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 the Pioneer Theater and enjoy the classic movie The Nightmere Before Christmas. The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the "real world." When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life -- he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.

Rated PG

Enjoy this comedy movie based on Barbara Robinson's book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The Herdmans are six siblings who have a reputation for being the worst kids in the world. However, when they take over the local church pageant during the holidays, they just might teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas. This movie is rated PG.

Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wrights’ first powered flights!  Discover why the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was like in the Outer Banks; learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day, and the lasting impact their first flight continues to have on the world today.

This FREE program is weather-dependent and may be moved to accommodate wind/rain. Check in at the Visitor Center desk for the most updated information.  This 30 minute program recurs every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from October 6, 2024 until January 2, 2025 at 11 am and 1 pm. Meet on the back patio of the Visitor Center.

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.

Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wrights’ first powered flights!  Discover why the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was like in the Outer Banks; learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day, and the lasting impact their first flight continues to have on the world today.

This FREE program is weather-dependent and may be moved to accommodate wind/rain. Check in at the Visitor Center desk for the most updated information.  This 30 minute program recurs every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from October 6, 2024 until January 2, 2025 at 11 am and 1 pm. Meet on the back patio of the Visitor Center.

Come to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site for a program about the Civil War on Roanoke Island, During the American Civil War, Roanoke Island became a haven for formerly enslaved people. Discover the successes and failures of the Freedmen’s Colony and the Civil War battle that shaped it. This is a FREE 20-minute program at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Participants will meet in front of the visitor center. 

Explore Oyster Ecology in this educational program for families with children aged 5 and older at the Coastal Studies Institute. Instructors will lead the public in a fun, interactive lesson about oysters and their vital role in our estuaries. Participants will get an up-close look at live oysters and the organisms that interact with them!

Enjoy this comedy movie based on Barbara Robinson's book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The Herdmans are six siblings who have a reputation for being the worst kids in the world. However, when they take over the local church pageant during the holidays, they just might teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas. This movie is rated PG.

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 the Pioneer Theater and enjoy the classic movie The Nightmere Before Christmas. The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the "real world." When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life -- he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.

Rated PG