Lighting of Wake Forest

Friday, Dec. 2 | 5:30-8:30 pm | Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St.

You're invited to experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season at the 2022 Lighting of Wake Forest on Friday, Dec. 2.

The festivities take place in Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St., the gateway to Wake Forest Town Hall. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. and sponsored by Holding Village, this year's ceremony will feature the lighting of the Christmas tree and Santa's exciting arrival in a Wake Forest fire truck. 

There will be Pictures with Santa (reservations required), a children’s craft activity provided by Wake Forest Woman’s Club, as well as musical performances by choral groups from Heritage Elementary School, Heritage Middle School, and Wake Forest iSTEM Elementary School. 

This year's event will expand beyond Centennial Plaza to include East Owen Avenue where there will be roving LED performers and the following food trucks: Nomad Beverage Co., Not Just a Fry Guy, and The Naked Empanada. Crumbl Cookies-Wake Forest will also be on-site giving away free cookies while supplies last.

PLEASE NOTE: The lighting of the Town Christmas tree typically takes place at approximately 6:15 pm.

Street Closures & Parking

E. Owen Avenue will be closed 2-9:30 pm for event set up and for the actual event.

S. Brooks Street will be closed in the area in front of Centennial Plaza from 5-9pm.

Parking is available throughout downtown, excluding E. Owen Avenue. 

Thank you Sponsors

Grand Sponsor: Holding Village

Gold Sponsors: Bright Funeral Home, Roofstruction, Saving Grace Animals for Adoption

Cookie Sponsor: Crumbl Cookies-Wake Forest

Community Sponsors: DAB International; Fidelity Bank; HighPark Nail Bar; Perry & Brandt, Attorneys at Law;  The Corner & Meeting House of Wake Forest; Wake Forest Federal; Wollett Construction Company; and WP Restoration.