December on the Outer Banks is packed with festive coastal charm! Enjoy the season with Christmas markets filled with local artisans or a classic oyster roast by the water. Lace up for a spirited holiday 5K, join friends for a cheerful pub crawl, and celebrate community traditions at Christmas celebrations from Duck to Hatteras. The month wraps up with a dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with fireworks, live music, and that unmistakable OBX energy.
From holiday lights to warm seafood feasts, December is one of the most unforgettable times to experience the Outer Banks.
Town of Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade - December 5&6. The Town of Manteo invites residents and visitors to celebrate the magic of the season during its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, 2025. What began more than 50 years ago through the efforts of the Roanoke Island Women’s Club has grown into a beloved holiday tradition that brings the community together in the heart of Downtown Manteo. Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade
Duck Yuletide Celebration - December 6. Celebrate the start of the holiday season with us! The 16th Annual Duck Yuletide Celebration presented by Towne Bank. Make plans to gather at the Town Park for live holiday music by Sam on Sax and the First Flight High School Choir, activities for the whole family, tasty treats, the lighting of the Crab Pot Tree, and the arrival of Santa! Donations will be accepted for the Outer Banks SPCA and Beach Food Pantry. Duck Yuletide Celebration
Marlin Holiday Market - December 7. The First Annual Holiday Marlin Market at the Pirate's Cove Pavilion! Featuring over 50 local vendors and artisans to help get you holiday ready! Holiday Marlin Market
Holiday Hustle 5k & Elf Dash - December 13. Join us for this festive 5K & Elf Dash! This family-friendly holiday event starts at Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills, beautifully decorated and glowing with seasonal lights. After you cross the finish line, stick around for post-race snacks, festive music, and plenty of holiday joy to share with fellow runners and families. A great tradition for all ages—lace up, light up, and celebrate the season OBX-style. Holiday Hustle 5K & Elf Dash
Soundside Holiday Market - December 14. Come to the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head for a one-of-a-kind holiday market experience! Featuring photos with Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf (1pm-3pm), and the Grinch (3pm-4pm), a live camp fire to keep your hands and toes warm, Christmas tunes to sing along to, food trucks AND 70+ of our favorite Outer Banks local makers and artisans, we will truly have a little something for everybody. Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place and share a little holiday spirit with us! Soundside Holiday Market
Shuck Hatteras Oyster Festival - December 20. Shuck Hatteras IV Oyster Festival is an ALL DAY "Shellabration" with live music, Shuck Town Artisan Vendor Market, Oyster Cook-Off Competition (1:30-3:30 pm), as wells the coveted All-You-Can-Eat Authentic Fire Pit Oyster Roast (3 pm till, ticket purchase required). We will also have food, games, kid's activities, & raffles for fundraising efforts towards the Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue. Shuck Hatteras Oyster Festival
Misfits Bar Crawl - Through December 31. The Misfits Bars of Christmas Crawl brings festive fun and holiday cheer to the Outer Banks!From November 21 through New Year's Eve, 16 of the area’s favorite restaurants and bars will go all out with over-the-top décor, special menus, and signature holiday drinks. Proceeds from this event benefit the Outer Banks Relief Foundation and the Community Care Clinic of Dare.This project sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. Misfits Bar Crawl
Manteo New Year's Celebration - December 31. Live music, kid's zone with great games and activities, fabulous fun giveaways, and a colorful fireworks display illuminating Manteo's beautiful waterfront will bring cheer to the new year. Yummy food options include local fare provided by downtown restaurants in addition to accompanying local food trucks. Colorful shaved ice will surely catch the attention of those younger event attendees! This free, safe event will be great for the whole family and one you won't want to miss! Manteo New Year's Celebration
