The village of Pinehurst and the Pinehurst Business Guild will present the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Pinehurst on Friday, Dec. 2.

Festivities will run from 1 to 6 p.m.

This year's event will feature an expanded stage schedule with new acts, including the Army Ground Forces Brass Ensemble and Miss North Carolina Hailey Best.

Also new this year, pet -owners are invited to bring their furry friends for pictures with Santa from 1 to 3 p.m., inside the historic Theatre Building.

Lastly, toy donations can be dropped off at the event benefit military families.

Beginning at 1 p.m., strolling carolers will make their way throughout the -downtown area, singing classic Christmas tunes. Downtown merchants will be open for business and ready to help patrons pick out the perfect holiday gifts. Food vendors will also be available throughout the festivities.

Santa's mailbox will also be located inside the theatre building for children to drop off their letters to Santa. To -guarantee delivery to the North Pole before Christmas, the mailbox has been available for drop-off since Friday, Nov. 18.

From 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., guests can stop by caricature artist Bruce Stevenson's booth for a quick sketch.

And, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., Santa will be available for photos with the children inside the theatre building.

The children are also invited to get into the holiday spirit by decorating cookies with the help of Mrs. Claus, the master baker of the North Pole.

And don't forget to jump on a hay ride before the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.

Stage performances will begin at 3 p.m., featuring the Sophisticated Ladies Dance Troupe, the Golf Capital Chorus, Greater Miss Sandhills representatives, Seven Lakes Dance Team, Vivace String Quartet, Army Ground Forces Brass Ensemble and Miss North Carolina.

"It will be a magical evening filled with caroling, food, shopping and good cheer," says a spokesperson.

For additional information, please call (910) 295-0166.