Christmas Events Guide 2023 from The Coastland Times
Published 4:06 pm Monday, December 11, 2023
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There’s something for everyone on the Outer Banks this holiday season. Mark your calendars for parades, markets, tree lighting ceremonies, candlelight services, restaurant events and more! Check back here for updates and additions.
Have an event you’d like to add to our online Christmas Events Guide? Email event information to summer.stevens@thecoastlandtimes.com.
COROLLA
Ice Skating in Historic Corolla Park
Through December 31 (closed Christmas Eve);
Fridays and Saturdays 2 – 9 p.m. and Sundays noon – 6 p.m.
Additional Skate days:
Tuesday, December 19 from noon – 6 p.m.
Thursday, December 21 and December 28 from noon – 6 p.m.
Historic Corolla Park between the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education and the Currituck Maritime Museum, 1160 Village Lane, Corolla
Free! Skating for up to 76 participants at a time on a Glice Synthetic Ice Rink. Suggested skating time is 30 minutes to one hour. Skates will be provided; skaters must wait for their size to be available. Participants may bring their own hockey-style skates for use; no figure skates with toe picks. Waiver required and available at visitcurrituck.com. ADA accessible.
Friday and Saturday evenings through December 30, 5 – 8 p.m.
Historic Corolla Village
The 3rd Annual Corolla Christmas Village brings lights, floral delights, and holiday sights. Historic Corolla Village is transformed into a wonderland that delivers the holiday season spirit. Take a stroll through the sparkling village, where Christmas joy fills the crisp evening air. Each weekend features food trucks, delectable beverages at The Kind Cup coffee shop, and unique shopping opportunities at various Corolla Village merchants. Perfect for the entire family, there is no admission fee for this self-guided event.
Deck the Halls with Spaghetti and Meatballs: Dinner with Santa
Saturday, December 16, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Moyock Elementary School, 255 Shingle Landing Rd, Moyock
Are you ready to have a jolly good time this holiday season? Join in for an unforgettable evening at Dinner with Santa! The event features an exciting lineup of activities that will make your heart grow three sizes. Movie Magic: Sit back and enjoy a special screening of the classic holiday movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Get ready to laugh, cheer, and be filled with holiday spirit!
Spaghetti Spectacular: Event friends at Carrabbas are serving up a delicious spaghetti dinner that will warm your tummy and leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect meal to fuel your festive fun!
Crafty Christmas: Let your creativity shine as you create beautiful Christmas ornaments to adorn your tree at home. Get your glitter on and show off your artistic skills! Picture Perfect: Capture the magic of the season with a keepsake photo with Santa Claus himself. Smile, strike a pose, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Tickets: $15 per adult, $10 for children (2 and under free); includes spaghetti, salad, bread, drink, and dessert. Hurry, tickets must be purchased in advance to secure your spot! Sponsored by the Moyock Fire Department.
Operation Santa!
Crawford Township Volunteer Fire Department
Sunday, December 17 to Thursday, December 21. Check online for times and locations.
SOUTHERN SHORES
Visit from Santa Claus
Saturday, December 16, 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Santa Claus will be seated on the front passenger side of the firetruck beginning at the Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Department and will make five stops the following locations: Sea Oats Park, Hillcrest Beach Parking Lot, Chicahauk Parking Lot, Kitty Hawk Elementary School, and Martin’s Point. Route available online. Rain date: Sunday, December 17.
KITTY HAWK
20th Annual Outdoor “Living Nativity”
Sunday, December 17, 6 p.m.
Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Church front lawn, 301 W Kitty Hawk Road, Kitty Hawk
Over 20 parish cast members, ages 13 to 89, will bring the Nativity to life with narration and carols. This is a truly moving presentation where the Bethlehem story comes alive. All are invited to take a break from their hectic holiday preparations to see this beautiful story and rediscover the reason for the season! A section is reserved in front for small children and those who are unable to stand for 20 minutes (bring a lawn chair). Immediately following the presentation, there will be hot beverages and cookies available in the parish hall, along with a Special Guest from the North Pole.
Holy Redeemer By the Sea Christmas Schedule
301 W. Kitty Hawk Rd, Kitty Hawk
- December 24, Little Angel Choir 3:30 p.m., Christmas Eve Mass, Family Mass 4 p.m., Little Angel Choir 7 p.m., Bilingual Mass (Vigil) 7:30 p.m.
- December 25, Christmas Day Mass, 9 a.m.
Beach Food Pantry Holiday Meal
Help spread the word! The Beach Food Pantry is offering a holiday meal bag for those in need who live or work in Dare County. Follow the link for more information or to sign up. beachfoodpantry.org/holiday-meal-bag
The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical
December 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.; December 17 at 2 p.m.
Theater of Dare, 3848 N. Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk
It’s holiday time down in Armadillo Acres (North Florida’s premier mobile-living community), and everyone’s filled with warmth and beer. But when a freak bout of amnesia strikes the trailer park Scrooge, neighborly love is put to the test. Be on hand as Betty, Lin, and Pickles jingle all the way with some new neighbors in an all-new, all-trailer-park musical! This companion to the original GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL is just as much of a cat-fightin’, sun-worshippin’, chair-throwin’ good time – but with tinsel and Keg Nog. Tickets available online.
KILL DEVIL HILLS
KDH Holiday Donations Drive
Join the Town in collecting donations for Toys for Tots and the Dare County’s Children & Youth Partnership Diaper Bank. Donation suggestions: Toys for Tots: Any new, unwrapped toys for ages ranging from 1 – 16. Ideas for pre-teens/teens: sporting equipment/bags/balls; books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars/trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners, and hair dryers. Diaper Bank: Diapers of any size and brand are appreciated!
Drop off donations through December 15 at the following locations: KDH Town Hall/Police Dept. Lobby – 102 Town Hall Dr.; KDH Fire Dept. – 1634 N. Croatan Hwy; and KDH Recycle Center – 701 Bermuda Bay Blvd.
First Flight Holiday Markets
Tuesday, December 12, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Aviation Park, 103 Veterans Drive, KDH
Dozens of local vendors will sell their handmade wares at Kill Devil Hills Holiday Markets at Aviation Park. Markets will have food trucks, music and be pup-friendly. Vendors offer local sweet and savory treats, woodworking, photography, artwork, jewelry, candles, bath/body items and more.
Hands of Gold Christmas Lights/The Mennicucci Family Christmas Light Display
Through December 31 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Lights stay on, weather permitting, until 9:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, and until 11 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
206 Clamshell Dr, KDH
Come by for the 10th annual Christmas lights display. Tune your radio to 107.9 FM when driving by to hear the music synced with the dancing lights! There is no admission fee, but visitors are encouraged to bring cash or donations for the Beach Food Pantry.
Christmas at the “Holly Jolly” Jolly Roger Restaurant
Jolly Roger Restaurant, 1836 N. Virginia Dare Trail, KDH
- Holly Jolly Christmas PJ Party, Thursday December 14, 9 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.
- Christmas Sip & Paint, Sunday, December 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; $20 per person. Advance ticket purchase suggested.
- Christmas Trivia, Saturday, December 16, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Broken Candy Cane
The Broken Candy Cane (Bonzer Shack), 1200 S. Virginia Dare Trail, KDH
- Grinch Scavenger Hunt & Ninja Bread Cookie Decorating, Saturday, December 16, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Bring the kiddos out from 3-6 p.m. to search for all the Grinches lurking in the yard. Find them all and win a prize! Plus, decorate your very own Ninjabread man! Holiday food and drink specials available all day.
- Last Minute Holiday Market, Sunday, December 18, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Join in for a holiday market featuring local vendors offering all sorts of last-minute gifts and a holiday menu with food and drinks!
Christmas Vacation Station
Christmas Vacation Station (Outer Banks Brewing Station), 600 S. Croatan Hwy, KDH
- Oyster Roast, Saturdays in December, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Lunch with Frozen Characters, Saturdays in December, noon – 2 p.m. Bring your littles to come in and enjoy lunch with Elsa, Anna and Olaf on the main stage every Saturday in December!
- Brew and Arts Holiday Market with The Grinch, December 15, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Discover locally made hand crafted goods with a visit from the Grinch from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Griswold Costume Party & Contest, December 15. DJ Bruce and Oman Ra on the main stage and Griswold Costume Contest. Wear your best Christmas Vacation costume with first and runner up prizes!
Goombrrrs
Goombrrrs (Goombays Grille and Raw Bar), 1608 Virginia Dare Trail N., KDH
- Goombrrrs Wreath Decorating and Half Price Bottles of Wine, December 12, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Cayla Miller will be hosting a wreath decorating event with cheese plates available. $25 per entry includes wreath, decorations, cheese plates and one glass of wine. Bar will be open to public until 10 p.m. and wreath decorating will take place in the Goombrrrs Dining Room.
Jack Frost’s
Jack Frost’s (Jack Brown’s), 800 S. Virginia Dare Trail, KDH
Holiday Markets, 13, 20, 5 – 9 p.m. Come out and get a taste of the holidays with a local artists market and stroll with a hot drink in your hand. 10% of restaurant sales donated to local charities (12/6 Dare County Motorcycle Toy Run; 12/13 Outer Banks Hotline; 12/20 SPCA).
McCallister’s Corner
McCallister’s Corner (Two Roads Tavern), 3105 N. Croatan Hwy, KDH
- Movie and Game Nights, Thursday, December 21, 6:20 p.m. Join in for movie and game night at McCallister’s Corner! Home Alone 2: Lost in New York starts at 5:40 p.m. on December 13, and Home Alone starts at 6:20 p.m. on December 21, but you can enjoy a collection of tabletop games and half price bottles of wine all day.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Saturday, December 24, 3 p.m.
Liberty Christian Fellowship, 244 Williams Dr, KDH
NAGS HEAD
Candy Cane Hunt
Thursday, December 14, 4:45 p.m.
Dowdy Park, 3005 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head
Nags Head Decorating Contest (Business and Residential)
Ongoing, entries due December 18; judging will be December 19
Contest Categories: For the Joy of It; Best Beach Theme; Griswold Award; Anything But the House. Winners will receive a yard sign award and will be featured on the town’s social media and websites, and recognized at the January 3 Board of Commissioners meeting.
The Christmas Stop!
Saturday, December 16, 5-8 p.m.
Nags Head Church, 105 Soundside Rd, Nags Head
Free family fun event for the OBX community! Blizzard-like conditions on the Outer Banks! Train rides, snowball throwing, Christmas caroling, Christmas story narrative, photo with Santa, Christmas movie, hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn, cotton candy and more. Canned food for the Beach Food Pantry will also be collected.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 24 at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Nags Head Church, 105 W. Soundside Road, Nags Head
Christmas Mass Schedule
Christmas Day Mass, December 25, 11 a.m.
Holy Trinity by the Sea, Nags Head
Jingle 12
Jingle 12 (Lucky 12 Tavern), 3308 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
- Adult Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, Monday, December 11, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Grab your team for this annual event. Jingle 12 provides the gingerbread houses and decorations and you and your team will compete again others to see who can create the best adult themed gingerbread house. 21 and up only. Bar will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Decorating starts at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.
- Hanging with Santa, Saturday, December 16, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Stop by for a meet and greet with the big guy himself “SANTA.”
MANTEO
The Elizabethan Gardens’ WinterLights
Nightly through December 30, from 6 – 9 p.m. Closed Mondays. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Elizabethan Gardens, 1411 National Park Drive, Manteo
Stroll along the illuminated gardens and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights that transform the 10-acre gardens into an enchanted wonderland. The radiant glow, holiday décor, and a crackling open-air fire, add to the festive atmosphere. Tickets available online or at the door. In the event of weather closure, ticket holders will be notified by 2 p.m. Cost: Adults $18; Youth (6 to 17) $14; Children (2 to 5) $8; Infant (under 2) free; Dogs $6.
Deck The Hulls Classes, Cocktails and Conversation
Deck the Hulls (Outer Banks Distilling), 510 Budleigh St, Manteo
- Wrecks & Rum, Wednesday, December 13, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sip on special shipwreck Kill Devil Rum cocktails and enjoy a conversation about Outer Banks Shipwrecks with shipwreck historian and diver Marc Corbett for a special Wrecks & Rum holiday event.
December 13, 6 – 9 p.m. and December 18, Noon – 2 p.m
Aww Shucks (Blue Water Grill), 2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo
Swing by for some awesome photos with Santa and of course – share any last minute Christmas wishes!
“The Stranger in the Straw” Play Performance
Sunday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.
Manteo Baptist Church, 406 N Highway 64, Manteo
Candlelight Service
December 24, 6:30 p.m.
Manteo Baptist Church, 406 N Highway 64, Manteo
Merry Melodies – A Christmas Carol Sing-Along
December 12, 6 p.m.
Virginia S. Tillett Community Center, 950 Marshall C Collins Dr, Manteo
Get into the festive spirit with Tripp Harrison and his “electronic orchestra” as you sing along to a variety of traditional Christmas carols. Sponsored by Twiford Funeral Homes.
Christmas Movies at The Pioneer
Through December 25, 7 p.m. showings
The Pioneer Theater, 113 Budleigh Street, Manteo
Take in some holiday classics at The Pioneer Theater this season including National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, Elf, and The Polar Express. Come in your pajamas, bathrobes, and slippers for a special showing of The Polar Express on Christmas night. Tickets available online or at the door.
Live Music from The Tams
Friday, December 22, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Pioneer Theater, 113 Budleigh Street, Manteo
Celebrate the season with a special performance from the legendary Tams! Tickets available online.
HATTERAS ISLAND
Trail of Lights
Nightly
Sea Breeze Trail on Eagle Pass
Shuck Hatteras II Oyster Festival
December 15 at 5:00 p.m. to December 16 at 10 p.m.
Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort, Rodanthe
Join in for the second annual Shuck Hatteras Oyster Festival, a two-day Shellabration of Oysters, Music and Heritage at the Cape Hatteras KOA resort in Rodanthe.
Santa is in the Village!
Tuesday, December 19
Santa Claus will be riding through the Village with the Hatteras Fire Department, and will be available for visits following the ride.
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