Celebrate the Season: Outer Banks Holiday Events 2023

As the holiday season approaches, the Outer Banks transforms into a festive paradise, blending its unique coastal charm with the joy and warmth of the holidays. This 2023, the Outer Banks invites everyone to immerse in a series of spectacular events, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of beach beauty and holiday cheer. Here are just a few of the events taking place all over the Outer Banks.

Nags Head-Soundside Event Site Holiday Market (December 17, 2023) Looking for a place to get those last-minute holiday presents?? Come on down to the Soundside event site in Nags Head where local vendors and artists will set up shop for all your holiday needs. The event will run from Noon-4pm and we welcome all to attend.

Manteo-The Elizabethan Gardens’ annual Winter Lights event in 2023 is a festive and enchanting experience that runs on select nights from November 17 through December 30, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. This event has become a cherished holiday tradition in the Outer Banks, transforming the ten-acre gardens into a winter wonderland with beautifully illuminated garden paths. The festive atmosphere in Manteo is enhanced with holiday décor, a crackling open-air fire, and various scheduled entertainment and evenings with Santa Claus. Timed-entry tickets for the Winter Lights event must be reserved online and are priced as follows: Adults $18, Youth (ages 6 to 17) $14, Children (ages 2 to 5) $8, Infants (under 2) free, and Dogs $6 (one per adult). Please note that tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by The Elizabethan Gardens. In case of inclement weather or other conditions that might prevent the lights from occurring, a notice will be sent out to all anticipated guests by 2 PM.

The 12 Bars of Christmas event in the Outer Banks for 2023 is a festive celebration featuring 12 local establishments, each offering unique holiday-themed experiences. This event stems from the success of the previous year’s Christmas Island event, where four Outer Banks restaurants started the tradition. For 2023, the event has expanded to include a dozen establishments, creating an even more diverse and exciting holiday experience.

Participating venues and their special themes include:

– **Lucky 12 Tavern** as “Jingle 12”
– **Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar** as “Aww Shucks”
– **Outer Banks Distilling** as “Deck the Hulls”
– **Jolly Roger Restaurant** as “Holly Jolly Christmas”
– **Bonzer Shack** as “The Broken Candy Cane”
– **Goombays Grille & Raw Bar** as “Goombrrrs”
– **Blue Crab Tavner** as “Sandy Claws”
– **Outer Banks Brewing Station** as “Christmas Vacation Station”
– **Poor Richards Sandwich Shop** as “Poor Rudolph’s”
– **Two Roads Tavern** as “McCallister’s Corner”
– **Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint KDH** as “Jack Frost’s Cheer & Burger Joint”
– **Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill** as “Mama Klaus’s”

In addition to enjoying the unique themes and offerings of each bar, participants can take part in a “crawl” by making a $5 donation to the charity chosen by the bar where they purchase a passport. Those who complete the crawl receive an exclusive Christmas ornament and are entered into drawings for various gift cards. The event not only promises a fun and festive atmosphere but also engages the community in supporting local charities through their participation. With each establishment offering something different, the 12 Bars of Christmas is a great way to enjoy the holiday season on the Outer Banks.

For more information, including the latest updates on events and hours of operation, you can visit the official 12 Bars of Christmas website or follow their social media pages.

Celebrate the holidays on the Outer Banks, where holiday spirits soar as high as the kites in the sky, and the ocean’s rhythm adds a serene soundtrack to your festive adventures.

For more information on these events, including timings, ticketing, and safety guidelines, visit the official Outer Banks Visitors Bureau website or contact the respective event organizers.

Since 2003 Matt Huband-Broker/Owner of OBX Realty Group has ranked in the top 7% of all Realtors on the Outer Banks in totals sales and sales volume. With his years of experience and extensive area knowledge Matt can help you find the right property on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  To learn more about buying real estate on the Outer Banks of NC contact Matt today.

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