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Email UsTrade your summer swimsuit for an ugly Christmas sweater and pack your bags for the Outer Banks! Whether you’re a serial summer vacationer, or a newbie to the Outer Banks, there’s no better way to experience local charm than through the holidays at the coast.
Starting in November, various events, festivals, and seasonal pop-ups, help transform the barrier islands into a vibrant winter wonderland perfect for the whole family! While the beach in December may not be ideal for sunbathing and sand castles, the Outer Banks makes up for it with local holiday traditions and a calendar full of fun festivities.
This season, bundle up with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy an evening at WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens or trek up Jockey’s Ridge for Kites with Lights, the iconic light show on the famous sand dunes. Grab some friends and reserve a backyard ski lodge at “Jingle 12”, the original of the seasonal 12 Bars of Christmas pop-up bars.
Tackle your Christmas shopping by visiting one of the many holiday markets in Manteo or Nags Head and support hundreds of local artists and vendors. Looking for a bit of holiday heritage? Take part in the Holiday Tour of Homes in Manteo, or visit the Christmas Past at Island Farm events.
Reach out to book your next holiday stay in the Outer Banks and experience the holiday magic at the beach! Check out our complete list of Outer Banks Rentals and don’t miss our Holiday Specials page for great deals on week long and partial week stays!
The Ultimate List of Outer Banks Holiday Events
Nov 14 & 28, Dec 12 Dowdy Park Holiday Markets | 9am-12pm | Nags Head
Nov 20 Merry Market | 5pm-8pm | Manteo
Nov 20-Dec 29 WinterLights at The Elizabethan Gardens | Daily 6pm- 9pm | Manteo
Nov 20-Dec 31 Misfit Bars of Christmas | 16 Participating OBX Restaurants & Bars
Nov 22 & 29 Soundside Holiday Market | 12pm-4pm | Nags Head
Nov 24 & 25 Garden to Heart at Island Farm | 9am-3pm | Manteo
Nov 25 Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile | 11am | Kill Devil Hills
Nov 26 OBX Gobbler 5k & Fun Run | 8am | Nags Head
Nov 27-Jan 3, 2027 The 12 Bars of Christmas | 12 Participating OBX Restaurants & Bars
Nov 27 & 28 Hangin’ with Santa at Kitty Hawk Kites | Fri 10am-2pm | Sat 1pm-4pm | Nags Head
Nov 28 Kites with Lights at Kitty Hawk Kites | 4pm-7pm | Nags Head
Nov 28 Dowdy Park Tree Lighting with Santa | 5pm-7pm | Nags Head
Dec 4 & 5 Christmas Past at Island Farm | 2pm-7pm | Manteo
Dec 4 Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting | 6pm | Manteo
Dec 5 Manteo Christmas Parade | 10:30am | Manteo
Dec 5 Manteo Preservation Trust Holiday Tour | 1pm-6pm | Manteo
Dec 5 Holiday Marlin Market at Pirate’s Cove Pavilion | 10am-4pm | Manteo
Dec 7 Washington’s Victory Tree Celebration | 10am-3pm | Manteo
Dec 12 Outer Banks Holiday Flotilla Boat Parade | 6pm | Manteo Waterfront Marina
Dec 16 Dowdy Park Candy Cane Hunt | 5pm-6pm | Nags Head
Dec 17 Wright Brothers Day – 123rd Anniversary | 8:30am-5pm | Kill Devil Hills
Dec 19 Harmony & Holidays Christmas Concert | 6pm | Manteo
Dec 31 Meet Me in Manteo New Year’s Eve Celebration | 6pm | Manteo
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