Outer Banks Annual Events - December

Meet at the Town Green on the first Saturday in December for an afternoon of caroling, live holiday music, hot cocoa and a visit from the jolly ol' elf himself. The Town of Duck kicks off its celebration of the holiday season with live music, carolers, the lighting of the town’s Crab Pot Tree and delicious treats. Santa delights spectators as he shows up in the fire engine. Businesses extend their hours for the celebration so you’ll have plenty of time to drift around the shops and participate in the Great Elf Hunt. The Outer Banks SPCA and Food for Thought also accept donations at this event. Rally up your family and friends and come out to Duck for a wholesome day of holiday cheer.

Every small town needs a quintessential holiday celebration, and Hatteras Island is no exception. During one of the first Saturdays in December, Hatteras’s businesses, residents, the fire department, U.S. Coast Guard and nonprofit organizations come together for an all-inclusive Christmas parade experience. As twilight falls spectators line the streets and watch the procession of decorated vehicles and floats roll from Teach’s Lair Marina and through Hatteras Village until it reaches Hatterasman Drive-In. The main feature is Santa’s early arrival in Hatteras, where he’ll come by firetruck instead of sleigh. Afterward parade-goers adjourn to the Civic Center for homemade Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

Watch – and taste – as the top chefs on the Outer Banks battle it out to turn canned food into culinary masterpieces. The Annual Holiday Chefs' Challenge is a fundraiser for the Beach Food Pantry that brings all of the excitement and energy from cooking show competitions right to Manteo. Participating chefs have 60 minutes to prepare a dish that uses items the Food Pantry usually keeps in stock, always including at least one canned good item. Attendees are invited to judge the chefs’ work and vote for their favorite dishes, and the only way they can determine this is by sampling everything. Standard tickets include event entrance, Chefs' Creations and two drink tickets. Those who opt for the VIP tickets also receive an open bar in addition to a glimpse behind the scenes at the special reception. This event usually occurs in mid-November to early December. 

For a dose of holiday charm, nothing beats the Manteo Christmas Parade. The whole town comes out to see local school bands, vintage cars, the famous Shriners funny cars, SPCA dogs, kids on horseback, dance troupes, floats of all sorts, Queen Elizabeth I and her court (from The Lost Colony) and Santa arriving on the fire truck. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on the first Saturday in December, the parade runs from Manteo High School down Wingina Street, along John Borden Street to Croatan Avenue to Queen Elizabeth Street to Fernando Street. Find a spot anywhere along that route to enjoy the sights and sounds of a small-town holiday celebration. Downtown on Queen Elizabeth Avenue, close to the official parade stage and emcee at the historic courthouse, is probably the most popular spot for spectators. Be sure to get to town early because you'll probably have to park a ways back on a side street and walk to your viewing area. After the parade you can get photos with Santa at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum on Fernando Street. 

Say farewell to the old year and ring in the new alongside local businesses, neighbors and visitors at downtown Manteo’s New Year’s celebration. New Year in the New World transforms Manteo’s downtown and waterfront into a street fair celebration. A stage is set in Magnolia Marketplace, and you can dance to the tunes from live musicians and D.J.s. Play the various carnival games and activities. Warm chilled fingers by the bonfire. Lots of local restaurant vendors and food trucks will be located throughout the town to keep you fueled with delicious food and drink. Turn towards the water after the sun sets to watch the largest fireworks display in North Carolina. There’s an early ball drop for children, but the festivities continue until midnight for those who want to celebrate the New Year with the community.  

If you’re on Ocracoke Island in December, you won’t want to miss the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association Oyster Roast and Shrimp Boil. One of the most popular winter events, this community meal celebrates seafood and the people who make enjoying it possible. For the afternoon, the Community Square turns into a fish-fest where makeshift tables offer gathering grounds for shucking oysters, peeling and eating shrimp and rubbing elbows with your neighbors. There is also fish stew to slurp and cold beverages to sip. Come enjoy the taste of Ocracoke’s heritage, community and fresh-catch seafood at this Outer Banks annual event, which occurs during the last weekend in December.