Holiday Celebrations On The Outer Banks

Planning a holiday trip to the Outer Banks? You may think the OBX completely closes down after Labor Day, but you are mistaken. While it is true that a lot of the restaurants and shops do close their doors and shutters for the winter months, there is still a large local, year-round crowd which means activities and events throughout the holiday season!

Looking to Spruce Up your Vacation Home for the Holidays?

Fresh-cut Western North Carolina Christmas trees are available at the Christmas Tree Lot in Nags Head. Twiddy guests and homeowners receive a discount of at least 30% for the 2024 season. Visit the Christmas tree lot or call (252) 202-7430. Gather the kids and start a new tradition of decorating your Outer Banks vacation home Christmas tree.

An Outer Banks Christmas

Not only is the Outer Banks famous for oysters in the winter, but there are also some key Christmas celebrations you won’t want to miss. If you like to do your holiday shopping while avoiding crowds, the OBX is the place to be. Celebrate the season on the Outer Banks at one of the following events.

Christmas in Corolla The 12 Bars of Christmas Christmas in Downtown Manteo Duck Yuletide Celebration Manteo Tour of Holiday Homes Hangin' With Santa and Kites With Lights Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens Christmas Shopping & Holiday Markets

Christmas in Corolla

When: Friday and Saturdays, November 29th through December 28th

Where: Historic Corolla Village

Corolla Christmas Village is a free event that highlights the magic of the holiday season in Historic Corolla Village. Food trucks, tasty beverages, and shopping opportunities will be available each weekend. Special events, such as live music and storytime with Santa are planned for specific evenings throughout the event. The event takes place on Friday and Saturday nights from November 29th through December 28th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Start your Christmas shopping at the 9th Annual Christmas Craft Village, taking place on the grounds of Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park. This one-day outdoor show offers handmade goods as well as free kid-friendly activities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make an appearance.

On Friday, December 13th, and Saturday, December 14th, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education will show the classic Christmas movie, The Polar Express. Each day offers two showings, at 3:00 pm and at 6:30 pm. The event is free, but seats are limited and tickets are required.

Whalehead’s Candlelight Christmas Tour offers the opportunity to step back in time and tour the Whalehead mansion, which is beautifully decorated for Christmas. Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays, November 29th through December 21st, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The 12 Bars of Christmas

When: November 29th through December 31st

Where: The following 12 businesses in Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo

Outer Banks Brewing Station as “Christmas Vacation Station”

Outer Banks Distilling as “Deck the Hulls”

Goombays Grille & Raw Bar as “Goombrrrs”

Jolly Roger Restaurant as “Holly Jolly Christmas”

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint KDH “Jack Frost’s”

Lucky 12 Tavern as “Jingle 12 Tavern”

Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill as “Mama Klaus’s”

Two Roads Tavern as “McCallister’s Corner”

Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar as “North Pole Yacht Club”

Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe as “‘Ol Cedar Brown’s”

Poor Richards Sandwich Shop as “Poor Rudolph’s”

Bonzer Shack as “The Broken Candy Cane”

Each of the OBX businesses participating in The 12 Bars of Christmas will be transformed into an individually themed winter wonderland. Festive menus combined with holiday decor at each establishment make The 12 Bars of Christmas an event to remember. Fun events, like holiday markets and ugly sweater contests, are also part of the Christmas fun.

Christmas in Downtown Manteo

When: The first Friday and Saturday in December

Where: Downtown Manteo

The town of Manteo, on Roanoke Island, starts the holiday season in the evening on the first Friday in December with their tree-lighting and a visit from Santa. The town tree is located downtown on Queen Elizabeth Street, in front of Dare County Arts Council. On the first Saturday of December, the Town of Manteo’s annual Christmas parade kicks off mid-morning. A local favorite, the parade features marching bands, decorated floats, and lots of charming, small-town holiday fun.

Duck Yuletide Celebration

When: Saturday, December 7th

Where: Duck Town Park

The Town of Duck’s annual Yuletide Celebration includes live music, carolers, yummy treats, and Santa Claus, of course! Warm up with coffee, hot chocolate, hot soup, and sweet treats provided by local businesses. Highlights of the celebration include the lighting of the town’s impressive crab pot Christmas tree and Santa’s arrival on a Duck fire truck.

Manteo Tour of Holiday Homes

When: Saturday, December 7th

Where: Town of Manteo

The Manteo Preservation Trust hosts the event each year as a fundraiser to raise awareness for historic preservation in Manteo. Tour locations are walking and biking-friendly. Experience the charm and culture of this coastal town.

Hangin’ with Santa & Kites With Lights

When: November 29th, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, & Saturday, November 30th, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (Hangin’ with Santa), and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Kites with Lights)

Where: Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, Nags Head

In the morning and early afternoon, Hangin’ With Santa offers kids the opportunity to kick off the holiday season by visiting Santa at Kitty Hawk Kites across the street from Jockey’s Ridge. After the sun sets, see a holiday light display like no other at Kites with Lights! Large kites are decorated with lights and flown at the top of Jockey’s Ridge State Park (weather permitting). Attendees are encouraged to bring flashlights and glow sticks to join the fun. The Jockey’s Ridge State Park solar Christmas tree that sits atop the dunes will also be lit for the first time in the year during this event.

Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens

When: Select dates in November and December, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, weather permitting

Where: The Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo

The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, NC transforms into a winter wonderland for the holidays. Stretch your legs and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens. Timed-entry tickets are sold online only. There is even a seasonal gift shop with plants available for gift-giving!

Christmas Shopping & Holiday Markets on the OBX

With the approaching gift season, holiday markets are happening throughout the Outer Banks. Each market offers a variety of local vendors and handmade goods. From carefully crafted jewelry to baked goods to local honey, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. For those of us who just can’t get enough Christmas, there are a few shops on the Outer Banks that are open year-round for your holiday pleasure! Even if you cannot join us during the holiday season, we hope you take home a holiday keepsake that will evoke the wonderful memories of your time on the Outer Banks!

Outer Banks Holiday Markets

Kick-off Black Friday at the 9th Annual Christmas Craft Village, taking place on the grounds of Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park. Local handmade goods and free kid-friendly activities will be offered at this one-day outdoor event. There will also be an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

In the heart of Kill Devil Hills, First Flight Holiday Markets occur on four select days in November and December. The markets take place around the pond at Aviation Park, which is close to the Wright Brothers Memorial. The 2024 markets will take place on November 16th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, November 26th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, December 7th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and December 14th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Dowdy Park Holiday Markets will be open for four days in November and December. Local OBX artisans will be set up around the park, located on the corner of S. Croatan Hwy and E. Bonnett Street in Nags Head. Holiday Markets will be held on November 9th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, November 30th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, December 5th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and December 14th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

At Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, the Soundside Holiday Market Series is happening on three dates in 2024. Talented OBX artisans and makers will be on site, sharing their wares and spirit this holiday season. Soundside Market dates are November 24th, December 1st, and December 15th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

If you find yourself in Downtown Manteo, stop by the Town of Manteo Merry Market, an evening market under the stars. Hot cocoa, live music, and local artisans will be on hand spreading Christmas cheer. The market is on Friday, November 8th, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Christmas Shop & General Store

Where: 621 US-64, Manteo, NC 27954

For over 50 years, The Christmas Shop & General Store has provided Christmas cheer to the Outer Banks all year long. The store began as a shop for ornaments but has evolved into an OBX shopping destination.

The Christmas Mouse

Where: 1171 Duck Road Units C1, C2, C3, & C8, Duck, NC 27949
2401 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959
5000 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959

Thousands of Christmas ornaments and decorations are available for purchase. Find that special Outer Banks ornament to adorn your tree and remind you of your fantastic OBX vacation.

If you are looking for everyday things to do in December, there’s plenty to do and see on the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks has lots to choose from, no matter what your holiday style! Whether you want to go celebrate all day in Downtown Manteo with live music and good eats, see extraordinary fireworks on New Year’s Eve, go out to a romantic dinner, get your shop on, or mix and match these activities, the OBX can accommodate you. Whatever you choose, we’re just happy you’re here to celebrate with us, Outer Banks style!

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Celebrate the Holidays on the Outer Banks