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. The average temperature on the Outer Banks in November ranges from around 63° to the low 70°s, but some days can be much warmer, with abundant sunshine and no wind, the perfect weather for a day at the beach. Evenings are crisp and cool, with lows typically in the 50° range, ideal for evening strolls or cozying up inside by the fireplace. The ocean temperature on the Outer Banks in November is around 60°, a bit chilly for swimming. Most local OBX surfers choose to wear a wetsuit in the ocean in November.

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.

In 2025, Twiddy & Company is privileged to sponsor the Duck Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day.

Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, 2025

TowneBanks’ Outer Banks Marathon & Southern Fried Half Marathon | Sunday, November 9th | Manteo, NC | This race is the oldest continuously running race on the Outer Banks! With a scenic course that begins at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, participants will enjoy a beautiful route through the village of Mashoes along the soundside of Roanoke Island.

Surf Pediatrics Surf & Soar 8K, 5K, and Color Fun Run | Saturday, November 8th | Kill Devil Hills, NC | Each race starts and ends at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

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 costume contests, and more.

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 27, 2025

No matter what OBX town you are staying in, there’s a Thanksgiving Day 5K nearby. Burn some calories before your feast!

Duck • NC Turkey Trot 5k | Duck, NC
Presented by Twiddy & Company

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.

Annual Christmas Craft Village

Friday, November 28, 2025 | 11:00 – 4:00 pm | Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park, Corolla, NC

Dowdy Park Holiday Farmer’s Markets

Saturdays, November 8th & 29th, December 13th, 2025 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Dowdy Park in Nags Head, NC

First Flight Holiday Market

Saturday, November 15, and Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills, NC

Friday, December 19, 2025 | 3:00 – 7:00 pm | Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills, NC

Sounside Holiday Markets

Sundays, November 23rd & 30th, December 14th, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, NC

Manteo Merry Market

Friday, November 21, 2025 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | George Washington Creef park in Manteo, NC

Christmas in Corolla

Friday, November 28th, & Saturday, November 29th, 2025

Christmas Craft Village | November 28th | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park

Christmas Village Holiday Market | November 28th & 29th | 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Historic Corolla Village

This holiday season, we invite you to stroll through Historic Corolla, where fantastic lights, winter delights, and holiday sights are on display. Savory food offerings and shopping from local artisans will be available.

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry

The Big Curri-Shuck

2025 Date TBD | Time TBD | 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.

Roanoke Island Oyster Shellabration & BBQ

November 2, 2025 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Wanchese, NC

Head just a few miles over the Washington Baum Bridge and take a left to get to Wanchese. The event takes place at Safe Harbor Marina Tiki Bar in the Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park. The Inaugural Shellabration and BBQ event offers the opportunity to sample oysters from NC Growers, BBQ from Pigman’s, and other regional food specialties. Try shucked, roasted, and fried oysters, as well as local shrimp, chowders, biscuits, and desserts. Entertainment will include live music by the Blue Crab Boys and a special Pow Wow presentation performed by Indigenous cast members of The Lost Colony.

Find Your Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 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.

Holiday Lights

Kites With Lights

Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | 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 State Park, 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.

WinterLights at The Elizabethan Gardens

November 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29, 2025 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | The Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo, NC

This annual holiday event allows visitors to stroll along the illuminated gardens and get into the Christmas spirit. The 10-acre gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland. Timed-entry tickets are available for purchase in advance. Inclement weather or other conditions can affect the event – be sure to check their website ahead of time.

Go Shell Hunting In November

There are many fun things happening all over the Outer Banks in November, but the beach is still center stage. The weather is 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 OBX 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