The Outer Banks offers a magical way to embrace the holiday spirit with festive events, decorations, food and drinks. Salt breezes and peaceful beaches provide a pleasant backdrop for Christmas cheer. The annual 12 Bars of Christmas event has become a beloved local tradition. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
Lucky 12 Tavern Transforms into “Jingle 12”
Lucky 12 Tavern becomes Jingle 12, a winter wonderland with themed cocktails, decorations and fun events. For 5 years running, Jingle 12 has celebrated the holidays on the Outer Banks with curated Christmas decor and seasonal menu items. Features like igloos, a ski lodge and ice fishing shed provide unique holiday vibes.
Give back to the community by bringing a toy to donate to Toys for Tots on December 6th and 7th from 11:30am-9pm in exchange for a special "Tater Tot" appetizer. Get competitive during the annual Jingle 12 Adult Gingerbread House Decorating Contest on December 11th where teams battle to construct the best themed gingerbread house.
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar Transforms into "Aww Shucks"
In Pirates Cove Marina, Blue Water Grill becomes "Aww Shucks," a Christmas pop-up bar focused on everyone's favorite bivalve. Eat, drink and be merry as you sip festive cocktails and savor oysters alongside the docked boats twinkling with holiday lights. It's sure to become a new yuletide tradition.
Nautical Cheer at “Deck the Hulls” Bar
Experience the Outer Banks' nautical heritage at Christmas time by stopping into Deck the Hulls pop-up bar at Outer Banks Distilling. Sip creative rum cocktails featuring seasonal flavors like pecan, gold and winter spice as you soak in the maritime decor.
Santa Takes a Pirate Twist at “Holly Jolly Christmas”
Jolly Roger Restaurant unveils Holly Jolly Christmas, transforming into a delightfully quirky misfit wonderland. As you'd expect from the Jolly Roger, this pirate-themed Santa pop-up puts a unique spin on conventional Christmas cheer. Enjoy special food, drinks and festive fun and a spirited Bad Santa Party on December 21st.
“The Broken Candy Cane” Turns Bonzer Shack Festive“The Broken Candy Cane” Turns Bonzer Shack Festive
Bonzer Shack has become The Broken Candy Cane, your favorite Christmas villain's hangout. Soak in the splendid holiday decor alongside cheeky nods to characters like the Grinch, Heat and Snow Miser and Bumble the Abominable Snowman. Enjoy live music in the yard on December 13th and 20th while kids can undertake a Grinch scavenger hunt on December 9th and 16th to win prizes. Fuel up on holiday drinks and specialty food items like the Grinch Burger throughout the season.
Frozen Fun at “Goombrrrs” Winter Wonderland
Goombay's Grille and Raw Bar morphs into a magical frozen winter wonderland dubbed Goombrrrs. The jolly Goombrrrs Yeti and friends from Christmas Island and Misfit Toys aim to save the holiday with delicious menus and artfully crafted cocktails designed by Goombrrrs' Bad Santa himself. Attend the special Wreath Decorating workshop on December 12th accompanied by wine and cheese plates. Then finish out the year strong at their spirited 2nd Annual Bad Santa Party on December 19th featuring live music and festive attire.
“Sandy Claws” Brings Christmas Magic
Venture up to the winter wonderland at Blue Crab Tavern's Sandy Claws pop-up and enjoy fireside s'mores plus delicious food trucks like Street Eats Latin Fusion. Inside, kids can visit Santa while everyone warms up with hot cocoa beverages and sodas at the specialty bar. Gaze in awe at the Toy Chest loaded with free toys for children every Sunday. Delight in themed decor and fun touches like the seahorses pulling Santa's sleigh outside. On Fridays and Saturdays, enjoy live music from talented local bands like Hot Sauce.
Griswold Family Brings Comedy to “Christmas Vacation Station”
Drawing inspiration from the iconic comedy National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Outer Banks Brewing Station becomes Christmas Vacation Station. Expect crest-emblazoned food and drinks in addition to events like the Brews and Arts Holiday Market and count down to the new year in style at their annual New Year's Eve bash on December 31st featuring live music from Funkamungus.
“Poor Rudolph's” Festive Dining on Roanoke Island
Poor Richard's Sandwich Shop on Roanoke Island receives a complete holiday transformation into Poor Rudolph's for the season. Pop in and savor Christmas-themed food and drink items through December as you soak in the jolly vibes of this decades-old local staple.
Home Alone Themes Bring Nostalgia to “McCallister's Corner”
For a healthy dose of Christmas nostalgia, visit Two Roads Tavern's special Home Alone pop up, McCallister's Corner. Entertaining decor like booby traps transports you into the beloved film franchise. Enjoy pertinent food and drinks as Home Alone plays on their 20 televisions. Partake in special events like Bingo & Movie Nights on December 13th and 20th or a family-oriented Merry Market benefitting the Beach Food Pantry on December 9th.
“Jack Frost's Cheer and Burger Joint’s” Festive Food and Holiday Markets
Jack Brown's seasonal incarnation, Jack Frost's Cheer & Burger Joint, certainly brings the Christmas spirit in Kill Devil Hills. This Santa-approved spot goes all out with décor guaranteed to delight kids and kids at heart. They carry on the tradition of giving by hosting spirited holiday markets benefitting local charities throughout December, and also spice up the season with a special Jingle Bell Rock brunch event.
Tropical Twist on Christmas Cheer at “Mama Klaus's”
Mama Kwan's Tiki Bar & Grill turns tropical with Mama Klaus's Pop-Up Holiday Tiki Hut. Embrace the unique clash of Christmas and Hawaiian vibes by sipping specialty cocktails served with tiny umbrellas and feasting on Hula-Day treats. It's sure to get you in the aloha holiday spirit.
This year, trade wintry weather for the warm sands of the Outer Banks and soak in our one-of-a-kind yuletide offerings. Book your upcoming vacation today to experience these memorable events alongside gorgeous seaside settings that redefine holiday magic. Accommodations fill quickly, so reserve your perfect Christmas home base now and take advantage of seasonal deals creating an even more joyous stay. This is one holiday you'll never forget!