The Winston-Salem area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons on November 13 to Spectacular Holiday Blooms in Kernersville, which runs through December 26. 7 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in North Carolina, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Winston-Salem for 2026, in Winston-Salem, Kernersville and Clemmons
- First: Tanglewood Festival of Lights, Clemmons, November 13. Runs latest: Tanglewood Festival of Lights, Clemmons, through January 1
- Free: Scavenger Hunt: Holiday Goodies, Scavenger Hunt: Reindeer Edition, Kernersville's Hometown Christmas, Spectacular Holiday Blooms, ChristmasFest, German Christmas Market at Korner's Folly and Winter Holidays Around the World
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our North Carolina Christmas train rides page.
Winston-Salem Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Winston-Salem, Kernersville and Clemmons
- Season
- November 13, 2026 to January 1, 2027
- Free events
- 7
- Kinds of events
- holiday lights, holiday event, Santa visit and holiday crafts
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Winston-Salem Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons on November 13; the last runs to December 26. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Tanglewood Festival of LightsClemmons · Nov 13 to Jan 1
- Christmas Kick-Off at Old SalemWinston-Salem · Nov 28
- Scavenger Hunt: Holiday GoodiesWinston-Salem · Dec 1 to Dec 23
- Scavenger Hunt: Reindeer EditionWinston-Salem · Dec 1 to Dec 23
- Festive Family FridayWinston-Salem · Dec 4
- Kernersville's Hometown ChristmasKernersville · Dec 5
- St. Nick at Old Salem & the Moravian MarketWinston-Salem · Dec 5
- Spectacular Holiday BloomsKernersville · Dec 5 to Dec 26
- ChristmasFestWinston-Salem · Dec 12
- German Christmas Market at Korner's FollyKernersville · Dec 12
- Kernersville Yuletide 2026Kernersville · Dec 12
- Winter Holidays Around the WorldWinston-Salem · Dec 18
- St. Nick Returns to SalemWinston-Salem · Dec 19
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Winston-Salem? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Winston-Salem
8 confirmed events for kids in Winston-Salem, soonest first.
Winston-Salem: Christmas Kick-Off at Old Salem
Holiday craftsOld Salem Museums & Gardens · Winston-Salem
- Host
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens, 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Cost
- Included with Old Salem holiday admission
- Ages
- Families, young historians
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Saturday, Nov 28 brings the Christmas Kick-Off, the first in Old Salem's run of Saturday holiday programs. Around the district, kids can try projects made for young historians and carry a keepsake home. Guests can also stroll through the historic buildings while music in the old Moravian style plays nearby.
Garden visitors can join Evergreens for Everyone, which teaches families about the common evergreens of a Salem winter, and jolly holly props set up a photo-booth style picture. The Garden Education Center shows seasonal exhibits. Everything is covered by a general admission ticket, and holiday-season tickets can be purchased online starting Nov 11. For the specialty Saturdays, tickets are also sold in person at Winkler Bakery, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts or the Visitor Center, and these dates never sell out. Members get 20 percent off shop purchases.
Parent tip: You can wait until that morning to decide, since specialty Saturdays need no advance ticket. Wear clothes and shoes suited to walking outside between buildings.
See dates and details from Old Salem Museums & Gardens (opens in a new tab)Winston-Salem: Scavenger Hunt: Holiday Goodies
Holiday eventFreeForsyth County Public Library · Winston-Salem
- Host
- Forsyth County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carver School Road Branch Library, Children's Department, 4915 Lansing Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 (near Greensboro)
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (during library hours)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Recommended for ages 5 to 10
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
What does Frosty the Snowman eat for breakfast? Kids can find out at the Carver School Road Branch Library this December. Children grab a clue sheet in the Children's Department and look for sweets you might eat in December, writing down the letter next to each one to spell out the answer to the joke.
Completed sheets go to the circulation desk in exchange for a sticker. The hunt is recommended for ages 5 to 10 and runs during library hours from December 1 to 23, and participation is limited to once per month per child. It is a quick, free activity that pairs well with checking out a stack of holiday picture books, and it gives early readers some gentle practice with letters and clues.
Parent tip: One entry per child per month; turn the finished sheet in at the circulation desk for a sticker.
See dates and details from Forsyth County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Winston-Salem: Scavenger Hunt: Reindeer Edition
Holiday eventFreeForsyth County Public Library · Winston-Salem
- Host
- Forsyth County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Reynolda Manor Branch Library, 2839 Fairlawn Drive NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27106 (near Greensboro)
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (during library hours)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All Ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa's reindeer have run away, and the Reynolda Manor Branch Library needs help getting the sleigh ready. Throughout most of December, kids can stop by the library and search for all 10 loose reindeer hidden around the building.
Children who find all 10 reindeer win a small prize. Because it runs during regular library hours from December 1 to 23, families can fit it into any library visit, pick up some holiday books at the same time, and come back on a rainy afternoon. The hunt is listed for all ages, so toddlers can tag along with older siblings. There is no set start time or registration, which makes it an easy, free outing during a busy month. Ask at the desk if your child needs a hint.
Parent tip: Drop in any time the branch is open between Dec 1 and Dec 23.
See dates and details from Forsyth County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Winston-Salem: Festive Family Friday
Holiday eventKaleideum · Winston-Salem
- Host
- Kaleideum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kaleideum, 120 West 3rd Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026
- Cost
- Ticketed; see Kaleideum for prices
- Ages
- Kids and grown-ups
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Festive Family Friday is Kaleideum's kickoff to the holiday season in downtown Winston-Salem. The museum says the building will be buzzing with music, laughter, creativity and holiday cheer through an afternoon and evening that runs about six hours, with sweet holiday moments and playful surprises around every corner. Families can come for a few hours or stay for the whole thing.
Kaleideum is a hands-on children's museum, so kids can also explore the exhibits while they are there. Tickets are sold through the museum's website. The page did not list start and end times when checked, so look at the ticket listing for the exact hours. A parking deck serves the museum. Kaleideum's regular general admission is $15 for adults and $12 for youth ages 1 to 19, with children 11 months and under free and members free.
Parent tip: Buy tickets ahead through the museum's site, and check the ticket page for the exact start time.
See dates and details from Kaleideum (opens in a new tab)Winston-Salem: St. Nick at Old Salem & the Moravian Market
Santa visitOld Salem Museums & Gardens · Winston-Salem
- Host
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Old Salem Historic District, 900 Old Salem Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 (near Greensboro)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
- Cost
- Included with general admission holiday ticket
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Old Salem's second Christmas Salem Saturday of the season brings St. Nick to the historic hat shop, where children can tell him what they want for Christmas and families can take a new holiday photo. The Wachovia Historical Society hosts its Moravian Market in Salem Square, with local craft vendors representing the heritage of the Wachovia region and modern day Forsyth County.
Families can also tour the historic buildings and enjoy live music, including the Costumed Moravian Brass Band and a Moravian Mass Band in the afternoon. All activities are included with Old Salem's standard admission holiday ticket, which is sold online and at the ticketing desks. The historic district is spread out and largely outdoors, so comfortable shoes and warm layers help.
Parent tip: Buy the standard holiday admission ticket online or at the ticket desk; St. Nick is in the historic hat shop.
See dates and details from Old Salem Museums & Gardens (opens in a new tab)Winston-Salem: ChristmasFest
Story time with SantaFreeMoravian Music Foundation · Winston-Salem
- Host
- Moravian Music Foundation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Salem College, Elberson Fine Arts Center and Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free admission; items for sale
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
ChristmasFest is a free Moravian Advent and Christmas festival and holiday market, now in its fifth year. Modeled on German Christmas markets, it offers music, arts and crafts, gifts, Christmas trees, food and drink, and plenty for children. A tent on the plaza hosts activities for children, and a story time takes place while Santa is on his cocoa break.
Santa, called Der Weihnachtsmann, receives visitors in the Reading Room of the Archie K. Davis Center in three sessions, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, 1:30 to 3:00 pm and 3:30 to 5:00 pm. There is no photographer on duty, so bring your own camera. The festival is held at the Elberson Fine Arts Center at Salem College and the Archie K. Davis Center, with free parking in the Salem College lot off Leaders Avenue. No ticket is needed for the festival, and the schedule may change on the day.
Parent tip: Bring your own camera for Santa photos. Use 430 Leaders Avenue for GPS directions to parking.
See dates and details from Moravian Music Foundation (opens in a new tab)Winston-Salem: Winter Holidays Around the World
Holiday story timeFreeForsyth County Public Library · Winston-Salem
- Host
- Forsyth County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Central Library, Storytime Room, 660 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 (near Greensboro)
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Central Library in downtown Winston-Salem is hosting a special Seasonal Storytime that celebrates Winter Holidays Around the World. Children will explore how different cultures mark the season through stories, crafts and hands on activities.
The storytime is presented by the library's youth team, Miss Carolyn, Miss Hannah, Miss Kirsten and Miss Madison, and takes place in the Central Library Storytime Room. It is listed for children, and the one hour morning slot fits well before lunch or a nap. This is a nice choice for families who want a holiday program that includes a range of traditions. No fee or registration is listed on the library calendar, and the downtown location makes it easy to combine with other holiday sights nearby. Arrive a few minutes early to settle in.
See dates and details from Forsyth County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Winston-Salem: St. Nick Returns to Salem
Santa visitOld Salem Museums & Gardens · Winston-Salem
- Host
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Old Salem Historic District, 900 Old Salem Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 (near Greensboro)
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
- Cost
- Included with general admission holiday ticket
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
For its final Christmas Salem Saturday of the season, Old Salem welcomes St. Nick back to the historic hat shop. Children can tell him what they want for Christmas, and families can take a new holiday photo together.
Hands on holiday activities for young historians are scattered throughout the historic district, and kids can make something to take home. Live music fills the afternoon, including Appalachian Strings dulcimers from 1 to 2 pm and children's caroling from 2 to 3 pm. All activities are included with Old Salem's standard admission holiday ticket, sold online and at the ticketing desks. Since the activities are spread across several historic buildings, plan on walking between stops and allow a few hours to see everything.
Parent tip: Time your visit for children's caroling from 2 to 3 pm; admission is the standard holiday ticket.
See dates and details from Old Salem Museums & Gardens (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Kernersville
4 confirmed events for kids in Kernersville, soonest first.
Kernersville: Kernersville's Hometown Christmas
Tree lightingFreeKernersville Chamber of Commerce · Kernersville
- Host
- Kernersville Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Kernersville (Founders Park and Wolfe Visitor Center), N Main Street and W Mountain Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 (near Winston-Salem)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free for all
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kernersville's Hometown Christmas, formerly known as Blooms to Bells, is a free evening celebration across downtown. A free trolley circles town, stopping at the John and Bobbie Wolfe Visitor Center, the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden for its lighted blooms, the Kernersville Museum, the Chamber of Commerce and Founders Park. Each round trip takes about 18 minutes, and riders can hop on and off at any stop.
At Founders Park on North Main Street, children can visit Santa's Workshop and watch a live nativity with actors and animals, which is staged from 4 to 8 pm. Other features include carolers, live choir and musician performances, cookies and hot cocoa, free gift wrapping, shopping with holiday specials, and a Christmas tree lighting at Town Hall from 7 to 8 pm. Kettle corn, cookies and hot chocolate are for sale. Everything on the schedule is free except food and tours of Korner's Folly.
Parent tip: Use the free trolley to avoid parking hassles, and dress warmly since most stops are outdoors.
See dates and details from Kernersville Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)Kernersville: Spectacular Holiday Blooms
Holiday lightsFreePaul J. Ciener Botanical Garden · Kernersville
- Host
- Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, 215 S Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 (near Winston-Salem)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026 (Fridays and Saturdays), 5 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free to tour
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Spectacular Holiday Blooms fills the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden with more than 10,000 lighted flowers crafted from recycled materials. The display opens on Saturday, Dec 5 and glows from 5 to 9 pm every Friday and Saturday until Dec 26, with the last entry at 8:30 pm. Walking the display is free to tour, according to the Korner's Folly Yuletide listing.
The garden has multiple outdoor spaces, so you can wander paths at your own pace, which suits children who like to explore. During the daytime on Dec 12, the garden also offers a Christmas themed scavenger hunt and its gift shop is open. The garden is at 215 South Main Street in downtown Kernersville, a short walk from other holiday stops such as Korner's Folly and the Kernersville Museum. On Dec 5 the garden is also a stop on the free trolley route for Kernersville's Hometown Christmas.
Parent tip: Bring a flashlight or phone light for uneven paths and dress for the evening cold.
See dates and details from Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)Kernersville: German Christmas Market at Korner's Folly
Santa visitFreeKorner's Folly · Kernersville
- Host
- Korner's Folly (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- John and Bobbie Wolfe Visitors Center, Korner's Folly, 413 S Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 (near Winston-Salem)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Market admission free
- Ages
- Art making for all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Korner's Folly sets up a cheerful Christkindlmarkt, a Christmas market modeled on German holiday customs, in the Community Room of the John and Bobbie Wolfe Visitors Center. Area artisans bring their wares for gift shopping, and visitors can chat with the small business owners, listen to festive music and join in art projects for all ages. Tasty goods and handmade items make nice treats and presents.
Entry to the market costs nothing, and it runs 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, Dec 12. Many families pair it with a tour of the historic house at holiday time. That same day is the yearly Kernersville Yuletide, when Old St. Nick arrives in the Reception Room with candy canes. The Santa visit makes a nice photo moment and comes with tour admission. Being compact and under a roof, the market is a simple stop for families with little ones who want to warm up.
Parent tip: The market itself is free, and the Santa visit is covered by house tour admission.
See dates and details from Korner's Folly (opens in a new tab)Kernersville: Kernersville Yuletide 2026
Holiday lightsKorner's Folly · Kernersville
- Host
- Korner's Folly (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Korner's Folly Historic House Museum, 413 S Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 (near Winston-Salem)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
- Cost
- Korner's Folly tours: adults $16, ages 6 to 18 $8, under 6 free; several other stops free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Saturday, Dec 12, four Kernersville destinations join forces for a family Yuletide. At Korner's Folly, special tours show 22 rooms of Victorian inspired Christmas decorations from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 3:45. Visits with Santa take place in the Reception Room from 10:30 am to 2 pm, and the Heart of the Triad Choral Society performs in Cupid's Park Theatre from 10:30 to 11:30 am. A pop up German Christmas market runs from 10 am to 3 pm.
Elsewhere in town, the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden offers a Christmas themed scavenger hunt by day and, from 5 to 9 pm, the free Spectacular Holiday Blooms with more than 10,000 lighted flowers made from recycled materials. The Kernersville Museum and Historic Village is free from 10 am to 3 pm, and the Auto Museum is free from 10 am to 4 pm. Korner's Folly admission is $16 for adults and $8 for ages 6 to 18, and children under 6 are free.
Parent tip: Santa visits are included with Korner's Folly tour admission. You can mix and match the free stops to keep costs down.
See dates and details from Korner's Folly (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Clemmons
1 confirmed event for kids in Clemmons, soonest first.
Clemmons: Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Holiday lightsForsyth County Parks, Tanglewood Park · Clemmons
- Host
- Forsyth County Parks, Tanglewood Park (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012 (near Winston-Salem)
- When
- Friday, November 13, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027 (nightly), 6 to 11 pm
- Cost
- $20 to $23 per vehicle Mon to Thu, $25 to $28 Fri to Sun (cash or card)
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights runs from mid November to New Year's Day and draws about 300,000 visitors each year. Families drive through miles of displays, from storybook scenes to holiday themes, lit by more than one million LED lights. It is a low effort outing for children, who can watch from the car in pajamas, and for parents who want to avoid crowds and cold.
The 2026 season runs Nov 13 through Jan 1, nightly from 6 to 11 pm. Family vehicle rates are $20 cash or $23 card Monday through Thursday, and $25 cash or $28 card Friday through Sunday. Larger vans and buses pay more. Admission is by vehicle, and riding in the bed of a pickup truck or on a trailer is not allowed for safety reasons. The park offers a live traffic camera on its website so you can check the line before leaving home. Weeknights tend to be quieter.
Parent tip: Check the live traffic camera on the park page before you go. Weeknights are usually shorter waits than weekends.
See dates and details from Forsyth County Parks, Tanglewood Park (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our North Carolina Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, NC, Wilmington, NC and Asheville. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonWinston-Salem Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Winston-Salem in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Winston-Salem for 2026 on each host’s own page: Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons (November 13), Christmas Kick-Off at Old Salem in Winston-Salem (November 28), Scavenger Hunt: Holiday Goodies in Winston-Salem (December 1), Scavenger Hunt: Reindeer Edition in Winston-Salem (December 1), Festive Family Friday in Winston-Salem (December 4), Kernersville's Hometown Christmas in Kernersville (December 5), Spectacular Holiday Blooms in Kernersville (December 5), St. Nick at Old Salem & the Moravian Market in Winston-Salem (December 5), ChristmasFest in Winston-Salem (December 12), German Christmas Market at Korner's Folly in Kernersville (December 12), Kernersville Yuletide 2026 in Kernersville (December 12), Winter Holidays Around the World in Winston-Salem (December 18) and St. Nick Returns to Salem in Winston-Salem (December 19). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?
For families in and around Winston-Salem, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas Kick-Off at Old Salem (Sat, Nov 28, included with old salem holiday admission); Scavenger Hunt: Holiday Goodies (Dec 1 to 23, during library hours, free); Scavenger Hunt: Reindeer Edition (Dec 1 to 23, during library hours, free); Festive Family Friday (Fri, Dec 4, afternoon and evening, ticketed; see kaleideum for prices); St. Nick at Old Salem & the Moravian Market (Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 4 pm, included with general admission holiday ticket); ChristmasFest (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 5 pm, free admission; items for sale); Winter Holidays Around the World (Fri, Dec 18, 10 to 11 am, free); St. Nick Returns to Salem (Sat, Dec 19, 10 am to 4 pm, included with general admission holiday ticket). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Winston-Salem section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Kernersville, North Carolina?
For families in and around Kernersville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Kernersville's Hometown Christmas (Sat, Dec 5, 4 to 8 pm, free for all); Spectacular Holiday Blooms (Fridays and Saturdays, Dec 5 to Dec 26, 5 to 9 pm, free to tour); German Christmas Market at Korner's Folly (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 3 pm, market admission free); Kernersville Yuletide 2026 (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 4 pm, korner's folly tours: adults $16, ages 6 to 18 $8, under 6 free; several other stops free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Kernersville section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Clemmons, North Carolina?
For families in and around Clemmons, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Tanglewood Festival of Lights (Nightly, Nov 13 to Jan 1, 6 to 11 pm, $20 to $23 per vehicle mon to thu, $25 to $28 fri to sun (cash or card)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Clemmons section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Winston-Salem?
Yes. 7 of the 13 events here are free: Scavenger Hunt: Holiday Goodies in Winston-Salem, Scavenger Hunt: Reindeer Edition in Winston-Salem, Kernersville's Hometown Christmas in Kernersville, Spectacular Holiday Blooms in Kernersville, ChristmasFest in Winston-Salem, German Christmas Market at Korner's Folly in Kernersville and Winter Holidays Around the World in Winston-Salem. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Winston-Salem this December?
Santa appears at Kernersville's Hometown Christmas in Kernersville (December 5), St. Nick at Old Salem & the Moravian Market in Winston-Salem (December 5), ChristmasFest in Winston-Salem (December 12), German Christmas Market at Korner's Folly in Kernersville (December 12), Kernersville Yuletide 2026 in Kernersville (December 12) and St. Nick Returns to Salem in Winston-Salem (December 19). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Winston-Salem?
Holiday story times on this page: ChristmasFest in Winston-Salem and Winter Holidays Around the World in Winston-Salem. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Winston-Salem Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Winter Holidays Around the World in Winston-Salem (Children).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Winston-Salem on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons (through January 1) and Spectacular Holiday Blooms in Kernersville (through December 26).
How much is Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons?
$20 to $23 per vehicle Mon to Thu, $25 to $28 Fri to Sun (cash or card). Tanglewood Festival of Lights is on Friday, November 13, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027 (nightly), 6 to 11 pm at Tanglewood Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Kick-Off at Old Salem in Winston-Salem?
Included with Old Salem holiday admission. Christmas Kick-Off at Old Salem is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Scavenger Hunt: Holiday Goodies in Winston-Salem?
Free. Scavenger Hunt: Holiday Goodies is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (during library hours) at Carver School Road Branch Library, Children's Department. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Scavenger Hunt: Reindeer Edition in Winston-Salem?
Free. Scavenger Hunt: Reindeer Edition is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (during library hours) at Reynolda Manor Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Festive Family Friday in Winston-Salem?
Ticketed; see Kaleideum for prices. Festive Family Friday is on Friday, December 4, 2026 at Kaleideum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Kernersville's Hometown Christmas in Kernersville?
Free for all. Kernersville's Hometown Christmas is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4 to 8 pm at Downtown Kernersville (Founders Park and Wolfe Visitor Center). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Spectacular Holiday Blooms in Kernersville?
Free to tour. Spectacular Holiday Blooms is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026 (Fridays and Saturdays), 5 to 9 pm at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is St. Nick at Old Salem & the Moravian Market in Winston-Salem?
Included with general admission holiday ticket. St. Nick at Old Salem & the Moravian Market is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Old Salem Historic District. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is ChristmasFest in Winston-Salem?
Free admission; items for sale. ChristmasFest is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm at Salem College, Elberson Fine Arts Center and Archie K. Davis Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is German Christmas Market at Korner's Folly in Kernersville?
Market admission free. German Christmas Market at Korner's Folly is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm at John and Bobbie Wolfe Visitors Center, Korner's Folly. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Kernersville Yuletide 2026 in Kernersville?
Korner's Folly tours: adults $16, ages 6 to 18 $8, under 6 free; several other stops free. Kernersville Yuletide 2026 is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Korner's Folly Historic House Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Holidays Around the World in Winston-Salem?
Free. Winter Holidays Around the World is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Central Library, Storytime Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is St. Nick Returns to Salem in Winston-Salem?
Included with general admission holiday ticket. St. Nick Returns to Salem is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Old Salem Historic District. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Winston-Salem?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Winston-Salem Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
