2026 Holiday Events & Activities
2026 Schedule of Events
Wake Forest truly comes alive during the holidays, so we've assembled the complete list of this year's holiday happenings guaranteed to put you in a festive mood!
Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off
Saturday, Nov. 21 | Noon-4 p.m.
Downtown Wake Forest
Help us ring in the holiday season and embrace the season of giving during the “Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off" on Saturday, Nov. 21, in downtown Wake Forest! Join us for a slew of family-friendly activities.
Calls from Santa
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 6-8 p.m.
Wake Forest
A phone call from Santa Claus is on every child’s wish list. The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is making those wishes come true by offering “Calls from Santa” to kids ages 3-9 on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6-8 p.m. In November, registration forms will be available online and at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, and Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Completed forms must be submitted online or received at the JPCC or Town Hall by 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 7. Telephone registrations will not be accepted. There is no cost to participate, but all calls must be local.
Lighting of Wake Forest
Friday, Dec. 4 | 5-8 p.m.
Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St.
Experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza during the “Lighting of Wake Forest” on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5-8 p.m. The evening’s festivities will include the lighting of the Town’s Christmas tree, choral performances from local groups, a visit from Santa, food vendors and more. PLEASE NOTE: The lighting of the Town Christmas tree typically takes place at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Downtown Holiday Open House
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Downtown Wake Forest
Kick off the holiday season and discover historic downtown Wake Forest’s unique array of shops and restaurants. Free and open to the public, the Downtown Holiday Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5. Please show your support for our downtown businesses by shopping local this holiday season.
Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wake Forest Town Hall Centennial Plaza & visitor parking lot, 301 S. Brooks St.
While you're in downtown Wake Forest for the Holiday Open House, be sure to visit the Holiday Artisans Market. Presented by ARTS Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Guild of Artists, the Holiday Artisans Market will be offered from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Town Hall's Centennial Plaza and visitor parking lot. This year’s Holiday Market features more than 40 artists and artisans, offering a wide selection of original, handmade work. Visitors will find pottery, jewelry, painting and drawing, fabric art, photography, sculpture, woodworking, candles and soaps, home décor, glass art, and many other creative gift options. Whether you’re looking for unique holiday presents or something special for your home, the market offers countless one-of-a-kind finds.
Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park
December 5-31
E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will offer a free walkable holiday experience at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, during several evenings in December. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 5, and continuing through Thursday, Dec. 31, from 6-9 p.m. nightly, community members are invited to stroll through the park’s Walker Garden and Performance Garden to view dozens of colorful lights that adorn the crepe myrtle trees and shrubs, along with a nearly 20-foot-tall Christmas tree on the Performance Garden Stage. Free and open to everyone, the Evening Walk at Joyner Park is the perfect opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season and snap some memorable holiday photos.
Snowball Dance
Friday, Dec. 11 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host a “Snowball Dance” for residents with disabilities on Friday, Dec. 11, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road. Individuals with disabilities ages 10 and older are invited to an evening in “Winter Wonderland” featuring a DJ, dancing, refreshments and lots of fun. Chaperones will be made available for supervision, but participants are welcome to bring additional support if necessary. The cost is $15 per person, and pre-registration is required.
Little Women
Friday, Dec. 11 | 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 13 | 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Firebox Theatre presents a heartfelt coming-of-age story, Little Women follows the lives, dreams, and challenges of the four March sisters—spirited Jo March, gentle Beth March, romantic Meg March, and artistic Amy March as they grow up together, navigating love, loss, ambition, and sisterhood. Just in time for the holidays, Marisha Chamberlain's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel follows the March family through a transformative year, beginning and ending with Christmas.
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience: Run Run Rudolph
Thursday, Dec. 17 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 18 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19 | 2 p.m.
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
Ring in the holidays in classic style! Seven world-class musicians deliver timeless seasonal favorites as Emmy-winning vocalist Shaun Johnson leads this energetic, feel-good Big Band. Swing, jazz, and festive cheer abound in this joyful celebration of the season. A VIP reception will occur prior the show on Friday, Dec. 18, to include a meet-and-greet with the artist, champagne, and light hors ’devours. Tickets start at $40 and $45.
