Guide To Your Outer Banks Christmas (2025)
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
Photo Credit: Dnipro Assets
- Date: December 6, 2025
- Location: Duck Town Park
- Website: ducknc.gov/recreation-special-events/yuletide-celebration
Wander through Duck village and get into the Christmas spirit with this traditional annual celebration. Listen to carolers from First Flight High School while enjoying some hot chocolate and sweet treats. 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
- Dates: Select nights, November 21 – December 30, 2025
- Location: Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo
- Website: www.elizabethangardens.org/winterlights
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
Photo Credit: Sergei Bachlakov
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.
Attend the Manteo Christmas Parade (10.30 AM, December 6, 2025) to 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.
You can also check out the Hatteras Island Christmas Parade (2 PM, December 13, 2025), where you can enjoy nice, warm cookies and hot chocolate before climbing up the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Holiday Bazaar
Photo Credit: photo-lime
- Date: 9 AM – 4 PM, November 29, 2025
- Location: Comfort Inn South Oceanfront, Nags Head
- Website: www.obellc.com/obe-events
The annual Outer Banks Entrepreneurs Holiday Bazaar is held at the Comfort Inn South Oceanfront in Nags Head. Expect to see more than 50 vendors showcasing their handmade items and goods. There are door prizes to be won as a DJ plays your favorite holiday hits. Spread the holiday cheer at the bazaar, and enjoy the island getaway, Christmas edition.
You'll Love Christmastime in the Outer Banks
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.
Posted on 11/24/2025 in Area Information, Things To Do, Vacation Tips
