Historic downtown Southern Pines welcomes the holiday season with a Holiday Open House weekend in downtown Southern Pines from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23.

Holiday festivities continue Saturday, Nov. 29, with the annual Christmas Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Train Depot. Congressman Howard Coble will be a featured guest at the tree lighting, and entertainment will be provided by the Golf Capital Chorus, Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church Choir and Emmanuel Church Choir. The downtown area will come alive with a holiday theme as 56 Christmas trees decorate both sides of Broad Street. Sponsored and decorated by local businesses, the Christmas trees add a unique touch throughout the holiday season to the downtown area.

This year's annual Christmas Parade promises to be Southern Pines' biggest parade ever, says a spokesman.

Bands from UNC-Pembroke and Fayetteville State University will be featured in the parade, along with bands from the area high school bands and Southern Middle School.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. Following the parade, musicians, choral groups, and costumed characters will be at various locations in the downtown area, and children of all ages will have a chance to visit the Talking Tree located in front of Hawkins & Harkness.

The annual Carriage Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 13. This parade of beautifully decorated carriages led by some of Moore County's finest horses is a "must-see" event, according to the spokesman.

Southern Pines will end the holiday season with First Eve Wednesday, Dec. 31. The popular, fun-filled family event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Southern Pines.

This year's holiday events are sponsored by Bill Smith Ford Lincoln Mercury Mazda, First Bank, The Pilot and co-sponsored by the Town of Southern Pines. An event calendar is posted on the Southern Pines Business Association's Web site, www.southernpinesbiz.com.