The Outer Banks is a cherished vacation spot all year, but there's something truly enchanting about it during the holiday season! From November 29th to December 31st, 2024, a dozen locals’ favorite restaurants will present the 12 Bars of Christmas, bringing extra cheer to the Outer Banks while transforming into festive winter wonderlands, each with its own unique holiday theme and menu. Beyond the seasonal food and drinks, these venues will host a variety of special holiday events. From live music and holiday markets to gingerbread house decorating contests, there will be plenty of fun and festive activities to enjoy throughout the season.
All 12 bars and restaurants are open to the public. For $10, you can purchase a 12 Bars of Christmas passport, benefitting 12 local charities, at any of the participating restaurants. After visiting each location and collecting 12 stamps on your passport, turn in your completed passport to any of the restaurants to receive a 12 Bars of Christmas keepsake ornament. Tear off and submit your passport stub to be entered to win the giveaway after the New Year!
New for 2024, the 12 Bars will be presenting a Kids Quest scavenger hunt, a fun way for children to partake in the event! Like the adult passport challenge, all proceeds are donated to local Outer Banks charities. Kids of all ages can participate by purchasing a $5 Kids Quest booklet at any of the 12 restaurants beginning November 29th. After collecting 3 or more stamps in their booklet, they can enter to win one of the epic prizes!
Here's a list of participating bars and restaurants:
Poor Rudolf's
Poor Richards Sandwich Shop, 305 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo
Deck the Hulls
Outer Banks Distilling, 510 Budleigh St, Manteo
North Pole Yacht Club
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, 2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo
‘Ol Cedar Brown’s
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café, 7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
Pura Vida 518 is just 0.3 miles away!
Jingle 12
Lucky 12 Tavern, 3308 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
Southern Cross 420-C, Raven’s Nest 425-A, Wishin 4 Fishin 470, and Angels Landing 488 are less than a quarter mile away!
Mama Klaus's
Mama Kwan's Tiki Bar & Grill, 1701 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
Pelican Briefs 397-D, Drop Anchor 389-C, Hook, Wine & Sinker 389, and Moon Shadow 447 are less than half a mile away!
The Broken Candy Cane
Bonzer Shack, 1200 S Va Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills
‘Til Next Time 387-B, OBX Magic SDV-201, Coastal Condo SDV-103, A Shore Thing VP-204, Seawatch 380-A, and Mel’s Place ADV3-A3 are less than a quarter mile away!
Jack Frost's Cheer & Burger Joint
Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, 800 S Va Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills
Birch 385, The Wright View OBC-402, and Got Beach? 381-B are less than a quarter mile away!
Christmas Vacation Station
Outer Banks Brewing Station, 600 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
Family & Friends 378-B, Isabel 375-C, and Sea Squirt 375 are less than half a mile away!
Goombrrrs
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar, 1608 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills
Benton 333-B, Nautilus TGS-D2, Ocean Hideaway CRS-301, and Dolphin Sunset SHW-6 are less than a quarter mile away!
Holly Jolly Christmas
Jolly Roger Restaurant, 1836 N Va Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills
Making Waves 334-A, Making Memories 388, Vanderhoof 322-A, and Hurricane Katie 323-A are less than a quarter mile away!
McCallister's Corner
Two Roads Tavern, 3105 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
Flip Flops N’ Pop Tops 306-A, Mitchell 312-A, Sun and Sand 330-A, Sun and Sand II 330-B, and Baby’s Dream 315 are less than half a mile away!
Here are a few tips for making the most of your 12 Bars of Christmas experience:
* Start planning early and map out your route. Don’t feel like driving? Check out the OBX Party Sleigh, offering VIP pub crawls, running 4 different routes, and visiting 3 bars on each route. Find more information and purchase tickets here.
* Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable on the Outer Banks during the winter months.
* Be sure to pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
* All the stops offer non-alcoholic holiday drinks, plus many offer festive food and snacks for children.
* Have fun and enjoy the festive atmosphere!
The 12 Bars of Christmas is a great way to experience the Outer Banks during the holiday season. With so many participating bars and restaurants, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Gather your friends and family, and get ready to celebrate the Outer Banks way!
Sun Realty is a proud sponsor of this event. For the most up-to-date information, check out the 12 Bars of Christmas on Instagram (@12barsofchristmas), Facebook, and their website.