Outer Banks for the Holidays

December at the Beach is certainly not traditional Currier & Ives (no snow), but it is a wondrous and magical place to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. The temperature is usually sunny and mild (mid 50’s or 60’s) and the seashore is always sparkling and glorious. Our local restaurants offer tidings of comfort and joy to all who travel here during the holidays, with delectable feasts and lots of festive cheer. We are a giving community, and no one goes hungry on our watch…as we all come together to ensure needy families are taken care of by a variety of fundraisers, Angel Trees and Food Pantry Donations. The spirit of giving lives on the Outer Banks.

Outer Banks vacation rental homes are now at off season rates and many properties allow short stays of as little as three days. Additionally, we can offer flexible days for check in and checkout to fit your family’s schedule.. For more information please call 800.548.9688.

Give your friends or loved one a gift certificate for an Outer Banks vacation rental home. Please call our office 800-548-9688 to order yours today. Gift certificates are available starting at $100.

Village Realty participates in the OBX Angel Tree and coordinates with the local Social Services office to ensure that they help as many children and families as possible during the Christmas Holidays. Village Realty matches every dollar raised by employees, and the different departments compete to raise the most money! Past fundraisers include a chili cookoff, Wii Bowling Tournament, and raffles for gift baskets, a hot tub, a free week at a luxury condo, two new bikes and more. The Village Realty People have raised several thousand dollars over the years and these funds will help make the holidays a little brighter for some local children.

Holiday Events

Hotline Festival of Trees ~ (Manteo and MP16.5/Nags Head)
December 1-3, 2011
Taking place in both Manteo and Nags Head this year, Hotline’s Festival of Trees is an annual fundraiser that benefits the crisis intervention programs on the Outer Banks. There will be a variety of Christmas trees decorated by area businesses, music, a visit by Santa and a bazaar. The Festival culminates with the auction of the fully decorated and gift-laden trees at the Holiday Social at Jennette’s Pier Saturday December 3. www.OBHotline.org or 252.473.5121.

Manteo First Friday and Christmas Tree Lighting ~ (Manteo)
Friday December 2, 2011
Starting at 4pm in Downtown Manteo, shops will be open late and there will be live musicians throughout the waterfront are from 6 to 8pm. Finally, the Christmas tree in front of the historic courthouse will be lit with much good cheer. Featuring a Yule Log, Cider, Christmas Carols.

Manteo Christmas Parade ~ (Manteo)
Saturday December 3, 2011
The entire town will be celebrating the spirit of Christmas with their annual parade and festivities. All are welcome!

Christmas Past at Island Farm ~ (Roanoke Island/Manteo)
Saturday December 10, 2011
Explore Island Farm by candlelight and experience an 1850s Southern Christmas. Discover the origins of some of our favorite Christmas traditions as interpreters bring to life the festivities of the season. Visit the farmhouse decorated for the holiday. Warm yourself by a crackling fire as you sip a hot cup of wassail. Enjoy the chorus of carolers and bring the children to see a Christmas tree decorated with authentic burning candles. Start a new holiday tradition with Island Farm! For more information, call 252.473.6500 or visit www.theislandfarm.com.

Elizabethan Gardens Festival of Lights ~ (Manteo)
December 3-30, 2011
Come experience Holiday lights and music transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland complete with peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures created with flowers, seeds, natural elements, as well as traditional holiday decorations. The Grand Illumination premier will be held on December 3 from 6 to 9pm, and the Festival of Lights will continue Tuesdays through Saturdays, December 4-30 (excluding December 24&25). The gift and plant shops will be open with many live plants and seasonal gifts at special prices. For tickets and more information please call The Elizabethan Gardens at 252.473.3224 or visit www.ElizabethanGardens.org

Click Here for Special Accommodations Packages with complimentary tickets to the Festival of Lights!

5th Annual Whalehead Club Holiday Illumination ~ (MP 11/Corolla)
Saturday December 10, 2011
Come to the Whalehead Club for complimentary tours of the house museum festively decorated as the Knights would have done back in the 1920s. Free hot chocolate and seasonal carols sung by the Currituck County High School Choral Ensemble, while Currituck Heritage Park’s giant cedar tree and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse are simultaneously illuminated for the holidays! Treat yourself to an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride through the park with Carolina Carriages, starting at 2:00 pm.

The Poulos’ House of Lights ~ (Kill Devil Hills)
Take a drive in the evening to Ocean Acre’s in Kill Devil Hills (turn onto Ocean Acres Drive at ‘Pigman’s BBQ’ and follow the road to the end) for a magical wonderful of Christmas lights, decorations, free cider or cocoa, walking tour of the Poulis House or simply drive by (s l o w l y) and enjoy this award winning display. The Poulis House was featured as one of the BEST HOLIDAY DISPLAYS in AMERICA on NBC “The Today Show”.

The Outer Banks Christmas Shop ~ (Manteo)
The Outer Banks Christmas Shop is open year ‘round and is truly a magical place. If you have not been then make time to visit; there is something for everyone here. The shop is located in Manteo. www.OuterBanksChristmas.com or 252.473.2838.