All Aboard! Carolina Christmas Train in nearby Star, NC start the journey at the festive Carolina Christmas Village and enjoy an hour and fifteen minute ride through the sandhills with a holiday theme. A great experience for all ages. While there be sure to check out Starworks a creative community experience with education and high end art creators.

Another Christmas Train option about 45 minutes from Southern Pines enjoy New Hill’s Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Train Ride –  December 2, 3, 9, 10 & 16th @ 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, 2:15, 3:45 be sure to get your tickets early for this all volunteer run festive train.

Join the fun on one of the many Holiday Christmas trolley adventures with our Sandhills Trolley Company! You will not want to miss one this clever fun and memorable journeys in the Sandhills on the Holly Trolley Express Cruise. A family friendly cruise where they read the Polar Express, eat cookies and drink hot chocolate as we ride to see Mr & Mrs Clause. Or enjoy the Festival of Lights Trolley Cruise even the biggest Grinch can’t help but feel the Christmas spirit as they cruise around town looking for the best holiday lights displayed in the Sandhills!

Nothing says holiday fun like a special Foodie Tour! There are several variations of the popular Foodie Tours. Think beyond roasted chestnuts and fig pudding to the culinary delights the Sandhills has offer. They are cooking up something special and unique for the holiday season.

Pick up your passport to fun traveling to our local breweries collecting stamps at each stop!  The Sandhills Pour Tour Passport is designed to guide you around Moore County where you can enjoy a beverage and our cool, Southern vibe. So, whether you play golf, or not, anyone can tee up a good time with some friends, a passport and a few rounds at our favorite 19th holes.

There are plenty of things for wine enthusiasts, restaurants, and fun things to do and explore when you are in town. The Sandhills Wine Trail Passport is designed to guide you around Moore County and beyond where you can enjoy a beverage and our cool, Southern vibe. So, whether you play golf, or not, anyone can tee up a good time with some friends, a passport and a few rounds at our favorite 19th holes.

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Get into the festive spirit by visiting the Pinehurst Resort Carolina Hotel for the Festival of Trees. It is a great place to take the first pics of the season and support a good cause.

Festival of Trees

Wednesday, November 15 – Saturday, November 18, 2023.

This event favorite located at the Pinehurst Resort’s Carolina Hotel has expanded to an annual display of more than 100 trees that has raised more than $200,000 each year for Sandhills Children’s Center — which provides a vital community program to children birth through 5 years old with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, hearing impairments, vision impairments and other developmental delays. For a small fee, you can support the cause and bid on these amazing and creatively decorated trees. The Carolina Hall is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland that is sure to delight the young … and the young-at-heart.

This is a free event, however donations are always appreciated.

For more information, watch this video

Start the holiday season by joining in person on Thanksgiving Day for the Blessing of the Hounds and Opening Meet. This beloved community event is a time-honored tradition in Southern Pines and the surrounding area and a fun way to kick off the holiday season. The Blessing will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. Please plan at least an hour to park and walk over to Buchan Field from Lyell’s Meadow. Please contact Moore County Hounds for more information if you would like a front tailgate spot. As always, NO DOGS/PETS. Moore County Hounds is the oldest recognized pack of foxhounds in North Carolina and one of only a few remaining private packs.

There are a limited number of VIP spots available for tailgating!

Second Saturday of December @ 1pm

Downtown Southern Pines, NC

The Moore County Driving Club decorates their horses and carriages for Christmas and drives them through the historic district in downtown Southern Pines. Trotting along Broad Street, and the train tracks, this parade is sure to get you into the holiday spirit with this unique parade.

Location: Malcolm Blue Farm

The farmhouse will be open and decorated in the fashion 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 with feather pens and making bird feeders. The museum will also be open to visitors. Come celebrate Christmas, in the spirit of the 1800s! Admission is Free!

Santa makes many stops in the Sandhills. Follow along with Santa of the Sandhills as he and other Santa’s helpers make appearances all over Moore County.

End the Year with the picturesque moment at the First Eve Celebration in downtown Southern Pines. The ceremony happens at 8pm with the pinecone drop. Perfect for family and friends of all ages. Plenty of time to get home or celebrate later at one of local establishments.