FEATURED EVENTS

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Decorating Contest

Now through Friday, Dec. 9: Put your skills to the test for A Pinehurst Christmas, an outdoor decorating contest open to single-family residences (no gated communities) and businesses with a Pinehurst address. Decorations must be in view of the public and visible at night; judging happens after dark on Monday, Dec. 12. Sign up by Dec. 9.

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After The Party, It’s the Hotel Lobby

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m.: … and after the Special Forces Charitable Trust’s Celebrity Green Beret Tactical Challenge, its the Celebrity Mix & Mingle at Pinehurst Resort. Wine down your Wednesday for a cause and spend it with Celebrity friends of the SFCT, Special Forces Leaders, and the Green Beret Community. Tickets are $100 and all proceeds go to SFCT. Tis the season to get tipsy.

Ring in the Roaring 2023

Dec. 31 – Jan. 1, 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.: Bring your best-dressed to the The Carolina Hotel for Pinehurst Resort’s Party in the Pines, open to ages 21 and up. Dance the year away to The Band of Oz, indulge in a gourmet dinner buffet in the Grand Ballroom, toast champagne and enjoy a breakfast buffet at midnight. Coat and tie are required, old sport. A cash bar is available, and tickets are $160. Too much champagne is just right.

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ONGOING EVENTS

Through Dec. 25: Check out The Farley Family Lights — more than 9,000 individual LEDs on a home at 95 Farley Road in Cameron. See them from 6-8 p.m. weekdays and 6-10 p.m. weekends.

Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 28, 6-9 p.m.: Last Christmas, we drove in my car, but the gas ran out and we didn’t get far.This year, plan to cruise the Highlander’s Farm Christmas Drive Thru in a ride that sleighs. Fill up with lights through the farm fields, homemade ice cream, hot chocolate and more. $20 for cars/ $30 for vans. No buses. This year, to save us from tears, I think that I’ll just ride shotgun.

Through Dec. 31: See Holly Jolly Lights from 5:30-10 p.m. each night at 135 Fox Run Road, Pinehurst. Tune your radio to 98.9 F.M.

Through Jan. 1: Aloha Safari Park hosts its first Christmas light show, with a two-mile trail of lights, chocolate and s’mores. Check the calendar for open dates.

Every Tuesday: Treat yourself at Sandhills Cinemas 10 with $7 movie tickets. December releases include Violent Night, Avatar, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, I Wanna Dance with Someone, and Babylon. Feast your eyes.

EVENTS IN MOORE COUNTY THIS WEEKEND (DEC. 7-11)

Through Friday, Dec. 9: Put your skills to the test for A Pinehurst Christmas, an outdoor decorating contest open to single-family residences (no gated communities) and businesses with a Pinehurst address. Decorations must be in view of the public and visible at night; judging happens after dark on Monday, Dec. 12. Sign up by Dec. 9.

Dec. 7-11: Join the Encore Center for the sequel to the bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain, Sanders Family Christmas. The Sanders family will come together as they send Dennis Sanders off to WWII with a head full of funny stories and 25 Southern Gospel Christmas favorites. Standard tickets range from $17.50 to $25 and VIP tickets (opening night only) are $100 and include a table, wine, charcuterie, and a social with the cast. Grow your caroling repertoire.

Dec. 9, 7 p.m.: Get in your holiday glam or black tie attire and ring in the season at Revive Spa and Lash Lounge’s Yule Tide Party. General admission is $45, first responder admission is $35. The evening will feature a full night of dancing, drinks, and small bites. Be Hermione Granger for a night.

Dec. 9-11: Enjoy Christmas at Kalawi Farm with a Hayride to the Christmas Cabin to visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. There will also be a bonfire, Christmas carols, cookies, cocoa, and a Christmas marketplace. Tickets are $15 per person and free for kids 2 and under, reservations required. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Dec. 10, 9 to 11 a.m.: Join the Sanford Academy of Gymnastics for Breakfast with Santa. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Proceeds will support the upcoming competition season. Chalk it up to the season.

Dec. 10, 11 a.m.: Take the whole family to Downtown Aberdeen for the town’s Christmas Parade. Get marchin’.

Dec. 10, noon to 4 p.m.: Make room for an extra plate of Christmas dinner early with events like the beer mile, the keg toss, and the keg relay race at Railhouse Brewery’s Annual Ugly Sweater Triathlon. Entry is $25 and supports the Task Force Dagger Foundation. Put your best foot forward.

Dec. 1, 1 p.m.: Giddy up, jingle horse to the corner of West Broad Street and Vermont Avenue in downtown Southern Pines for the Southern Pines Carriage Parade.

Dec 10, 2 to 4 p.m.: Practice making Santa’s cookies with the big man himself—the event is free, but registration is required. Practice makes perfect.

Dec. 10, 1 to 5 p.m.: Celebrate Christmas 1800s style at Malcolm Blue Farm. The farmhouse will have old-fashioned holiday decor and the pack house will be open with activities like letters to Santa with a feather pen and bird feeder making. Throw back.

Dec. 10, 2-5 p.m.: Santa flies into the Pik-N-Pig at 3 p.m. Come for food from the restaurant’s food truck, stay for photos with Santa. Here’s the info.

Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.: Join the Town of Carthage for a nighttime Christmas parade. Past years have seen festive goats, decorated home floats, Santa, and many other wonderful displays of holiday cheer during the celebration. Get jolly with it.

Dec 10, 1 to 4 p.m.: Take a peek at how early Southern Pines residents lived with a free tour of three house-museums built between the 17 and 1800s and decorated with old-timey decor. Peep the past.

Dec. 10, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Santa will be at Red’s Corner taking notes of what all the munchkins have on their Christmas lists this year. Admission is free, but a toy donation is required to participate. Spread the cheer.

Dec. 11, 2 to 4 p.m.: Make your own eco-friendly Christmas decorations with Friends of Weymouth Woods. An instructor will guide you through making cute wood ornaments, peanut butter bird seed pines cones, and popcorn cranberry garlands. Woodland crafts.

Dec. 11, 2 to 4 p.m.: Matt Palmer, who was nominated the “Up and Coming Guitarist of the Year” by Guitar International Magazine for his soulful guitar skills, will be performing during Weymouth’s Classical Music Sunday event. Tickets are $25 for Weymouth members and $35 for non-members. It’ll go strummingly.

Dec. 11, 5:30-7 p.m.: Join the Pines Preservation Guild and Ashten’s Restaurant for Drinks with Donald, an opportunity to learn more about the local properties shaped by Donald Ross. Tickets are $21 for PPG members, $32 non. Cheers to 150 years.

Dec. 11, 7 p.m.: Come for anything but a silent night at the Moore County Choral Society holiday concert in its 48th season. Sing along to carols at Bradshaw Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20/ adult and $10/ students. Buy at the door or online. Fa la la la la. 

Dates Vary: Sandhills Trolley Company is offering festive rides like Dicken’s Christmas, Reindeer Games, and their Holiday Murder Mystery Trolley. Grandma got ran over by a reindeer…

EVENTS IN MOORE COUNTY DEC. 12 AND BEYOND

Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 28, 6-9 p.m.: Last Christmas, we drove in my car, but the gas ran out and we didn’t get far.This year, plan to cruise the Highlander’s Farm Christmas Drive Thru in a ride that sleighs. Fill up with lights through the farm fields, homemade ice cream, hot chocolate and more. $20 for cars/ $30 for vans. No buses. This year, to save us from tears, I think that I’ll just ride shotgun.

Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m.: Reserve your spot for Holiday Portraits for Pups, an event by Ashten’s Restaurant and Rachel Garrison Photography. Get photos of you, your family and your pets against the backdrop of Ashten’s farm truck in exchange for a donation to Caring Hearts for Canines. Woof.

Dec. 12, 4 -7 p.m.: Grab your pile of gifts and take them to Eloise Trading Company for a gift-wrapping party. Bags, boxes, ribbon, tissue, snacks, and wine will be provided with your $15 ticket. Call me Santa.

Wednesday, Dec. 14. 6 p.m.: After the party, It’s the hotel lobby, and after the Special Forces Charitable Trust’s Celebrity Green Beret Tactical Challenge, its the Celebrity Mix & Mingle at Pinehurst Resort. Wine down your Wednesday for a cause and spend it with Celebrity friends of the SFCT, Special Forces Leaders, and the Green Beret Community. Tickets are $100 and all proceeds go to SFCT. Tis the season to get tipsy.

Dec. 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Wear your holiday sweater to Moore Young Professional’s final 2022 social at Southern Pines Growler Co. You might win a prize.

Dec. 14, 4 to 7:30 p.m.: Indulge on signature cocktails and special holiday discounts at 13 Downtown Southern Pines shops during the Claus-Mopolitan Crawl. We’ll drink to that.

Dec. 16, 5 p.m.: You’re invited to the Nutcracker Tea Party with the Hip-Hop Sugar Plum fairy and other guests — tickets are $35 for adults and $29 for children 3 through 10. Nibble on dessert from the pastry buffet and sip tea from the local Ladybug Farm while Encore Center students perform their spin on The Nutcracker. Tea party attire encouraged.

Dec. 16, 8 to 9:30 p.m.: LOL during a clean Christmas comedy special by India Storm aka Mama Chris, PK, Bishop Already, and Big Daddy Laugh-A-Lot. Early bird tickets are $15, general admission is $20, and VIP tickets which include stage side seating and light refreshments are $25. Fa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.

Dec. 17, 11 a.m.: Begin your weeklong countdown to Christmas at the Annual Town of Vass Christmas Parade. Food trucks will be onsite this year. Hoopla!

Dec. 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Get all that’s on your list and (bal)sam at Pop Up in the Pines’ Holiday Market at Hatchet Brewing Co. Shop 40 vendors of vintage, antiques, boutiques, crafts and more unique items you won’t find at a chain. But wait—there’s myrrh. Take a photo with Santa and Don your best (worst?) ugly sweater for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Hatchet during the ugly sweater contest. Pop Up in the Pines will also be collecting donations for Teamworkz. Good tidings of shopping and joy.

Dec. 20-22: Join the Uprising Theatre Company for their third annual holiday production of and re-creation of Charles Dicken’s holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Dickens and His Christmas Carol will be a one-man show opened with carolers. General admission is $25 and kids 12 and under enter for free. Don’t be a Scrooge.

Dec. 21, 2 to 4 p.m.: Ride a horse drawn sleigh big enough for 12 people around the Red’s corner property. Admission is $15 per group. Yee-haw.

Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m.: Take a trip down classic Christmas movie lane with a free showing of The Polar Express during the Sunrise Theater’s Holiday Movie Series. Seats will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Luckily, there won’t be a ticket to lose.

Dec. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: TEAM WORKZ is offering fellowship and a free home cooked Christmas meal to those in need. Bring the kiddos, Santa will be taking photos and giving out gifts. I believe.

Dec. 27, 6 to 9 p.m.: Noodle around at Weymouth’s Musicians’ Circle Jam Session or just come to enjoy the live tunes. BYOB.

Dec. 29, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Join the Douglass Center Book Club for a discussion about The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. Keep calm and read on.

Dec. 31, 6-8 p.m.: Take to the streets with your family at the First Eve Annual Pine Cone Drop for kid-friendly entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Pine cone drops at 8, don’t be late.

Dec. 31: Celebrate the upcoming year with Sandhills Trolley Company by taking a whack at the Trolley Bell or hoping aboard the Brews on New Year’s Cruise.

PAST EVENTS

Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 28, 6-9 p.m.: Last Christmas, we drove in my car, but the gas ran out and we didn’t get far.This year, plan to cruise the Highlander’s Farm Christmas Drive Thru in a ride that sleighs. Fill up with lights through the farm fields, homemade ice cream, hot chocolate and more. $20 for cars/ $30 for vans. No buses. This year, to save us from tears, I think that I’ll just ride shotgun.

Now through Friday, Dec. 9: Put your skills to the test for A Pinehurst Christmas, an outdoor decorating contest open to single-family residences (no gated communities) and businesses with a Pinehurst address. Decorations must be in view of the public and visible at night; judging happens after dark on Monday, Dec. 12. Sign up by Dec. 9.

Dec. 1, 6:15 p.m.: Round up the family for the Aberdeen Christmas Tree Lighting, and stick around for complimentary rides from Sandhills Trolley Co. through downtown from 5-9 p.m.

Dec. 1, 6 p.m.: Give your Christmas list to Santa personally at the Robbins Hometown Christmas celebration, featuring a parade and tree lighting. Hot chocolate will be available at the downtown greenspace. Santa! I know him.

Dec. 1, 6:30-8 p.m.: Visit The Grinch with your mini reind-dog at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique. There will be a new holiday collection to shop plus treats for pet parents and pups. The Grinch will be available for pet photos with a donation of $10 to Caring Hearts for Canines. Have a good pupping time.

Dec. 1, 7 p.m.: Don’t be a cotton headed ninny muggins, check out the first installment of the Sunrise Theater’s Holiday Movie Series. Tickets for “Elf” are only $10. Son of a nutcracker!

Dec. 1-22: Bond with your preschooler every Thursday morning during Given Memorial Library’s weekly story time. Food for thought.

Dec. 1-22: Keep your kids busy during the holiday break with three cooking classes hosted by Southern Pines Rec Center. They’re cookin’ Christmas dinner.

Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m.: Sip and savor at Candlelight Carols & Cocktails at the Boyd House during the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities Wonderfest: $50 members / $60 non-members. Wine not.

Dec. 2, 5-7:30 p.m.: Gather the ones you claim for the annual Village of Pinehurst Tree Lighting on the village green. Enjoy music, vendors and the chance to see Santa at this free event. The lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m, which these days might as well be midnight. It’s tree-mendous.

Dec. 2, 5:30-7 p.m.: Sled over to Santa’s Workshop with your elves 12 and under for a free and festive evening of holiday crafts, games, and a flashlight candy hunt with Santa presented by the town of Southern Pines. Imagination station.

Dec. 2, 6-7 p.m.: Journey to the Land of the Sweets during a one-act showing of The Nutcracker Ballet at the Sunrise Theater, featuring excerpts of Tchaikovsky’s classic score and performed by K. Mac Athletics & Arts studio. General admission is $12; balcony seats are $17. It’s a Christmas gift.

Dec. 2-4: The Weymouth Wonderland Holiday Festival kicks off with an adult get-together at the decorated Boyd House complete with caroling, drinks, and charcuterie — general admission is $60. The following day the whole family is invited to enjoy shopping, music, pictures with Santa, food trucks and more at the Outdoor Wonderfest and Market. Last but not least, kids 3 to 10 can get in the holiday spirt with friends at Teddy Bear Tea. Three chances to grow your heart three sizes.

Dec. 2-11: Join the Encore Center for the sequel to the bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain, Sanders Family Christmas. The Sanders family will come together as they send Dennis Sanders off to WWII with a head full of funny stories and 25 Southern Gospel Christmas favorites. Standard tickets range from $17.50 to $25 and VIP tickets (opening night only) are $100 and include a table, wine, charcuterie, and a social with the cast. Grow your caroling repertoire.

Dec. 3, 9-11 a.m.: Get warm and fuzzy with pancakes, bacon, and holiday stories read by author Annie Hallinan at the Sandhills Woman’s Exchange. Santa will arrive on an antique firetruck just in time for pictures. Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for children 6 and up, and free for kids under 5. The most important meal of the day.

Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. to noon: Send your letter to Santa and receive a special gift from him at Maison Realty Group. To get a present, be present.

Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Sign up for a low-key visit from Sensory-Friendly Santa to the Moore County Agricultural Building at 707 Pinehurst Ave. in Carthage. Sponsored by first responders and community organizations, you can register for a time frame and note any sensory cautions ahead of time. Here’s the flyer in Spanish and English.

Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Bring the whole family for holiday fun in the gardens at Wonderfest & Outdoor Market for a day with Santa, food trucks, shopping, live music and more. Entry is by any monetary donation. Elf around.

Dec. 3, 10 a.m.: Get in the holiday spirit early in the month at the Town of Cameron’s Christmas Parade. Cue the festivities.

Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Bring the whole family to Downtown Southern Pines for the Southern Pines Christmas Parade featuring a marching band, activities, a Santa appearance, and more. Last year there were also ostriches sooo…

Dec. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: The House in the Horseshoe uses candlelight tours to shed light on an 18th-century Christmas. Tickets are $8; register soon.

Dec. 3, 7 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater and Sandhills PRIDE presents a Drag Show hosted by Naomi Dix, from the House of Coxx. Tickets are $40 for adults and include a drink ticket. Yessss queen.

Dec. 3, 8-10 p.m.: Morph the Halloween and Christmas spirits with a Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday Dance Party hosted by Carolina Danceworks. Tickets are $15 for adults and 12.50 for children, if you bring a new toy donation $5 will be taken off the ticket price. Life’s no fun without a good scare.

Dec. 3, 7 p.m. and Dec. 4, 4 p.m.: The Pinehurst United Methodist Concert Choir will present its annual Christmas concert centered around popular carols. Make a joyful noise.

Dec. 4, 9 to 11 a.m.: Fuel your Sunday with cars and coffee during the monthly Sandhills Motoring Club get together at The Roast Office. Caffeinate your engine.

Dec. 4, 1-4 p.m.: Relax by the fire of the Bryant House while also enjoying complimentary cookies, hot cider, festive decor, and live music. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

Dec. 4, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.: Reserve your seat for Teddy Bear Tea for ages 3-10 and a guardian at the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. $25 per child / $30 per adult. Two seatings with limited availability. Spend quali-tea time.

Dec. 4, 1-5:30 p.m.: Tour six unique Pinehurst and Southern Pines homes decked out in holiday finery. Home styles range from a new construction with an aviary in the kitchen to an artist’s cottage. There will be entertainment from Episcopal Day School students and Christmas treats along the way. Online tickets are $20; day-of admission is $25. Deck the halls.

Dec. 6, noon to 6 p.m.: Do you see what I see? No, but you can fix that astigmatism and other vision probs with a pair of glasses from Spectrum Eye. Stay in style with the holiday trunk show featuring designer eyewear from Tom Ford and Costa Del Mar. Enjoy 30 percent off and bring in a Toys for Tots donation and get an extra 5 percent off. Get rid of light trails as big as a kite.

Keep up with the monthly must-dos and festivities all year round on our online calendar. If you have an event you’d like added, email us at hello@itsthesway.com.