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.

Come to the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head for a one-of-a-kind holiday market experience!  Featuring photos with Santa Claus, an appearance (or two) from the Grinch, a live camp fire to keep your hands and toes warm, Christmas tunes to sing along to, food trucks AND 60+ of our favorite Outer Banks local makers and artisans, we will truly have a little something for everybody. Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place and share a little holiday spirit! This event occurs Sunday Nov 24, Dec 1, and Dec 15 from noon until 4 pm.