12 Bars of Christmas in the Outer Banks

The 12 Bars of Christmas in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, is a popular annual event that combines holiday cheer with a festive pub crawl. The event takes place at 12 local bars and restaurants, each offering a different holiday-themed drink, dish and/or special activity for the occasion. It’s a fun way for both locals and visitors to celebrate the season while enjoying the vibrant bar scene of the Outer Banks. Eleven of the bars double as family-friendly restaurants. We plan many special events for kids such as cookie decorating, crafts, trivia, and character dining. All the stops offer a holiday kids menu with festive drinks and desserts. This year, the event introduces Christmas Island Kids Quest! See the event website for participating restaurants and additional information.

• Pub Crawl Format: Participants visit 12 different bars across the Outer Banks, with each stop offering a unique holiday-theme.
• Dress Code: Participants wear festive holiday-themed outfits, like ugly sweaters, Santa hats, or other holiday attire, adding to the fun atmosphere.
• Festive Atmosphere: Bars are decked out with holiday decorations, and there are often themed contests, music, and other holiday-inspired activities.
• Tickets and Wristbands: Participants can purchase tickets or wristbands, which allow entry to all the bars and restuarants which can include perks like drink specials or discounts. However, tickets are not necessary.
• Charity: The event raises funds for local charities, making it a fun way to give back to the community while celebrating the season.