Southern Pines

Businesses along the Broad Street historic district will host special open houses Saturday, Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., sponsored by the Southern Pines Business Association and the town of Southern Pines.

Sounds of carolers will fill the tree-lined streets throughout the day, and Santa will be available for photos from 4:30 to 5 p.m. at the train station (don't forget to bring your own camera!).

Tree-lighting festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include entertainment by the Golf Capital Chorus and more.

The tree will be lit around 6:15 p.m.

Pinehurst

The village of Pinehurst will host its annual Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, on the village square.

A number of other holiday festivities will take place before the lighting of the tree: From 3 to 5 p.m., children will be able to visit Santa and his elves, and drop off letters to Santa.

Other activities include face painting, balloon art, performances by the Golf Capital Chorus and the Pinecrest Chamber Ensemble, appearances by Little Miss Noels and Miss Moore County, and scenes from "The Nutcracker," performed by Terpsichore Dance Studio. Cookies, cider, cotton candy and popcorn will be provided.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen welcomes the 2010 Christmas season with a hometown holiday tradition, the annual Christmas tree lighting, Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m., at The Depot in historic downtown Aberdeen.

Families are invited to enjoy refreshments and carols sung by the choir of Bethesda Presbyterian Church. And of course, Santa will be paying a visit!

Moore County

The Moore County Christmas tree lighting will be held at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Carthage at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7.

Foxfire Village

The Foxfire Garden Club will host the annual Foxfire Village tree lighting Sunday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Foxfire Town Hall.

Santa will be on hand to discuss holiday wishes with the children.

FirstHealth

The 19th annual Light Up a Life tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, on the corner of Aviemore and Memorial drives, in Pinehurst.

The Light Up a Life Program provides an opportunity to share remembrances of family and friends, as well as honor those who are important in our lives. Each light represents a contribution to support the mission of FirstHealth Hospice and reflects the true symbol of holiday giving to benefit others throughout the season.

For more information, call (910) 695-7500.

Whispering Pines

The Whispering Pines annual Christmas tree lighting begins at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5.

Santa will be there, and beverages and cookies will be served at the police department.