Candle Tea

The Candle Tea, regarded by many as the opening event of the Christmas season in Winston-Salem, is held annually in the historic Single Brothers' House on Salem Square, which was built in 1769.  The Women's Fellowship of Home Moravian Church coordinates this event and uses the funds raised by the cost of admission to support many non-profit agencies, both locally and internationally.  Thank you for continuing to make this outreach possible.

Guests are greeted by hosts in early Moravian dress and are guided through the Chapel for singing Christmas carols, the dining room where beeswax candles are being made, the kitchen where sugar cake and coffee are being served, and the two rooms in the sub-basement where the Putz is on display. (The word "putz" is of Germanic origin and means "to decorate".) The two sections of the Putz include a replica of Salem as it would have appeared in the early 1900’s and a Nativity scene displaying the birth of the Christ Child.

We hope you'll join us at this year's Tea!

2010 Candle Tea Schedule

General Admission:

Adults (12 and up): $4     Children (under 12): $1

School and Scout Group Admission:

By Reservation Only, $1 per person

School groups: To reserve a space, please call 336-749-9463 on September 14th and 15th from 7:30 AM until 12:30 PM.

Scout groups: To reserve a space, please call 336-749-9463 on October 7th from  9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

For additional Candle Tea related questions and reservation information, please send email inquiries to info@candletea.org

Inclement Weather Policy

If the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools or Old Salem are closed for the day or close early due to bad weather, the Candle Tea will also close. An announcement will be made on WXII and will be on the Candle Tea voice mail (336-749-9463).

Directions to the Candle Tea

Candle Tea is held in the Single Brothers’ House in Old Salem, at the corner of Academy and Main Streets.

From points EAST or WEST of Winston-Salem:
From Interstate 40, take exit 193B (US Hwy 52 N), then follow below directions.

From points NORTH or SOUTH of Winston-Salem:
Look for the Old Salem direction signs.
From US Hwy 52, take exit 108C to Stadium DR.
Turn RIGHT on Stadium DR.
Turn LEFT on Salem Ave.
Turn RIGHT on Old Salem RD. Parking is available in the Old Salem Visitors’ Center lot on the left, or on some nearby streets. No parking is allowed on Academy St.
Turn RIGHT on Academy St. Go to Main St. You will have to walk this part (approx. 3 blocks).

A walk through the Candle Tea . . .
The Candle Tea is an opportunity for the people of the community, both Moravian and non-Moravian, to get into the spirit of the Christmas season. Visitors are moved through the presentation in small groups.

Anteroom- Greetings and a brief history of the Brothers’ house and the Candle Tea.

Chapel- Christmas carols are sung, accompanied by the 1797/98 Tannenberg organ.

Dining Room- Beeswax candles are being made for the Candle Tea. Replicas of the original tin candle molds are used. Candles are available for purchase.

Kitchen- Visitors are given a mug of Moravian lovefeast coffee and a piece of Moravian sugar cake to enjoy while they get an opportunity to sit and rest.

Sub-basement- In the first section is the Salem Putz. The Putz (Pronounced "puts", it is a German word which means "to decorate".) is a scale model of Salem as it would have appeared in the early 1900's. In the second section is the Nativity Putz where the host tells the story of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Frequently asked questions:

     Do I need to make reservations for the General Admission hours of Candle Tea?
No. We don’t take reservations. Just gather at the door to the Brother's House across from Salem Square.

     When can school and Scout groups come to the candle Tea?
We set aside special morning times when the Candle Tea is open only to children in school or scout groups, and reservations are required for these times. Please refer to the call in times listed with School and Scout Group Admission information.         

     Do I have to buy a ticket for Old Salem to get into the Candle Tea?  

No. The Candle Tea is operated by the Women’s Fellowship of Home Moravian Church, and is not a part of the Old Salem tour. Likewise, an Old Salem tour ticket does not cover admission to the Candle Tea

     How long does it take to go through the Candle Tea?
Approximately one hour from the time you enter the Single Brothers’ House.

     When does the Candle Tea tend to be less crowded?
Since we don’t take reservations, we can never say for sure, but as a general rule Thursday nights and the first weekend of the Candle Tea are less crowded.

     Where do I park?
Parking is available in the Old Salem Visitor Center and on some of the streets in Old Salem.

     How long has the Candle Tea been going on?
The Candle Tea is a well-loved tradition that dates back to 1929.

     How are proceeds of the Candle Tea distributed?
Each year, profits in their entirety are given to benevolent causes chosen by the membership of the Women’s Fellowship of Home Moravian Church.

     What is a Moravian?
The Moravian Church is a protestant church that has been in existence for over 500 years, with roots in the Czech Republic and Germany. We are distinguished from other denominations by some of our customs, such as the lovefeast service. If you are interested in learning more about Moravians, please explore the rest of the Home Moravian Church website or visit  The Moravian Church in North America.

      What is a lovefeast?
The lovefeast is a common meal shared by the congregation to commemorate a special occasion. Near the end of the Christmas lovefeast service each worshiper is given a lighted beeswax candle which is held high as the final hymn is sung to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world.

     What times are the Christmas Lovefeasts held?
Home Moravian Church offers four lovefeasts in the sanctuary on Christmas Eve.

Services at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. are designed with children and families in mind; the later services at 5:00 and 7:45 p.m are more welcoming for adults.  All are welcome at any of our services, especially those on Sunday mornings each week.