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.
