- Event Overview
About
Winston-Salem, NC
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawls
Winston-Salem’s Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl brings the City of Arts and Innovation’s bar culture and Piedmont Triad holiday spirit to the holiday sweater tradition. Downtown Winston-Salem and the surrounding bar districts have developed into one of the most impressive bar and restaurant scenes in the Carolinas and on ugly sweater night the combination of Wake Forest university energy, the remarkable arts scene, and the excellent bar community creates a holiday celebration that reflects the genuine quality and creative depth of this Piedmont Triad city.
Our Winston-Salem route moves through downtown and the surrounding bar district, stopping at venues that represent the full quality of what Winston-Salem’s bar scene has built. The ugly sweater competition in Winston-Salem draws on the creative energy of a city that has transformed from tobacco and textiles to arts and innovation and the entries reflect that creative transformation.
December in Winston-Salem is mild, typically ranging from 35 to 50 degrees at night. The North Carolina Piedmont winter is brief and downtown Winston-Salem at Christmas has a festive energy that reflects the genuine creative investment this city has made in its downtown and arts community.
Our hosts manage the Winston-Salem route with local knowledge. Specials are confirmed, wristbands handle entry at every stop, and the ugly sweater contest brings City of Arts and Innovation creativity to the holiday season.
Event Detalis
Largest Pub Crawl Event
40,000+ Attendees
100+ Participating Bars
Organized Event
- What's Included
What You Get With a Pub Crawl Ticket
Pub crawls for the biggest party holidays. Choose your event and join the party in 100+ cities across the USA.
Official 2025 Wristband
One wristband for every venue on the crawl.
Welcome Drink at Check-In
Included with your ticket.
Drink Specials at Every Stop
Exclusive holiday pricing throughout the route.
Ugly Sweater Contest
The most outrageous sweater wins a prize.
On-Site Hosts
Our team manages the route and the sweater competition.
VIP Entry at Select Venues
Priority access at participating bars.
Pub Crawl Route
The crawl covers the best bars in the city’s top bar neighborhood.
Holiday Party Gear
Festive accessories at check-in.
Participating Venues on the Pub Crawl Route
The Winston-Salem Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl route runs through State Street / Capitol Square. All stops within walking distance. Full lineup sent to ticket holders before the event.
How the Pub Crawl Works
Four simple steps to join the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl and start bar hopping.
Purchase at PubCrawls.com.
7:00 PM. Address with ticket confirmation.
Welcome drink, wristband, holiday gear. Route starts at 7:30 PM.
Hosts guide the group through venues all evening.
Event Agendas
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Winston-Salem Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl?
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Seven hours across a Piedmont December evening, which is long enough that the sweater needs to be comfortable as well as loud.
Which part of Winston-Salem does the route use on the sweater crawl?
Downtown around Fourth Street and the Innovation Quarter, where the bars and restaurants concentrate. Your confirmed check-in venue arrives with the ticket confirmation. The two sit a short walk apart, which keeps the route on foot throughout.
How cold is Winston-Salem in December?
Cool rather than severe, usually in the 30s and 40s after dark. The Piedmont stays milder than the mountains, so a sweater with a light coat over it is enough.
Are the Old Salem holiday events on?
Very likely. The restored Moravian settlement runs candle tea and seasonal programming through December, which is one of the more distinctive holiday traditions in North Carolina. Check the schedule before you plan the day.
Can I get Moravian cookies that weekend?
Almost certainly. The thin spiced cookies are a Winston-Salem institution and December is their season, sold across Old Salem and much of the city all month. They travel better than most edible souvenirs.
Is Wake Forest in finals that week?
Around then. Mid December is the end of the semester, so the student presence downtown depends on exactly where the university calendar falls that year. Check the calendar if that matters to you.
Is downtown Winston-Salem walkable on the sweater crawl?
Easily. Fourth Street does most of the work and the Innovation Quarter sits a few minutes east, so a sweater alone gets you between stops without much complaint.
Should I arrange a ride home in Winston-Salem on the sweater crawl?
Yes. Rideshare demand across Forsyth County climbs on December Saturdays, and the drive out to the surrounding suburbs is a genuine distance from downtown. Agree the pickup point before you start the evening. 19 city pages | 8 FAQs each
