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Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off 2025: A Celebration of Community and the Season of Giving

  • Jim and Lori Hill - Realtors, Brokered by lpt Realty 3825 Wild Meadow Lane Wake Forest, NC, 27587 United States (map)

The holiday season in Wake Forest, North Carolina, starts with one of the town’s most heartwarming traditions — the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off. This year’s event happens on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM in Downtown Wake Forest, filling South White Street with music, crafts, winter games, and the true spirit of community giving.


Hosted by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. and the Wake Forest Northeast Community Coalition, the celebration is part of the town’s Wake Forest Cares initiative — a program focused on supporting local charities and encouraging residents to give back while enjoying a day filled with festive fun.

A Day Full of Holiday Fun in Downtown Wake Forest

If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Wake Forest this season, this event delivers. It’s a mix of small-town charm, local talent, and holiday cheer. Here’s what’s happening throughout the day:

Ice Carving Demonstrations

Watch professional ice sculptors transform giant blocks of ice into detailed holiday works of art. Carvings happen all afternoon at 12:15, 12:45, 1:15, 1:45, 2:15, 2:45, and 3:15 PM. It’s a crowd favorite and perfect for photo ops.

Children’s Craft Activities

Kids can create handmade keepsakes at the Wake Forest Northeast Community Coalition and Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. craft stations. These fun activities are designed to spark creativity while families enjoy the festivities.

Winter Games for All Ages

Experience a mini winter wonderland with games like Curling, Snowball Toss, Snowboard Simulator, and Zap a Penguin. Each brings plenty of laughs and energy to the day — even without snow.

Roaming Characters and Family Photo Moments

Expect to see cheerful characters walking through downtown, ready for selfies and holiday greetings. They’ll add a touch of magic to your afternoon stroll.

Wake Forest Cares Initiative Tents

Stop by to learn about the Wake Forest Cares mission, discover local nonprofits that need support, and find ways to contribute. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community while celebrating the season.

Main Stage Performances

The stage on South White Street will be packed with local talent throughout the afternoon. From school bands to dance companies, here’s the full schedule:

• 12:00 PM: Welcome by Elected Officials & Santa Claus

• 12:20 PM: Wake Forest High School Band & Color Guard

• 12:40 PM: Wake Forest Youth Ballet (Destiny Dance Institute)

• 1:00 PM: YMCA Super Skippers

• 1:20 PM: The Dance Attic

• 1:40 PM: Wake Forest Academy of Fine Arts

• 2:00 PM: Jill M. Taylor Dance Company

• 2:20 PM: Carolina Theater Company

• 2:40 PM: The Dancery

• 3:00 PM: Wake Cheer and Tumble

• 3:20 PM: Howdy Boot Line Dancers

• 3:40 PM: The Dance Collective

Every performance showcases the incredible creativity and community pride that make Wake Forest such a special place to live.

Event Map and Parking

The event runs along South White Street between E. Jones Avenue and Elm Avenue. Streets will be closed from 9 AM to 6 PM to create a safe, walkable festival area. Visitors can find:

• Ice Carving and Craft Stations on E. Jones Avenue

• Sponsor Expo and Winter Games along S. White Street

• Main Stage near Elm Avenue

Parking is available in nearby lots downtown, including spaces along Elm Avenue and Brooks Street near Wake Forest Town Hall.

Why Wake Forest Cares Matters

Beyond the fun, this event captures what makes Wake Forest stand out — community spirit. The Wake Forest Cares program supports local charities, schools, and non-profits through donations, volunteering, and awareness. Every visit, every game, and every act of kindness adds up to something bigger.

As realtors who live and work in this incredible town, we love seeing how Wake Forest comes together to celebrate generosity and joy each holiday season. It’s one of the many reasons so many families choose to call Wake Forest home.

Plan Your Visit

• Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

• Time: 12 PM to 4 PM

• Location: Downtown Wake Forest, NC (South White Street)

• Cost: Free to attend

Bundle up, grab the family, and come enjoy the start of the season. From Santa’s arrival to live music, winter games, and community giving, the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off is a can’t-miss local tradition that brings everyone together.

If you’re new to the area or thinking about moving to Wake Forest, this event is the perfect way to experience the small-town charm, friendly faces, and community connection that make it one of the most desirable places to live in the Triangle.

Jim and Lori Hill, Realtors – LPT Realty

Changing People’s Lives, One Home at a Time

You Have Friends in the Real Estate Business

Earlier Event: November 7
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