Merrier in Moore

There’s nothing more magical than a small-town parade or the glow of a freshly lit Christmas tree. Each town hosts their own celebrations, complete with marching bands, colorful floats, carolers, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Step into the Carolina Hotel, transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland for the Festival of Trees. With more than 100 creatively decorated trees on display, this beloved event raises funds for Sandhills Children’s Center—making it the perfect place to capture your first holiday photos while supporting a great cause.

Climb aboard for festive fun! Take the Carolina Christmas Train in for a 50-minute ride through the Sandhills, hop on the Sandhills Trolley Company’s Jingle Bell Glow Tour to see dazzling holiday lights, or savor seasonal flavors on a Holiday Foodie Tour.

The arts come alive during the holidays! Enjoy productions of A Christmas Carol, sip tea at the Nutcracker Tea Party, or tap your toes at Celtic and Irish Christmas concerts. Seasonal shows across the Sandhills bring joy to audiences of all ages. Our favorites: Bradshaw Performing Arts Center, Sunrise Theater, Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, Encore Center, and the Carolina Philharmonic.

Many of Moore County’s 733 farms are brimming with holiday spirit. Take a hayride to Santa’s cabin at Kalawi Farm, pick out the perfect tree at Doby Christmas Tree Farm in Cameron, or experience the glowing drive-thru light show at Highlanders Farm, complete with hot cocoa and ice cream.

Step back in time with holiday open houses at the Bryant House, Shaw House, McLendon Cabin, and Malcolm Blue Farm. Decorated in vintage style with music, crafts, and history, these homes offer a nostalgic look at how holidays were celebrated in generations past.

From twinkling downtown displays to dazzling drive-through shows, lights shine bright all across Moore County. For a drive-thru light show, don’t miss Highlanders Farm Drive-Thru Light Show in Carthage. For drive-up lights, visit Holly Jolly Lights in Pinehurst or the Farley Family Light Show in Cameron. For a light show at a zoo, check out the Aloha Safari Park Christmas Lights.

Santa makes plenty of stops in Moore County! Wave to him in parades, visit him at The Little Toy Shop, or catch his most dramatic entrance yet—skydiving into the Pik N Pig. Kids (and kids at heart) will love the chance to meet the man in red.

Find unique gifts and support local makers at Moore County’s holiday markets, downtown shops, and galleries. From Seagrove pottery to ArtWorks Vass and Starworks glass and metal, there are countless one-of-a-kind treasures waiting to be discovered. Feeling hungry? Celebrate the season with festive flavors in Moore County, where holiday menus, local favorites, and warm Southern hospitality make every meal memorable.

For a meaningful holiday tradition, experience a live nativity drama or attend a candlelight Christmas Eve service. These reflective gatherings capture the true spirit of the season and offer a beautiful way to close out your holiday celebrations.