What to do in the Outer Banks in November

Planning a visit this Fall and wondering what to do on the Outer Banks in November? We’ve compiled a list of local happenings for all ages and interests. It may be the off-season, but the weather is mild and there are plenty of things to do in the OBX.

Marathons & Fun Runs Holiday Markets Food & Drink Holiday Lights Beach Activities

Racing Through November

Time to make room for that Thanksgiving meal! Lace-up your running shoes for the biggest month of racing the Outer Banks offers. From half marathons to fun runs, there’s a race for all ages during this month of family fun.

Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10, 2024

Towne Banks’ Outer Banks Marathon & Half Marathon | Kill Devil Hills, NC | This race is the oldest continuously running race on the Outer Banks! Participants will enjoy a beautiful scenic route as spectators line up to cheer racers on. In 2024, the weekend includes a half marathon, 8K, 5K, and a fun run, as well as many other family-friendly activities.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile | Kill Devil Hills, NC | Not your ordinary race, the Brewing Station crew invites you to their Thanksgiving-themed beer mile. This 21-and-over social run includes a backyard party, holiday contests, and more.

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2024

No matter what OBX town you are staying in, there’s a Thanksgiving Day 5K nearby, so there are no excuses!

Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Day 5k | Corolla, NC

OBX Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run | Southern Shores, NC

Surfin’ Turkey 5k and Puppy Drum Run | Hatteras, NC

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Get into the holiday spirit while getting ahead of your holiday shopping! Artisans from near and far will be in attendance at these festive markets, where you’ll find the perfect gift for every person on your list. For more local OBX gift ideas, check out our Outer Banks Holiday Shopping Guide.

9th Annual Christmas Craft Village

Friday, November 29, 2024 | 11-4pm | Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park, Corolla, NC

Dowdy Park Holiday Farmer’s Market

Saturday, November 9, Saturday, November 30, and Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 9am-12pm | Dowdy Park in Nags Head, NC

Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 4-7pm | Dowdy Park in Nags Head, NC

First Flight Holiday Market

Saturday, November 16, and Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 10am-2pm | Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills, NC

Tuesday, November 26, and Tuesday, December 17, 2024 | 4-7pm | Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills, NC

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry

The Big Curri-Shuck

Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 11:30am-4:30pm | Sanctuary Vineyards

Head just a few miles over the Wright Memorial Bridge to Sanctuary Vineyards for a fun day of live music and great food. Oyster season is among us, and the Currishuck Oyster Festival features all-you-can-eat steamed oysters. BBQ and crabs are also available until they run out. Live music, wine tastings, and new wine releases are also included in the ticket price.

Find Your Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday, November 27, 2024 | Times Vary

We’ve gathered a list of OBX restaurants that will be offering turkey, all the fixins and much, much more. If you don’t want to cook or do dishes during your Thanksgiving getaway, consider heading to one of these restaurants for your Thanksgiving Day family feasts, or pre-order a feast to take and cook at your vacation home.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Corolla Christmas Village

Friday, November 29 & Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 5-8pm | Historic Corolla Village, Corolla, NC

This holiday season, we invite you to stroll through the sparkling wonderland of Corolla Christmas Village, where fantastic lights, winter delights, and holiday sights are on full display. Perfect for the entire family, this self-guided and free-admission event is sure to evoke the magic and joy of Christmas. Join us each weekend when the village features food trucks, delectable beverages, and unique shopping opportunities at various Corolla Village merchants.

Kites With Lights

Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 4-7pm | Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head, NC

Kitty Hawk Kites presents this annual event that kicks off the holiday season on the Outer Banks. Several large kites decorated with holiday lights will fly high over Jockey’s Ridge, the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast. At 5:00 pm, the Jockey’s Ridge solar Christmas tree that sits high atop the dune will be lit for the first time this holiday season.

Go Shell Hunting In November

There are many fun things happening all over the Outer Banks in November, but the beach still takes center stage. The weather is generally mild, sunny, and perfect for strolling on the beach. With fewer people on the beaches during the Fall, you may find some extra special Outer Banks souvenirs to take home with you. Check out our guide to shelling on the Outer Banks for more information on the types of shells you may find on our beaches.

Looking to Vacation on the Outer Banks in November?

Though it’s considered the off-season, November can bring favorable beach weather and warm ocean temperatures. Rates are lower and crowds are thin, so you’ll have more vacation homes to choose from in November. Bring the entire extended family for a memorable Thanksgiving getaway on the OBX.

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What to do on the Outer Banks in November