Your resource for fun things to do
and places to go in Moore County, NC
SANTA SIGHTINGS &
HOLIDAY EVENTS 2023
The following list includes places
where children can visit with and
get pictures taken with Santa:
(Click titles to visit each event's website/Facebook Page.)
Visit with Santa at Highlanders Farm
When: Tuesdays and Fridays, November 24th- December 23rd
Where: Highlanders Farm, 5784 NC Hwy 22, Carthage
See Santa and have your picture taken with him while you enjoy the drive-thru Christmas light show! Click here for more information.
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Visit with Santa Max
When: Saturday, November 18th, 10:00am-10:45am & 11:00am-11:45am
Where: Given Memorial Library, 150 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst
Come take your photo with Santa Max, make a special craft, and receive a goodie bag. Reservations are required and two times are available.
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Santa Visits The Design Market
When: Saturday, November 18th, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Where: The Design Market of The Pines, 3086 NC HWY 5, Aberdeen
Don't miss this chance to come see Santa and give him your list! The elves are even coming down for this special sip n' snack!
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Come see Santa at Pop Up in the Pines
When: Sunday, November 19th, 11:30am-2:30pm
Where: Southern Pines Brewing Co, 565 Air Tool Drive
Bring your little ones with you as you shop over 70 local vendors for your Christmas gifts! Santa will be there for visits and pictures for just $5.00 per person. Click here for more information about Pop Up in the Pines.
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Santa Visits Aloha Safari Park
When: Nov. 22nd - Dec. 31st (Santa's last day is 12/24)
(Closed Nov. 27, 28, 19 and Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13)
Where: 159 Mini Lane, Cameron NC
Come see a beautiful 2-mile drive through trail with over 1 million lights! When you're done, go inside for hot cocoa, make a smore, feed a giraffe, and take a picture with Santa and a baby kangaroo! HOW FUN! $10.00 per person for ages 2 and over.
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Santa is Coming to Gulley's
When: Saturday, November 25th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Gulley's Garden Center, Southern Pines
Santa is coming to Gulley’s Garden Center and he will have treats for the kids. Children of all ages and pets are welcome and every family who says "hi" to Santa will receive a coupon for $5 off one regular-priced item! Halle will also be there doing her famous Fairy Hair for free!
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Santa is Coming to Southern Charm
When: Saturday, November 25th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: 310 N Middleton Street, Robbins
Come do a little shopping and see Santa! Front Porch Photography will be there offering professional photos, for a small cost, or you can take one on your own for free. Don't forget your Christmas list and your smile!
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Santa Visits The Little Toy Shop
When: November 24th & 25th, 10am-4pm
Where: 230 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines
Santa will be at this adorable toy store the Friday and Saturday
after Thanksgiving. Bring your cameras and Christmas lists.
Southern Pines Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, Nov. 25th, 4:30-6:00 pm
Where: Train Station, Downtown Southern Pines
Join The Southern Pines Business Association for the annual Tree Lighting celebration at the historic Train Station downtown. Santa will arrive at 4:30 and he will be available to visit with children until 6pm (bring your own camera). Entertainment begins at 5:00, and the tree will be lit at 6:15pm!
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Shop with Santa at Nomad Jax
When: Sunday, November 26th, 1:00-2:00pm
Where: 455 SE Broad Street
Santa is making a special stop at Nomad Jax and you are invited to join in the fun! Madison Media will be on hand taking free professional photos, Apex Kids and Maisonette Coffee will also be there from 10am-4pm.
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Santa in the Gardens
When: Sunday, November 26th, 1:00-4:00pm
Where: Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, 3395 Airport Road
Santa and Mrs. Claus are returning to the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens! Your visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus includes pictures with the big guy, story time, face painting, reindeer food craft, letters to Santa, a surprise children’s gardening experience, and Christmas cookie treats. This free event is held outside. REGISTRATION is required.
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Santa's Riveting Holiday Workshop
When: Tuesday, November 28th, 5:00-7:00pm
Where: R. Riveter, 154 NW Broad Street
Come meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at R. Riveter! Your child will have fun decorating cookies and creating their own leather accessory. There will be a hot chocolate bar for the kiddos and beverages for adults. Don't miss out on a magical evening of holiday joy and special discounts!
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Village of Pinehurst Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Friday, Dec. 1st, 5:00-7:30pm
Where: Tufts Memorial Park
The Village of Pinehurst comes alive with holiday spirit at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Bring your family and friends to Tufts Memorial Park for music, holiday cheer, and of course the chance to see and have your picture taken with Santa! The official lighting of the tree is scheduled for 6:30pm. Vendors will be onsite with food & beverages available for purchase.
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Christmas at Kalawi
When: Friday- Sunday, December 1st -3rd
Friday: 6:30-8:00pm
Saturday: 2:00-8:00pm
Sunday: 3:00-6:00pm
Where: 1515 NC HWY 211, Eagle Springs
Hop on the 'sleigh' with one of Santa's helpers, and he'll take you to the Christmas Cabin! You'll meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy some yummy cookies, and sing fun Christmas Carols. You'll also be able to meet a few of the elves and enjoy a bonfire sing along. All tickets must be pre-purchased. Click HERE to book your spot.
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Santa at Maison Realty Group
When: Saturday, December 2nd, 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Maison Realty Group, 120 N Ashe Street
Santa will be at Maison Realty Group ready to hear your Christmas wish and take pictures! There will be lots of fun things to do, a station to write and send your letter to Santa, and each child will receive a special gift from Santa for visiting.
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Sensory Santa is Coming to Town
When: Saturday, December 2nd, 10:00am-4:00pm
Where: Moore County Parks & Rec Building, 155 Hillcrest Park Lane, Carthage
The Moore County Public Safety is hosting a Sensory Santa experience. This will be an opportunity for families with special needs children to get a picture with Santa and learn more about Public Safety. There will be several first responders form various departments on site to meet and greet families, along with a variety of local resources.
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6th Annual Santa Soiree
When: Saturday. December 2nd, 2:00-5:00pm
Where: Meese Property Group
100 Pavilion Way, Suite C, Southern Pines
Kick-off the holiday season with live music, cookies & cocoa, signature foods, crafts, and most importantly photos with Santa himself!
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Santa is Coming to The Doberstein Barn
When: Sunday, December 3rd, 10:00am-6:00pm
Where: 45 Wildcat Lane, Cameron
Book your time now to have your own private photo session with the big guy! You'll have 20 minutes to spend sharing your list, having your photos done, and you'll leave with a little something special from him. Each session will receive a digital gallery of images. Click here to book your time.
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Santa is Coming to the Moore County Library
When: Tuesday, December 5th, 5:30pm-7:00pm
Where: 101 Saunders Street, Carthage
Come tell Santa your wishes, enjoy some refreshments, and get
a goodie bag!
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When: Friday, December 8th, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Aberdeen Recreation Center, 301 Lake Park Crossing
Join the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department for a catered dinner, holiday crafts, and a holiday movie as you hang out with Santa. Pre-registration by December 1st is required.
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When: Saturday, December 9th, 9:00am-11:00am
Where: Sandhills Woman's Exchange
Come have pancakes and bacon with Santa at the Sandhills Women's Exchange! Local author Joyce Reehling will be there reading stories while you eat, and there will also be face painting and holiday music. Don't forget your camera for pictures! Seating is limited and reservations are required. Click HERE for pricing and ticket information.
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Cookies with St. Nick
When: Saturday, December 9th, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Sandhills Church, 6481 US HWY 1, Southern Pines
Sandhills Church is kicking off the Christmas season with Cookies with St. Nick. Bring your kids for a photo with Santa, decorate a Christmas cookie, enjoy face painting, Christmas crafts, and more! Time slots are limited, click HERE to register. This is a free event.
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Santa is Coming to Keith Hardware
When: Saturday, December 9th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: 207 Monroe Street, Carthage
Don't miss this chance to tell Santa what is on your list and
take a quick picture. (Don't forget your camera!)
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When: Saturday, December 9th, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Where: Pik N Pig, 194 Gilliam McConnell Rd, Carthage
Come out and get some BBQ, see Santa, and his sky diving elves! Donations will be collected for the local foodbank. You don't want to miss this annual celebration that was voted the number 1 Santa Sighting!
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Visits with Santa in Carthage
When: Saturday, December 9th, 3-5:30pm
Where: Carthage Historical Museum, 202 Rockingham St. Carthage
As part of Carthage's "Buggy Town Christmas," Santa will be available for visits with the children. Other happening for the day include historic home tours, downtown holiday shopping, and the annual Christmas parade at 6:30pm.
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Santa Visits Red's Corner
When: Saturday, December 9th, 3:30-6:30pm
Where: Red's Corner, 901 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines
Stop by Red's a share your Christmas list with Santa! Please bring a new gift for a child or pet, or a monetary donation for an opportunity to sit with Santa. Don't forget your camera!
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When: Sunday, December 10th, 10am-12pm
Where: Sandhills Bowling Center, 1680 NC HWY 5, Aberdeen
Enjoy 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza, a drink, and a picture opportunity with Santa! Reserve your lanes today! Stop by or call to reserve your spot, 910-295-9610. $15.00 per person.
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Santa is Coming to Southern Charm
When: Sunday, December 10th, 1:00pm-3:00p,
Where: 310 N Middleton Street, Robbins
Come do a little shopping and see Santa! Front Porch Photography will be there offering professional photos, for a small cost, or you can take one on your own for free. Don't forget your Christmas list and your smile!
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Visit with Santa at the Vass Library
When: Tuesday, December 12th, 5:30pm
Where: 128 Seaboard Street, Vass
Stop by the Holiday Open House at the library and see Santa!
There will be music, refreshments, and goodie bags for the children.
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Santa is Coming to the Robbins Area Library
When: Tuesday, December 12th, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Where: 161 East Magnolia Drive, Robbins
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves are coming to the library!
Come say "hi" and enjoy some stories, songs, and refreshments.
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Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 16th, 8:00am-11:00am
Where: The Doberstein Barn at Wildcat Creek, Cameron
Come enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast with the big man himself-- Santa! He'll be there for pictures, so be sure to bring your smiles and cameras. Local vendors will be on site, and non-perishable food will be collected to support feeding the local youth. Breakfast is $8.00.
When: Saturday, December 16th, 9:30am-12:30pm
Where: Pollywog's Play Pad, 155 Hall Ave., Southern Pines
Santa is making a stop at Pollywog's and he'd love for your little to come play and say "hi"!! This is a great chance to share their Christmas list and have a photo opportunity. (Don't forget your camera.) Click here to reserve your spot. Regular entry fees will apply
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Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 16th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Southern Pines Recreation Center
Children 12 and under are invited to come have breakfast with Santa and enjoy holiday crafts and games. Don't forget your camera for pictures! Seating is limited and reservations are required. Click HERE for pricing and ticket information.
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Santa is Coming to Once Upon a Child
When: Sunday, December 17th, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Where: 180 Commerce Ave., Southern Pines
Come snag some great sales, eat some Christmas cookies, see Santa and take advantage of this photo opportunity. Don't forget your camera!
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When: Thursday, December 14th, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Where: Filly & Colts, 26 Sandpiper Drive, Whispering Pines
Santa is coming to see his favorite pups and help share some love for area rescue dogs. Filly & Colts is collecting gifts and donations for the pups at Paws of the Pines, so please bring something with you!
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When: Wednesday, December 20th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Martin Off Leash Dog Park
Santa didn't forget his furry friends. Come see Santa for
pictures, treats, and much more!
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Surprise Visit from Santa at The Little Toy Shop
When: Saturday, December 23rd, 10am-4pm
Where: 230 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines
Santa decided to swing back around and make a surprise stop at The Little Toy Shop! Don't miss this chance to say 'hi'!
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Santa is Coming to The Sly Fox
When: Saturday, December 24th, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Where: 795 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines
Santa is making one last stop in The Pines! Stop by The Sly Fox and make sure Santa has you on the "nice" list! This will be the last chance to give him your Christmas list before the big day!
This page is proudly sponsored by:
(Click each image to visit sponsor website.)
For even MORE *Holiday Happenings* that are not on the
calendar, visit our Santa Sightings & Holiday Events Page.
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MORE EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
(Click the titles to visit each event's website/Facebook Event Page.)
When: Wednesday, November 15th - Saturday, November 18th
10:00am - 8:00pm daily
Where: Carolina Hotel Grand Ballroom
Enjoy this beautiful display of Christmas magic full of holiday trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gift baskets, and more....sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Come just to look, or come to bid. Everything is up for auction to raise funds for Sandhills Children's Center.
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Drive Thru Christmas Light Show
When: November 25th- December 28th
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 6-8:30pm
Thursdays - Saturdays: 6-9 pm
Where: Highlanders Farm, 5784 NC HWY 22, Carthage
Enjoy a beautiful drive-thru Christmas light show with your family! Highlanders Farm will have homemade ice cream, hot chocolate, and hot cider available. Admission: up to 6 passengers- $20, vans (no buses)- $30.00. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
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When: Saturday, November 25th, 9am-2pm
Where: The Fair Barn, 200 Beulah Hill Rd, Pinehurst
Enjoy a Saturday of Christmas shopping with over 30 local vendors selling a variety of homemade and unique gifts. This new holiday market is becoming a tradition and a way to celebrate Small Business Saturday!
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When: Saturday, November 25th, 9am-4pm
Where: Elise Middle School, 180 W. Elm St, Robbins
Plan your Christmas Shopping for Small Business Saturday. This Christmas craft market is full of arts, crafts, food, and the perfect gifts!
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Cameron Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, November 25th, 5:00pm
Where: Under the Magnolia beside the Post Office
Come out to the Old Magnolia for an old fashioned lighting of the Cameron Christmas Tree, with evening full of fun, fellowship, cookies, hot chocolate, a Live Nativity, Santa, and more.
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Carolina Hotel Holiday Carriage Ride
When: Saturday, November 25th, 6:00pm-9:30pm
Where: Carolina Hotel, 80 Carolina Vista Drive
Cozy up with family and friends and enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the decorated Pinehurst Resort and Village of Pinehurst. Your ticket includes s'mores and hot chocolate that you can enjoy by the fire pits at the hotel. Click here more information and to get your tickets.
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When: November 29th- January 1st, 5:30-10pm
Where: 135 Fox Run Rd, Pinehurst
Christmas time is here again and so is the awesome light display at Holly Jolly Lights! Put on your Christmas jammies, tune your radio to 98.9 FM, grab some hot chocolate to go, get a soft blanket to cuddle under, jump in the car, and come on by to check out the lights!
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Weymouth Outdoor Wonderfest & Market
When: December 1st & 2nd, 10:00am-4:00 pm
Sunday, December 3rd, 12:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities
555 E. Connecticut Avenue, Southern Pines
Come enjoy a holiday FUNderland for the whole family! You'll love the Christmas decorations, the craftsmen and artisans, live music, food trucks, classic cars, and more.
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When: December 1st & 2nd, 7th-9th, 5:00pm-9:00pm
Where: 9348 NC 705, Eagle Springs
Shop local crafters while surrounded by tens of thousands of Christmas lights. Rumor has it, Santa's elves will be there, too! There will be food tents/trucks, free hay rides, children's activities, antique farm equipment, walking trails and more. This is a free event the whole family will enjoy!
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When: December 1st- December 25th, 6-9:30pm
Where: 95 Farley Rd, Cameron
With over 9,000 individual LED lights, this light show is sure to put you and the entire family in the Christmas Sprit! Friday nights are Disney Nights when they play all of your Disney favorites!
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Drive-thru Davis House Christmas Lights
When: Thursdays-Sundays in December, full week of Christmas through New Year's Day, 6-9pm
Where: 536 Bascom Chapel Road, Robbins
Come enjoy the beautiful Christmas light display! Please consider bringing a new or gently used toy or canned food item to give to families in need through December 26th.
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St. John Paul II Christmas Bazaar
When: Saturday, December 2nd, 10:00am-3:00pm
Where: 2922 Camp Easter Rd., Southern Pines
This Christmas Bazaar will feature local vendors, food trucks, baked goods, a holiday photo opportunity, and more! Come out and support local and have a fun, festive afternoon.
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Candlelight Tour of Homes
When: Sunday, December 3rd, 1:00-5:00pm
Where: Various around Pinehurst and Southern Pines
Tour five unique, beautiful homes decked out with holiday finery in Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Grab a friend or bring your family and come out for an afternoon of Christmas cheer.
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A Village Christmas & Lighting of the Pinehurst Tree
When: Friday, December 1st, 4:30-7:30pm
Where: Village of Pinehurst
The Village of Pinehurst invites you and your family and friends to the annual Christmas tree lighting. Stroll the Village's specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, and featured pop ups! Participating businesses are offering exclusive sales, giveaways, and treats. The lighting of the tree is scheduled for 6:30pm.
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When: Saturday, December 2nd, 10:00am
Where: Downtown Cameron
Put on those Christmas sweaters and Santa hats and head out to the Cameron Christmas Parade!
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Southern Pines Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 2nd, 11:00am
Where: Downtown Southern Pines
Mark your calendars for this amazing parade full of high school bands, dance teams, floats created by local organizations and Moore County businesses, fire trucks, antique cars, Misses and Princesses, political representatives, and of course, Santa Claus! This year's grand marshal will be Elijah McCormick who will perform with his band!
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When: Sunday, December 3rd, 12pm-4pm
Where: Rec Room Southern Pines
Time to get that Christmas shopping list done! Enjoy an afternoon of local vendors, food trucks, and live music!
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When: Saturdays and Sundays: Dec. 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 5:00-9:00pm
Friday: Dec. 8th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Where: Yates Thagard Baptist Church, 3820 Vass Carthage, Road
You are invited to experience a FREE outdoor LIVE Nativity Drama at Yates Thagard Baptist Church. This 30 minute walk-thru event is designed for the whole family. Online reservations are booked, but they are welcoming walk-ins, and suggest coming after 7:30pm for shorter wait times.
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Bryant House Holiday Open House
When: Sunday, December 3rd, 1:00-4:00pm
Where: 3361 Mount Carmel Road, Carthage
Get into the holiday spirit at the Bryant House & McLendon Cabin Christmas open house! The Cabin will be lit with a warm and inviting fire and the Bryant House will be adorned for the holiday with the usual local greenery and berries. Homemade cookies and hot cider will be available for all. Admission is free.
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Claus-mopolitan Crawl
When: Wednesday, December 6th, 4-7:30pm
Where: Downtown Southern Pines
Shop, Sip, and Support Local! Participating shops will each
serve samples of a signature cocktail while offering special
holiday discounts. Gather your friends for a fun night out!
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Robbins Christmas Parade a & Tree Lighting
When: Thursday, December 7th, 6pm
Where: Downtown Robbins
Come out for the 33rd Annual Robbins Christmas Parade! The parade will end with the lighting of the town Christmas Tree. Pay it forward and bring a canned food item, or two, to help the Robbins Christian Ministries.
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Aberdeen Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Thursday, December 7th 6:15pm
Where: 100 East Main St., Aberdeen
Enjoy the lighting of the Aberdeen Christmas tree and the arrival
of Santa! There will be special performances and light refreshments.
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Greene Brothers Christmas Lights Show
When: Nightly, December 8th-December 25th, 6pm-11pm
Where: 4200 Niagara-Carthage Rd, Carthage
With over 50,000 lights synched to your favorite Christmas songs, this is a holiday experience the whole family will enjoy! The light show is free to enjoy, but donations are being accepted for The Ellie Jean Project.
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Aberdeen Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 9th, 11am
Where: Downtown Aberdeen
There's nothing like a parade to help get you in the holiday spirit.
Grab your family and friends and head to Downtown Aberdeen
for a jolly good time!
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Jingle Tails & Ales Howliday Mini Market
When: Saturday, December 9th, 11am- 4pm
Where: Southern Pines Growler Co., 150 W New York Avenue
Shop amazing Sandhills Dog Fair vendors that will have all kinds of holiday goodies for your pets or your friend's & family's pets! Enjoy drinks & food, photo ops, and a raffle to support local pet rescues and shelters.
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When: Saturday, December 9th, 1 pm (Dec. 16th Rain Date)
Where: Downtown Southern Pines
One of the town favorites is back! Enjoy an old fashioned
Christmas parade full of horse & pony drawn carriages.
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Old Fashioned Christmas
When: Saturday, December 9th, 1pm-5pm
Where: Malcolm Blue Farm, 1177 Bethesda Road, Aberdeen
Come celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas at Malcolm Blue Farm. The farmhouse will be open and decorated 1800s style, the pack house will be open with children’s activities such as writing letters to Santa with feather pens and making bird feeders, and the museum will be open for tours. Music and light refreshments will be provided.
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Shaw House Holiday Open House
When: Saturday, December 9th, 1-4pm
Where: 110 Morganton Road, Southern Pines
Enjoy old-time decorations at the annual Christmas Open House. Tour three house-museums built between the 1700s and 1800s. The event is free to the public to let people see how early Southern Pines and Sandhills residents lived.
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When: Saturday, December 9th, 6:30 pm
Where: Downtown Carthage
Following visits with Santa (see Santa section above), historic home tours, and downtown holiday shopping, enjoy the parade at 6:30 as Carthage rings in the holiday season!
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Santa is touring Seven Lakes & Foxfire
When: December 11th-December 17th, 6pm
Where: Various around Seven Lakes and Foxfire
We just heard that Santa will be visiting the neighborhoods in Seven Lakes and Foxfire! He's got a schedule made and will be lead by local emergency vehicles with lights on! Firefighters will be following behind collecting non-perishable food for the the local food banks and unused toys for Toys For Tots! Click here to see when he'll be in your neighborhood.
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Vass Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 16th, 11am
Where: Downtown Vass
Enjoy the Town of Vass' Christmas Parade. Gather everyone
you know and head out to get in the holiday spirit!
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When: Saturday, December 16th, 11am-4pm
Where: 1480 Joel Road, Carthage
Enjoy a Christmas Market with local vendors, food, and holiday cheer at the Magnolia Cottage of Bell Ridge Farm. Admission and parking are free.
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Santa is touring Pinebluff
When: Sunday, December 17th, 12pm
Where: Various around Pinebluff
Santa sent word that he will be touring the town of Pinebluff! He'll be starting on the east side around noon. Keep your eyes out for his route, as it will be posted soon!
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Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
When: Saturday, December 23rd, 4-6pm
Where: Red's Corner, 901 SW Broad Street
Talk about the perfect photo op! Red's Corner will have a 2- horse, 12 person sleigh taking you and your family and friends on a loop around the property! Tickets are $5 per person (kids under 3 are free), and advanced purchase is encouraged!)