Outer Banks Holiday Happenings 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year on the Outer Banks! Our small business community is bursting with holiday cheer. Supporting our local small businesses as well as giving back to our neighbors and local organizations is what the holiday season on the OBX is all about. There are also some great local events, markets as well as great kids’ events taking place from Corolla to Hatteras Island. Enjoy our Outer Banks Holiday Happenings list below and be sure to check them out!

12 Bars of Christmas
This annual Outer Banks event is a collaboration between twelve local restaurants that transform into 12 festive pop-up bars during the month of December! All are decked out with holiday flair and décor, with catchy holiday themed names, menus and drink specials. A portion of the proceeds of this holiday tour goes to local Outer Banks charities.
More information here.

Holiday Lights-Elizabethan Gardens
A holiday tradition not to be missed! Stroll along illuminated garden walks and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights that transform the ten-acre gardens into an enchanted wonderland. The radiant glow, holiday décor, and a crackling open-air fire, add to the festive atmosphere. Seasonal plants and holiday gifts will be available in the Gift Shop and Nursery. Check the schedule for designated nights of live entertainment.

Hatteras Village Christmas Parade
58372 N.C. Highway 12Hatteras, NC 27943
December 9, 2pm-5pm
Join in the fun of one of the most festive celebrations on Hatteras Island with this annual Christmas parade that has become a decades-long tradition for locals and holiday visitors alike. The Hatteras Island Christmas Parade combines local businesses, fire departments, the US Coast Guard, and non-profit organizations in a joyful and small-town parade that will inspire anyone to get into the holiday spirit.

Shuck Hatteras Oyster Festival
December 15-December 16, 2023
25099 NC Hwy 12Rodanthe, NC 27968
Get in on the Shuck Hatteras II Oyster Festival 2023! The Shellabration takes place December 15 – 16th and will be filled with community, music, and food!
View more information here.

Spirits of Christmas at Café Pamlico
Monday, December 11, 2023
Visit Cafe Pamlico for an unforgettable evening of culinary delights and holiday cheer at our exclusive Spirits of Christmas Dinner on Monday, December 11th 2023.
View more information here.

OBX Family Events:

Brew N’ Art Holiday Market & Selfies with The Grinch!
Outer Banks Brewing Station
December 15 4:30-7:30
Local artists and makers selling handmade gifts, the restaurant is hosting an oyster roast, meet and take selfies will Anna Elsa, and Olaf, and Doc Perkins playing live music.

Dine With Santa!
Blue Moon Beach Grill
Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 1-month in advance.  Walk-ins are always welcome, as well.
Sunday, December 17:  2:30 PM – 5 PM
Monday, December 18:  3 PM – 5 PM
Saturday, December 23:  1 – 4 PM
View more information here.

The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical-Theatre of Dare
Show Dates:
December 8, 9, 14, 15 & 16 at 7:30 p.m.
December 10 & 17 at 2:00 p.m.
It’s holiday time down in Armadillo Acres (North Florida’s premier mobile-living community), and everyone’s filled with warmth and beer. But when a freak bout of amnesia strikes the trailer park Scrooge, neighborly love is put to the test. Be on hand as Betty, Lin, and Pickles jingle all the way with some new neighbors in an all-new, all-trailer-park musical! This companion to the original GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL is just as much of a cat-fightin’, sun-worshippin’, chair-throwin’ good time-—but with tinsel and Keg Nog.
View more information here.

Soundside Holiday Markets
December 10 & December 17, 12-4pm
Nags Head Event Site
Featuring photos with Santa Claus, an appearance (or two) from the Grinch, a live camp fire to keep your hands and toes warm, Christmas tunes to sing along to, food trucks and 50+  favorite Outer Banks local makers and artisans.

Nags Head Church 4th Annual Christmas Stop
December 9 & 16, 5-8pm.
Nags Head Church is excited to host the 4th Annual Christmas Stop on December 9 and December 16 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Thousands of illuminated lights throughout the property at 105 W. Soundside Road in Nags Head transform the grounds into a winter wonderland. Snowballs will be flying around in the snowball arena with blizzard-like conditions. Gather around to hear the Christmas story while sipping on hot cocoa and nibbling on cookies. Photo ops are available for that perfect family Christmas picture. There will also be an opportunity for children to talk with Santa, create a Christmas keepsake and watch a favorite Christmas movie. Canned food donations are being accepted for the Beach Pantry
For more information here.

Merry ChrisMos – The 12 Days of ChrisMos
December 11, 2023
Hurricane Mo’s-Kitty Hawk
Get some shopping done with local artisans. Take selfies with the Grinch from 4 pm – 6 pm. Bring donations for the mobile food pantry.

Candy Cane Hunt Dowdy Park
December 14th,  4:45pm
We will gather under the pavilion, allow the littles hunt first, then ages 6 – 10 y/o will be in a separate area. Bring your flashlight.
View more information.

Outer Banks Holiday Market List:

• Dowdy Park Farmers Market, Dowdy Park, 12/9, 9-12pm.
  View info.
• Soundside Holiday Market, Aviation Park, 12/10, 12/17
• The 12 Days of ChrisMos, Hurricane Mo’s-Kitty Hawk, 12/11
• First Flight Holiday Markets, 100 Veterans Dr Kill Devil Hills, 12/12, 4-7pm
  View info.
• Brew N’ Art Holiday Market-Outer Banks Brewing Station, 12/15, 4:30-7:30

For more Outer Banks Holiday Events, visit www.outerbanks.org
Happy Holidays from the Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty family!