2018 Outer Banks Holiday Events

The holidays are upon us! With Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and more just right around the corner, the Outer Banks is definitely the place to be this holiday season. Whether you’re a local or planning a holiday visit, See what family friendly activities and events that are happening around the OBX this season!

November 21 // Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile

Drink, run, and repeat during the Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile! Join the Outer Banks Brewing Station for this Thanksgiving themed mile with chip timing, t-shirt, and backyard party! This event is strictly 21 and over. This race will feature prizes for the fastest male and female plus, a costume contest for the most creative holiday attire. For more information and registration, visit the OBX Running Company website here.

November 22 // Participating OBX Thanksgiving Restaurants

If you’re spending Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks, there are many different restaurants offering tasty thanksgiving dinner options! From buffets to special menus, you can see our favorite participating restaurants right here.

November 23 – 24 // The Christmas Craft Village

The perfect time and place to shop for that unique gift. You’l find one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for your friends and family as local crafters, artists, and artisans come together to showcase and sell their ware in Historic Corolla Park. This events is from 11 AM – 4 PM and is free to the public.

Candlelight Christmas Tours

Featuring live performances on Whalehead’s original’s Steinway piano, caroling, and refreshments, these immensely popular holiday tours are limited and available by advanced reservation only. This even begins at 5:30 PM and $20 entry for all. This event takes place on November 23rd, 24th, and 30th and December 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th.

November 23 – 24 // Hangin’ With Santa + Kites With Lights

Spend the day with Santa at Kitty Hawk Kites! This free event features a chance to take pictures with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and a night time light show on Jockey’s Ridge. Santa will be at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing on Friday, November 23rd from 10 AM – 2 PM and on Saturday November 24 from 1 PM – 4 PM. The light show will begin on Saturday, November 24 from 4 PM – 7 PM.

November 24 – January 19 // WinterLights

Enjoy thousands of lights, festive foods, music, and more at WinterLights at The Elizabethan Gardens. For prices, dates, and more information, visit The Elizabethan Gardens website!

November 26 – January 4 // Santa Paws Pet Supply Drive

Lend a helping hand to the friends at the SPCA with the Santa Paws food drive! Donate a bag of pet food of at least 7 pounds and receive one free same-day admission to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Items such as blankets, cat and dog toys, kitty litter, peroxide, and cotton balls are also accepted.

November 30 – December 1 // Manteo Christmas Celebration

Enjoy the holidays on the Outer Banks with A Christmas To Remember. This weekend of Christmas spirit will feature a Holiday Showcase on Friday, November 30th at 6:00 Pm with the Tree Lighting to follow. On Saturday December 1st, at 10:30 AM, enjoy the Christmas Parade with a pre-parade show at 9:30 AM with the Jazzmen!

December 1 // Epicurean Evening

An exclusive candlelight tour of the historic Whalehead Club followed by a 6-course, wine paired dinner reminiscent of 1920’s hunt club fare. RSVP by November 22, tour begins 5:30 PM. Tour is $125 per person or $225 per couple.

December 1 // Christmas Concert Featuring The 208th Army Band

From 1 PM – 6 PM at Roanoke Island Festival Park, the 208th Army Band will perform a Christmas Concert that is free and open to the public. The 208th Army Band is a United States Army Reserve Band stationed in Concord, North Carolina. The band is comprised of 40 citizen warrior musicians.

December 1 // Duck Yuletide Celebration 

Come out to Duck Village fro 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and pick up a Great Yuletide Elf Hunt Passport. Different participating business will help attendants check-off everything in the passport in order to receive a gift for children and be entered into a drawing for gift baskets. At Duck Town Park, participants will have a chance to enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, tasty treats, and even meet Santa! For more information, visit the Town Of Duck website.

December 17 // 115th Annual Celebration Of The Wright Brothers First Flight 

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The biggest celebration of the Wright Brothers first flight is happening on December 17th! Admission to the Wright Brothers National Memorial Park will be free on December 17th. Meanwhile, a special anniversary program will begin at 9:00 AM!

December 31 // New Year In The New World

Enjoy a family friendly event for your New Years Eve! Full of live music, great food, and fun events this New Years is sure to be a memorable one! For more information, see the New Year In the New World flyer right here. 

With so many holiday events happening around the OBX this holiday season, now is the perfect time to book your stay and enjoy the holidays by the sea. You can browse all of our beautiful rental homes on our website or call us at 800-458-3830 and speak to one of our amazing vacation rental specialists!