Helen Wilson

Staff Writer

Tanglewood Lights:

• A fun, festive drive-through of over a million-holiday lights. Found in Tanglewood Park, open nightly, $20 per family/car.

Mistletoe Run:

• The annual Half Marathon ($80), 5K ($45), or Fun Run ($25), hosted by the YMCA. All proceeds go to youth programming. Donuts at the finish line!

The Ronald McDonald House:

• Volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House by preparing meals, helping with household chores, interacting with families, doing indoor and outdoor cleaning activities, and donating gifts to their “Santa’s Workshop” to ensure everyone has a happy holiday season.

Luminaries:

• In honor of The Ronald McDonald House, lighting luminaries on December 24, 2023, has helped over 25,000 families feel like Winston is a “home away from home.” Luminary kits can be bought for $10 in retail stores.

The Nutcracker:

• The Nutcracker will be held at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro this year. Six performances over December 7th-10th. Tickets start at $35.

A Christmas Carol:

• A Christmas Carol, a novel by Charles Dickens, turned into a play held at The Little Theater in Winston-Salem. December 7th-17th, tickets start at $12.

Wake Forest Love Feast:

• A Moravian love feast meal consisting of sweetened buns and creamed coffee. Accompanied by the Wake Forest choir. Held in the Wait Chapel on December 3rd, at 7:00 pm.

Jingle Jog 5K:

• Experience the 5K ($40), or the Santa Strut Fun Run ($25) to get in the Holiday spirit. Held on December 16th, 2023, it starts at Radar Brewing Company downtown. Participants receive a medal that is multi purposeful as an ornament. 

Toys for Tots:

• Beginning in October, local toy collections are orchestrated by the U.S. Marines and last until late December. Donate toys or host a toy drive for children during the holidays. 

Caroling:

• Get a group of friends or family members together to walk around neighborhoods and sing your favorite holiday songs to lighten the mood and spread holiday cheer.

Jaycees Holiday Parade:

• On December 2nd, head downtown to the intersection of Fourth Street and Poplar Street to watch the annual holiday parade. It includes many sponsors and showcases. It ends with the Annual Tree Lighting.

The Salvation Army:

• Volunteer on behalf of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. There are many locations and time slots available on their website. Also, donate to the Angel Tree, which provides gifts to hundreds of thousands of kids during the holiday season.

Christmas movies, hot chocolate:

• If you prefer staying indoors, you can never go wrong with a fun at-home holiday kickoff. Snuggle up and watch a good movie while sipping some hot chocolate!

Senior Services:

• Volunteer for your local seniors in town. You can participate in one-on-one visits and call opportunities. You can also help with Meals-on-Wheels, Adult Day Care Center, and Opening Minds Through Art.

A Christmas Story: A Musical: 

• Found in the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center, the musical A Christmas Story will be performed December 7th-10th at 7:30 pm. Admission is $24.

Crossnore:

• Volunteer at our local Children’s Home less than a mile away. There are so many opportunities and ways to get connected.

Candle Tea:

• The Candle Tea at Old Salem in the “Single Brothers House” from November 29th- December 9th, 1:00 pm-8:30 pm. The Candle Tea marks the beginning of Avent during the Christmas season. You will sing carols, watch beeswax candles made by hand, and enjoy a slice of Moravian sugar cake with a warm cup of Moravian coffee. Admission is $8.50.

City Lights Ministry:

• City Lights Ministry is a non-profit in Winston-Salem. We are 9th in the nation for child poverty. Donate food items, bed items, household items, and clothing items. The ministry also provides 3,000 children with Christmas gifts. Check out how to support the City Lights Ministry on their website.