25 Days of OBXMAS

25 Days of OBX-MAS

The Outer Banks is the perfect mix of old and new for holiday traditions. With tons of celebrations and events, there's never a shortage of things to do. We've compiled a list of our top 25 December events, so you can have your own 25 days of OBX-MAS celebrations.

December 1
Town of Duck Yuletide Celebration
On Saturday, the Town of Duck will hold its Yuletide Celebration. Enjoy live music, the lighting of Duck’s Crab Pot Christmas Tree, and Santa coming to town.

24th Annual Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is an annual fundraiser to benefit crisis intervention programs on the Outer Banks. Enjoy festive music, crafts for children, and a visit with Santa.
Jeanette’s Pier, Nags Head, NC

Manteo Christmas Parade
Winding through the streets of downtown Manteo, the Manteo Christmas Parade is a local tradition that brings out the cheer in everyone.

December 2
Winter Lights
Join the fun at the Elizabethan Gardens for the celebration of WinterLights. This grand twenty-two night event illuminates the gardens with festive lights, food and drinks, along with cozy fire pits to keep you warm. For more information, CLICK HERE.

December 3
Ladies Night at the Gardens
Compile your wish list this year at the Elizabethan Gardens. Champagne and light fare will compliment this casual shopping affair. For more information, please call 252-473-3234.

December 4
Poulos Family Christmas Lights
Featured on The Today Show and HGTV, this Outer Banks tradition is a must-see. The lights are on display from November through the first week of January. This Christmas light spectacular takes 12 weeks to set up and over $3,500 in energy bills every month.

Heading South on Rt. 158 into Kill Devil Hills
1. Proceed to light at Ocean Acres Drive (opposite McDonald’s)
2. Turn right at Ocean Acres Drive
3. The road will change from paved to gravel as you go up a hill. Just over the top of the hill you will find the Poulos home.
Viewing of the Poulos Family Christmas lights is held through December 31st.

December 5
First in Flight Holiday Lights
Home of the first flight, Kill Devil Hills offers a beautiful lighted display in Aviation Park from December 1 through December 31. Come and see the park illuminated and Kill Devil Hills’ 20’ foot Christmas tree!

December 6
Tanger Outlet Mall
Start your Christmas shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall, located in Nags Head. Offering more than 30 stores, there is something for everyone at the Tanger Outlet!

December 7
Make a ChristmaSEA craft
Everyday treasures wash up on the shores of the Outer Banks. With a little imagination, these gifts from the sea can be repurposed and used to create Christmas crafts. Make a Christmas tree out of driftwood and decorate it with shells, sea glass and other oceanfront findings. Collect shells with the kids and then turn them into one of a kind ornaments, you'll save and treasure to remember your OBX-MAS.

December 8
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Winter Climb
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be open for this unique winter climb from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, December 8th. Climbers are required to be at least 42 inches tall, and the climb is FREE to all!

Hatteras Village Christmas Parade
After your climb at the Lighthouse, drive over to the Hatteras Village to enjoy their annual Christmas parade. The parade will begin at Teach’s Lair Marina at 2 pm, and will wind through the village. After the parade, make sure to stop by the Community Building to enjoy home-made treats and hot chocolate, and participate in the announcement of the winning floats.

December 9
Spread Some Holiday Cheer
Spread some holiday cheer and make a difference in someone's life. Sun Realty employees donate their time every holiday season to the Salvation Army and Albemarle Food Pantries. Consider making a donation to a local charity and spread some OBX-MAS cheer.

December 10
The Christmas Shop and Island Gallery
In Manteo, you’ll find the Outer Banks’ original Christmas Shop. With five connected buildings totaling 12,000 square feet, wander through room after room of Christmas delight. Since 1967 visitors have been discovering its magic within the walls of this winter wonderland. Make sure to find your magic this year at the Christmas Shop.

December 11
Watch the Sun Set at Jockey's Ridge State Park
Head over to the tallest sand dune on the East Coast for a sunset that will take your breath away. Every year the National Park Service places a Christmas tree on the highest sand dune in Jockey's Ridge State Park. The beautiful views and Christmas tree make great backdrops for holiday photos.

December 12
Outer Banks Brewing Station presents Santa and the Train
Stop in the Outer Banks brewing station this holiday season for some seasonal treats. They make their own beer in-house, and create many local favorites such as shrimp and grits. On December 12th, have your picture taken with Santa, enjoy Christmas cards and games, and ride the Santa train! For more music events and menu viewing, please CLICK HERE. 

December 13
Geminids Meteor Shower
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a great place to catch one of the best meteor showers of the year. With minimal street lights and miles of empty deserted beaches, you're bound to see at least one shooting star tonight. It's possible to see up to 20 meteors per hour during the Geminids Meteor Shower.

December 14
Have Christmas under the Sea
Visit the North Carolina Aquarium, located in Manteo this Christmas, and enjoy seeing all the sea creatures indigenous to the area. Watch an aquarium shark dive, or learn about sea turtles and otters. For more information regarding hours and events, please CLICK HERE.

December 15
Fishing with Santa at Jennette’s Pier
Join Santa and the pier staff for an enjoyable morning of fishing and crafts. All ages are welcome to fish with Santa; just make sure your register by Friday, December 14th.

December 16
Outer Banks Family Carols
Located at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kitty Hawk, this program is presented in conjunction with the Eastern Carolina Concert Society and is sure to get you in mood for the holidays. Musicians include a brass quintet from the VA Beach Symphony, local choir members and singers from across the area, members of the First Flight High School chorus program, and more!
Anyone wishing to sing in the community choir is invited to the only rehearsal at 3:00 pm on the day of the program.
For more information email sgbstock@gmail.com

December 17
109th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight
Every year, the Outer Banks celebrates the birth of modern aviation at the site of the Wright Brothers first flight in Kill Devil Hills. Fun aviation programs and activities are offered all day long. Enjoy this historical achievement that happened on this site a century ago, where dreams really did take flight.

December 18
Book a Tour to Visit the Wild Horses of Carova
Come and see the Wild Spanish Mustangs of the Outer Banks this Christmas—the original locals of the area. Make sure to bundle-up as the winds tend to be a little chilly while touring. For more information, visit the Corolla Wild Horses website.

December 19
Take a Holiday Boat Ride
Take a holiday boat ride on the Crystal Dawn or head over to Ocean Atlantic Rentals and rent a kayak for the day. Winter on the Outer Banks is the perfect time to explore the sound and see the natural beauty of the area.

December 20
Holiday Family Portrait
Commemorate your coastal Christmas with a holiday family portrait on the beach. To search for local photographers, please CLICK HERE.

December 21
First Day of Winter
Celebrate the first day of winter today! Grab some blankets and a good book, and snuggle-up on the beach with your loved ones or hop in your hot tub and watch the tides change. Either way, warm your soul on the first day of winter.

Doomsday 5K
Outer Banks Runcations is excited to announce its newest race, the “Doomsday 5K.” The race starts at Jennette’s Pier, with custom trophies and medals to be awarded. To register, CLICK HERE.

December 22
I Survived the End of the World Race
Outer Banks Runcations is also offering an “I Survived the End of the World Race” after the Mayan Calendar’s Doomsday prediction. The race starts at Jennette’s Pier, with custom trophies and medals to be awarded. To register, CLICK HERE.

December 23
WinterLights—Come See Santa
Come and see Santa before his big day at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo. Admissions to the Winterlights is required: WinterLights

December 24
Look for Signs of Santa on the Beach
Take a moonlit walk on the beach with the kids and look for signs of Santa in the sky. With an endless view of the horizon, you'll have a great view of the sky and plenty of chances to see Santa riding by.

December 25
Have yourself a Merry OBX-Mas!