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.

“A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans,” is a collection of photographs taken by North Carolina soldiers and explores the experiences of soldiers during the Vietnam War. Each snapshot is enhanced by commentary from veterans relaying what a photo means to them. This collection was assembled by Winston-Salem photographer Martin Tucker. It lets visitors step into the memories of Vietnam veterans. The exhibit, on loan from the North Carolina Museum of History, is on display at Roanoke Island Festival Park in the ticket sales exhibit space Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 31. This exhibit is free and open to the public.

From November through December, the Dare Arts Vault Gallery will feature photography by Ocracoke artist Robert Chestnut. This series of environmental portraits, named “Ocra-broke” exposes the viewer to the other side of living in paradise: the everyday people who work hard and have fun, an island that closes down during the winter months, and the weathered structures that persist through each tourist season. Along with nature filled scenes, Robert  loves to find forgotten items and help shine a light on them. To convey his ideas he uses photography, oil painting, and printmaking. Ocra-broke will be on display in the Vault Gallery November 1 through December 21, 2024. 

Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wrights’ first powered flights!  Discover why the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was like in the Outer Banks; learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day, and the lasting impact their first flight continues to have on the world today.

This FREE program is weather-dependent and may be moved to accommodate wind/rain. Check in at the Visitor Center desk for the most updated information.  This 30 minute program recurs every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from October 6, 2024 until January 2, 2025 at 11 am and 1 pm. Meet on the back patio of the Visitor Center.

Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wrights’ first powered flights!  Discover why the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was like in the Outer Banks; learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day, and the lasting impact their first flight continues to have on the world today.

This FREE program is weather-dependent and may be moved to accommodate wind/rain. Check in at the Visitor Center desk for the most updated information.  This 30 minute program recurs every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from October 6, 2024 until January 2, 2025 at 11 am and 1 pm. Meet on the back patio of the Visitor Center.

Sanctuary Vineyards specializes in family-friendly fun with year-round festivals centered on fresh local seafood, beer, and of course, wine. Every event offers the opportunity to sample the best that Currituck, NC, and The Outer Banks have to offer, plus live music, games, and more. 

Thursdays at The Cotton Gin in Corolla, 5:30-8:30 pm

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. Enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate (while supplies last.) Check schedule for designated nights of live entertainment. November 22, 23, 29, 30 and December 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 from 6 - 9 pm.

Come to Dare Arts Center for a performance of "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus," the classic radio drama by Andrew J. Fenady. The show is directed by Gail Hutchison with performances by The Theatre of Dare. ​The play is about a young girl, who writes a letter to the editor of the New York Sun. "Dear Editor, I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?" Ed Mitchell, the editor, assigns Frank Church—a reporter on the verge of self destruction—the task of answering Virginia's question. Church's quest and reply have become one of the world's most quoted and beloved editorials.