2025 Lighting of Wake Forest
Friday, Dec. 5 | 5-8 pm
Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St.
You're invited to experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season at the 2025 Lighting of Wake Forest on Friday, December 5, 2025!
This year's ceremony will feature the lighting of the Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Be sure to stop and say hello to our sponsors on site! Brightspeed Fiber Internet, Johnson Hyundai of Wake Forest, Renewal by Anderson, and True Insight Direct Care!
Holiday Fun
- Wake Forest Downtown Tent – Visit for event information and grab a free holiday light stick while supplies last.
- Nothing Bundt Cakes – Treat yourself to free samples of their delicious holiday desserts!
- Wake Forest Woman’s Club & Girl Scout Troop #1734 – Get creative with children’s holiday crafts that add extra sparkle to the season!
- Wake Forest Historical Museum – Step back in time and learn more about their new exhibit, “Strolling White Street: A Photographic History of Downtown.”
- Page 158 Books – Enjoy a cozy holiday story time and pick up your own copy of “Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas.”
- Imagine Circus Performers – Be amazed by roaming entertainers and snap fun photos with these whimsical holiday characters throughout the event!
- Endless Expressions Photo Booth – Don’t forget to capture the magic with roaming photo booth fun all around the event footprint!
Holiday Entertainment Lineup
Get ready for festive fun and cheerful tunes! Enjoy:
- Story Time from 5:20–5:40 PM: “Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas” read from Page 158.
- Festive Musical Performances by: Endeavor Charter School Band, Wake Forest iSTEM Magnet Elementary Chorus, Envision Science Academy, School of Rock Wake Forest
- Join Girl Scouts Troop #1734 in for a joyful community sing-along to wrap up the fun!
Dining
Come hungry and enjoy a tasty variety of food from the following options.
- Blazing Kettle
- Kono Pizza
- Little Halos
- Not Just a Fry Guy
- The Naked Empanada
- Downtown Dining Options – Explore even more local flavors from our Downtown restaurants!
Parking
- Free Parking – Available at the Center for Active Aging and along several side streets and public parking lots throughout Downtown Wake Forest.
- Accessible Parking – Designated spaces will be available in the Town Hall parking lot at 301 S. Brooks Street.
Please Note: Some parking lots may appear public but are actually private and reserved for business patrons. Be sure to read all posted signage to confirm where you park.
Thank you to our generous and amazing sponsors!
