As the Christmas season rapidly approaches, bringing gatherings, gifts, and good cheer shared with family and friends, many across the Triangle North region are eagerly anticipating the beloved community tradition of the 2025 Lighting of Wake Forest, now just over a month away.
Scheduled for Friday, December 5, from 5–8 p.m. at Centennial Plaza in front of Town Hall, this annual celebration has steadily grown in popularity over the past decade, though Wake Forest has hosted some form of communal tree lighting since the 1930s.
The modern-day event features the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus—portrayed for years by Wake Forest’s own Saint Nicholas, Shannon Settles. Attendees can enjoy festive fare from local food trucks and performances by school groups before Mayor Vivian Jones officially lights the tree at approximately 6:20 p.m.
Overseeing the festivities are Downtown Development Director Jennifer Herbert and Manager Camryn Gutierrez, who expect between 3,500 and 4,000 people to attend, participate, and support downtown businesses.
While the dazzling 30-foot tree isn’t a freshly cut evergreen—“Wake Forest doesn’t like to cut down trees,” Herbert notes—it is a lifelike, synthetic version pre-strung with lights and designed to glow at the flip of the mayor’s switch. Purchased for $27,000 from Mosca Design in Youngsville, the new tree replaces a decade-old predecessor and offers a more realistic look.
In recent years, additional decorations have joined the display, including Santa’s sleigh, a large ornament, and a decorative arch—favorite photo spots for the many families who flock to the plaza each year. After receiving the key to the town from Mayor Jones, Santa greets the crowd, waves from the stage, and later poses for photos in the sleigh.
In addition to Herbert and Gutierrez, roughly 25 town staff members and volunteers ensure everything runs smoothly during the three-hour event. Once confined to Centennial Plaza, the celebration has expanded since 2022 to include Brooks Street and Owen Avenue to accommodate the growing crowds.
Created to bring the community together for the holidays, the Lighting of Wake Forest has become one of the town’s most cherished traditions. Despite Wake Forest’s growth to more than 60,000 residents, Herbert says the event still maintains a “small-town feel.” In the post-COVID era, it has also helped rekindle community pride and connection, welcoming newcomers while honoring the town’s deep-rooted sense of place.
For Mayor Jones, it’s a personal favorite. “During the most wonderful time of the year, Wake Forest takes special pride in hosting this event,” she said. “Bringing so many people together at such a joyous time—and seeing the happiness on their faces—is truly magical for me and for everyone who experiences it.”
The Loading Dock Joins the Festivities
The Loading Dock - Wake Forest, located at 525 S. White Street, will also add to the holiday spirit this year with members-only holiday festivities held in conjunction with the town lighting event.
As the town’s primary entrepreneurial hub, The Loading Dock (TLD) is uniting its community of members to celebrate the season. While their holiday activities are exclusive to members, the effort highlights how Wake Forest’s business community continues to support and connect with one another. The celebration also serves as an invitation for solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and home-based business owners seeking community, collaboration, and support to consider joining TLD—a vibrant hub for both business and connection.
Madie, Community Experience Manager at The Loading Dock - Wake Forest, shared, “We host three to four member events each month to give our community a chance to connect or enjoy a little pick-me-up. Our holiday event, however, is one of our favorites! In a time when remote work is so common, our members often become each other’s coworkers—even if they don’t work for the same company. This event gives them an opportunity to bring their families, enjoy great company, and celebrate the holidays together before the tree lighting.”
Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP), which is based at The Loading Dock, shared his enthusiasm for the dual celebrations. “We’re very grateful to everyone who contributes to this memorable town event,” he said. “I enjoy it more every year and feel fortunate to experience it alongside our community during the Christmas season. We also welcome anyone who wants to do business at The Loading Dock beforehand—it’s a great place to set up shop and take part in the festivities on December 5.”
