Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center will hold its annual Moravian star lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
The Moravian Star lighting is a community staple and holiday tradition. 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.
“Lighting the Moravian Star is one of my favorite traditions that officially marks the beginning of the holiday season,” said Dr. Julie Freischlag, CEO and chief academic officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, chief academic officer of Advocate Health and executive vice president of health affairs at Wake Forest University. “Over the past few years, the star has also become a symbol of hope and healing for our Winston-Salem community. We lit it during the COVID-19 pandemic and for a period of time this October after Hurricane Helene. Our hope is that, through various seasons, this star brings strength, light and joy to all who pass by our medical center each night.”
The community Moravian band, led by the Rev. Nola Reed Knouse, along with vocalists by Amanda Schumpert and Keith Weatherman will provide music during the event.
There will be a brief worship service and remarks by the Rev. Keith Stirewalt, a hospital chaplain, physician assistant and a program director of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s FaithHealth Ministries. Hot apple cider and Moravian cookies will be served.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5.
Media contacts:
Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu; Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu