Since that first brainstorming meeting in late summer of 2008 at The Millennium Center, Christmas for the City has gone through numerous iterations and engaged a wide range of leaders and partners responsive to the times (anybody remember the drive-through CFTC of 2020?!). Rooted from the beginning in the simple vision of Love God, Love People, CFTC has grown into something remarkable — Winston-Salem's largest annual community celebration, where 8,000-10,000 neighbors from every background gather to encounter belonging and one another.
CFTC2025 was a true labor of love — new ideas, an expanded leadership team, and a gathering filled with hope in a time when we all need it. With 52 partner organizations, 1,200+ volunteers, and tens of thousands of meaningful connections made across a single evening, it was a vivid picture of what's possible when our whole community shows up together.
Plans for CFTC2026 are already underway, and we want you at the table. Whether your gifts are in logistics, partnerships, programming, hospitality, or something else entirely, there's an action team where you belong.
Sign up here to stay informed about upcoming planning meetings and details for CFTC2026. We also invite you to join us for our first planning meeting:
Thursday, April 16 | 11:30am–1:00pm The Hub | 500 N. Broad St., Winston-Salem Lunch provided
Come help us make the big feel small — again.
