With a vision and funding support from Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, one of the area's largest holiday light shows will debut this season in the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens at Sandhills Community College in Moore County. Tickets are now on sale to experience more than 1 million lights and themed displays that will delight visitors of all ages as they stroll through the beautiful gardens. Each display is timed to music and offers a whimsical twist. Many new sponsors are coming on board, including, most recently, Penick Village.
There will be additional interactive, hands-on activities for families, plenty of photo opportunities, visits from Santa and cute woodland creatures. Adult beverages and hot cocoa will be available for purchase, as well as souvenir gifts commemorating the inaugural event.
“We are so excited to bring this family-oriented event to our local community and the region at large,” said Germaine Elkins, VP for Engagement at Sandhills Community College. “We have a powerhouse volunteer team who is working hard to make this the most magical experience to our guests and one to build memories year after year. We are grateful for the funding support to secure the lighting units from Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and support marketing efforts to pull visitors from the surrounding counties to come visit the lights and Pinehurst. Even guests vacationing in the area can add this to their list of things to do while in the area.”
The light show runs from Nov. 27, 2026, through Jan. 9, 2027.
Tickets, available at various price levels, can be purchased at www.SandhillsGardenOfLights.com.
Guests are encouraged to park at 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374. Shuttles and accessible parking will be available. The route through the gardens is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. The event takes place rain or shine unless severe weather conditions require otherwise.
Group tours or special event evenings may be arranged by calling 910-695-3884.
Groups or individuals interested in volunteering may contact Marcia Woodfield at woodfieldm@sandhills.edu by Nov. 6 with the following information: organization name, primary contact, estimated number of volunteers available and affiliation with the college (if applicable).