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.

Pea Island Bird Walk is a FREE event. Pea Island is ACTUALLY for the birds! This National Wildlife Refuge has close to 400 species of birds that live here or pass through. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll enjoy this casual stroll beside North Pond. Field guides, binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. Some field guides and binoculars will be available for loan.

Pea Island Bird Walks are held year-round except during the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival in October and December. Meet at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, located on NC Highway 12 approximately 4 miles south of Oregon Inlet and 9 miles north of Rodanthe.

“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.

Join a park Ranger for an exciting dune hike. This guided hike will take you through maritime evergreen forest and out to the tallest living sand dunes on the east coast. Learn about the unique ecosystem of Jockeys Ridge and recreational opportunities our park has to offer. Observe plants and learn about the wildlife at Jockey’s Ridge. This hike will take approximately 30 minutes and will meet at the Visitor’s Center Pavilion. Please wear appropriate shoes, sunscreen, and bring water!

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. 

Come to the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla, for The Polar Express movie! Admission is free and seating is on the carpeted floor. We encourage you to wear your pajamas and bring a pillow and blanket. And…Santa just might decide to pay a visit! As a special treat, you will receive hot chocolate, a cookie and a goody bag when you depart. Don’t forget to visit the Corolla Christmas Village, open from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, before or after your show. Seating is limited to 60 people per showing, so please only 1 supervisory adult per each group. We want to give all of our children a chance to participate! The show is from 3pm - 6:30 pm.

Experience the magic of the holidays at the Annual Corolla Christmas Village! Historic Corolla Village comes alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and the warmth of holiday cheer. Each weekend brings something new—whether it’s visits from Santa, live music filling the crisp evening air, or a delicious treat from the food trucks and The Kind Cup coffee shop. Stroll through the sparkling village and shop unique local finds from Corolla Village merchants. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season, with something for everyone to enjoy. Corolla Christmas Village is every Friday and Saturday evening from 5:00pm-8:00pm, November 29 – December 28.

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.