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Join the excitement at the 2025 OBX Gobbler on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in beautiful Nags Head, Dare County! This annual Thanksgiving Day event features a thrilling 5K race starting at 8:00 AM and a fun run at 9:00 AM, perfect for runners of all ages and skill levels. Participants in the 5K will receive a special race-themed shirt, and all proceeds support local initiatives, including Dare County High School Track Teams and the OBX SPCA.
Join a park ranger at Jockey’s Ridge State Park for a guided hike to the top of the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast. Along the way, you’ll discover the fascinating plants and animals that thrive in this ever-changing landscape and learn what makes this park such a natural treasure. Once at the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Roanoke Sound and Atlantic Ocean that you won’t soon forget. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public. Just be sure to wear sunscreen, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes. The group will meet at the park’s pavilion beside the visitor center.
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with the Duck Turkey Trot 5K, a beloved Outer Banks tradition returning to the Town of Duck. The race is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. It is for vacationers, homeowners, and locals to celebrate the Thanksgiving Day holiday together. While the run is not chip-timed, it’s a fun, family-friendly way to get moving, make memories, and give back to the community before settling in for your Thanksgiving feast.
The fun starts Wednesday night at Packet Pickup at Swells'a Brewing Duck Dive Bar. The race begins at 9 a.m. on Christopher Drive near Scarborough Faire and winds through the village neighborhoods, offering scenic views of both the ocean and sound before looping back to the start.
Included with each registration: Tee Shirt, Swag bag, Hot Drink Ticket (Coffee/Hot Chocolate), SWELLS'A Beer Ticket for over 21, post race carbs, Great Course with aid stations, Great Party @ Tree House Cafe and Coffee, Charity Auction and Raffles.
Curious Currents By Emily Holmes is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Saturday, November 1 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about her work.
The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 31, 2025- January 21, 2026 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall.
From November 8 to December 20, 2025, the Vault Gallery will feature a collection of first-edition, framed original photographs by Baxter Miller. The exhibit, Inheritance, examines the liminality of sacred places. Ethereal vignettes of ancestral grounds anchor the photography exhibition by Baxter Miller, a descendant of a Hatteras Island family who arrived in the 1700s. Printed and framed oversized on Hahnemühle watercolor rag, the work stands in stark contrast to traditional depictions of landscape.
The Elizabethan Gardens’ beloved WinterLights celebration returns November 21–December 30, 2025, transforming ten acres of gardens into a glittering holiday wonderland. Visitors can stroll illuminated garden paths from 6–9 p.m. on select evenings, enjoying thousands of sparkling lights, festive décor, and the warmth of an open-air fire. Seasonal plants and unique gifts will be available in the Gift Shop and Nursery, with live entertainment featured on select nights. Timed-entry tickets are sold online only, and the event is weather-dependent. Overflow parking and shuttle service will be available on select weekends. Whether you’re planning a magical family outing or a festive holiday party, WinterLights offers a joyful way to celebrate the season in the heart of the Outer Banks.
Adults: $22; Youth (ages 2 to 17): $14; Child (under 2): FREE; Dog: $6
Curious Currents By Emily Holmes is the next exhibit in the Rotating Art Show. A free opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Saturday, November 1 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Come see the exhibit and talk to the artist about her work.
The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 31, 2025- January 21, 2026 in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall.
Head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park for a ranger-led one-mile loop hike along the scenic Soundside Nature Trail. This easy walk takes you through maritime thickets, wetlands, and sandy shoreline habitats, offering an up-close look at the plants and wildlife that thrive at the base of the towering dunes. Along the way, the ranger will share insights into the delicate ecosystems that connect the dunes to the Roanoke Sound and why they are so vital to the Outer Banks. This free, family-friendly program is open to the public. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for a refreshing and educational outdoor experience.
Come spread the holiday cheer with Kitty Hawk Kites and the Jockey’s Ridge Crossing crew. Free visits and pictures with Santa are just a few of the fun and festive things going on. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Share all your Christmas wishes and have your picture taken with Santa at Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head on Friday, November 28th from 10 AM – 2 PM, and Saturday, November 29th from 1 – 4 PM. Have some fun with Santa’s elves and try out classic toys straight from the workshop on the second floor of Kitty Hawk Kites!
From November 8 to December 20, 2025, the Vault Gallery will feature a collection of first-edition, framed original photographs by Baxter Miller. The exhibit, Inheritance, examines the liminality of sacred places. Ethereal vignettes of ancestral grounds anchor the photography exhibition by Baxter Miller, a descendant of a Hatteras Island family who arrived in the 1700s. Printed and framed oversized on Hahnemühle watercolor rag, the work stands in stark contrast to traditional depictions of landscape.
Start your holiday gift shopping on the grounds of Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park. Come see arts and crafts, fine arts, handmade cosmetics, baked goods and other unique treasures from local artists and food vendors. The Annual Christmas Craft Village is a one-day outdoor show that also includes additional fun to help get into the holiday spirit. Take in the sights of Historic Corolla Park. Enjoy the holiday season in Corolla!!
The 12 Bars of Christmas return for their third year, bringing 33 days of festive food, drinks, and holiday events across Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo. Visit all 12 decorated bars, pick up a passport to support local charities, and collect stamps for a keepsake ornament and a chance to win prizes. This family-friendly holiday celebration runs from November 28 through New Year’s, sponsored in part by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.