Posted by Bailey Wilson

Things to do During the Holidays on the Outer Banks

Experience the magic of December on the Outer Banks with festive holiday events, stunning winter sunsets, and incredible local food. Enjoy all the OBX luxuries without the summer crowds, and relax with family and friends during a peaceful coastal getaway.

Christmas on the Outer Banks

Christmas on the Outer Banks is packed with festive events, delicious food, and plenty of holiday cheer. Stroll through the enchanting Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens, sip local brews on seasonal bar crawls, and shop unique gifts at local holiday markets. It may not be summer, but the Outer Banks shines bright with beauty and excitement all season long.

New Years on the Outer Banks

The holiday fun on the Outer Banks doesn’t end after Christmas! Festive bar crawls continue, dazzling lights stay aglow, and the coast gets ready to ring in the New Year. Celebrate with fireworks in Manteo, enjoy a special New Year’s Eve dinner at Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café, join the classic countdown at the Outer Banks Brewing Station, or have a fun dinner at any open local restaurant. With so many exciting ways to welcome the new year, the OBX is the perfect place to celebrate.

OBX Holiday Markets

A gift feels extra special when it’s unique and perfectly suited for your loved ones. While visiting the Outer Banks this holiday season, explore local Christmas markets for one-of-a-kind gifts, festive treats, and holiday cheer. It’s the perfect opportunity for memorable Christmas shopping or even a little treat for yourself!

Dowdy Park Holiday Markets

December 13th, 2025

9:00AM - 12:00PM

Dowdy Park, 3005 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC

Soundside Holiday Market

December 14th, 2025

12:00PM - 4:00PM

Soundside Event Site, 6800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC

First Flight Holiday Market

December 19th, 2025

3:00PM - 7:00PM

Aviation Park, 103 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC

1st Annual Christmas Market

December 20th, 2025

10:00AM - 3:00PM

The Christmas Shop, 621 US Highway 64, Manteo, NC

December Events on the OBX

12 bars of Christmas

November 28th - December 31st

Hours vary by restaurant/bar

The 12 Bars of Christmas return for year three across Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo, offering 33 days of festive food, drinks, and events, with a holiday passport supporting local charities, keepsake ornaments, and chances to win prizes.

Winter Lights

November 21, 22, 23*, 26, 28, 29 | December 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th

6:00PM - 9:00PM

Take in the magic of the season at Winter Lights, where illuminated garden paths, festive décor, holiday shopping, and select nights of live entertainment transform the ten-acre gardens into an enchanting Outer Banks holiday wonderland. You can also join Voluntourism and volunteer at the gardens by applying here.

Corolla Village Christmas

November 28th - December 28th

5:00PM - 9:00PM

Enjoy two magical nights of family fun in Historic Corolla Village at a free holiday event featuring a festive market with 30+ local artists, food and sweets, live music, Santa storytime, commemorative photos, and twinkling holiday lights.

Christmas Past

December 5th & 6th, 2025

2:00PM - 7:00PM

Experience Christmas Past at Island Farm, where costumed interpreters, candlelit historic homes, traditional mid-1800s holiday crafts, St. Nicholas visits, festive treats, and family-friendly activities bring Roanoke Island’s early Outer Banks Christmas traditions to life.

Whalehead’s Candlelight Christmas Tour

December 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th

5:30PM - 6:30PM

Step back to the 1920s at Whalehead Mansion in Corolla, where period décor, festive greenery, Christmas trees, traditional treats, live Steinway piano music, and holiday carols create a charming historic Outer Banks Christmas experience.

Manteo Tree Lighting

December 5th, 2025

6:00PM - 8:00PM

Join the locals at the Manteo Tree Lighting, a beloved Outer Banks holiday tradition that fills the waterfront with sparkling lights, festive music, and unforgettable seasonal cheer.

Duck Yuletide Celebration

December 6th, 2025

3:00PM - 5:00PM

Kick off the holiday season at the 15th Annual Duck Yuletide Celebration, featuring live music, family activities, tasty treats, the tree lighting, and a visit from Santa at Duck Town Park.

Christmas Parade

December 6th, 2025

10:30AM - 12:00PM

Enjoy the festive Manteo Christmas Parade, where colorful floats, lively marching bands, and plenty of holiday spirit bring the streets of this charming Outer Banks town to life.

Misfit Bars of Christmas

November 21st - December 31st

Hours vary by restaurant/bar

Experience the Misfits Bars of Christmas Crawl, where 16 Outer Banks bars and restaurants showcase over-the-top holiday décor, festive menus, and signature seasonal drinks, all while supporting local charities and spreading Christmas cheer.

A Charlie Brown Jazz & Holiday Favorites Concert with the Eric Mintel Quartet

December 6th, 2025

Doors open at 6:00PM

Enjoy the holidays with the Eric Mintel Quartet as they bring A Charlie Brown Christmas to life, performing Vince Guaraldi’s beloved soundtrack, original holiday compositions, and festive jazz classics in a family-friendly concert at Dare Arts.

Caroling by the OBX Chorus

December 6th, 2025

1:30PM

Celebrate the season with The Outer Banks Chorus at Outlets Nags Head, where their festive voices, sing-alongs, and holiday cheer create a heartwarming afternoon of music, shopping, and family fun.

6th Annual Christmas Stop

December 11th - 13th

5:00PM - 8:00PM

The 6th Annual Christmas Stop at Nags Head Church offers three festive evenings of holiday fun, featuring a train ride through twinkling lights, snowball arena, visits with Santa, holiday crafts, and complimentary cocoa and cookies for a free, family-friendly Outer Banks Christmas event.

Holiday Hustle 5K & Elf Dash

December 13th, 2025

3:45PM - 6:00PM

Take part in the Holiday Hustle 5K & Elf Dash in Kill Devil Hills, a festive twilight run or walk through the decorated Aviation Park, complete with post-race snacks and plenty of holiday cheer for all ages.

Outer Banks Holiday Flotilla

December 13th, 2025

6:00PM - 7:00PM

Attend the Outer Banks Holiday Flotilla at the Manteo Waterfront Marina, where festively decorated boats parade along the water, filling the evening with twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and magical fun for all ages.

Dowdy Park Candy Cane Hunt

December 17th, 2025

5:00PM - 6:00PM

Bring the family to Dowdy Park for a festive candy cane hunt, where kids in two age groups can search for sweet treats with flashlights, holiday spirit, and plenty of fun in this beloved Nags Head holiday tradition.

C hristmas Vacation Station New Year’s Eve Party

December 31st, 2025

10:30PM - 2:00AM

Ring in the New Year at Outer Banks Brewing Station with DJ Smilez, a festive balloon drop, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and a night full of music, fun, and unforgettable holiday vibes.

Midnight Magic in Manteo

December 31st, 2025

6:00PM - 9:00PM

Celebrate a family-friendly New Year’s Eve in Downtown Manteo with food vendors, kids’ games, giveaways, a DJ, live music by Riggsbee Road, and a spectacular fireworks display at 8 p.m., plus drinks from local bars to enjoy at the historic courthouse.

Where to Stay on the Outer Banks

Stay with Outer Banks Blue this holiday season for a cozy and unforgettable December getaway. Our fully equipped vacation rentals provide the perfect home base to enjoy OBX holiday events, festive traditions, and family-friendly activities while escaping the winter hustle. With private, spacious accommodations by the beach, you can relax, create new holiday memories, and experience the Outer Banks at its most magical time of year.