There is something special about Christmas in Moore County.
Downtown streets glow with Christmas lights, Santa makes his way through our small towns, families gather for tree lightings and parades, historic homes are decorated for the season, and local shops and markets fill with holiday gifts.
The Pines Times has gathered some of the area’s favorite annual Christmas traditions to help you celebrate the season.
Aberdeen Christmas Tree Lighting
Christmas comes to downtown Aberdeen with the community’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the historic Union Station.
The celebration traditionally includes the lighting of Aberdeen’s Christmas tree, Santa’s arrival, entertainment and refreshments.
Location: Union Station, Downtown Aberdeen
Typically: Early December
Aberdeen Christmas Parade
Downtown Aberdeen fills with Christmas cheer for the annual Aberdeen Christmas Parade.
Find a spot along the route and enjoy decorated floats, community groups, local organizations and Santa as they make their way through downtown. The parade is a longtime family-friendly holiday tradition.
Location: Downtown Aberdeen
Typically: 2nd Saturday in December
Old-Fashioned Christmas at Malcolm Blue Farm
This one absolutely deserves its own feature on the page.
Step back into the 1800s during Old-Fashioned Christmas at Malcolm Blue Farm.
The historic farmhouse is decorated for Christmas in period style, giving visitors a glimpse of how the holidays were celebrated generations ago. Past celebrations have included music, refreshments, children’s activities and opportunities to explore the historic property and museum.
Location: Malcolm Blue Farm, Aberdeen
Typically: December
Cameron Christmas Tree Lighting
The historic town of Cameron welcomes the Christmas season with an old-fashioned community Christmas Tree Lighting.
Past celebrations have included caroling, the Christmas story, refreshments, children’s activities, Santa and plenty of small-town Christmas charm.
Location: Downtown Cameron
Typically: Thanksgiving weekend
2026 Date: November 28 – Annual Tree Lighting, 5pm, 325 McNeill St.
Cameron Christmas Parade
Cameron’s small-town Christmas celebrations continue with the annual Cameron Christmas Parade through historic downtown.
Bring the family, find a spot along the route and enjoy one of northern Moore County’s traditional holiday celebrations.
Location: Downtown Cameron
Typically: December
The Lighting of Cameron
An old Tradition is coming back in 2026! Celebrate the warmth of a small-town Christmas at The Lighting of Cameron on Sunday, December 6, at 5:00 PM. Begin at Town Hall, then follow carolers through Historic Cameron as glowing luminaries light the streets. The evening continues with fellowship at Cameron Community Church, where cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee await. Gather with friends and neighbors for a heartfelt holiday celebration filled with light, song, and community spirit.
When evening arrives, downtown Carthage comes alive with the lights of the annual Carthage Christmas Parade.
Unlike several daytime parades around Moore County, Carthage traditionally holds its celebration in the evening, creating a beautiful backdrop for illuminated floats, bands, community groups and Santa.
The parade travels through the heart of Carthage toward the historic Courthouse Square.
Watch our video for more information.
Location: Downtown Carthage
Typically: 2nd Saturday of December at 6pm
Robbins Christmas Celebrations
Don’t forget northern Moore County.
Robbins traditionally joins communities throughout Moore County in celebrating the season with holiday activities that may include a Christmas parade, tree lighting and other community events.
Because details can vary from year to year, check the current Pines Times calendar and Town of Robbins announcements for the latest information. The Moore County tourism authority includes Robbins among the communities hosting recurring Christmas parade and tree-lighting traditions.
Southern Pines Christmas Tree Lighting
Downtown Southern Pines kicks off the Christmas season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration around the historic train station.
The community celebration traditionally includes the lighting of the town decorations, music, children’s activities and plenty of holiday spirit. The event is generally held on the last Saturday in November.
Location: Downtown Southern Pines
Typically: Last Saturday in November next to the train station
Southern Pines Christmas Parade
The Southern Pines Christmas Parade is one of Moore County’s biggest holiday traditions.
Families line Broad Street to watch marching bands, dance teams, decorated floats, fire trucks, antique cars, community organizations and, of course, Santa Claus make their way through downtown.
Location: Downtown Southern Pines
Typically: The parade is traditionally held on the first Saturday in December at 11am
Southern Pines Christmas Carriage parade
The Annual Christmas Carriage parade through historic Southern Pines hosted by the Moore County driving Club.
Watch our video to see how special this event is.
Location: Downtown Southern Pines
Typically: Held the 2nd Saturday of December from 1pm to 3pm on Broad St in Southern Pines.
Vass Christmas Tree Lighting
The Town of Vass traditionally starts the Christmas season with a community tree lighting in downtown Vass at ARTworks Vass.
A memory maker for sure with SNOW and a visit from Santa celebrations include featured live music, food trucks, children’s activities and other family-friendly fun.
Location: ARTworks Vass
Typically: Friday night day after Thanksgiving
Vass Christmas Parade
The annual Vass Christmas Parade brings together school groups, churches, community organizations, dancers, marching bands, antique cars, emergency responders and other participants for a hometown holiday celebration.
Location: Downtown Vass
Typically: December
A Village Christmas & Holiday Open House
Make an evening of it by strolling through the Village during A Village Christmas. Downtown shops, galleries and boutiques traditionally offer extended hours and special holiday shopping opportunities in conjunction with the Village Christmas celebration.
One of the signature Christmas traditions in Pinehurst, the annual Village Christmas Tree Lighting brings families to Tufts Memorial Park in the heart of the Village.
Expect an evening filled with Christmas music, holiday activities, food and beverages, visits with Santa and the lighting of the Village Christmas tree. The event traditionally takes place in early December and is free to attend.
Location: Tufts Memorial Park, Village of Pinehurst
Typically: First Friday in December
It’s a wonderful night to shop local, enjoy the decorated Village and experience Christmas in Pinehurst. Watch this video for more info
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You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
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You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
You can mail your letter to Santa! Bring it on by to the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Office (301 Lake Park Crossing) and we'll make sure to get …
Continue Reading »
Popular Pages on The Pines Times: Winter | December | Moore County Christmas | Finding Santa
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