Christmas in Old Salem Retreat – December 3-6, 2026

Join us for a magical and festive small retreat at Christmas in Old Salem, a beloved Salem Stitches tradition! This special retreat will be held at the Hampton Inn Downtown Winston-Salem and promises a weekend of holiday joy, creative projects, and fun with friends and family. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season with fellow quilters and stitchers!

Enjoy four days of immersive sewing, with hands-on demos, expert instruction, and plenty of time to work on your holiday projects. Whether you're stitching up gifts or creating your own seasonal masterpiece, you’ll have all the support and inspiration you need. This retreat is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Don't miss out on this magical holiday retreat experience!

A special treat: Annette from Southwind Designs will be teaching a class using a new pattern with dimensional curves starting at 9 am on Thursday morning. This is an optional add on for those who want to get started early.

With lunches included and numerous local restaurants nearby for dinner, there’s plenty of opportunity to relax, socialize, and soak in the charm of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Plan to arrive early Thursday to explore Old Salem and enjoy a cozy lunch at Muddy Creek Café before the retreat officially begins at 1 pm.

Enjoy a variety of demos, gift-making ideas, and plenty of inspiration for your holiday creations. Whether you bring your own projects or dive into our annual "Gifts-A-Making" Box of holiday gifts, you’ll have everything you need for a festive and productive weekend. Plus, the elves are sure to make a surprise visit with a holiday gift or two! Full details on this year's annual box available in September, but like the previous 6 years will include patterns, fabrics and all supplies except thread to make 9 gifts, plus a few bonus ones.

• Each retreat has its own personality

• Sew your own projects or work on our annual Holiday Box of Gifts

• Lots of windows, natural & task lighting

• Gathering spots to meet up, or sit, sip & stitch

• Enjoy the Show & Tell as projects are finished

• A small group of great people

Prepare to be pampered! This retreat is for all quilters, stitchers and sewists of all levels.

• Large individual table to spread out & leave set up at night

• Lots of windows, natural & task lighting

• Ironing, Cutting & Design Stations, plus light tables

• Arrive Thursday at 1 pm and sew 'til Sunday at 4 pm

• Sew or Stitch all night... room open as long as 2 people are present! 

You'll find both necessary tool and inspiration at the Salem Stitches pop-up

• Bolts of Fabric, PreCuts, Patterns, Notions & Gift items

• A selection of kits, just in case you are inspired

• Cross Stitch fabrics, threads & new charts

• Of course there's a retreat discount

The Hampton Inn & Suites Winston-Salem Downtown at 235 Cherry Street offers a comfortable and convenient stay for your retreat weekend. Located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem, this modern hotel provides spacious rooms with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay, including a complimentary hot breakfast each morning. With its proximity to local attractions, charming shops, and excellent restaurants, the hotel is the perfect base for both creativity and exploration. Enjoy a restful weekend retreat with easy access to the vibrant downtown area and all its offerings. Please make your own reservations at HIlton.com or phone (336) 276-1010 as we do not have a block reserved for this event.

Payments can be made with credit cards, ACH debits from bank accounts, or checks

• Credit Card payments are subject to a 3%+ fee

• Checks and ACH payments (direct debit from your bank account) have zero fees

• Checks may be sent to Salem Stitches, 832 S Main Street, Winston Salem, NC 27101 

• Auto payments may be setup

• Standard Payment Plan of 5 payments, though payments may be made at any time

Cancellation policy: The $150 deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferred to another retreat depending on cancellation date. If you cancel more than 120 days prior to the retreat, all monies paid, less deposit & processing fee  will be  transferred to another retreat or refunded to original payment source. More than 30 days prior, all monies not committed to vendors will be transferred to another retreat or refunded.  30 days or less before the retreat, refunds simply cannot be made. At any time, your payments may be transferred to a new attendee,that you designate, coming in your place.

You have a personal "Dashboard" which  allows you to keep your information, such as contact info and food allergies, current! 

Please save your initial confirmation email, the included link is the easiest way to connect to your dashboard.

A Checklist of What to Bring is emailed prior to the retreat, PLUS it is posted in the itinerary you can use on the Mobile App! This list has been compiled over the years from attendees and you will find it quite helpful. To help you plan, here's a short list:

• Your sewing machine

• General Sewing supplies

• Projects you want to work on 

If there is a guest designer or demo, kits will be available that include everything you need. No running around to buy before you arrive!

Plan to arrive early Thursday morning for a visit to Old Salem Museums & Gardens, and their Christmas decorations. This is Candle Tea weekend, so plan to make time for this Moravian tradition. Candle Tea & Old Salem tickets available online at their sites.

New this year– an optional all day workshop Thursday with Annette of Southwind Designs. Check in to the sewing room at 8:30 am to be ready for a 9 am start. Be sure to add the workshop. Kit with pattern separate with details coming soon!

Enjoy lunch at Muddy Creek Cafe and then head to the Hampton Inn to get setup and start sewing away.

Dinner is your choice!  With so many local restaurants walking distance, you will have plenty to choose from.  

Sewcial:  Be Social & Sew!

Start the day with a creative session where you can work on your personal projects or dive into the "Gifts-A-Making" Box to begin crafting your holiday gifts. Enjoy a delicious lunch provided onsite before jumping into an afternoon of sewing, where you'll participate in a demo and explore new hands-on gift-making ideas. In the evening, after a relaxing dinner on your own at one of the many fantastic local restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem, come together for a casual evening session. It’s a time to stitch, chat, and unwind, with a chance for the elves to visit once again, bringing festive surprises to delight everyone!

Friday lunch is always a treat... Flour Box Tea Room has catered the last 2 years!

Spend the morning working on your holiday gifts, enjoying a relaxing and productive session. After a delicious lunch provided onsite, you’ll have free sewing time in the afternoon to continue your projects or join in a fun group activity. In the evening, take a break and explore the local restaurants of downtown Winston-Salem, soaking in the holiday atmosphere. As the day winds down, join the group and head up the street to watch the Winston Salem Christmas Parade downtown. After a Pizza Party for dinner, gather for a casual evening of relaxation and stitching, where the elves might surprise you with another festive treat. It’s a wonderful time to unwind, enjoy good company, and share the joy of creativity with new friends.

Spend the morning putting the final touches on your projects and getting your holiday gifts ready for gifting.  After lunch, enjoy some more creative time to add those last details to your creations and chat with fellow quilters about your work.  As the retreat comes to a close, gather for a final session to share your finished projects, reflect on the weekend’s fun, and say your goodbyes.  Take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of the weekend and the new friendships made.