Whether or not it snows this year, our city still looks just as beautiful. | Photo by @tim_hutch via Instagram
Winter is coming. If you’re wondering if any last-minute store runs for bread and eggs (or maybe toilet paper) are in your future, we’ve done the digging for you.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center issued an outlook on the winter season approaching. Here’s a rundown of what temperatures to expect in Winston-Salem starting on Thursday, Dec. 21.
Will we have snow this year?
Forecasters cannot predict when it’ll snow, as it is generally not predictable more than a week in advance because of the different elevation, latitude, and temperature across North Carolina.
How much rain will we get this season?
Forecasters expect El Niño to continue for the next several months, so expect more rain in January/February. There’s a 62% chance of the weather pattern lasting through April or June 2024.
Twin City Santa 20th Toy Drive & Semi Formal | Friday, Dec. 1 | 8 p.m.-12 p.m. | The Millennium Center, 101 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem | $25-$250 | Donate new, unwrapped toys for children in Forsyth County + enjoy complimentary drinks and light hors d’oeuvres.
HanesBrands Community Product Sale | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 3 | Times vary | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Education Building, 2886 Shorefair Dr., Winston-Salem | Cost of purchase | Stock up on basics like t-shirts and socks — all items are $20 or less and parking is free.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Father Daughter Dance Snow Ball | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Long Acres Barn, 848 Hebron Church Rd., Winston-Salem | $25 | Fathers and daughters can dress up for a memorable night — keepsake corsages, face painting, and makeup services will be offered on site.
ReptiDay Winston-Salem Reptiles & Exotic Animals Expo | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 421 W. 27th St., Winston-Salem | $5-$10 | Learn about reptiles from a mixture of vendors, breeders, educators, and animal lovers — plus, shop for animal supplies.
Sunday, Dec. 3
“Nativity According To The Gospels” | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 3 p.m. | Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St., Winston-Salem | $20-$35 | The holiday musical tells the story of Christmas with an infusion of gospel music, dance, and spoken word.
A penny for a change. Samaritan Ministries is collecting spare change, dollars, and other gifts for hungry and homeless neighbors. You can make a drive-through donation tomorrow, Dec. 2 at Truist Stadium (951 Ballpark Way) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pro tip: Use the Broad Street entrance.
Ranked
Bragging rights incoming... Tanglewood Festival of Lights is among the Best Christmas light displays in the country. Travel + Leisure ranked the drive-through display in Clemmons, the best in NC.
Sports
Today, Dec. 1 is your last chance tobuy-one-get-one-free reserved seats for the 2024 Winston-Salem Open. Tickets apply for sessions one through nine.
Outdoors
Stay fit while making new friends. Join the Piedmont Group for a morning walk through Reynolda gardens this Sunday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. Register to attend.
Plan Ahead
Show off your cooking skills this holiday season. Learn tips from social media Chef Lorenzo Espada on Saturday Dec. 9 at Bookmarks Bookstore (634 W. 4th St., Ste. 110) from 2 to 4 p.m. Plus, get your book signed on site.
Job
Compassion in Care is open in Suite 524 of 1100 Executive Park Blvd. The staffing agency is accepting applications for health care professionals.
Holiday
Tchaikovsky, Sugar Plum Fairies + a quintessential holiday experience. Backdropped by a live orchestra performance, see the magic of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ beloved annual production of The Nutcracker, playing Thursday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. Get tickets.*
Eat
You deserve something delicious this weekend. Put this brunch star together on Saturday evening, let it sit overnight, then pop it in the oven for a sweet, sweet Sunday morning — and thank us on Monday.*
Correction
You have a few more days to practice your campaign speech and ready your paperwork. Candidate filing for the 2024 election opens Monday, Dec. 4 at 12 p.m.
Environment
Here’s your two cents
Asked: How should Winston-Salem spend funding from the Carbon Reduction Program?
Winston-Salem is getting 6.48% of our energy from renewable sources, according to Duke Energy. | Photo by WStoday
Recently, we shared info on the Carbon Reduction Program, a distribution of $6.4 billion in formula funding over a five-year period in an effort to reduce transportation emissions across the US. We also asked how you’d like to see funding from the program spent in our urbanized area, should we receive program money again.
Here’s a breakdown of what you said:
31% | Public transportation
22% | Pedestrian-friendly roads and facilities
19% | Bike infrastructure
9% | Traffic management/road diet projects
3% | Fuel alternatives
16% of you mentioned other projects that you’d be eager to see, like:
“More frequent and weekend service for public transit.”
“More electric vehicle charging stations. Higher property taxes on any domestic vehicle that gets less than 20mpg.”
“Plant more trees to convert c02 [carbon dioxide] to oxygen.”
“Repair of roads and bridges (the longtime damaged First St. bridge). Clear road markings at Five Points intersection, and a better solution to potholes that get temporary fixes and then reappear.”
“We need smart stoplights.”
FY2024 funding announcements are expected in January or February.
I cannot believe there are 31 days left in 2023. This year has been full of pleasant surprises — but before I get ahead of myself let’s get through December first. I’d love to hear from you — what are your favorite holiday traditions?
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