Outer Banks Christmas and Holiday Events 2021
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. 27 | Learn More
Head out and visit Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey's Ridge Crossing for a holiday celebration! You'll get to view 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. Refreshments will be made available and admission is free to the event.
WinterLights - Presented by Southern Bank
Elizabethan Gardens | Nov. 28 - Jan. 16 | Learn More
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 $12, Youth (ages 6-17) $10, Child (5 and under) $7. Extended passes available. (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. 2 - 4 | Learn More
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 Thursday, Santa's coming to town! He'll be riding in his sleigh and visiting the children of Manteo. 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!
First Flight Holiday Markets
Aviation Park - Kill Devil Hills | Nov. 20th and 23rd, Dec. 7th and 18th | Learn More
If you're looking for the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones, or just want to shop a hoilday market, the First Flight Holiday Markets are the place to be! Shop handmade, homebaked, and homegrown local goods.
Whaleheads Candlight Christmas Tour
Whalehead in Historic Corolla | Nov. 26 - Dec. 18 | Learn More
The Whalehead Mansion is a sight to see during the holidays. Walk through and admire the beautiiful traditional holiday decor, Christmas trees, and greenery throughout. Live performances will be held on an original Steinway piano along with traditional Christmas carols. Admission is $20.00 per person and reservations are required.
Jingle Jog Christmas Run
The MarketPlace Shopping Center, Southern Shores | Dec. 18 | Learn More
Join in on a fun and festive holiday run in Southern Shores. The Jingle Jog Christmas Run offers three different options - 5k/10k, Jingle Jog 1 Mile, and the Little Elf 1/4 Mile and the courses will take you oceanside in the quaint community of Southern Shores. Santa willl also be making an appearance! Post race you can take pictures with Santa and enjoy refreshements. For the 5k/10k/1 Mile, the cost to register is Adult $40 and Youth 12 & Under $38. For the Quarter Miles Ages 1-10, the cost is $10.
The Mennicucci Family Christmas Light Display
Hand of Gold Home Improvements and the Mennicucci Family are excited to welcome you to their Christmas light display this year! Located at 206 Clamshell Dr in Kill Devil Hills, you'll find the lights turn on at dusk and usually stay on until 9:00 p.m. Be sure to tune your radio to 107.9 FM when driving by to hear the music that goes with the dancing lights! Instead of charging an admission fee, they ask you to bring donations for the Beach Food Pantry. Items that are needed are canned tomatoes, mac, and cheese, canned chicken, complete pancake mix, cooking oil, canned veggies/fruits, soup, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, personal care items, or anything you can afford to donate. All donations will be delivered to the Beach Food Pantry by the Mennicucci Family on December 26th.
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!
