Candle Tea is considered by many area residents and visitors the opening event of the Advent and Christmas seasons. The Women’s Fellowship of Home Moravian Church organizes and hosts Candle Tea to share with our guests the Moravian traditions and customs of the season. 2019 is the 90th anniversary of this cherished event. See this year's schedule.
Candle Tea includes singing carols accompanied by the 1798 Tannenberg organ, enjoying rich lovefeast coffee and Moravian sugarcake, watching as beeswax candles are made by hand, and viewing the Candle Tea putz. The putz, a traditional Christmas decoration for both early and modern Moravians, is displayed in two parts. The first part is a replica in miniature of the town of Salem more than a century ago. The second part presents the Nativity scene as the Christmas story is read from Scripture.
Candle Tea is held in the Single Brothers House on Salem Square in historic Old Salem early in the Advent season.
Candle Tea Reservations: Limited reservations for Regular Tea at Candle Tea will be available this year, through this page, beginning Oct. 1. On Thursday Dec. 5 and Thursday Dec. 12 we are offering up to 20 prepaid, non-refundable reservations every 15 minutes from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Reservations cost $7.00 per person and must be paid online, using PayPal/Card, when the reservation is made.
Proceeds benefit those in need locally and globally.
Help us celebrate our 90th Anniversary! Please consider making a donation to Candle Tea by clicking here or on the Candle Tea logo.
TRAVEL UPDATE: Bus. 40 between U.S. 52 and Peters Creek Parkway is closed for reconstruction through 2020. This work has a major effect on travel to Old Salem. Please follow the "Directions & planning your visit" link below for more information.
This video, which captures the spirit of Candle Tea, is narrated by Home Church Pastor Ginny Tobiassen and was produced by Home Church member Britton Sear.