The Outer Banks is a magical place to be during the holiday season and we cordially invite you to join us this year! The holidays here are celebrated no differently than any hometown, and we have our fair share of houses lit up with tacky Christmas lights as neighborhoods compete each year. The natural beauty of the area still abounds, minus the crowds. The salty air smells just the same, and the sounds of the seagulls and waves hitting the shore are still playing their tune.
Bundled-up beach walks are wonderful, and each town is embellished in holiday trimmings, with a plethora of festivities to enjoy. After a beach walk, or some time out and about dining, shopping, or attending one of the events mentioned below, you'll be ready to cozy up back home with a cup of hot cocoa, tune into the Hallmark channel from the comforts of your home away from home on the Outer Banks!
Come take advantage of off-season rates and treat you and yours to an OBX rental for your holiday vacation!
Now let us tell you about some of our favorite holiday pastimes around town:
First stop, Manteo.
Beautiful any time of year—especially the downtown waterfront area—with its quaint shops, incredible dining options, marina, gorgeous historic homes, stroll-worthy neighborhoods, and stunning views of the water. A walk through Manteo is a must any time of year, but when the holiday season arrives, you won’t want to miss the Manteo Holiday Tour of Homes or simply spending time in what feels like the set of a Hallmark holiday special.
While in Manteo, be sure to soak in the enchanting Elizabethan Gardens and their WinterLights display, where guests have a rare opportunity to meander through the gardens after sundown and experience another magical side of this beautiful Outer Banks treasure.
Manteo is located on Roanoke Island, just southwest of Nags Head. It’s a quick drive and well worth the visit. Two more must-do holiday experiences while in Manteo include the North Carolina Aquarium and The Christmas Shop & General Store. If you are looking for a great way to ring in the New Year, you won't regret doing with a spectacular fireworks display overlooking Shallowbag Bay.
Next stop, Corolla.
Forty-one miles north of Manteo lies the charming town of Corolla. With the Whalehead Mansion and Currituck Beach Lighthouse all decked out for the holidays, it’s the perfect place to soak in the season’s magic. Enjoy shopping, local treats, and a tour of the beautifully decorated mansion—but don’t wait too long! Tickets for the Whalehead Candlelight Christmas Tours go fast.
Even if you miss out, you can still enjoy the beauty of Whalehead Historic Park, where stunning sunsets over the water and the glow of the illuminated lighthouse create a true Hallmark moment. Stroll through the Historic Christmas Craft Village and let the sights, sounds, and sparkle of the season surround you. Learn more about Christmas in Corolla.
Holiday Magic Continued...
Whether you’re up north in Corolla or further south in Nags Head, holiday cheer can be found everywhere in between. From Yuletide celebrations in Duck to shopping the waterfront shoppes and surrounding downtown area, you’ll discover countless ways to celebrate. We’re lucky to have so many talented artisans who draw inspiration from life on the Outer Banks and share their creativity through beautiful, handcrafted gifts. Not only can you enjoy the peace and tranquility of the OBX during the off-season, but you can also find unique holiday treasures your friends and family will cherish.
Outdoor markets in Nags Head, such as the Dowdy Park Holiday Market and the Soundside Holiday Market, are brimming with festive finds. And if shopping isn’t your thing, you can still get a healthy dose of holiday cheer at local restaurants participating in the 12 Bars of Christmas—a family-friendly event the locals love!
Check Out Our Event Calendar for Holiday Happenings on the OBX Discover More Reasons for Spending Christmas on the OBX