The holidays on the Outer Banks are a wonderful time. Spending time in this idillic area during this season is a unique and fun experience. Local stores feature a remarkable collection of creations and from Outer Banks artists and crafters. There’s lots of bakery creations, some music and a good amount of tradition. This post highlights some of our favorite Outer Banks holiday events.
OBX December Weather
The weather is generally cooperative—temperatures tend to be in the 50s or so. There is the occasional nor’easter to contend with, but that’s part of living on the Outer Banks. 
Looking for a white Christmas? Who knows…maybe. Back in 2010 there was a light snowfall—2-4” depending on the location on the Outer Banks. The big one, though, was the blizzard of 1989 dropping 10-13” of the white stuff on the Outer Banks and shutting everything down for a few days. But for the most part, anyone hoping for a white Christmas on the Outer Banks is probably better off watching the 1954 Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye film White Christmas, or just singing the Irving Berlin song.
Favorite Holiday Events
As Christmas gets closer the Outer Banks enters full-on holiday season celebration mode. One of the best events to check out is the Manteo Tree Lighting, always on the first Friday of December. This year that will be on December 2. It would be hard to imagine a more perfect celebration of small town life than an evening with local choirs singing, dancers on stage and Santa on hand to turn on the lights on the giant fir tree by the waterfront. That’s followed on Saturday by a wonderful holiday parade.
For quirkiness and fun, though, it’s hard to beat the Town of Duck and their Crab Tree lighting ceremony on the Town Green. Santa arrives in a firetruck, there’s live music and hot chocolate and crab pots strung with lights suggest the history of the town.
Corolla has quite a lot going on as well. One of the most popular annual happenings is the Whalehead Club candlelight tours. Don’t wait to make reservations, though. This one fills up quickly. Also in Corolla, check out Corolla Christmas Village on Friday and Saturday evenings. The event has classic old time holiday feel to it.
The Theater of Dare moved to a real theater in Kitty Hawk at the beginning of 2022 and they are now able to put on some truly first class productions. Be sure to check out the George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart play The Man Who Came to Dinner beginning December 2.
There are so many Outer Banks Holiday Events this time of the year. The summer hustle and bustle has gone away, but at this time of the year there is something for everyone to do.
More Fun Holiday Events
Winter Lights Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island
Stroll illuminated walks and discover the seasonal joy of lights, sights and sounds that transform the ten-acre gardens into an enchanted wonderland.
Tuesdays through Sunday throughout December except Christmas Day. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
December 3 US Fleet Forces Band Festival Park Roanoke Island
Great way to get in the holiday mood with traditional Christmas songs 7 to 8 p.m.
Friday, December 9 Outer Banks Jingle Jog
Outer Banks Running Company Starts at the Marketplace Shopping Center in
Southern Shores 8:00 am
December 15 Dowdy Park Candy Cane Hunt
Hunts for two younger age groups 5:30 to 6:30
Saturday, December 17 119th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ First Flight
Celebrate the 119th anniversary of the first successful powered, controlled flight. This year we will induct our 2021 Honoree Sally Ride to the Paul E. Garber Shrine. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
First Flight Holiday Market Dec 6, 17 and 20
Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills 10 AM to 2 PM
Seasons Greetings to you! We hope to see you here enjoying an Outer Banks Holiday Event soon!
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