Merrier in Moore

Celebrate the holiday season in the Sandhills!

Moore County may be famous for its award-winning golf and timeless small-town charm, but the Sandhills of North Carolina truly shine during the holidays. Picture twinkling lights, festive streets, and cozy gatherings that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie – each moment creating memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

Whether you’re coming home to visit loved ones or planning a holiday getaway, Moore County is the perfect place to celebrate the season. Here in the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area, our small towns are filled with festive events, warm welcomes, and plenty of holiday magic. Come experience the season with us, and you’ll see why the holidays feel extra special here in the Sandhills.

Photos by Chris Auman Photography

Our top twelve ways to make your holidays Merrier in Moore:

Parades & Christmas Tree Lightings

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.

Small Town Celebrations

Sandhills Garden of Lights

Sandhills Garden of Lights transforms the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens into a dazzling winter wonderland with more than one million lights, immersive holiday scenes, illuminated displays, and interactive experiences. Held on select nights from late November through early January, it's one of the largest holiday light displays ever presented in the Sandhills and a festive tradition for visitors of all ages.

Be Dazzled

Trains, Trolleys & Tours

Climb aboard for festive fun! Take the Carolina Christmas Train for a ride through the Sandhills, hop on the Sandhills Trolley to see a holiday light show, or savor seasonal flavors on a Holiday Foodie Tour.

All Aboard

Weymouth Wonderland

Experience the holidays through history at Weymouth Wonderland & Holiday Market at the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities! Tour the historic Boyd House beautifully decorated for the season, shop local vendors and artisans at the Pop Up in the Pines Holiday Market, browse festive décor in the Holiday Shop, and enjoy sweet treats, warm drinks, food trucks, visits with Santa, and live holiday performances. It’s a full day of shopping, entertainment, and old-fashioned holiday cheer!

Celebrate at Weymouth

Festival of Trees at Pinehurst Resort

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.

Deck the Halls

Holiday Concerts & Performances

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.

Take in a show

Festive Farm Events

Many of Moore County’s 733 farms are brimming with holiday spirit. Make the holidays special 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.

Fun on the Farm

Old-Fashioned Christmas at Historic Homes

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.

Historical Holidays

Holiday Light Displays

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.

Best & Brightest

Santa Sightings

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.

See Santa

Holiday Shopping & Dining

Find unique gifts and support local makers at Moore County’s downtown shops and galleries. From pottery and canvas to glass and metal, there are countless one-of-a-kind treasures waiting to be discovered.

Feeling hungry? Celebrate the season in one of the Sandhills' many locally owned restaurants, where holiday menus, local favorites, and warm Southern hospitality make every meal memorable.

Looking for a special holiday experience? Be sure to reserve one of the holiday igloos on the patio at the Villaggio Ristorante in Pinehurst.

Festive feasts

Find the Perfect Gift

Live Nativity & Candlelight Services

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.

Sacred Celebrations

From festive parades and dazzling light displays to cozy farm celebrations and holiday shopping, Moore County is filled with ways to celebrate the season. However you make merry, you’ll find plenty of small-town charm and holiday magic waiting in the Sandhills.

Check out our holiday events calendar to plan your holiday adventure today and discover why it’s always merrier in Moore!