Thinking of ways to ring in the New Year? We’ve gathered 12 events for you to start 2024 in the most festive way.
For the family
Farewell Bash | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kaleideum North, 400 W. Hanes Mill Rd., Winston-Salem | $9-$10 | Unleash your inner artist with a kaleidoscope of crafts, get grooving during the dance party + watch a laser show at the last event at the museum’s current location. Winston-Salem’s Noon Year’s Eve Party | Saturday, Dec. 30 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Salem Lake Park, 815 Salem Lake Rd., Winston-Salem | Free | Celebrate the new year without the late night — the celebration ends with a countdown to the balloon drop at noon.
For the adrenaline junkie
Running of the Lights | Monday, Jan. 1 | 12 a.m. | Tanglewood Park, 7714 Idols Rd., Clemmons | $44 | Run through ~3.25 miles of one of the best Christmas light displays in the country. The price to participate increases after Dec. 29.
For the best dressed
Champagne Disco Rodeo | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Dram & Draught, 486 N. Patterson Ave., Ste. 120, Winston-Salem | $65-$145 | Dust off your suits and sequins and celebrate with an open bar featuring specialty cocktails, light bites, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
Eastern Standard New Year’s Eve Party | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m. | Eastern Standard, 1131 Burke St., Winston-Salem | $100 | Enjoy a final night at the cocktail lounge and expect plenty of surprises — cocktail attire required.
For those who’ve got the moves
Real Ballroom New Year’s Eve Eve Eve party | Friday, Dec. 29 | 8 p.m. | Real Ballroom, 690 Jonestown Rd., Winston-Salem | $20 | Dance the night away and show off your moves, plus stay for the social dance after class — ticket includes a drink.
NYE Dance Party | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m. | Millenium Center, 101 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem | $35-$45 | In-house DJs will present dance music from the last 25 years — plus, watch the Times Square ball drop on big screens.
How will you be spending your local New Year’s Eve?
A. On a dance floor B. Toasting with champagne and dining on delicious food C. Venturing outdoors D. Resting + setting goals for 2024 E. Trying not to fall asleep on the couch
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day | Friday, Dec. 15 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Sedge Garden Community Center, 401 Robbins Rd., Winston-Salem | Bring any top you would like to use as a “sweater” to decorate — tools for decoration will be provided.
Salsa Y Bachata Class | Friday, Dec. 15 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | La Pink Moon Cafe, 48 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem | $0-$20 | Dance the night away and show off your dance moves, plus stay for the social dance after the class — ticket includes a drink.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Christmas for the City 2023 | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 1-6 p.m. | Benton Convention Center, 301 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem | Free | The citywide Christmas party features live music, arts performances, and interactive experiences for everyone.
Ugly Sweater Party | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7-10 p.m. | Foothills Brew Pub, 638 W. 4th St., Winston-Salem | Wear your best Christmas sweater and delight in food + drink specials, a selfie booth, and live music from Ardmore Brass Quintet.
Nativity According To The Gospels | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, HanesBrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St., Winston-Salem | $20-$35 | Watch the last performances of the musical Christmas story infused with gospel music, dance, and spoken word.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Newberry and Verch Holiday Show | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 2-4:30 p.m. | Footnote Coffee & Cocktails, 634 W. 4th St., Ste. 120, Winston-Salem | $25-$37 | The duo spreads holiday cheer with timeless hymns accompanied by traditional dance steps.
Skating With Santa | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 12 p.m. | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 421 W. 27th St., Winston-Salem | $25 | Take a photo with Santa, skate, and indulge in a free cup of hot chocolate and cookies.
Today is the last day to file a Notice of Candidacy to run for an elected office. Fill out the form by 12 p.m. today, Dec. 15 at the Forsyth County Board of Elections office (201 N. Chestnut St.).
Traffic
Expect a little change if you’re driving through Albert Street between Cotton and Green Streets (near West Salem Art Hotel) the morning of Monday, Dec. 18. A lane will be closed while crews work on water system improvements until Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m.
Coming Soon
Get a sneak peek at the newest Japanese-Latin cocktail bar. Sushi Rose (247 E. 5th St.,) located near Innovation Quarter, is expected to open in the coming weeks — owners will launch their website soon to allow patrons to see the menu and make reservations.
Closing
Eastern Standard will close its doors Jan. 2, 2024. The cocktail lounge will still hold some private events until March.
Number
$752,612. That’s how much “The Nutcracker” brought in total revenue, setting a new record for attendance and gross ticket sales. Proceeds from the ballet performance support student scholarships at UNC School of the Arts.
Try This
Feed baby goats + enjoy drinks at Wiseman Brewing (826 Angelo Bros Ave.) this Saturday, Dec. 16. You can pre-order farm fresh goods ahead of the free family-friendly event taking place from 2 to 4 p.m.
Sports
Registration is open for boys and girls to learn the basics of ice hockey. The winter session runs eight weeks from Jan. 7 through Feb. 25, 2024. Players will practice on Sunday afternoons at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex — the cost is $110 for the session.
Biz
Winston-Salem, Wrapped. See the key stats that defined Winston-Salem’s business climate in 2023 + look ahead to the upcoming year in the newly published Year in Review: Q4 Report. From investments and jobs to digital engagement, this comprehensive analysis of the city’s growth-filled year has a bit of everything.*
Finance
This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*
Job
We’re hiring a City Editor for our newsletter in Charlotte, NC. The person we’re looking for is passionate about storytelling + news and has some serious Charlotte pride. Responsibilities include planning, writing, editing, and publishing the most relevant and engaging daily content about the city. See details and apply.
Wellness
‘Nacho’ average meal
Forsyth County launches wellness classes starting in January
Learn to cook with fresh ingredients and make healthy recipes. | Photo by WStoday
If you’re an early bird like us, it may be time to start thinking about your new year’s goals.Lucky for you, Forsyth County will launch the Wellness Produce Box Program starting Jan. 18, 2024.
The goal of the free 12-week course is to promote the health and overall well-being of participants while highlighting the importance of consuming locally-grown produce.
Here’s what participants will get:
Hands-on cooking classes to learn how to prepare and cook recipes using local ingredients from farmers
Bi-weekly produce boxes with locally-sourced ingredients
Exercise and nutrition tips for well-being
Classes will be held at the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension (1450 Fairchild Rd.) Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. The course is limited to 25 participants. Interested?Apply online by Jan. 12, 2024. You’ll be notified if you’ve been accepted no later than Jan. 15.
I have no idea how I’m going to spend my New Year’s Eve this time around, but then again sometimes the best plans are the most sporadic ones — so we’ll see where life takes me.
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