There is so much for which to be thankful around the Home of American Golf … and no better time of the year than Thanksgiving to count our many blessings. One thing for which we are particularly thankful is the wide array of holiday festivals and celebrations all over the Sandhills each and every year. Please make it a point to attend as many as possible, and invite friends and family to visit. Here are a few of our very favorites:
Seagrove Holiday Open House
December 3, 2022-December 18, 2022
Seagrove
Join the Seagrove Potters this season for their Annual Holiday Open House. You’re invited to celebrate the holiday season on a self guided pottery tour. Starting on December 3rd through December 18th weekends, the pottery shops of Seagrove have special events planned on Saturdays, some on Sundays. Most all of the shops have normal retail hours but have prepared special work for the December weekends to feature a great selection for your Holiday gift needs. Already have plans for those weekends? Don’t be dismayed, shops are open during the week too and many have online stores for shopping convenience! Enjoy finding something for everyone on your list this year. Experience a hearty dose of holiday cheer, feel the warmth of the fireplaces, as you venture through the Seagrove community. Free and open to the public!
Village Christmas Tree Lighting
December 2
Village of Pinehurst
Once a year, 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 Santa! Enjoy festive fun from 5:00pm-7:30pm and the official lighting of the tree is scheduled for 6:30pm. Vendors will be onsite with food & beverages available for purchase. This is a free event for your entire family to enjoy.
Southern Pines Christmas Parade
December 3
Downtown Southern Pines
Historic downtown Southern Pines is well versed in putting on a memorable parade, replete with high school and college bands, dance teams, magical floats created by local organizations and Moore County businesses, holiday music, and of course … Santa Claus. From 11 AM until 1 PM, the procession will run down the west side of Broad Street to Massachusetts, across the railroad tracks, then back down the east side of Broad Street. Sponsored by the Southern Pines Business Association and co-sponsored by the Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department.
A Colonial Christmas at the House-in-the-Horseshoe
December 3
Sanford
“O blessed Season!” Candlelight Tours at House in the Horseshoe
Step back in time this holiday season and experience the greenery-decorated Alston House by candlelight. Guided tours will focus on 18th Century Christmas practices.
Bryant House Christmas Open House
December 4
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. Handmade ornaments will decorate the Christmas tree. Homemade cookies and hot cider will be available for all. So sit back and enjoy the live music. Parking will be in the nearby sand field and visitors can be transported to the houses via golf cart, if needed. Hosted by the Friends of the Bryant House. Free admission.
Old-Fashioned Christmas at Malcolm Blue Farm
December 14
Aberdeen
Celebrate Christmas in the spirit of yesteryear at this historic home and farm that date back to the 1820s, when the Sandhills area was known as “the Pine Barrens.” The farmhouse will be decorated in the fashion of the period, while the pack house will also be open, so kids can enjoy activities such as writing letters to Santa with feather pens and making bird feeders. The museum includes an extensive exhibit on the Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads, one of the last cavalry engagements of the Civil War, which took place just 8 miles from the farm.
First Eve Celebration
December 31st
Southern Pines
Join us for our Annual First Eve tradition happening on the street and in the greenspace by Sunrise Theater. This family-friendly event will include:
Elsa, Anna, and Marvel Characters from Once Upon a Fairytale
Happy Dan the Magic Man
Live Music from Whiskey Pines
Face Painting
Stilt Walkers
And many more kid-friendly activities!
The festivities will end with the “famous” Pine Cone Drop at 8pm.
Please visit our Calendar of Events to view all our holiday celebrations!
