Note: This events guide has been consistently updated since Nov. 1, 2021. Ah, the holidays. The days seem to be whizzing by as you’ve been secretly stashing your children’s gifts away in your upstairs closet and dreaming up a Christmas to get through yet another politically-motivated conversation around the table with your sister-in-law. We’ve got a few events up our sleeve to keep the magic of the season bright and cheerful for the whole family. Put a bow on this and send it.
Multiple Dates:
Now through Dec. 31 (except Christmas Day): Highlanders Farm will host a drive-thru show with 500,000 lights around the farm’s fields and one of the tallest Christmas trees in the county at 5784 N.C. 22, Carthage. Coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider will be available. Homemade ice cream will also be on deck — because, after all, this is NC. Tickets are $20 a vehicle or $30 for a 9+ passenger van. Read more and get tickets here.
Now through Jan. 1: The Holly Jolly Lights Christmas program will be ‘lit’ from 5 to 10 p.m., at 135 Fox Run Road, Pinehurst. Tune your radio to 98.9 and let the holiday magic hit all your senses. There is no charge for the show, but there is a donation box if you wish to donate.
Now through January: The Greene Brothers Christmas Light Show is on from 6-11 p.m. every day at 4200 Niagara Carthage Road in Whispering Pines. Enter the show at Niagara Road, drive through the light tunnel and exit onto Cardinal Drive. Info here.
Now through Dec. 28 (except Christmas Day): Winter Lights returns to CATHIS Farm, in Lillington, with a bonfire, snacks, s’mores kits, games and a country store. Info here.
This Week:
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater holds its annual free screening of The Polar Express. Info here.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: First Baptist Church of Pinehurst will hold its Bethlehem in the Pines drive-thru nativity. The church is located at 7373 N.C. 211 West, across from the entrance to Pinewild Country Club.
Thursday, Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater screens “It’s a Wonderful Life” as part of its Holiday Movie Series. Tickets are $10.
Friday, Dec. 24, 1-3 p.m.: The Sly Fox hosts a last chance to see Santa, with free treats. Make it a tradition.
Dec. 31
Friday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m.: Join in an early NYE celebration in downtown Southern Pines, with music and carnival games. The Pine Cone Drop happens at 8 p.m. Save the flyer.
Friday, Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater hosts New Year’s Poppin’ Eve with live music by Abigail Dowd, wine and beer, and door prizes. Tickets are $15.
Friday, Dec. 31: McKenzies Mill performs a New Year’s Eve concert at O’Donnells Pub.
Past Events
Nov 1. through Dec. 9: The C.A.R.E Group, Inc. presents its 2nd Annual Ginger Bread House Competition, sponsored by The Bakehouse. Register your team to compete in this virtual competition by Nov. 7, and then fundraise by Nov. 14 to earn different decorating supplies with each $20 milestone. No baking necessary– The Bakehouse will be providing kits to the teams. The top 3 finalists in each category will bring their Gingerbread Houses to the Christmas in the Pines: Winter Wonderland event at Rubicon Farm on Dec. 9, and winners will be announced. Sign up by Nov. 7.
Monday, Nov. 1: Reservations open for an appearance by Santa Max at Given Memorial Library. He arrives on Nov. 20, bringing holiday crafts and goodie bags. RSVP here. THIS EVENT SOLD OUT IN EARLY NOVEMBER.
Thursday, Nov. 4, 4 p.m.: Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities presents and evening with author Kristy Woodson Harvey. Enjoy a conversation with Kristy and Kimberly Daniels Taws of The Country Bookshop. Tickets include light refreshments and a hardcover autographed copy of her new book, “Christmas in Peachtree Bluff.” Get your tickets.
Friday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 7: Enjoy the magic of storewide savings at Twigg & Co.’s Christmas Open House.
Sunday, Nov. 7, 1-3 p.m.: Hollyfield Design hosts its fourth annual pet and family holiday photo day. No appointments are necessary, and digital files will be provided with a donation of cat or dog food for a local animal rescue group.
Saturday, Nov. 13, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Shop the last Community Yard Sale & Craft Bazaar of the year at The Bee’s Knees Antiques & Thrift. 30 vendors will be showcasing local arts/craft items, knives, military items, clothes, furniture, collectibles, antique/vintage items, jewelry, decor, electronics and more! Bac-2-Mac food truck will be serving delicious Texas style BBQ and sides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Nov. 14 from 12-4 p.m. Follow along for upcoming events and info.
Wednesday, Nov. 17 – Saturday, Nov. 20, 10-8; Sunday, Nov. 21, 10-4: The 25th annual Festival of Trees, to benefit Sandhills Children’s Center, fills the Carolina Hotel with festive trees, wreaths, garland, gifts and more. Bid on decor or just enjoy the atmosphere. Any monetary donation gets you in the door. Info here.
Friday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m.: The Village Chapel presents its second annual Community Collaboration concert featuring a performance of Handel’s Messiah (Part I) with a professional chorus and orchestra, conducted by Stephen Gourley. Entry is free, but the offering plate will be passed. Proceeds benefit Tambra Place, an organization providing transitional housing for at-risk young women. Info here.
Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: High Octane in downtown Aberdeen hosts a mini Vintage Pop-Up Market, featuring small businesses offering vintage, handmade and up-cycled items. Here’s a flyer.
Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Shops at Roseland Road hosts a fall bazaar in the barn with crafters, jewelry, crocheted items and more at 2712 Roseland Road. Get info on Facebook or email roselandbarn@gmail.com
Saturday, Nov. 20, 5-8 p.m.: Sandhills PRIDE hosts its annual Thanksgiving Potluck at STARworks, an artist collective in Star, N.C. If you need a meal, one will be provided. Info.
Thursday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.: The Blessing of the Hounds, one of Moore County’s most longstanding holiday traditions, returns to Buchan Field and Lyell’s Meadow. A few tailgating spaces are available. NO PETS ALLOWED. Start your Thanksgiving off right.
Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater continues its tradition of a free screening of “The Last Waltz,” a PG-rated Martin Scorsese film that chronicles the last performance of The Band in Thanksgiving Day, 1976. Info.
Friday, Nov. 26, 7 a.m. to noon: Shop $10, $20 sweaters and up to 75 percent off storewide at Kay’s Fashion Boutique, 290 E. Turner St., Aberdeen.
Friday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m.: Santa visits The Little Toy Shop. Bring your own camera.
Friday, Nov. 26, 10-6: Take advantage of 25 percent off Re-Souled Vintage, inside Create Studio, 105 W. South St. in downtown Aberdeen. Preview the goods.
Friday, Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m.: The town of Vass lights its 25-foot tree in front of ARTworks Vass, Crossroads Coffee and Lucy’s Bridal — 129 Main St. Food trucks begin service at 5 p.m. Up In Smoke BBQ, Crossroads Coffee, King Hot Dog, Cookies-n-Moore, James Street Cider, and Southern Pines Brewing Co. will all be available. An eight-member group from The Moore Philharmonic will perform. Bring your own chair to enjoy the music. Countdown to light the tree begins at 6:030 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 26: Holly Jolly Lights, aka 135 Fox Run Road, flips the switch for its annual Christmas light show. For updates, follow the house on Facebook.
Friday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 28: Gary Taylor Dance presents the Nutcracker, a classic ballet presented through the choreography of award-winning Artistic Director Gary Taylor, award-winning set designer Howard Jones, and lighting by award-winning designer Craig Stelzenmueller. Find tickets here.
Friday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 27: Twigg & Co. celebrates Black Friday and Small Business Saturday with deals throughout its Aberdeen marketplace. Put it on your calendar.
Saturday, Nov. 27, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The village of Pinehurst hosts a Pop-Up Holiday Market at the Fair Barn, with more than 30 small businesses selling a variety of homemade or unique gifts. Put it on your calendar.
Saturday, Nov. 27, 10-1: Piggy + Co. Southern Pines hosts a pop-up shopping event at its Southern Pines shop. Info.
Saturday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to noon: Santa visits Gulley’s Garden Center, at 445 SE Broad St. in Southern Pines. Kids and pets are welcome — bring your own camera. After seeing Santa, draw a prize for a discount. Call 910-692-3223 for info.
Saturday, Nov. 27, 4:30 p.m.: Deck the halls of downtown Southern Pines at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Santa arrives at 4:30 p.m.; festivities begin at 5 p.m. Save the flyer.
Saturday, Nov. 27, 5 p.m.: The town of Cameron hosts the “Lighting of the Magnolia,” a historic tree, at 450 Carthage St. There will be carolers, refreshments and an opportunity to take photos with Santa. More here.
Sunday, Nov. 28, 1-4 p.m.: Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. The event includes story time, face painting, crafts, a gardening experience and holiday treats. It’s free but registration is required; sign up here.
Through Dec. 3: Deliver your letter to Santa at the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Center Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. Make sure to include your return address on the envelope, address it to Santa Claus, North Pole, and have them in by Dec. 3 so Santa has enough time to write you back. Do you believe in magic?
Thursday, Dec. 2-Friday, Dec. 3, 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 4, 1-10 p.m.: Five Eagle Springs families come together to create a free 15-acre Christmas Light Festival with hay rides, vendors, antique tractors, coffee and more. Get lit.
Thursday, Dec. 2, 6:15 p.m.: The town of Aberdeen hosts its annual tree lighting at 100 E. Main St. Santa makes an appearance, and there will be special performances and light refreshments. Learn more.
Thursday, Dec. 2, 6:45 p.m.: BackPack Pals hosts The Christmas Spectacular at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst, featuring performances with gospel groups. It’s free, but the offering plate will be passed for the BackPack Pals program, which provides school kids with meals and snacks to take home. More info here.
Thursday, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater screens the 1988 action thriller “Die Hard,” which the theater has gone on the record to identify as a Christmas movie. Tickets are $10.
Thursday, Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m.: The Town of Robbins hosts “Christmas at the Greenspace,” with a parade at 6 p.m. followed by a tree lighting, “Selfies with Santa,” hot chocolate and holiday movie screenings. Info.
Friday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m.: The New Horizons Band in the Pines will perform at the Senior Enrichment Center. The event is open to the public. Follow the band.
Friday, Dec. 3, 5:30 – 7 p.m.: Town of Southern Pines Parks & Recreation hosts Wonderland | A Christmas Adventure at the SP Recreation Center. Children 12 and under are welcome to join in for fun, games and a visit from Santa. Pack a flashlight for the candy hunt.
Friday, Dec. 3, 5:30-9:30 p.m.: Animal Advocates of Moore County hosts a “Top Hat and Tails” fundraiser at Homewood Suites by Hilton, Olmsted Village, Pinehurst. Tickets are $50. Get them here.
Friday, Dec. 3, 5-7:30 p.m. The village of Pinehurst will hold its annual tree lighting at Tufts Memorial Park. Your little elves can enjoy the kids zone, sponsored by the USGA Women’s Open Championship. Santa will be onsite, as will vendors with food and beverages available for purchase.
Friday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 5: The O’Neal School presents Elf Jr., the Musical, at the school’s Hannah Center Theater. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for kids. Get them here.
Friday, Dec. 3 through Saturday, Dec. 4: Hollyfield Design holds an open house, with snacks and discounts. Get a $10 gift card for every $100 you spend. Browse floral designs here.
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 3-4 and Friday-Saturday, Dec. 10-11, 5:30-9 p.m.: The National Athletic Village presents North Pole at the NAV, with lighted trails, hot cocoa and cider, face painting, s’mores and more. Tickets are $12 for kids 4-15; $15 per adult; and $35 per family. Get them here.
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 3-5: The Encore Center Theatre presents A Christmas Story, an adaptation of the classic movie perfect for the whole family. Tickets here.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: A Christmas Arts & Crafts Market comes to the parking lot of the Fidelity Bank (130 E Salisbury St.) and Shady Spot Tavern & Country Store (155 S Middleton St.) in Robbins. Info via Facebook.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.: The town of Cameron holds its Christmas parade through the downtown area. For info, call 910-245-7222.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.: The town of Southern Pines holds its Christmas parade up and down Broad Street. Pro tip: Stand on one side of the train tracks and watch the parade, then go to the other side to see it again. Info and participation form here.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: KT Horse Farms in Jackson Springs hosts an open house with holiday games, vendor shopping, hot chocolate, consignment tack and more. Info via Facebook.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The Crossroads hosts another Miscellany Marketplace at 1093 Doubs Chapel Road, West End. Expect arts and crafts vendors, snacks and more. Info via Facebook.
Saturday, Dec. 4, noon to 4 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater hosts a holiday marketplace, with vendors outside on the Sunrise Square. Info.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m.: The Market Collective hosts a shopping marketplace at Black Rock Vineyards. There will also be live music and food from Cali Taco. Info.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 3 p.m.: Spartan Property Management hosts its fourth annual Santa Soirée, with live music, cookies and cocoa, crafts and photos with Santa. Free, but bring a donation for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Info.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Experience the Alston House by candlelight during the guided House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site’s candlelight tours. Visitors will be led through the downstairs rooms, exploring 18th century Christmas traditions. Enjoy a warm cup of cider or ginger cake to-go. Masks are required in all indoor spaces. Get your tickets.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m.: Weymouth Center will hold its “Back Into the Swing of Things” holiday gala. Kick off the season on the right note with a night of dancing and dinner catered by Elliotts on Linden. Open bar, signature cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, homemade desserts and after-dinner cordials included. The cost is $90 for members and $110 for nonmembers. Get your tickets by Nov. 26.
Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5, 6-8:30 p.m.: Yates-Thagard Baptist Church brings the community a free Live Nativity Drama. Walk the seven set/ 30-plus minute experience “designed to submerge you into the story of the birth of Jesus Christ,” says a spokesman. Spanish tours and group pre-registration available. 3820 Vass-Carthage Road. Get more info.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.: The first performance of the Moore Philharmonic Orchestra will be the annual holiday concert at Sandhills Community College’s Owens Auditorium at Bradshaw Performing Arts Center. “We will also have our annual gift basket raffle,” says a spokesman. “This is a free community event you won’t want to miss.” Follow along.
Sunday, Dec. 5, 2-4 p.m.: Santa visits Seven Lakes Fire & Rescue, where he’ll hear Christmas wishes and be available for photos. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the station’s Toys for Tots drive. The station is at 718 Seven Lakes Drive, West End.
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.: The town of Carthage presents its annual nighttime Christmas Parade through the historic downtown. Festivities begin with a performance from the Union Pines High School chorus at 5:30 p.m. and a tree lighting outside the historic courthouse at 6 p.m. Info.
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 4-7:30 p.m.: Sip and shop your way through downtown Southern Pines during the Clausmopolitan Crawl. See which shops are participating.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.: The C.A.R.E. Group, Inc. hosts a family fun evening at Christmas in the Pines: Winter Wonderland Edition at Rubicon Farm in West End. There will be Christmas carols performed by local groups, hot chocolate & cider, cookies, games, Gingerbread House Competition voting, and plenty of opportunities for family photos. Tickets are $15/person (children 10 and under are free). All proceeds go to the C.A.R.E. Group programs and services. Grab your tickets.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.: The Episcopal Day School presents a Candelight Tour of Gingerbread Homes on their campus in Southern Pines. Join in to tour a life-sized gingerbread village, with carolers, raffles, pictures with Santa and more. Admission by donation. Get more info.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater screens “Elf” as part of its Holiday Movie Series. Tickets are $10.
Friday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m.: The village of Pinehurst holds “A Village Christmas Holliday Open House” with shops open late for your shopping and sipping needs. Info via Facebook.
Friday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.: The 82nd Airborne Division will host a holiday concert at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, with country music musicians Craig Morgan, Michael Ray, Abby Anderson, and Natalie Stovall, with a special appearance by Santa Claus. The concert is open to the general public. Tickets aren’t live as of this writing, but here’s more info.
Friday, Dec. 10, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Southern Pines ACE Hardware holds its Holiday Open House, with 20 percent off most items. Info via Facebook.
Friday Dec. 10 through Sunday Dec. 12, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.: Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities holds its “Miracles at Weymouth” holiday festival, an all-outdoor festival for the whole family with vendors and artisans, Mr. & Mrs. Claus in Santa’s Toy Shop, decorated windows, entertainment and more. Donations will be accepted for admission. The event is sponsored by the Gerald Claude Kirby Trust. Get more info.
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 10-12: The Encore Center Theatre presents A Christmas Story, an adaptation of the classic movie perfect for the whole family. Tickets here.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m.: The Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department hosts its annual Christmas parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, in downtown Aberdeen. Tell ’em you’re interested.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Santa returns to the Pik-N-Pig for its annual fly-in. The Carthage restaurant is still under construction, but food trucks Wildfire Pizza and Trompos Tacos will serve lunch. Santa will arrive at around 1 p.m. This is a free event but as in previous years, donations of canned goods, coats or new toys are appreciated. Info.
Saturday, Dec. 11, noon to 3 p.m.: Santa will tour the town of Pinebluff along with members of the Pinebluff Fire Department on the town’s fire engine No. 711. Here’s the route.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m.: The Moore County Driving Club holds its annual carriage Christmas Parade, featuring decorated horse and pony drawn carriages in downtown Southern Pines. The parade goes down Broad Street from Vermont Avenue, crosses over at Massachusetts Avenue, and then down the other side. The rain date is Dec. 18. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m.: Ashten’s Restaurant and Rachel Garrison Photography will be offering a holiday photo opportunity with Ashten’s 1951 Dodge Truck, Clara Mae. She will be decorated for the holidays and parked in front of the restaurant. Folks can have pics of themselves, their kids, dogs, or grandma taken by Rachel using their personal cell phones or cameras. We will have cocoa and cookies for all. A donation in any amount to Caring Hearts for Canines, including new dog toys or treats, is required to participate. No reservation is necessary, but you can reserve a time slot.
Saturday, Dec. 11, noon: Rogue Alpha Athletics hosts an Ugly Sweater Beer Mile at Southern Pines Brewing Co. Run, walk, jog or crawl the 1-mile course in four laps, enjoying a 10-oz beer after each one. There’s a keg carry and toss immediately after. Sign up by Dec. 4 to get a shirt.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 1-5 p.m.: Malcolm Blue Farm hosts its’ Christmas Open House. Admission is free to experience the farmhouse decorated in style of the 1800s. Music and light refreshments will be provided. The pack house will be open with children’s activities such as letters to Santa written with feather pens as well as making bird feeders. The museum will also be open to visitors. Admission is free. 1177 Bethesda Road, Aberdeen. Celebrate old-fashioned style.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m.: Beer run not enough? Railhouse Brewery hosts its ugly sweater triathlon to benefit Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation. Info via Instagram.
Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12, 6-8:30 p.m.: Yates-Thagard Baptist Church brings the community a free Live Nativity Drama. Walk the seven set/ 30-plus minute experience “designed to submerge you into the story of the birth of Jesus Christ,” says a spokesman. Spanish tours and group pre-registration available. 3820 Vass-Carthage Road. Get more info.
Sunday, Dec. 12, noon: Another installment of Pop-Up in the Pines Mini Market Series comes to Hatchet Brewing Co., with vendors, food trucks, music and more. Info.
Sunday, Dec. 12, 1-2 or 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Kids aged 3-18 can spend the afternoon decorating cookies at the Southern pines Train Station with local chef Kay Beazley. The cost is $25 for residents; $50 for non-residents. See how to register.
Sunday, Dec. 12, 3 p.m.: The Murphy Family Christmas Concert returns to the Sunrise Theater. Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets will sell out, so get them early.
Sunday, Dec. 12, 3-5 p.m.: West End Presbyterian Church will host an outdoor walk-through of different scenes from the nativity story, featuring live animals. The church is at 3820 Vass Carthage Road, Carthage.
Sunday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.: Moore County Choral Society presents “Sing and Rejoice,” its annual holiday concert at the Sandhills Community College’s Owens Auditorium at the BPAC. Moore Brass will accompany the singers. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Grab ’em here.
*SOLD OUT* Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.: The Carolina Philharmonic presents Holiday Pops at the Fair Barn. Get tickets here.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6-8 p.m.: The Sly Fox hosts a Christmas Kid’s Night Out. Kids will decorate cookies, play games, watch a movie and enjoy a buffet. Tickets are $10.
Thursday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater screens “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” as part of its Holiday Movie Series. Tickets are $10.
Thursday, Dec. 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Santa visits Hickory Tavern, which is serving 75-cent oysters and 50-cent steamed shrimp. Ho-ho-hickory.
Thursday, Dec. 16 through Saturday, Dec. 18: The Uprising Theatre Company presents its second annual holiday production, an inventive re-creation of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.” General admission is $20; kids 12 and under are free.
Friday, Dec. 17, 9:30 a.m.: SLAM Southern Pines host a Polar Express themed class, followed by a candy cane hunt playgroup. Open to all elves.
Saturday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m.: Santa visits The Little Toy Shop. Bring your list.
Saturday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m.: Santa visits Splash and Dash. Bring your other list.
Saturday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m: Terpsichore Dance presents “The Nutcracker” at BPAC at Owens Auditorium. Tickets go on sale Nov. 22.
Saturday, Dec. 18, 9-11 a.m.: Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery hosts a Breakfast with Santa.
Saturday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.: The town of Vass hosts its Christmas parade. See the route here.
Saturday, Dec. 18, noon to 2 p.m.: The Design Market of the Pines hosts Santa Max. See the route here.
Saturday, Dec. 18, 2-5 p.m.: Springhill Suites By Marriott hosts a Christmas party with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, face painting, candy cane putt-putt, music and hot chocolate. Admission is a new toy or coat toy drive for Caring Hearts for Kids of Moore. Info.
Saturday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m.: Legends Bar & Grill hosts its sixth annual Ugly Sweater Party, with a $100 gift card for the winner. That’s a lot of drink specials.
Through Dec. 19: Temple Theatre presents its original adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” at the theater, 126 Carthage St., Sanford. Get tickets here.
Through Dec. 19: The Cape Fear Regional Theatre presents the 30th anniversary production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Tickets are $16 for adults, $11 for kids 18 and under. Military appreciation nights are Dec. 7-10. Get tickets here.
Sunday, Dec. 19, 1 pm: The Sunrise Theater presents “Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker.” Adult tickets are $25 and children’s tickets are available for $15. Purchase tickets here.
Sunday, Dec. 19, 1-2 or 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Kids aged 3-18 can spend the afternoon decorating gingerbread houses at the Southern pines Train Station with local chef Kay Beazley. The cost is $25 for residents; $50 for non-residents. See how to register.
Sunday, Dec. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: First Baptist Church of Pinehurst will hold its Bethlehem in the Pines drive-thru nativity. The church is located at 7373 N.C. 211 West, across from the entrance to Pinewild Country Club.
Know of something we missed? Let us know at hello@itsthesway.com.