There is something quite special about celebrating the holidays, especially on an island. The Outer Banks is the perfect place to spend Christmas and maybe even New Years’. The Island celebrates what they call “OBXmas Weekends”. Each weekend, starting on Thanksgiving through Olde Christmas, January 6, you can take part in over a month of holiday activities and fun for the entire family.
Visiting the OBX during the holidays is a great option for those driving to their destinations. The serene and beautiful beach offers lots of culture and history, without making the drive all the way down to Florida for the warmth. There are many vacation rentals in Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Corolla, Manteo, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Rodanthe, and Hatteras Island, so there are plenty of options for the perfect home. As the holiday season quickly approaches, here are a few of our favorite things to do to visit during an Outer Banks Christmas vacation.
Duck’s Yuletide Celebration
Wander through Duck village and mark off your Yuletide Elf Hunt Passport, as you find all of the elves. There are several shops and locations that participate in the scavenger hunt. Once you complete your hunt, children can turn in their passport for a gift. You will also experience carolers from First Flight High School while enjoying some hot chocolate. Enjoy the tree lighting of the Crab Pot Tree and even wait for Santa’s arrival at Duck Town Park as you listen to live holiday music.
Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Garden
Visit a garden illuminated at WinterLights in Manteo, North Carolina. You can experience a winter wonderland during the cool months on the island. See each section of the garden lit up and decorated with Christmas lights while listening to your favorite carols. Once you have finished strolling through the park, head into the gift shop and warm up by the toasty fire, grab a snack or souvenir and visit with others. The beautiful light display is something you don’t want to miss.
Christmas Parades
Nothing says Christmas quite like a Christmas parade. They keep kids entertained and they are free. There are several options of Christmas parades on the Outer Banks. You can attend the Hatteras Island Christmas Parade, where you can have nice, warm cookies and hot chocolate as well as climbing up the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Or you could attend the Manteo Christmas Parade and admire the creative and unique floats, festive music and all around great atmosphere. Enjoy downtown Manteo while spreading the Christmas cheer with your favorite holiday traditions. Walk through the town of Manteo while following the parade for some of the best snacks and beverages.
See Poulos Family Light Up Kill Devil Hills
The Poulos Family Christmas is a light display that has become one of the most beloved holiday events for many OBX locals. Come and see the expansive holiday display in person to see why everyone falls in love. The spectacular Christmas light display at their home in Kill Devil hills has won NBC Today SHows Annual Christmas Light Competition and has even been featured on HGTV! The Poulos Family takes this time of year very seriously when decorating. Check out the beautiful Christmas house while exploring the island.
Holiday Bazaar
The annual Outer Banks Entrepreneurs holiday Bazaar is held at the Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront in Kill Devil Hills. There are over 50 vendors at the event showcasing their handmade items and goods. There are door prizes to win and of course live music. It is pet-friendly, so let your furry friends in on some fun as well. Spread the holiday cheer at the bazaar, and enjoy the island getaway, Christmas edition.
These holidays are such a special time of the year, From the cheer to the decorations, you will have a blast in the Outer Banks. For a day trip and an opportunity to see even more lights, head up to Roanoke Island for the day and see all of their lights and Christmas cheer as well. We hope to see you soon, and happy holidays.