With its serene beaches and historical charm, the Outer Banks is the ideal location for vacationers and residents alike. For those looking to spend some quality time within the community, the Outer Banks offers a variety of events year-round.
This holiday season, Sun Realty encourages you to enjoy all that Outer Banks has to offer. Here are some fun holiday events that will be sure to make your time here memorable!
Poulos Family Christmas – Occurs Daily Until December 31st
Gather up your friends and family for this spectacular Outer Banks tradition. The Poulos Family Christmas light display takes a whopping twelve weeks to prepare and costs over $3,500 a month in energy bills. Donations are welcome! This festive event has been featured on The Today Show and HGTV. Located on Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills.
Make an Elizabethan Ornament – Every Friday through December 30th (excluding December 23) at 11:00am
Enjoy some quality time with friends and family and learn how to create a 16th Century decoration. The settlers at Roanoke Island Festival Park teach you the skills needed to make a unique ornament that you’ll treasure year after year. This fun event is included with general admission to the Park. Located at 1 Festival Park in Manteo.
Elizabethan Manners, Dance and Games – Every Saturday Through December 31st (excluding Christmas Eve) at 2:00pm
Make sure to visit Roanoke Island Festival Park to experience 16th Century manners, dance and games including rolling hoops and balancing brooms. This event is included with general admission to the Park. Located at 1 Festival Park in Manteo.
WinterLights - Tuesday to Saturdays November 26-December 30 (Closed on Dec 24, 25, 31 and Jan 1); Fridays and Saturdays through January 21
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 décor 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 $11, Youth (ages 6-17) $9, Child (5 and under) $6. Canine $3. Extended passes available. Located at 1411 National Park Drive, Manteo.
Annual Deck the Walls Holiday Art Market-Saturday, December 9 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Support local businesses and vendors this holiday season at Farmdog Surf School and Momentum Fitness. A variety of unique local art and wares will be showcased, as well as prizes being raffled throughout the evening, with proceeds going back to the community to assist in the continued efforts to rebuild after Hurricane Matthew. Located at 2500 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head.
Illumination at the Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla-December 9 at 5:45pm
Enjoy singing by the students of the Water's Edge Village School, followed by the 6pm holiday illumination of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. This is a free event and all are welcome! The Whalehead Club is located at 1100 Club Road in Corolla.
Candlelight Christmas Tour-December 9th & 10th; December 16th & 17th
Candlelight Tours will feature live performances on Whalehead's original Steinway piano, caroling, refreshments, and an exclusive preview of the new Starkey Room exhibit and new acquisitions. Tours are very limited and are $20 per person. Advance Registration is required.
For more information and to register call 252-453-9040. Located at 1100 Club Road in Corolla, NC.
6th Annual Holiday at the Museum-December 10 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
With a Winter Wonderland train display, live entertainment, children’s holiday craft table, letters to Santa, refreshments and multi-themed fully decorated holiday trees, this event will be sure to please the whole family. Bring a donation for the food bank and receive 5% off all purchases. The event is free to the public and is sponsored by the Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located at 59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras.
Art of Centerpieces-December 10 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Decorate your home for the holidays with an elegant centerpiece that is uniquely yours. The Elizabethan Gardens will provide the base, greening pins and cuttings, as an instructor helps you create your masterpiece! Participants may choose to bring ribbon, ornaments or items from home. Class size is limited to 25 participants. Light refreshments will be served. Members: $20, Non-members: $25. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org. Located at 1411 National Park Drive, Manteo.
Hatteras Island Christmas Parade-December 10 at 2:00pm
Who doesn’t love a parade? Head to Hatteras for some hometown holiday spirit! When the parade is over, Santa even tours the village on one of the local fire trucks spreading holiday cheer! Located at 58372 N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras.
Santa at Island Farm-December 10 at 1:00pm
Enjoy hot apple cider and ginger cookies, take an ox-drawn wagon ride around the farm’s trails, and visit with Santa Claus by a warm fire in the farmhouse! A photographer will even be on hand to capture your visit. Admission is $8; children ages 5 and under are free. Located on Highway 64, Manteo.
Annual Holiday Market-December 10 from 2:00pm-5:00pm
Join TRiO Beer, Wine & Cheese for their annual holiday market where local artisans take over the mezzanine for an afternoon of holiday shopping fun! Shop jewelry, home decor, spa products, glassware, cheese boards, art, candles and more. This year, TRiO will also be raising money for the Outer Banks Community Foundation's Disaster Relief Fund. All vendor registrations are being donated directly to the fund and TRiO will donate $1 for every panini, glass of wine, and draught beer sold all day long! Located at 3708 N. Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk.
Jazz with Jingle-December 10 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Come in and do your holiday shopping from an All-Star collection of local artisan vendors at Waveriders Coffee & Deli. Grab food, coffee, beer or wine and shop till you drop! Live music will be entertaining shoppers all night. Located at 3022 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head.
Speaking of shopping local, don’t forget about the best gift of all - the gift of an Outer Banks vacation! Snag a Sun Realty gift certificate for the ones who truly appreciate the beauty that is the Outer Banks. For more information, please contact one of our Vacation Specialists at 888-853-7700. Happy holidays!