Wake Forest truly comes alive in December, so we've assembled a complete listing of holiday happenings and special offers guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit! | |
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Register for "Calls from Santa" through November 30
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. 7, from 6-8 p.m.
Registration forms are available online and at the 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 Joyner Park Community Center or Town Hall by 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30. Telephone registrations will not be accepted. There is no cost to participate, but all calls must be local. For more information, email Recreation Program Superintendent Monica Lileton.
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Lighting of Wake Forest December 1
You’re invited to experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season during the annual Lighting of Wake Forest on Friday, Dec. 1. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD), the event is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. - rain or shine - in Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St., and along East Owen Avenue.
Please note: Mayor Vivian Jones is scheduled to light the Town’s 30-foot-tall Christmas tree in Centennial Plaza at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Throughout the evening, Centennial Plaza will host musical performances by choral groups from Heritage Elementary School, Heritage Middle School, Wake Forest iSTEM Elementary School, and Magnolia Belles, a student-run a cappella group of vocally talented women from East Carolina University, while East Owen Avenue will be the site of roving LED performers and the following food trucks: La Katrina Tacos, Ultimate Eggrolls, Little Halos, and NOMAD Beverage Company. Crumbl Cookies of Wake Forest will also be onsite giving away free cookies while supplies last.
The Lighting of Wake Forest will also feature Santa Claus’ exciting arrival aboard a Wake Forest Fire Department fire truck, a children’s craft activity provided by the Wake Forest Woman’s Club, an ornament sale by the Wake Forest Historical Museum, a holiday sweet treat sale by Polka Dot Treat Shop, chocolate gifts from Make Room for Dessert, kettle corn by GypZea Maize, and special guest appearances from the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.
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Downtown Holiday Open House December 2
Embrace the holiday season and experience downtown Wake Forest’s unique array of shops and restaurants during the Downtown Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD), the Downtown Holiday Open House will feature special offers and complimentary refreshments at participating shops and restaurants, along with fun-filled activities for kids and families.
The Victorian Carolers will roam throughout downtown from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., while “Gumdrop the Gingerbread Man” will be hiding both inside and outside local businesses as part of a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. Anyone who finds “Gumdrop” will receive a special holiday surprise.
In addition, Madison from 96.1 BBB will be in downtown from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. near the intersection of South White Street and Jones Avenue collecting gifts for their Wrapping Hopes and Dreams drive which goes towards the Methodist Home for Children.
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Renaissance Centre to host Holiday Artisans Market December 2
ARTS Wake Forest will present the annual Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market on December 2, 2023 from 10 am to 4 pm. The Holiday Market will be held rain or shine inside and outside the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
A 50/50 raffle supporting ARTS Wake Forest will also be held with tickets selling for $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The winner will receive half of the total amount collected in the raffle.
2023 Holiday Artisans Market will be a juried market featuring handmade items from potters, painters, photographers, woodworkers, fiber artists, jewelry artists, and more.
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Letters for Santa mailbox available in Jones Plaza
The Town of Wake Forest has installed the popular Letters for Santa mailbox in Jones Plaza at the intersection of South White Street and East Jones Avenue just in time for Saturday’s Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off.
Children of all ages are invited to bring their letters to Santa’s Mailbox through Friday, Dec. 22, for immediate delivery to the North Pole. No postage is required.
A “Letter from Santa” which parents can download and personalize is available on the Town website.
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Wake Forest Cares Holiday Donation Drive is underway
Our 2023 Wake Forest Cares Holiday Donation Drive is underway. Each year, the initiative raises money for several programs addressing specific needs in our community, including hunger, home lighting and heating, youth health and fitness, and providing joy and hope during the holiday season and beyond.
Area residents and businesses can show their support for these efforts by contributing online to one or more of these initiatives:
- Helping Others by Providing Electricity (HOPE)
- Northern Community Food Security Team
- Shop With a Cop
- Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation
- Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Scholarship Program
In addition to online donations, checks are accepted and should be made payable to Town of Wake Forest (include “WF Cares” in the memo line), then mailed to Town of Wake Forest, 301 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest, NC 27587.
Donations will be accepted through Sunday, Dec. 31, and may be designated to more than one initiative. Donations to more than one cause will be distributed evenly unless otherwise noted on the online donation form. So, for example, a $50 donation to two causes would result in each receiving $25. One hundred percent of all contributions will be directed to the designated organization(s)/initiative(s).
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Take your picture in our Town Hall ornament & sleigh
Check out the Wake Forest Town Hall holiday ornament and sleigh on the lawn between Centennial Plaza and the Town Hall visitor parking lot.
Be sure to stop by to snap your photo and share it with us using hashtags #TownofWakeForest and #TisTheSeasonTOWF.
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Shop Local - Downtown Wake Forest
Whether spending a day meandering through myriad shops, sampling our delicious dining options or stopping in to see your favorite merchant for that one-of-a-kind service, shopping in downtown Wake Forest is always a great idea!
With unique products and personal attention only independents can provide, downtown Wake Forest truly is where quaint meets cool. Shopping locally also contributes to the community in ways that make buying downtown an economically-responsible decision as well!
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“Connections…100 Years of Wake Forest History” now on sale
Just in time for the holidays, The Town of Wake Forest is again offering “Connections…100 Years of Wake Forest History” for $30 each.
Authored by Wake Forest resident and “Wake Forest Gazette” Publisher Carol Pelosi, “Connections... 100 Years of Wake Forest History” was written and released in 2009 to commemorate Wake Forest's Centennial Celebration.
A treasure trove of pictures, original artwork, and stories recording the people, places, and events of Wake Forest’s first 100 years, the photo-filled hardcover book chronicles the town’s rich history and details its growth from a small college town to a thriving community of more than 50,000 residents.
Connections may be purchased online with credit card or debit card or in person at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., with cash, check, credit card or debit card. After ordering your copy, stop by the Information Desk in the lobby of Town Hall at your convenience to pick it up.
“Connections... 100 Years of Wake Forest History” makes a wonderful gift for family and friends, is a great family heritage piece, and treasured keepsake. For more information, call 919-435-9400.
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Engraved bricks make great gifts!
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick paver.
The 4" x 8" engraved brick pavers cost just $125 each and once ordered become a permanent part of the Wake Forest Town Hall Centennial Plaza - to be viewed and enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.
Located along South Brooks Street, Centennial Plaza is the focal point of Wake Forest's municipal campus and a gateway to town hall.
Here's your chance to join over 100 local businesses, civic clubs, residents and former residents that have already purchased a personalized brick. Engraved bricks are a unique way to honor loved ones, commemorate special events and recognize civic clubs and social groups, youth athletic teams, businesses and not-for-profit groups.
Please Note: Due to the high volume of orders and time required to install the engraved bricks, please allow 8-10 weeks before bricks are installed and available for viewing.
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If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-Notifier, please email Bill Crabtree or call 919-435-9421.
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