Outer Banks Annual Events - Holiday

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. 

The lovely little Town of Manteo kicks off the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony and other festivities on the first Friday night in December. Hundreds of people gather on Queen Elizabeth Avenue in front of the historic Dare County Courthouse to enjoy performances of holiday music, to sip hot cocoa and to watch the lighting of the waterfront Christmas tree. The event coincides with downtown Manteo's monthly First Friday event, which means that after the lighting you can stick around for live music around town, art exhibits and receptions, a book signing, dining in the restaurants and shopping in the shops. Try to arrive downtown by 5:30 p.m., and keep in mind that traffic will be heavy coming into town and that you may have to park a ways back on a Manteo side street and walk to the downtown area. 

Bring in the New Year a different way by joining locals and visitors for a 5K along the Beach Road. The start gun goes off at about 10:45 p.m., and you can run, walk or bike your way into the New Year. Just show up at Tortugas' Lie on the Beach Road in Nags Head at 10:45 a.m.; no registration or entry fee is required.

Support local business owners, encourage entrepreneurship and start your holiday shopping at the annual Outer Banks Entrepreneurs Holiday Bazaar. Usually in the days following Thanksgiving, the Ramada Plaza in Kill Devil Hills turns into an emporium of wares and goods as local vendors set up shop. Booth and tables from artists, craftswomen, salespeople and other small business owners showcase their hard work and talent. Meet and mingle with owners of your favorite Outer Banks business. Admire products like jewelry, pottery, mixed media artwork, textile designs, essential oils, baked goods, decor – including trinkets that will spruce up your home in time for the holidays – and so much more. This free and family friendly event is organized by the Outer Banks Entrepreneurs, a group of female business owners, and is open to all interested applicants.

Give thanks for the enthusiastic and supportive local running community that’s made possible by the Outer Banks Running Club. The Outer Banks Running Club’s main fundraiser, the OBX Gobble 5K and Fun Run, is an annual Thanksgiving event that the entire family is invited to enjoy. The courses take participants through Nags Head, making it hard not to feel thankful for the environment’s natural beauty. This family friendly event is open to all runners, joggers and walkers. Runners who want to include younger participants with them are encouraged to bring baby strollers, jogging strollers and wagons. Runners who aren’t enticed by the length of the 5K can opt for the Fun Run, which has a 9/10 mile course. All who finish the race receive a finisher’s award. This annual event is held on Thanksgiving morning with the 5K first, followed by the Fun Run. Go to the Outer Banks Running Club’s website to register in advance.