Winter Events & Things to Do in Moore & Surrounding Counties
Winter in The Pines of North Carolina
Winter in The Pines brings twinkling downtowns, Christmas parades, tree lightings, holiday markets, live performances, family traditions and plenty of reasons to get out of the house after the holidays are over.
The Pines Times has gathered some of the season’s favorite events and things to do throughout Moore, Lee, Harnett, Hoke, Montgomery and Richmond Counties, North Carolina.
From Christmas celebrations in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Sanford and Raeford to small-town parades, winter performances, Valentine outings and family activities, there is something happening throughout December, January and February.
Events and dates can change from year to year, so always follow the individual event link for the most current information.
December Events & Holiday Traditions
December is one of the busiest months of the year for community events throughout our area. You’ll find Christmas parades, holiday markets, tree lightings, visits with Santa, seasonal concerts and old-fashioned hometown celebrations.
Southern Pines Christmas Parade
Southern Pines | Moore County
One of Downtown Southern Pines’ favorite holiday traditions, the annual Christmas Parade fills Broad Street with marching bands, dance teams, festive floats, antique cars, community groups, fire trucks and Santa Claus.
The parade is traditionally held on the first Saturday in December.
Pinehurst Christmas Tree Lighting
Village of Pinehurst | Moore County
The Village of Pinehurst comes alive for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Tufts Memorial Park. The community celebration traditionally includes music, holiday activities, food vendors, Santa and the lighting of the Village Christmas tree.
It’s an especially pretty evening to stroll through the historic Village and enjoy the decorated shops and streets.
Aberdeen Christmas Parade
Aberdeen | Moore County
Historic Downtown Aberdeen celebrates the season with its annual Christmas Parade featuring community groups, floats, local organizations and plenty of small-town Christmas spirit.
Aberdeen also hosts several seasonal activities throughout December, making downtown a fun stop during the holidays.
Old Fashioned Christmas at Malcolm Blue Farm
Aberdeen | Moore County
Step back in time for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration at historic Malcolm Blue Farm.
Past celebrations have included traditional decorations, seasonal activities, demonstrations and family-friendly holiday fun in one of Moore County’s historic settings.
Southern Pines First Eve
Southern Pines | Moore County
Don’t want the kids staying awake until midnight?
Southern Pines celebrates New Year’s Eve a little early with First Eve in Downtown Southern Pines. The family-friendly celebration traditionally features entertainment, games and activities before the famous Pine Cone Drop at 8pm.
It’s a uniquely Southern Pines way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one.
Sanford & Lee County Holiday Events
Sanford Christmas Parade
Sanford | Lee County
The annual Sanford Christmas Parade has been a Lee County holiday tradition for generations.
Downtown fills with holiday music, marching bands, floats and community groups as families line the streets for one of Sanford’s biggest seasonal celebrations.
Broadway Christmas Parade
Broadway | Lee County
For another dose of small-town Christmas charm, head to Broadway for its annual Christmas Parade.
The celebration is a longtime community tradition and a great addition to a December weekend exploring Lee County.
Holiday Theatre at Temple Theatre
Sanford | Lee County
Historic Temple Theatre brings live entertainment to Downtown Sanford throughout the year, and winter is an especially good time to catch a show.
Holiday productions typically fill December, followed by additional plays, musicals and special performances throughout January and February.
Hoke County Holiday Events
Raeford’s Hometown Christmas on Main Street
Raeford | Hoke County
Downtown Raeford transforms into a hometown Christmas celebration each December.
The event has traditionally included the Christmas tree lighting, live music, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, train rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food and community performances.
It’s one of Hoke County’s signature holiday celebrations.
Harnett County Holiday Events
Lillington Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop
Lillington | Harnett County
Lillington kicks off the Christmas season with a community tree lighting and Santa’s Workshop.
Families can gather downtown for holiday activities and the lighting of the town Christmas tree before another favorite tradition arrives later in the month.
Lillington Christmas Parade
Lillington | Harnett County
Floats, community organizations, local businesses and holiday cheer make their way through downtown during Lillington’s annual Christmas Parade.
The parade traditionally travels along Front and Main Streets.
Christmas Across Harnett County
Keep an eye out for additional holiday celebrations in Dunn, Angier, Erwin and Coats.
These communities regularly host seasonal activities ranging from Christmas parades and downtown celebrations to markets, Santa visits and tree lightings.
Montgomery County Holiday Events
Mount Gilead Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Mount Gilead | Montgomery County
Mount Gilead celebrates Christmas in classic small-town fashion.
The annual Christmas Parade traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in December, with decorated floats, marching groups and plenty of holiday spirit filling Downtown Mount Gilead.
The town also hosts additional holiday activities and seasonal gatherings during the Christmas season.
Jingle Bell Jaunt
Mount Gilead | Montgomery County
Start December with a little movement at the annual Jingle Bell Jaunt.
The festive community fun run has included 5K and shorter-distance options through Mount Gilead, with Christmas costumes encouraged.
Star Christmas Parade
Star | Montgomery County
The tiny Town of Star puts on one of its biggest celebrations of the year each December.
The annual Star Christmas Parade is traditionally held on the second Saturday in December, bringing residents and visitors together for a true small-town holiday tradition.
Richmond County Holiday Events
Christmas in Rockingham
Rockingham | Richmond County
Downtown Rockingham celebrates the holidays with seasonal community activities that have included Christmas festivities, performances, shopping and family fun.
Watch The Pines Times calendar as individual Rockingham holiday events are announced.
Hamlet Christmas Parade
Hamlet | Richmond County
The Hamlet Christmas Parade is another classic Richmond County holiday tradition.
Downtown Hamlet provides a fitting backdrop for floats, community groups, Christmas music and Santa as the city celebrates the season.
Ellerbe Hometown Christmas
Ellerbe | Richmond County
Ellerbe’s hometown Christmas celebrations bring the community together for an old-fashioned evening of holiday cheer.
Past celebrations have included the Christmas tree lighting, live Christmas music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and family activities.
January Events & Things to Do
The Christmas decorations may begin coming down, but winter isn’t over.
January is a great month to explore live theatre, museums, local restaurants, family activities, nature trails, art programs and smaller community events throughout The Pines.
Start the New Year in Southern Pines & Pinehurst
Look for winter programs at local libraries, recreation departments, museums, arts organizations and venues throughout Moore County.
Recurring activities such as Cars & Coffee in Pinehurst also continue through the winter months.
Winter Theatre in Sanford
Temple Theatre’s season continues after Christmas, making Downtown Sanford one of our favorite winter day-trip destinations.
Pair a performance with lunch or dinner downtown for an easy January outing.
Explore Winter Outdoors
Cooler temperatures can make winter one of the nicest times of the year to explore our area’s trails and parks.
Consider a winter walk, hike or family outing at local parks, greenways and natural areas throughout Moore, Lee, Harnett, Hoke, Montgomery and Richmond Counties.
February Events & Things to Do
February may be the shortest month of the year, but there are still plenty of reasons to get out and explore.
Look for Valentine’s events, chocolate-themed activities, Galentine gatherings, live music, theatre performances, family programs, Black History Month events, winter markets and date-night ideas throughout the region.
Pinehurst Chocolate Festival
Pinehurst | Moore County
Chocolate and Valentine’s Day are a pretty perfect combination.
The Pinehurst Chocolate Festival has become a popular February tradition featuring chocolate treats and confections along with special activities and shopping, while supporting local charitable organizations.
Valentine’s Day in The Pines
Local restaurants, bakeries, breweries, shops and entertainment venues throughout the region typically offer special Valentine’s dinners, desserts, markets, workshops and date-night experiences.
Don’t forget that Valentine’s celebrations aren’t just for couples. Look for Galentine events, children’s activities, family outings and celebrations with friends as well.
Black History Month Events
February is Black History Month, and museums, libraries, schools, cultural organizations and community groups throughout our six-county area frequently offer programs, exhibits, performances and educational events during the month.
Check the calendar throughout February as new programs are announced.
Find More Winter Events
This page highlights some of our larger winter traditions, but it is only the beginning.
The Pines Times Event Calendar is updated throughout the season with concerts, markets, children’s activities, theatre, live music, workshops, community events, holiday celebrations and other things to do.
Explore the calendar to find what’s happening today, this weekend or later this winter.
Planning an Event?
Have a public event happening in Moore, Lee, Harnett, Hoke, Montgomery or Richmond County?
Submit it to The Pines Times Event Calendar so our community can find it.
Event organizers: The Pines Times is an Event Calendar + Community Connector and does not organize the events listed on this page. Please contact the individual event organizer directly for vendor applications, schedules, tickets, cancellations and other event-specific questions.
Dates, times and event details may change. Always confirm information with the organizer before making plans.
