Moore County is famous for its golf, quaint downtowns, Queen Anne-style homes, cute shops, tasty restaurants, and wonderful community areas. This area gets especially decked out for the holiday season at some awesome Pinehurst Christmas events. As the crisp air and fanciful celebrations begin, curious visitors from across the state can experience the memorable holidays in the Sandhills. If you are looking for a place to visit in the Carolinas this December that will truly get you in the spirit of the season, we highly recommend you consider the Moore County area. It’s such a festive place this time of year.
Here are some of our top upcoming Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Moore County events to consider when visiting for Christmas.
November 24: Pinehurst Holiday Pop-Up Market
Pinehurst Holiday Pop-Up Market invites small retail businesses from all over the Village of Pinehurst and the surrounding Moore County. Visitors can come and shop from a variety of homemade items, local produce and unique holiday gifts up for purchase. It is one of the best ways to support your local businesses and immerse yourself in your community.
This Pinehurst Christmas event is scheduled for November 24th at the Fair Barn from 9 AM to 2 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore and shop! It is a fantastic way to shop for Christmas at Pinehurst.
November 24-Dec 23: Carolina Christmas Train
This year, the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway is offering a Carolina Christmas Train that will begin running from Nov 24th till December 23rd. The train will whisk you away on a magical journey of holiday excitement, twinkling lights and festive music. The train provides a family class section and an adult class section, each ride lasting for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The family ride will include complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, Christmas caroling and a meet-up with Santa as he makes his way through the locomotive. The adult ride will exclusively be for 21+ individuals, with each ticket offering you a complimentary glass of champagne and additional snacks and beverages on board. It is one of the must-attend Moore County events this season.
November 26: Santa In The Gardens
Visit the Hoad Children’s Garden at the Sandhills Horticultural Garden housed within the campus of the Sandhills Community College to enjoy a day of fun and holiday festivity. Bring your young ones along so they can have a meet and greet with Santa, share their letters with him and have a photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
December 1: A Village Christmas
Pinehurst Business Partners cordially invites you to partake in their Holiday Open House, in a momentous collaboration with the Village of Pinehurst Tree Lighting. They invite you to leisurely explore the downtown’s unique specialty shops, galleries, and boutiques, where extended hours and pop-up shops await at this Pinehurst Christmas event.
December 1: Pinehurst Christmas Tree Lighting At James W. Tufts Memorial Park
The Village of Pinehurst celebrates the holiday season with the highly anticipated annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. Join with your family and friends at Tufts Memorial Park for an evening filled with music, holiday cheer, and the exciting opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Festive activities and entertainment will be available from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, culminating in the official tree lighting ceremony at 6:30pm. Additionally, on-site vendors will offer a variety of food and beverages for purchase. This is a complimentary event, inviting your whole family to delight in the festivities.
December 1 – 3: Weymouth Wonderland: Outdoor Wonderfest & Market
The Weymouth Center for Arts and Humanities has scheduled an Outdoor Wonderfest & Holiday Market to be held from December 1st to December 3rd. The holiday market will include several pop-up shops selling homemade goods, crafts and face painting activities, Christmas caroling, food vendors serving steaming hot foods, and Santa’s magical toy shop. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy! And don’t forget to visit the fully decorated Boyd House, and the stables to say a holiday “Hey” to the horses. Open to the public, visitors can enter with any monetary donation.
December 2: Southern Pines Annual Christmas Parade
Join the festivities in downtown Southern Pines on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, at 11am for the Annual Christmas parade and experience the most festive of atmospheres at this Pinehurst Christmas event. The parade, one of our favorite Pinehurst Christmas events, will showcase high school bands, dance teams, floats created by local organizations and Moore County businesses, fire trucks, antique cars, political representatives, and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade will commence at Sunrise Theater, proceeding south down Broad Street to Massachusetts Avenue, crossing the tracks, and returning north along Broad Street to Connecticut Avenue.
December 3: Bryant House Holiday Open House
The Bryant House & McLendon Cabin is hosting a Christmas open house this holiday season. The cabin in Carthage, North Carolina, is one of the most famous historical dwellings in the county. The cabin will be lit with a warm fire and the house will be tastefully decorated with greenery, handmade ornaments and berries. Guests will also be served handmade cookies and hot cider. Enjoy the historical views of the cabin or sit back and enjoy the live music at this historic Christmas event.
December 7: Aberdeen Christmas Tree Lighting
The Christmas Tree Lighting is a traditional small-town holiday celebration held every year in the town of Aberdeen. Hundreds of people are expected to gather to witness the celebration. Apart from the tree lighting, Santa Claus will be making an entrance, so bring along your young ones to meet him. Attendees can also enjoy the night’s special performances and light refreshments.
December 8: Supper with Santa
The Aberdeen Parks & Recreation Department is hosting an exciting catered dinner at the Aberdeen Recreation Center and everyone is welcome to join in. The event will include holiday crafts and a holiday movie that you can enjoy with Santa. It is scheduled for Friday, December 8th, from 6 PM to 8 PM. You will have to register for the event by December 1st with tickets priced at $5 for children, $10 for residents, and $15 for nonresidents.
December 9: Shaw House Holiday Open House
The Shaw House, also known as the Old Shaw Homestead, is a historic home on the edge of downtown Southern Pines. It dates back to the early 19th century, featuring historic Federal Greek Revival style elements in its architecture. It is also regarded as one of the oldest surviving houses in the county. The Shaw House Holiday Open House will take place on December 9th from 1 PM to 4 PM this year. Visitors can tour the house and enjoy old-time decorations and the house’s intriguing architecture. Admissions to this event will be free for all. It is a fantastic way for history lovers to enjoy the holidays in Southern Pines.
December 9: Aberdeen Christmas Parade
Every year, the town of Aberdeen hosts its Christmas Parade. This year is no different, with the parade scheduled for December 9th. Visitors are welcome to gather in downtown Aberdeen at 11 AM to truly get into the holiday spirit. Highlights of the parade will include live music, floats created by local organizations, local charities, sports groups, local businesses and a classic appearance by Santa Claus!
December 9: Old Fashioned Christmas
Head over to the Malcolm Blue Farm on the 9th of December and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas, as it was celebrated back in the 1800s. The farmhouse will be decorated in the fashion of the 19th century, with live music and refreshments to get the holiday spirit going. There will also be several activities available for young children to enjoy, including writing letters to Santa with feather pens and making bird feeders. You can also explore their barn-style museum that showcases historic farm equipment, agriculture, handiworks and other extensive displays.
December 16: Moore Philharmonic Orchestra 19th Annual Holiday Concert
The Moore Philharmonic Orchestra cordially presents their 19th Annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 16th, at 7:00 PM. The concert will take place at Pinecrest High School’s Robert E. Lee Auditorium. Doors will open promptly at 6pm. Whether you appreciate the holiday classics or seek a contemporary sound this season, MPO has precisely the melody to suit your taste. Admission is by donation of choice, and any amount will be greatly appreciated. The proceeds from their concerts contribute to funding their scholarship programs, music, operating expenses, and more. If you attend, be sure to visit their merchandise tables in the lobby to participate in the gift basket raffle.
Final Thoughts on Pinehurst Christmas Events
Moore County is one of our favorite areas to visit around the holidays. The county always has a rich assortment of events for the coming holiday season. Visitors can attend the annual Southern Pines parade, see the ultimate tree lighting ceremony in downtown Pinehurst, enjoy a carriage ride through the town, see the shimmering lights, experience a joyous holiday concert, and have plenty of opportunities to meet Santa. There is so much for you to enjoy in the Sandhills during the holidays!
For more information visit Home of Golf.
Photos courtesy Home of Golf.
