Outer Banks Christmas and Holiday Events 2017

The days are flying by and before you know it, the holidays will be here along with dozens of annual holiday celebrations on the Outer Banks. Let this list be your guide to all the holiday joy and Christmas cheer on the OBX this year!

Hangin' With Santa and Kites With Lights

Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head | Nov. 24 - 25 | Website

Head out and visit Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey's Ridge Crossing for two free holiday festivals this year! Go visit and get your pictures with Santa on November 24th from 10am to 2pm and November 25th from 1pm to 4pm. Besides all the holiday cheer, they're also great sales going on in the stores! Make sure to stay out later on November 25th from 4pm to 6pm for a holiday light display like no other! Kites will be flying with lights atop Jockey's Ridge, and they will also be lighting their famous solar Christmas Tree!

WinterLights - Presented by Southern Bank

Elizabethan Gardens | Nov. 25 - Jan. 20 | Website

Looking for an impressive Christmas light display to spend an evening walking through? Look no further! Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday decor and fantastical displays are a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Seasonal gift shop and plant sales coincide. Adults $11, Youth (ages 6-17) $9, Child (5 and under) $6. Extended passes available.  Tuesdays to Saturdays in December; Friday and Saturdays in January, November 25 thru January 20   (Closed on Dec 24,25, 31 and Jan 1); For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit the website link above.

Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade

Downtown Manteo | Dec. 1 - 2 | Website

Join in the festivities this year in downtown Manteo, spending the evening enjoying holiday music performances and a grand finale of the lighting of the Christmas Tree! On Friday, the town center is completely in the holiday spirit, and shops stay open later for evening shoppers. Don't forget to take a stroll on the boardwalk to view boats with Christmas lights! Then on Saturday after, head into town for the annual Christmas Parade! Santa will be at the boathouse after the parade on Saturday, sponsored by the Manteo Elementary PTO.

Manteo Holiday Tour of Homes

Downtown Manteo | Dec. 2 

This annual walking tour features both historic homes and newer homes that honor Manteo's distinctive architecture and cultural way of life. Tickets are $20 and will be available at 11:30 on the day of the tour, at the Outer Banks Distillery, home of Kill Devil Rum. Light refreshments wil lbe served and a brochure showing participating homes.

Outer Banks Festival of Trees

Ramada Hotel, Nags Head | Dec. 1 - 2 | Website

The Festival of Trees is a unique community fundraiser that supports programming, services, shelter, training, information and resources for Outer Banks Hotline, addressing domestic and sexual violence in the Outer Banks. This year's event is a Monte Carlo benefit at the Ramada Hotel in Kill Devil Hills. The culmination of the Festival is an auction of donated, decorated Christmas Trees and Holiday Objects at a catered Gala Holiday Social. Make sure to look for Village Realty's tree!

Breakfast with Santa - Sponsored by Village Realty

Pamlico Jacks, Nags Head | Dec. 3 | Website

Please join us Sunday, December 3rd for a delicious buffet breakfast at Pamlico Jack's restaurant, followed by some one-on-one time with the big man himself! A photographer will be on hand to take photos with Santa, which you will be able to access and share on Facebook or by email. Tickets are just $10 in advance or at the door. Cash only please. All proceeds are matched by Village Realty and donated to the Dare County Angel Gift Program, so that families in need may receive some assistance during the holiday season. 

Visit Village Realty, email marketing@vrobx.com or call 252-449-9235 today!

4th Annual Beach Food Pantry Holiday Chefs Challenge

Duck Woods Country Club | Dec. 8 | Website

A can't miss culinary event! Watch Outer Banks chefs compete for the title of "Prince or Princess of Canned Goods" during this unique challenge. During this benefit for the Beach Food Pantry, each chef has 60 minutes to cook a dish using items that the pantry would normally keep in stock. One of the items used must be a canned good! Attendees and a three-judge panel vote for their favorite dishes. Tickets are $60 per person and include event entrance, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and two beverages (select beer, wine, and soft drinks). A cash bar will also be available. Enjoy a festive evening at Duck Woods Country Club in Southern Shores featuring a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and DJ music. Tickets are on sale now at the event website above.

Saint Nicholas Arrives at Island Farm

Island Farm, Manteo | Dec. 9 | Website

See what celebrating Christmas looked like decades ago! Saint Nicholas himself arrives by an ox-drawn wagon at 12pm. Visit with him by a crackling fire in farmhouse. A photographer will be on hand to capture your visit with St. Nicholas. Photographs will be available for you to download for free. Take an ox-drawn wagon ride around the farm's trails from 12pm until 2pm. Enjoy hot apple cider and ginger cookies at the visitors center. Admission $8; children ages 5 and under are free. 

Poulos Family Christmas Light Display

Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills | Ongoing | Website

There's always that one house in the neighborhood... except this is that one house on the Outer Banks! Head to the end of Ocean Acres Drive in Kill Devil Hills, NC to witness the greatest Christmas light show on private property in Dare County! The Poulos Family's display has been featured on the Today Show and HGTV but you get the chance to witness in person! Take your time enjoying all the hard work and labor involved in this display. You can walk throughout the property, enjoying Christmas music in the air and a bonfire crackling away in the driveway. Make sure to sign the guestbook and show your appreciation!

New Year in the New World Celebration

Downtown Manteo | Dec. 31 | Website

Head to downtown Manteo for the inaugural New Year in the New World celebration! Two Manteo businesses, Poor Richard’s and Bluegrass Island, are putting together a New Year’s Eve street fair party the likes of which the Outer Banks has never seen! The town is closing the downtown streets so that everybody can gather for live music, family-friendly activities and an early ball drop for the kids. Local food vendors will be on site and the downtown restaurants and bars will be open late. Topping it off is a full-on fireworks show, the largest in the state, choreographed to music! Don't miss this brand new Outer Banks event and fantastic way to ring in the New Year in the "New World!"

Where to Stay

As you can see, December is a magical time to be on the Outer Banks. The enjoyment when cherishing the company of loved ones is amplified when on a vacation away from your everyday routine. The natural beauty and wonders of the Outer Banks are second to none, and you owe yourself a visit during the holiday season! Find yourself cozy accommodations by following this link to search our inventory of beach homes and rental units. Don't forget, Village Realty now offers short stays starting at only two nights when booking within 30 days of arrival in the off-season! That means you can now book a holiday getaway over a weekend or any other convenient two night period! Enjoy all the perks of a rental house without being cramped in a hotel room!