Outer Banks Christmas and Holiday Events

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. While enjoying your Outer Banks rental, let this 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. 25 & 26 | Learn More

Head out and visit Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey's Ridge Crossing for a holiday celebration and light display like no other! Super convenient from your Nags Head rental, the kites (and lights!) will be flying atop Jockey's Ridge, and they will also be lighting their famous solar Christmas Tree. Enjoy refreshments and free admission to the event. 

WinterLights 

Elizabethan Gardens | Nov. 25 - Dec. 30 | Learn More

Looking for an impressive, walk-through Christmas light display? Look no further! Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the season's joy 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 $16, Youth (ages 6-17) $12, Child (ages 2-5) $8, Dog $5. Extended passes are available. Closed on Dec 24 & 25. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit the website link above. 

Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade

Downtown Manteo | Dec. 1 - 3 | Learn More (Watch for more details to be confirmed!)

Details will be confirmed, but plan to join in the festivities this year in downtown Manteo, with holiday musical performances and a grand finale 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 in the holiday spirit, and shops typically stay open later for evening shoppers. Don't forget to stroll on the boardwalk to view boats with Christmas lights! Then, on Saturday, head into town for the annual Christmas Parade! 

Christmas on the North End

Island Farm, Manteo | Dec. 1 - 3 | Learn More

History comes alive at the Island Farm in Manteo! You’ll learn something new as costumed interpreters share how Roanoke Island families celebrated the Christmas holiday in the mid-1800s. The Farm homeplace will be decorated, while interpreters demonstrate traditional mid-19th century traditions of food, celebration, and holiday crafts. Have your picture taken with St. Nicholas at the Farm! Admission for the event is $10 (4 and older); admission for children 0-3 is free. 

First Flight Holiday Markets

Aviation Park - Kill Devil Hills | Nov. 19, Dec. 6, 17, and 20 | Learn More 

If you're looking for the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones or want to shop at a holiday market, the First Flight Holiday Markets are the place to be! Shop for handmade, home-baked, and homegrown local goods. 

Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tour

Whalehead in Historic Corolla | Nov. 25 - Dec. 17 | Learn More

The Whalehead Mansion is a sight to see during the holidays! Walk through the area to enjoy the beautiful traditional holiday decor, Christmas trees, and greenery. Live performances and traditional Christmas carols (played on an original Steinway piano) will get you in the spirit! Admission is $20.00 per person, and reservations are required.

Jingle Jog Christmas Run

The MarketPlace Shopping Center, Southern Shores | Dec. 10 | 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. The courses will take you oceanside in the quaint community of Southern Shores. Santa will also be making an appearance! Post-race, you can take pictures with Santa and enjoy refreshments. For the 5k/10k/1 Mile, the cost to register is Adult $40, and for Youth 12 & Under $38. For the Quarter Mile 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, the lights turn on at dusk and usually stay on until 9:00 p.m. Tune your radio to 107.9 FM when driving by to hear the music synced with the dancing lights! Instead of charging an admission fee, they typicallly ask you to bring donations for the Beach Food Pantry. Items requested include 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. Donations will be delivered to the Beach Food Pantry by the Mennicucci Family immediately after the holiday.

Outer Banks Rentals You’ll Love At The Holidays

Persimmon House (formerly known as Amazing Grace) is a charming, oceanfront Corolla vacation rental in sleepy Historic Corolla Village. Less than 100 steps from the beach, you'll make great memories here. Whether you stay in to enjoy the views, frequent the beach, or shop in the village, Persimmon House is in the perfect location.

A walk down sandy Persimmon Street to the Village is like a step back in time. You can find the village coffee shop, juice bar, beer garden, and bookstore at the end of the street. If you are more adventurous, you can reach the 4x4 beach by walking about a mile up the beach, where the wild horse preserve begins.

Persimmon House has unobstructed lighthouse views to the west, uniquely situated to take in amazing sunrises and sunsets. Much of this home was recently renovated with thoughtfully curated sitting areas, historic décor, and comfortable bedding.

After a rejuvenating day at the beach, refresh in the private pool (warmer months) or unwind in the sauna. At night, you can stargaze in the outdoor spa. The beach is accessible via a maintained (but natural) sand dune. If navigating the dune proves to be a challenge, the Persimmon community beach access is just one house away.

Make A Wish is a perfect Nags Head rental, with December weeks available! This grand home with breathtaking views is a beautiful place to gather with a large family. You’ll have room to spread out with eight spacious bedrooms (five are oceanfront, with private entrances to your personal walkway to the beach). Come and watch the stars at night in the hot tub and relax to the sound of the ocean!

In warmer months, you’ll enjoy the private oceanfront pool. All year round, your family will enjoy features such as the recreation room with pool table, foosball table, theater room with surround sound system, card/poker room, outside speakers for pool & hot tub, multiple refrigerators, dishwashers, wet bars, and gas fireplace (available off-season).

Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Outer Banks Rental

December is a magical time to be on the Outer Banks! Enjoy the company of loved ones on vacation together, 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 cozy accommodations on our website anytime. For more information about specific Outer Banks communities, browse our homes and condos by town. Pet-friendly OBX rentals and rentals with flexible dates are available, too! Village Realty offers short stays starting at only three nights. That means you can book a holiday getaway over a weekend or any other convenient three-night period!

Contact us at (800) 441-8533 for information about flexible Christmas vacation check-in/out days. Interested in a Wednesday-to-Wednesday stay over Christmas break? No problem. We offer a selection of homes available for mid-week check-in/out over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

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