strut 5k, a 3.1-mile race for all ages, takes place on November 27th, Thanksgiving Day. The family-friendly race benefits the WeCare House, which provides food to families with limited resources in Forsyth County. Race participants often wear fun, turkey-themed outfits and can enjoy free snacks following the race. Age-group winners can receive a Thanksgiving turkey, and everyone receives a participation medal! 

    To complete my list of fall activities, I suggest checking out the scenic and quaint Reynolda Village, settled near Wake Forest University Campus. College students can be seen walking every day, enjoying the gardens, shops, and winding trails. Reynolda is open year-round, but is especially beautiful in the fall with a warm cup of coffee from the local doughnut and coffee shop, Dough-Joes. 

    With all that Winston-Salem has to offer, the possibilities are endless. The new year is just around the corner, and with it comes new goals and a new bucket list. Time is ticking, so go out and do something!