On this page you will find the annual holiday events on the Outer Banks.
Outer Banks Annual Events by Category or Month
Outer Banks Holiday
56658 NC Highway 12, Hatteras
Before gathering around the Thanksgiving table, gather your crew for a morning run. The Surfin’ Turkey 5K and Puppy Drum Run is an annual Thanksgiving event in Hatteras that lets you and your family participate in a shared activity while working up an appetite for some real turkey later in the day. The runs start at the Hatteras Village Civic Center and wind through the historic fishing village. If you don’t want to commit to the 5K, the Puppy Drum is a half-mile long and open to walkers and runners. Upon finishing the race, enjoy the post-race pancake party, including Carolina Brewery drinks for racers ages 21 and older. The registration fee for the event includes sign up, a goody bag, t-shirt and access to the after party. Children ages 10 and under can register for free. All proceeds from this event go to the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund, which promotes education opportunities in the local schools. This event is held on Thanksgiving morning.
Before gathering around the Thanksgiving table, gather your crew for a morning run. The Surfin’ Turkey 5K and Puppy Drum Run is an annual Thanksgiving event in Hatteras that lets you and your family participate in a shared activity while working up an appetite for some real turkey later in the day. The runs start at the Hatteras Village Civic Center and wind through the...read more
Before gathering around the Thanksgiving table, gather your crew for a morning run. The Surfin’...read more
Outer Banks Holiday
600 South Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills
Give thanks for fleet feet and craft beers by simultaneously enjoying both. The Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile Run is the Outer Banks Brewing Station’s way of welcoming Thanksgiving featuring a bounty of beer and accompanying good spirits. This beer mile is hosted by the OBX Running Company, so participants’ experiences also include chip timing, event swag and possibly prize. Runs are ¼ mile paired with 10-ounce drinks for the length of one mile total. Upon finishing the race, the runners gather at the Brewing Station’s backyard for a party of mixing, mingling and more delicious craft brews. Participants are encouraged to wear their holiday best, and costumes will be judged for the most creative following the race. This annual event usually occurs on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Give thanks for fleet feet and craft beers by simultaneously enjoying both. The Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile Run is the Outer Banks Brewing Station’s way of welcoming Thanksgiving featuring a bounty of beer and accompanying good spirits. This beer mile is hosted by the OBX Running Company, so participants’ experiences also include chip timing, event swag and possibly prize. Runs are ¼ mile paired with...read more
Give thanks for fleet feet and craft beers by simultaneously enjoying both. The Tipsy Turkey...read more
Outer Banks Holiday
Ocracoke Island offers 16 miles of undeveloped beachfront, numerous preserved natural areas and a charming village with lodging, camping, restaurants, nightlife, shops and recreational activities, making it a very popular vacation spot. Add in the island's numerous annual events, from the Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival in April to the Ocracoke Working Watermen Association's Oyster Roast and Shrimp Boil in December, and it's easy to see why people return to this island again and again. Ocracoke Township Tourism Development Authority has the information you need for a complete vacation getaway, including detailed information on the island's annual events.
Ocracoke Island offers 16 miles of undeveloped beachfront, numerous preserved natural areas and a charming village with lodging, camping, restaurants, nightlife, shops and recreational activities, making it a very popular vacation spot. Add in the island's numerous annual events, from the Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival in April to the Ocracoke Working Watermen Association's Oyster Roast and Shrimp Boil in December, and it's easy to see why...read more
Ocracoke Island offers 16 miles of undeveloped beachfront, numerous preserved natural areas and a charming...read more
Outer Banks Holiday
18766 U.S. Highway 64, East Lake
Think you’re pretty brave? Put it to the ultimate test with the Number 1 haunted attraction on the Outer Banks. The Wicked Woods Haunted Trail is 20-minute trek of terror in the depths of the Outer Banks darkest woods in remote East Lake. Don’t bother trying to conquer old fears in future visits – each year’s trail embraces a different theme with new monsters, new attractions and new nightmares.
Think you’re pretty brave? Put it to the ultimate test with the Number 1 haunted attraction on the Outer Banks. The Wicked Woods Haunted Trail is 20-minute trek of terror in the depths of the Outer Banks darkest woods in remote East Lake. Don’t bother trying to conquer old fears in future visits – each year’s trail embraces a different theme with new monsters, new...read more
Think you’re pretty brave? Put it to the ultimate test with the Number 1 haunted...read more
Outer Banks Holiday
1411 National Park Drive, Manteo
The Elizabethan Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Walk outside along the whimsical path lit by Christmas lights and cheery holiday characters, and you’ll pull your coat a little tighter around you because there’s no way you’re going inside yet. This is your chance to revel in the beauty of the holiday season. The gardens are embellished with thousands of twinkling lights, topiaries, displays and more. Decorations in the gardens range from traditional to alternative, and they all work together to create a magical experience. In the center of all the decorations you’ll find a crackling open-air fire on the Great Lawn, perfect for warming your hands and maybe roasting a marshmallow. Special events are held throughout the duration of WinterLights, with offerings such as Dinner with Santa and Thank You Notes to Santa. In late November and early December, WinterLights is held Tuesday through Saturday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. In January it's held on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. See the website for more information.
The Elizabethan Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Walk outside along the whimsical path lit by Christmas lights and cheery holiday characters, and you’ll pull your coat a little tighter around you because there’s no way you’re going inside yet. This is your chance to revel in the beauty of the holiday season. The gardens are embellished with thousands...read more
The Elizabethan Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Walk...read more
Outer Banks Holiday
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, so start celebrating immediately by visiting Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head on the weekend after Thanksgiving. Santa Claus will be there on Friday and Saturday, excited to meet all of the children coming to visit. On Saturday evening, after a meaningful conversation with the jolly ol' elf, head over to Jockey’s Ridge to see the giant...read more
See and learn about the Bottlenose Dolphin as you are surrounded by breathtaking views. Two hour...