Our complete OBX Thanksgiving guide highlights the best places for Thanksgiving dinner, local holiday events, and top vacation rentals so you can enjoy a cozy coastal getaway.
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As autumn deepens and the Outer Banks settles into a quieter, more intimate pace, November brings a distinct charm to North Carolina's coastal gem. Thanksgiving in the Outer Banks is a time for gathering, celebrating, and exploring, with events that capture the area's rich history, community spirit, and scenic beauty. Here are a few of the events that you can expect to find this November in the Outer Banks!
You're vacationing on the Outer Banks so why not enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at a local Outer Banks restaurant? We've complied a list of restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day and/or offering a special Thanksgiving meal.
Thursday, November 27
10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
With plenty of local seafood dishes and classic favorites, there's something for everyone. Children under 5 eat free, with children from 5 to 12 years of age only cost $20.95. Adult meals cost $49.95, but keep in mind that this includes a buffet of gourmet food including sides and desserts. Walk-ins are welcome, but because tickets are limited, reservations are recommended! Drinks, tax, and gratuity are not included in the cost of the buffet ticket.
Thursday, November 27
1:00 PM until...
Start your Thanksgiving at The Jolly Roger with their legendary breakfast, served from 7:00–11:00 a.m. Then, beginning at 1:00 p.m., enjoy an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving Feast where all items are served on the first round, and guests can reorder their favorites. Take home leftovers to keep the holiday spirit going all weekend. Tickets are $35.95 per person (price subject to change for 2025).
Thursday, November 27
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Enjoy a buffet-style Thanksgiving feast featuring a blend of traditional American favorites and Coastal Carolina flavors. Savor coastal-inspired classics like shrimp and grits, fire-roasted turkey, crab bisque, country-fried oysters, green bean casserole, and sweet potato biscuits. Reservations are highly recommended as this popular Thanksgiving dinner typically sells out early. Adults tickets are $42 | Kids under 12 tickets are $15.
Thursday, November 27
11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Noosa Beach Grille is open regular business hours for Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy fine dining and delicious cocktails this holiday. Specials vary and reservations are recommended.
Thursday, November 27
3:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal and more, beautifully presented on rustic wooden boards. Tickets are $60 per person and reservations are recommended.
Thursday November 27th
Mulligan's Grille is open regular business hours for Thanksgiving Day, which means you can enjoy their food all day! Enjoy delicious food and drinks in their tiki bar while you take in the ocean views on Thanksgiving.
*2025 details TBD
Thursday November 27th
Captain Georgie's Seafood Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills, NC, is open Thanksgiving day to host their annual Thanksgiving buffet. Tickets are $49.99 per person and the buffet opens at 11AM.
Thursday November 27th
Salt & Cypress invites guests to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Buffet by the bay, featuring a feast of classic favorites and coastal-inspired dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. For those celebrating at home, the restaurant also offers convenient Thanksgiving Takeout options, ensuring a delicious and effortless holiday meal.
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Tuesday, November 25 – Wednesday, November 26
9 am to 3 pm
Island Farm in Manteo invites you to join its annual Garden to Heart event! Learn about how families settled on Roanoke Island in the 1850s would have prepared for the winter months, as historic reenactors cook over the hearth, smoke meat in the smoke house, preserve vegetables, make candles, and more! For only $11 per attendee (ages 3 and younger get in free), visit this beautifully preserved mid-19th century farm to learn more about how our ancestors would have lived their day-to-day lives!
Wednesday, November 26
11 am
Get ready for the next day’s feast with the Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile! The Brewing Station invites you to a short run with a bit of partying to keep you going. For $45, you get to enjoy 4 beers (one every quarter mile), a backyard party after the race, a t-shirt, and prizes for the fastest male, female, and most creative holiday costume! If you’re not able to register prior to the event, not to worry – late registration is open at the same time as check-in (10am – 10:45am prior to the race start). So work off those calories you’ll be consuming tomorrow morning and join us in Kill Devil Hills, NC, at the Outer Banks Brewing Station!
Thursday, November 27
8 am to 11 am
If you’re still looking for more opportunities to prep yourself to gorge on Thanksgiving Day treats, look no further than the Annual Surfin' Turkey 5k! Start out Thanksgiving Day with an easy 3.1 mile jaunt are Hatteras Island, NC, or the shorter quarter-mile Puppy Drum Fun Run for kids 12 and under. The Fun Run is free to attend, but the 5k is $40 ($45 if you sign up day-of), but keep in mind that the Surfin’ Turkey 5k is a charity event, so your money is going to support the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund! The race will commence rain or shine, so start your holidays right with this quick and fun jog around Hatteras!
Thursday, November 27
8 am
If you’re not feeling up to a trip down to Hatteras, consider the Nags Head Gobbler 5K to get your blood pumping! Your kids can also participate in the Fun Run, commencing an hour afterwards. A light breakfast and coffee will be available for all participants, but as this is a family-friendly event, no alcohol will be permitted. The Tipsy Turkey is the event for that! No race day registration is available, so make sure you sign up before midnight on Sunday, November 24. The Gobbler registration fee is $45 and the Fun Run is $10 (this is a non-profit fund raiser). If you pick up your bib Wednesday evening before the race, you'll get a $5 refund.
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