Tis the Season

Schedule of Events

Wake Forest truly comes alive during the holidays, so we've assembled the complete list of 2024 holiday happenings guaranteed to put you in a festive mood!

Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off  
Saturday, Nov. 16, 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. 16, in downtown Wake Forest! Join us for a slew of  family-friendly activities.

Calls from Santa
Thursday, Dec. 5, 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. 5, 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., Wednesday, Dec. 4. Telephone registrations will not be accepted. There is no cost to participate, but all calls must be local.

Lighting of Wake Forest 
Friday, Dec. 6, 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. 6, from 5-8 p.m. The evening’s festivities will begin with the lighting of the Town’s Christmas tree, followed by a visit from Santa who will arrive aboard a shiny red fire truck! PLEASE NOTE: The lighting of the Town Christmas tree typically takes place at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Jingle All The Way
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave.

Presented by The Friends of the Northern Wake Senior Center, this is a free event for all ages. Activities will include ornament painting, cookie decorating, Crokinole demonstrations, line dancing, letter writing to Santa, and a visit with St. Nick himself. 

Downtown Holiday Open House 
Saturday, Dec. 7
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. 7. Please show your support for our downtown businesses by shopping local this holiday season.

Historic Home Tour - SOLD OUT
Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-4 pm
Wake Forest Historic District

Tour two beautifully decorated historic homes in the Wake Forest Historic District. Additionally, enjoy the festive Calvin Jones House and the Wake Forest Historical Museum Open House. The Wake Forest Woman’s Club will be offering home baked goods and handmade crafts for sale at the museum. 

Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park
December 7-29
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. 7, and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 29, 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. 13, 6:30-8:30 pm
Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave.

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host a “Snowball Dance” for residents with disabilities on Friday, Dec. 13, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave. Individuals with disabilities ages 10-30 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.

The Four C Notes Seasons Greetings
Friday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

The Four C Notes recreate the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons! Seasons Greetings features the biggest hits from those iconic “Boys from Jersey,” PLUS your favorite holiday chart-toppers by artists such as Dion and Belmonts, The Drifters, The Beach Boys, and many more! Reserved seats are $40-$45 plus tax.