It’s fall, y’all, and the holidays are fast approaching. We’re as excited about celebrating this season as you are! We’re marking the end of 2024 by offering a fantastic array of holiday events for you and your family. There’s truly something for everyone, so we’re confident you’ll see plenty to enjoy.

Spirits of Wake Forest

Join us through October 31 in Downtown Wake Forest for the fifth annual Spirits of Wake Forest. Hosted by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD), this year’s walking ghost tours are scheduled on Thursday and Friday nights at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, and Saturday nights at 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 8:30 PM.

Downtown Wake Forest’s buildings and sidewalks have seen well over 100 years of history, and they have some eerie stories to tell. Join WFD, Inc. and Firebox Theatre Company’s incredible cast of storytellers to learn about the restless spirits that make up just a small piece of Downtown’s haunted history. Tickets are on sale and available for purchase until all tours are sold out. For tickets and more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Spirits of Wake Forest.”

Halloween Boo Bash

Our Halloween Boo Bash has a new location – Downtown Wake Forest! Join us for a “wicked good time” on Saturday, October 19, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Presented by Capital Chevrolet, this year’s festivities will include inflatable slides, food trucks, sponsor booths, carnival games, a photo booth, and of course, lots of treats. Costumes are optional, but best costumes will be featured on the Town website and social media. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Boo Bash.”

Legacy of Jazz – First Time Ever I Heard Your Voice

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will present “Legacy of Jazz” on Saturday, October 26, at 7:30 PM. Legacy of Jazz brings Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Clint Holmes and powerhouse vocalist Niki Haris to the stage. Show producer and curator Christian Tamburr has toured over 76 countries performing as musical director with Julio Iglesias, Cirque du Soleil, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Reserved tickets are $35 or $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kickoff

Help us ring in the holiday season and launch our annual Holiday Donation Drive during the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kickoff on Saturday, November 16, from noon – 4:00 PM in Downtown Wake Forest. Free and open to the public, our Holiday Kickoff will offer tons of fun activities for the entire family, including the Carolina Hurricanes Storm Tour and Slapshot Booth, roaming street performers, community performances, children’s craft activities, and more. Several food and dessert trucks will be on-site, while food and refreshments will also be available for purchase at several downtown restaurants.

In addition to ringing in the holiday season, the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kickoff will signal the start of our annual Holiday Donation Drive. As part of this effort, we are inviting the community to support one or more of these Town-sponsored initiatives: Helping Others by Providing Electricity (HOPE), Northern Community Food Security Team, Shop with a Cop, Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation, and Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Scholarship Program. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Wake Forest Cares.”

Lighting of Wake Forest

Experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza during the Lighting of Wake Forest on Friday, December 6, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The evening’s festivities will include the lighting of the Town’s 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, community performances, food and dessert trucks, and a special visit from Santa. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Tis the Season.”

Downtown Holiday Open House

Discover Downtown Wake Forest’s unique array of shops and restaurants during the Downtown Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7. Stroll through our wonderful downtown and take in all that it has to offer. Here’s the perfect opportunity to show your support for our downtown businesses by shopping local this holiday season. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Tis the Season.”

Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market

ARTS Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Guild of Artists will present their annual Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM in Downtown Wake Forest. Shop the day away and check out a wide variety of handmade items by regional artists and artisans. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Tis the Season.”

The Four C Notes – Seasons Greetings

Celebrate the holidays at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre as 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 the Belmonts, The Drifters, The Beach Boys, and many more. Showtimes are Friday-Saturday, December 13-14, at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Risers will be installed inside the Renaissance Centre to offer stadium seating and excellent sightlines for these performances. Reserved tickets are $40 or $45. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Stay Connected

Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest programs, services, breaking news, and special events by signing up for E-Notifier, downloading the Town app, visiting the Wake Forest website, and/or following the Town on social media @TownofWakeForest. For complete details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Communications.”