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.

Secotan Market in Wanchese is a producer-only market featuring fresh produce, vegetable ferments, kombucha, pasture-raised meat & eggs, pecans, mushroom products, pastries, pies, cakes, jams, pickles, honey, medicinal products, flowers, herbs, spices, teas, potted plants, natural skin care, rotating artisans and so much more. Our family of producers join each market in person to share food and goods that they have grown or crafted themselves, here in Northeastern North Carolina. We are deeply committed to honesty and sustainability in our practices. Winter Season Markets are every first and third Saturday of the month December - April 5 from 9am -12pm.

“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. 

Come to The Cottage Shop in Nags Head on Dec 21 for storytime and selfies with Santa and Sprinkles, the elf!
Enjoy a magical holiday moment with Santa and his cheerful elf, Sprinkles! There are two Saturday Storytime Sessions: 11am and 12 pm. Seating is limited for kids; standing room only for adults. Call 252-441-2522 or stop by The Cottage Shop in Nags Head to reserve your spot today! This event is FREE and open to the public.

Come to The Cottage Shop in Nags Head on Dec 21 for storytime and selfies with Santa and Sprinkles, the elf!
Enjoy a magical holiday moment with Santa and his cheerful elf, Sprinkles! There are two Saturday Storytime Sessions: 11am and 12 pm. Seating is limited for kids; standing room only for adults. Call 252-441-2522 or stop by The Cottage Shop in Nags Head to reserve your spot today! This event is FREE and open to the public.

Join us for Shuck Hatteras II Oyster Festival! It's a SHELLABRATION of community, music, & food on December 20-21, 2024. The weekend will be filled with local live music, Kinnakeet Oyster Co. oysters, local art vendors (FREE TO THE PUBLIC beginning at 12 NOON!), an Oyster Cook-off Challenge AND an ALL-YOU-CAN EAT Oyster Roast (purchased ticket required). There will also be games and activities for the kids. ALL PROCEEDS from Shuck Hatteras II will benefit the Life-Saving station.

The shellabration will continue on Saturday, December 21 starting at 1pm with a Merry Muse Market featuring local art vendors, which is free and open to the public all day. The Oyster Cook-Off Challenge will run from 1:30-3:30, then the all-you-can-eat Oyster Roast will commence at 4pm!

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.