We think Reynolda would make a perfect filming location. | Photo by WStoday
We asked ChatGPT to write a holiday film fit for the Hallmark Channel that’s set in Winston-Salem. Did the artificial intelligence site nail it or miss the mark? You be the judge.
“Hannah Carter, a marketing executive from New York City, returns to her small hometown of Winston-Salem for the holidays. Her mom, Maggie, who runs a cozy cafe in Old Salem, is eager to have her home for the season.
Hannah reconnects with Ethan Matthews, a former high school acquaintance who now owns a local bookstore. Ethan, deeply passionate about Winston-Salem’s history, is working on a project to promote the city’s Christmas Festival.
When Hannah offers to help create a social media campaign to showcase the festival, they begin working together on various events around town, including a storytelling event at the bookstore and a Christmas light tour at Tanglewood Park. Old feelings resurface, and the chemistry between them grows.”
April Brady Mangum Gallery Show | Friday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec. 7 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Pure Space Gallery, Gaia Boutique | Free entry | See how the artist uses collage and a bright color palette to create dynamic, thought-provoking pieces. Christmas Wrapped in Brass | 7:30 p.m. | Elberson Fine Arts Center, Salem College | $5+ | Brass musicians will perform holiday classics featuring guest soloist Lindsay Kesselman.
Saturday, Dec. 7
3rd Annual RiverRun “Can” Film Festival | Times vary | Marketplace Cinemas | Free with donation | Load up a bag with canned food items and get free admission to screenings of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Holiday VNTG Market | 12-5 p.m. | Wise Man Brewing | Cost of purchase | Grab lunch or a snack from a food truck while shopping vintage finds from 20 vendors. Sayso & Friends Winter Market | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Sayso Coffee | Cost of purchase | Shop from 20+ vendors selling food and goods while sipping on hot coffee.
Sunday, Dec. 8
2024 WSSU Choir Christmas Concert | 4-5:30 p.m. | Centenary United Methodist Church | Free | Hear the Singing Rams perform holiday classics with the theme “great joy.” UNCSA Cantata Singers Holiday Concert | 2 p.m. | Home Moravian Church | Free, RSVP | Faculty artist James Allbritten leads students studying voice and opera in the annual performance of the beloved repertoire. Wake Forest Lovefeast | 7 p.m. | Wait Chapel | Free | Join the cherished tradition that includes hymns, a simple meal, and candle lighting — seating is first come, first served.
Monday, Dec. 9
Siren Series Jazz Holiday Soirée | 6 p.m. | Footnote Coffee & Cocktails | Free entry | Get into the holiday spirit with festive jazz tunes, food, wine, and cocktails.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Handel’s “Messiah” | 7:30-10 p.m. | Wait Chapel | $10+ | The Winston-Salem Symphony performs the celebrated oratorio during this beloved local tradition.
a/perture cinema has a new executive director. Leigh Dyer has taken over operational, financial, and strategic planning responsibilities from Founding Director Lawren Desai. You can meet Dyer on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6:15 p.m. during a free screening of her favorite film “Casablanca.”
Ranked
Winstonians have more fun. We ranked No. 85 in WalletHub’s list of “Most Fun Cities in America” based on metrics like movie cost and the hours our breweries are open. Find more ways to play around town.
Eat
We all know that Winston-Salem’s signature hot sauce is Texas Pete. But did you know our neighbors over in Lexington are known for red slaw (aka barbecue slaw)? Explore more local dishes around the world with the Taste Atlas.
Shop
Looking for a gift that provides an experience? Check out this North Carolina Adventure Bucket List deck that comes with 50 scratch-off cards with things to do all around the state — from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Wrightsville Beach.
Trending
Mocha mousse. That’s Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, which was selected through global research and analysis to reflect “our desire for comfort” and “the indulgence of simple pleasures.” See if you can spy any mocha mousse shades in these 15 murals around Winston-Salem.
The Word
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “brain rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot by touching grass at a local park or heading to one of these 10+ museums in Winston-Salem. (Time Magazine)
Mailbag
“As a newer resident to Winston Salem (I have lived in the Piedmont for 17 years..but in WS for only 14 months), I have LOVED this forum as it gives me an opportunity to learn of things to do in our community!!” Thanks for the kind words, Chaille.
Finance
The bad news: Car repair costs have surged 17% in the last year, with some repairs exceeding $6,000. The good news: An Endurance protection plan could save you thousands. Sign up and receive $450 off your new contract, plus a free year of Elite Benefits. Get your free quote.*
Home
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Try This
Leave your little elves at home for Kaleideium After Dark: Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wear your itchiest, tackiest sweater, and enjoy cocktails, games, food trucks, and live music in a kid-free environment. Tickets include drinks.*
Trending
Looking for a five-minute national news read? Free newsletter 1440 navigates 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive daily digest — from global events to business to culture.*
City Guide
City Guide
⚽️ Get a kick out of this
You can get up close to the action at Truist Sports Park. | Photo by WStoday
Our city is home to some serious sports action. Whether you’re already a devoted Twin City fan or you’re new to the area, we hope this guide can serve as a valuable resource.
🏒 Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL) | Est. 2017
The minor professional hockey team comes from a long line of predecessors.
The AirFly Pro — it’s a nifty gadget that will wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment to Bluetooth headphones so you can ditch those pesky wired earbuds.
With your help, Samaritan Ministries is hoping to raise $100,000 through its Penny Campaign this year. Don’t forget to drop off your spare change tomorrow, Dec. 7 at Truist Stadium. There’s no need to get out of your car — just use the Broad Street entrance to hop in the Collection Day drive-thru between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Answered
Answered
This week we asked, “What’s the biggest advantage to shopping local?” Here’s what you said:
Friendly customer service + keeping dollars local — 48% Being able to see items in person — 38% Avoiding shipping costs + potential delays — 7% Finding items I can’t get anywhere else — 7%
Some shops will also take care of adding the ribbon and bows.
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