November is almost gone and December is upon us! The Outer Banks turns into a winter wonderland during the month of December. With so many things to do and see this holiday season, you and your family will create memories that last a lifetime! Check out the December events on this month’s Outer Banks Calendar.

Nov 25 – Jan 20 // WinterLights

6:00 PM to 9:00 PM @ The Elizabethan Gardens // Manteo 

A month full of sights and lights, come out to the opening night of Grand Illuminations of Winter Lights starting November 24th! With thousands of holiday lights, festive food, drink, and fun, these lights will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit! For prices and dates, visit the Elizabethan Gardens website.

 

 

Dec 1 // Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting

6:00 PM in Downtown Manteo // Manteo

Join in on a Manteo Holiday tradition! The annual Lighting of the Christmas tree is a free family fun event! Full of live music, performers, and even hot chocolate! Watch the grand Christmas tree light up the night sky and light the flame of your holiday spirit this year.

 

 

Dec 2 // Manteo Christmas Parade

10:00 AM in Downtown Manteo // Manteo

Let the fun continue at the Manteo Christmas Parade! Listen to the Manteo High School Banks, see floats from local companies and organizations, and don’t forget the candy! The route begins at Manteo High School and concludes in Downtown Manteo.

 

Dec 2 // Duck Yuletide Celebration

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Duck Town Park // Duck

The town of Duck is ready for Santa! Come out to Duck Town Park for holiday music, sweet treats, and so much more. Santa will arrive on the Duck Fire truck and will be greeting all the good boys and girls at the Duck Town Hall! This event is free to the public. For more information visit the Town of Duck website.

Dec 2-3 // OBXMas Weekend

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Outer Banks Brewing Station // Kill Devil Hills

Enjoy live music, silent auction, and over 40 local artists selling their goods at the Outer Banks Brewing Station! Come out and find the perfect Christmas gift and even take advantage of the brunch and lunch menus the Brewing Station has to offer! This event is free to the public but make sure you bring enough to spend on food and the local vendors.

Dec 6 // WOOFstocking at WinterLights

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Elizabethan Gardens //  Manteo

Enjoy WinterLights with your pooch! From 6-9 PM guests will receive a free dog stocking for their pup! Plus, if you bring a donation for the Outer Banks SPCA, you’ll receive $3 off your admission! All dogs must be updated on the Elizabethan Garden Dog Policy to enter.

Dec 9 // Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Winter Climb

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM @ Cape Hatteras Lighthouse // Buxton

Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for free! The lighthouse will be open for local residents and visitors to climb. Children wanting to climb must be at least 42″ tall and children under the age of 12 must be escorted by someone 16 years old or older. For more information, visit the Cape Hatteras National Park website.

Dec 9 // Great White Fishmas

3:30 PM to 6:30 PM @ The Roanoke Island Aquarium

Join in on a little festive fishy fun at the Roanoke Island Aquarium! Make holiday crafts, decorate cookies, and sing a few Christmas carols with the aquarium staff. Great White Fishmas is included with regular admission to the aquarium.

Dec 9 // Island Craft Show

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM @ First Assembly Church // Manteo

Find local handmade crafts, jewelry, decor, and so much more at the Island Craft show! Yummy BBQ plates and desserts will be available to purchase and enjoy. There will be raffles with great prizes plus 25 indoor booths to shop at! Admission is one non-perishable food item.

Dec 17 // 114th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight

8:30 AM @ Wright Brothers National Memorial // Kill Devil Hills

Honor the history of flight during the 114th anniversary of flight! The formal program begins at 9:00 AM commemorates the Wright brothers achievement in the advancement of flight. Park fees will be waived the day of the celebration.

Dec 31 // New Year in the New World

5:00 PM to 12:00 AM in Downtown Manteo // Manteo

No New Years Eve plans? No problem! Come to downtown Manteo to ring in the new year! Downtown Manteo will be transformed into a street fair party full of local food, live music, and even an early ball drop for kids!

 

 

 

Fireworks, parades, cookouts and celebrations with family and friends make the 4th of July summer’s greatest holiday. The Outer Banks is ringing in the USA’s birthday with lots of exciting events and fireworks shows to help you celebrate our nation and show your patriotism. Whether you’re in Corolla or Hatteras Island, there is a memorable 4th of July activity close by.  (more…)