December Events & Things to Do in Moore & Surrounding Counties

December Events & Things to Do in Moore & Surrounding Counties

December is one of the most magical times of the year in The Pines.

Downtown streets glow with Christmas lights, communities gather for hometown parades and tree lightings, holiday markets fill with local makers, and theaters and concert halls come alive with seasonal performances.

The Pines Times has gathered some of the biggest December events, Christmas traditions and things to do throughout Moore, Lee, Harnett, Hoke, Montgomery and Richmond Counties, North Carolina.

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, a visit with Santa, holiday shopping, live entertainment, family activities or somewhere fun to celebrate New Year’s Eve, there’s plenty happening throughout December.

Looking for something happening right now? Explore the December event calendar below for even more things to do.

Christmas & Holiday Traditions in Moore County

Southern Pines Christmas Parade

Southern Pines, NC

Downtown Southern Pines kicks off the Christmas season with one of the area’s favorite holiday traditions.

The annual Christmas Parade fills Broad Street with festive floats, marching bands, dance groups, local organizations, antique cars and plenty of Christmas spirit.

The parade is traditionally held on the first Saturday in December.

A Village Christmas & Holiday Open House

Village of Pinehurst, NC

Christmas in the Village is something special.

Each December, the community gathers at Tufts Memorial Park for the annual Pinehurst Christmas Tree Lighting. Holiday music, family activities, Santa and the lighting of the Village Christmas tree make this a favorite seasonal tradition.

Come early or stay afterward to stroll through the historic Village, enjoy dinner and admire the Christmas decorations.

Aberdeen Christmas Parade

Aberdeen

Historic Downtown Aberdeen celebrates the season with its annual Christmas Parade.

Local organizations, businesses, community groups and festive floats travel through downtown as families gather along the route to welcome the Christmas season.

Old Fashioned Christmas at Malcolm Blue Farm

Aberdeen

Experience Christmas with a little history mixed in.

Historic Malcolm Blue Farm hosts an old-fashioned holiday celebration where visitors can enjoy the sights and traditions of Christmas in a beautiful historic setting.

It’s a wonderful December outing for families and anyone who enjoys local history.

Christmas Events Throughout Moore County

December brings celebrations throughout Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Carthage, Cameron, Vass, Whispering Pines, Robbins and communities across Moore County.

Watch for Christmas markets, Santa visits, concerts, church programs, holiday workshops, children’s activities and special shopping events throughout the month.

Christmas Events in Sanford & Lee County

Sanford Christmas Parade

Sanford

The Sanford Christmas Parade is a longtime Lee County tradition that brings thousands of spectators to Downtown Sanford.

Expect festive floats, marching bands, community organizations and plenty of Christmas cheer as the parade makes its way through downtown.

Broadway Christmas Parade

Broadway

Small-town Christmas charm is alive and well in Broadway. For such a small town this is a HUGE parade. You won’t want to miss it!

The community’s annual Christmas Parade brings neighbors together for an afternoon of floats, local organizations and holiday fun.

Christmas at Temple Theatre

Sanford

A holiday performance at historic Temple Theatre makes a wonderful December tradition.

The Downtown Sanford theater typically presents seasonal entertainment during December, followed by additional productions throughout the winter.

Pair a show with dinner downtown for an easy holiday outing.

Christmas Events in Hoke County

Raeford Hometown Christmas

Raeford

Downtown Raeford celebrates the season with its annual Hometown Christmas on Main Street.

The community celebration has traditionally included a Christmas tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment, children’s activities, vendors, food and plenty of hometown Christmas spirit.

Typically the first Saturday of the Month

Christmas Events in Harnett County

Lillington Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop

Lillington

Lillington welcomes the Christmas season with its annual community tree lighting and Santa’s Workshop.

Families gather downtown for holiday activities and the lighting of the town Christmas tree.

2nd Thursday of December 6-8pm

Lillington Christmas Parade

Lillington

Another favorite Harnett County tradition is the annual Lillington Christmas Parade.

Floats, local businesses, community organizations and Santa bring plenty of holiday cheer to Downtown Lillington.

Typically the 2nd Saturday at 10am

More Christmas Fun in Harnett County

Don’t stop with Lillington.

Look for Christmas parades, tree lightings, markets and hometown celebrations throughout Dunn, Angier, Erwin, Coats and communities across Harnett County.

Christmas Events in Montgomery County

Mount Gilead Christmas Parade

Mount Gilead

Downtown Mount Gilead celebrates Christmas with a classic small-town parade traditionally held on the first Saturday in December.

Decorated floats, local organizations and families fill downtown for one of the community’s favorite annual traditions.

Jingle Bell Jaunt

Mount Gilead

Add a little exercise to the Christmas festivities at Mount Gilead’s Jingle Bell Jaunt.

This festive community run encourages participants to break out their Christmas attire and enjoy a fun December outing before indulging in a few more Christmas cookies.

Star Christmas Parade

Star

The small Town of Star puts on a big Christmas celebration.

Its annual Christmas Parade is traditionally held on the second Saturday in December and is one of the community’s largest annual gatherings.

Christmas Events in Richmond County

Hamlet Christmas Parade

Hamlet, NC

Historic Downtown Hamlet provides a beautiful setting for an old-fashioned Christmas parade.

Floats, community groups, local organizations and Santa make the annual celebration a favorite Richmond County holiday tradition.

Typically the First Thursday of December at 6pm

Christmas on the Square Rockingham

Rockingham, NC

December brings plenty of Christmas cheer to Rockingham.

Look for downtown festivities, seasonal performances, shopping events, children’s activities and community celebrations throughout the month.

Ellerbe Hometown Christmas

Ellerbe, NC

Ellerbe celebrates the season with small-town charm during its Hometown Christmas festivities.

Past celebrations have included the community Christmas tree lighting, music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and family activities.

Holiday Markets & Christmas Shopping

December is also a great time to shop local.

Holiday markets, craft fairs, pop-up shops and special shopping events take place throughout the region, giving you plenty of opportunities to find gifts from local artists, makers and small businesses.

Check The Pines Times Event Calendar throughout December for newly added:

  • Christmas markets
  • Holiday craft fairs
  • Vendor events
  • Local shopping events
  • Bake sales
  • Pop-up markets
  • Art shows
  • Handmade gift events

Christmas Lights & Family Fun

Pile into the car, turn on the Christmas music and go searching for lights!

Throughout December, you’ll find decorated downtowns, community light displays, Christmas trees, Santa appearances and family-friendly activities throughout the region.

New events are added to The Pines Times calendar throughout the month, so check back often.

Live Music, Theatre & Holiday Performances

December isn’t only about parades.

Local theaters, churches, schools, musicians and performing arts organizations fill the month with Christmas concerts, holiday plays, dance performances, live music and seasonal shows.

It’s a great way to enjoy the holidays while supporting our local arts community.

New Year’s Eve Events

December ends with one more reason to celebrate!

Southern Pines First Eve

Southern Pines

Southern Pines rings in the New Year a little early with its family-friendly First Eve celebration.

Instead of waiting until midnight, families gather downtown for entertainment, activities and the famous Pine Cone Drop at 8pm.

It’s a uniquely Southern Pines tradition and a fun way for families to welcome the New Year together.

Watch The Pines Times calendar for additional New Year’s Eve dinners, parties, live music and celebrations throughout the area.

Find More December Events

This guide highlights some of our area’s favorite December traditions, but there is much more happening throughout the month.

The Pines Times Event Calendar is updated with events throughout Moore, Lee, Harnett, Hoke, Montgomery and Richmond Counties.

Find something fun to do today, this weekend or later this month and make a few memories along the way.

Calendar of Events

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Hosting an Event?

Have a public event happening in our area?

Submit your event to The Pines Times Event Calendar and help local residents and visitors discover what’s happening.

Please note: The Pines Times is an Event Calendar + Community Connector. With the exception of PineyFest, The Pines Times does not organize the events listed on our website. Please contact the individual event organizer directly regarding tickets, vendor applications, schedules, cancellations or other event-specific information.

Event dates, times and details can change. Always confirm current information with the event organizer before making plans.

Spreading Joy, Kindness & Fun in The Pines.

Other Popular Pages on The Pines Times

Winter Events in The Pines

December Events | Christmas Events in Moore County | Christmas Events in Lee County | Celebrating Christ in Christmas Events

January Events | Big Game Fun

February Events | Valentine’s Day | Mardi Gras

| Year around Festivals in The Pines