Christmas Concert

The Pinecrest High School Band and Southern Middle School Band will present a Christmas concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, in the Pinecrest High School Auditorium, located at 250 Voit Gilmore Lane in Southern Pines.

The Southern Middle School Band will begin the concert, followed by a short intermission and performances by the Pinecrest High School Band.

Admission is free.

The Pinecrest Band Boosters will sponsor a food drive during the evening for the Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care.

"Consider donating a nonperishable food item when you arrive for the concert," says a spokesman. "A collection box will be located in the lobby area."

The Pinecrest Band Boosters can be contacted at pinecrestbandboosters@gmail.com.

Christmas Program

Sandhills FADS presents "Christmas Past, Present and Future," Saturday, Dec. 15, at 3 and 7 p.m., at The O'Neal School's theater.

"Please bring a donation of school supplies for our local schools," says a spokesman.

Adult tickets are $15, and tickets for children are $10.

For information, call (910) 725-1846.

Movie Spectacular

The Arc of Moore County's first "Christmas Movie Spectacular ... Sing, Show, Snow!" will take place Sunday, Dec. 16, starting at 1 p.m. at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines.

Children and adults of all ages and abilities are invited to dress in holiday costumes or festive attire to be treated to a Christmas carol sing-a-long, as well as surprise visitors and treats before the showing of the favorite contemporary classic movie "Elf," starring Will Ferrell.

After the movie, there will be snow activities (sleds and hot chocolate provided) and refreshments on the green space adjacent to the theater.

"Bring your camera for a picture with Santa," says a spokesman.

Admission will be by a donation to The Arc of Moore County, which provides services and supports to children and adults living with developmental disabilities.

This event is sponsored in part by St. Joseph of the Pines and Kohl's.

For more information or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Susan Holmes at The Arc of Moore County at (910) 692-8272 or arcmooresh@embarqmail.com, or by visiting the website at www.thearcofmoore.org.

Sunrise Holiday Film

The Sunrise Theater is all about traditions.

On Thursday, Dec. 20, the Sunrise invites friends and family to a free showing of "The Polar Express," the now-classic Tom Hanks film based on the even more classic children's book written by Chris Van Allsburg.

For some young parents, the "Polar Express" tradition may have started when they were children themselves, listening to the story as their parents read it by the fire every Christmas.

Now the legacy of this magical holiday tale can continue on to the next generation with the computer-animated film that brings the characters, the northbound train and Santa to life in a way that engulfs the imagination of both children and adults alike.

The film will play this one night only at the Sunrise Theater at 7:30 p.m.

Admission will be free to the public. The Sunrise sells popcorn, candy, soft drinks, beer and wine.

Sunrise Theater is a non-profit organization located at 250 NW Broad St. in downtown Southern Pines.

For more information, visit the website www.sunrisetheater. com, or call (910) 692-8501.

'Dinner and a Movie'

Another classic film will be presented Friday, Dec. 14, at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst.

"A Christmas Story," sponsored by Pinehurst Parks and Recreation, Sandhills Home Theater and Central Security Systems, begins at 7 p.m.

Admission to the film is free.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A dinner of baked ziti, bread and dessert is $7. Popcorn and beverages are $1 each.

For more information, call (910) 295-0166.

Candy Cane Hunt

The Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department sponsors a free candy cane hunt for ages 4 to 10 at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Memorial Park and Southern Pines Recreation Center.

Activities include cookie decorating, crafts, games, photos with Santa, >and of course, the candy cane hunt, >complete with prizes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. >

Flea Market

The Junior Flea Market, operated by 7- to 16-year-olds, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Southern Pines Recreation Center and Parking Lot.

Holiday Shopping

The Campbell House Galleries will be open Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for a special day of holiday shopping.

Pottery from Seagrove potters, art from local artists, and unique sculpture by Virginia-based artist Aggie Zed are just some of the featured items.

"Original art that is affordable starts at $5," says a spokesman.

The Campbell House is located at 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines.

For more information, contact the Arts Council at 910-692-ARTS(2787).

Pet Photos

Watch My Wag offers pet owners a chance to have their pet's photo taken with Santa and make a donation to the Union Pines wrestling program at the same time.

From 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 15, photos will be taken and free Italian ices will be provided to all visitors, courtesy of Rita's Italian Ices, which will also provide dog-safe frozen treats for the canine friends.

Watch My Wag is located at 255 Commerce Ave. in Southern Pines.

Visit www.watchmywag.com for further information.

Tag Sale

An indoor tag sale to benefit The Haven-Friends for Life will be held next to the Little Toy Shop, 230 SW Broad St., Southern Pines, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15.

"We will have small furniture, Christmas items, and many other interesting treasures," says a spokesman. "We will also be accepting donations for the Haven, such as towels, newspapers and pet food, etc.

Call Diana Barton at (910) 315-1650 for additional information.

Candlelight Vigil

St. Joseph of the Pines invites the public to a candlelight vigil for the homeless, on Friday, Dec. 21, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. in Downtown Park, Southern Pines.

"Please bring new or gently used coats, blankets, mittens, hats, sweats, scarves, jackets, socks, sweaters, shirts or gloves in both adult and children's size," says a spokesman. "Items will be distributed this winter from the semi to our neighbors in need."

For information, visit the website www.iamthefaceofthehomeless.org.

Holiday Food Buy

The WSP Holiday >Food >Buy offers residents an opportunity to purchase fresh N.C. produce for holiday meals at wholesale prices, with pickup in Southern Pines on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the American Legion Hut, 1650 New York Ave., Southern Pines.

Food must be pre-ordered by Dec. 19. Cash, check and SNAP/EBT will be accepted. >

"Home >delivery >is available >for >the >disabled >and >shut-ins >in WSP," says a spokesman. >

For information, call Kathy Byron (Good Food Sandhills) at (910) 295-5023 or (910) 603-7680, Joyce Chalmers at (910) 724-4279, or Wendell Brown at (910) 315-2002).