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.

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.