Annual Moravian Star Lighting to Kick Off the Holiday Season at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

November 30, 2023

The 31-foot Moravian star atop the North Tower at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center will hold its annual Moravian star lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

No holiday season is complete without the Moravian Star lighting. Since 1992, Wake Forest Baptist has celebrated its holiday spirit with the Winston-Salem community through the 31-foot Moravian star atop the Medical Center’s North Tower. The one-of-a-kind star has 27 points that range in length from 7 to 11 feet and weigh from 30 to 65 pounds each. Each of the 27 points is illuminated by a 100-watt bulb.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held on the top level of Wake Forest Baptist’s Eden Terrace parking deck off Hawthorne Rd. The lighting ceremony will also be streamed live on the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist YouTube page

“I am thrilled to participate in this wonderful tradition and witness the lighting of the Moravian Star to kick off the holiday season this year,” said Dr. David Zaas, president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. “Our desire is for this star to represent hope, joy and light to our community, our teammates and all who pass by it each night.” 

The Medical Center Chorale, led by David Lane, and Moravian band, led by the Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse, will provide music before and during the event.

There will be a brief worship service and remarks by the Rev. Margaret Norris of Hope Moravian Church. Hot apple cider and Moravian cookies will be served.

In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held on Friday, Dec. 8.

Media contacts: 

Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu
Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu