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Week of Events
Rotating Art Show: Curious Currents by Emily Holmes
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.
Soundside Nature Trail Hike
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.
Rotating Art Show: Curious Currents by Emily Holmes
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.
Garden to Hearth
Garden to Hearth at Island Farm
On November 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Island Farm invites visitors to experience how Roanoke Island families prepared for winter in the 1850s during its annual Garden to Hearth celebration. Historic interpreters will demonstrate seasonal traditions including hearthside cooking, vegetable preservation, fish smoking, candle making, and more. Admission is $11 for ages 4 and older (free for ages 3 and under), and freshly harvested fall produce will be available for purchase. Located on the north end of Roanoke Island, Island Farm offers an authentic look into mid-19th-century life and is open Tuesday–Friday through November.
Baxter Miller Exhibit: Inheritance
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.
Secotan Market in Wanchese
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.
Rotating Art Show: Curious Currents by Emily Holmes
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.
Garden to Hearth
Garden to Hearth at Island Farm
On November 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Island Farm invites visitors to experience how Roanoke Island families prepared for winter in the 1850s during its annual Garden to Hearth celebration. Historic interpreters will demonstrate seasonal traditions including hearthside cooking, vegetable preservation, fish smoking, candle making, and more. Admission is $11 for ages 4 and older (free for ages 3 and under), and freshly harvested fall produce will be available for purchase. Located on the north end of Roanoke Island, Island Farm offers an authentic look into mid-19th-century life and is open Tuesday–Friday through November.
Baxter Miller Exhibit: Inheritance
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.
Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens
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
2025 OBX Gobbler 5K & Fun Run
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.
Dune Hike
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.
Rotating Art Show: Curious Currents by Emily Holmes
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.
Turkey Trot 5K
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.
Baxter Miller Exhibit: Inheritance
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.
Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens
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
Rotating Art Show: Curious Currents by Emily Holmes
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.
Hanging with Santa at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing
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!
Soundside Nature Trail Hike
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.
Baxter Miller Exhibit: Inheritance
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.
Annual Christmas Craft Village
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!!
12 Bars of Christmas OBX 2025
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.
Bear, Bones, and the Scoop on Poop
Join Ranger Austin for a FREE fun hour learning more about a few of our favorites - the American Black Bear and other furry four-legged friends, tracks, skins, skulls, and especially SCAT! We will finish the program with a POOP-TACULAR kids' activity, Guess Who Dropped the Dookie! There will be a SWEET reward for those who attend.
Recommended for ages 6 to 12.
Registration is required in advance.
Corolla Village Holiday Market
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Corolla Village Holiday Market on Friday 11/28 4-8 and Saturday 11/29 4-8. Historic Corolla Village comes alive with local artists, craft vendors, twinkling lights, festive music, and the warmth of holiday cheer. Corolla Village BBQ will be open along with another food truck and sweet treat vendor. Christmas music and live music at Corolla Village Inn. This event will be in conjunction with the Currituck Beach Lighthouse 150th anniversary party. The WEVS school will be caroling. There will be a fire pit with S’mores and plenty of hot chocolate from the Kind Cup. 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.
Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens
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
Dowdy Park Tree Lighting
Come to Dowdy Park for the annual Tree Lighting! Celebrate the start of the holiday season with festive lights, community cheer, and a special visit from Santa. Bring your family and friends for an evening of holiday magic at the park.
Dowdy Park Holiday Market
Get ready to shop, stroll, and soak up the holiday spirit at Dowdy Park! Come for the festive Holiday Markets at Dowdy Park for a celebration of local makers, coastal charm, and community cheer.
Market Dates:
November 8, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
November 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
December 13, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Dowdy Park, Nags Head
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smiles of the season while supporting small businesses that make our community special. Mark your calendar, bring your friends, and let’s make this holiday season merry at Dowdy Park!
13th Annual Outer Banks Entrepreneurs Holiday Bazaar
The 13th Annual Outer Banks Entrepreneurs Holiday Bazaar is on November 29 from 9 am - 4 pm at the Comfort Inn, Nags Head, NC. This festive shopping event is one of the most anticipated markets of the season, drawing shoppers from near and far who are ready to find unique gifts, handmade treasures, and products they can’t find anywhere else.
Baxter Miller Exhibit: Inheritance
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.
12 Bars of Christmas OBX 2025
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.
Hanging with Santa at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing
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!
Native American Sports and Games
This program is FREE to the public. Challenge a ranger to a round of target practice with an atlatl. This is an example of primitive technology Native Americans and early people worldwide used for thousands of years to survive. Additional games will be set up for visitors to play. This is a great activity for young explorers and big adventurers!
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Activity will take place near the end of the visitor center's boardwalk.
Kites with Lights
Come spread the holiday cheer with Kitty Hawk Kites and a kite light show on Jockey’s Ridge! It's FREE and open to the public.
Be sure to make it out on Saturday, November 29th from 4 – 7 PM for a light display like no other. Kites with Lights, at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, features large 19-to-30-foot kites decked out in the spirit of the holiday season!
At 5 PM, enjoy the lighting of the Jockey’s Ridge State Park Solar Christmas tree out on the dunes directly across from Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. Warm beverages are available across the street at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. All donations benefit the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge.
Corolla Village Holiday Market
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Corolla Village Holiday Market on Friday 11/28 4-8 and Saturday 11/29 4-8. Historic Corolla Village comes alive with local artists, craft vendors, twinkling lights, festive music, and the warmth of holiday cheer. Corolla Village BBQ will be open along with another food truck and sweet treat vendor. Christmas music and live music at Corolla Village Inn. This event will be in conjunction with the Currituck Beach Lighthouse 150th anniversary party. The WEVS school will be caroling. There will be a fire pit with S’mores and plenty of hot chocolate from the Kind Cup. 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.
Augustin Fresnel: Through a New Lens, A Living History Performance
In celebration of the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse (December 1, 1875 – 2025), the Outer Banks Conservationists and The Northern Outer Banks proudly present Joseph Smith, a New York–based living history performer, in two special performances of his one-man play, Augustin Fresnel: Through a New Lens.
Through drama and storytelling, Mr. Smith brings to life Augustin Fresnel (1788 – 1827)—the French physicist and civil engineer whose invention of the Fresnel lens transformed maritime navigation by dramatically extending the brightness and range of lighthouses around the world. The original first-order Fresnel lens, installed in the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in 1875, remains one of the last of its kind and is still an active aid to navigation. Both performances will take place at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla. Admission is free, and donations supporting another 150 years of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse are welcome.
Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens
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
Dune Hike
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.
12 Bars of Christmas OBX 2025
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.
Augustin Fresnel: Through a New Lens, A Living History Performance
In celebration of the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse (December 1, 1875 – 2025), the Outer Banks Conservationists and The Northern Outer Banks proudly present Joseph Smith, a New York–based living history performer, in two special performances of his one-man play, Augustin Fresnel: Through a New Lens.
Through drama and storytelling, Mr. Smith brings to life Augustin Fresnel (1788 – 1827)—the French physicist and civil engineer whose invention of the Fresnel lens transformed maritime navigation by dramatically extending the brightness and range of lighthouses around the world. The original first-order Fresnel lens, installed in the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in 1875, remains one of the last of its kind and is still an active aid to navigation. Both performances will take place at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla. Admission is free, and donations supporting another 150 years of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse are welcome.
Soundside Holiday Market
Soundside Holiday Market provides an amazing opportunity for our talented local artisans, creators, and makers to share their wares, stories, and spirit with Outer Banks visitors and locals alike. Markets will be on November 23, November 30, and December 14 from 12 pm - 4 pm.
Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens
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