If you think The Christmas Shop is all about Christmas – and why wouldn’t you? – don’t forget that the full name is The Christmas Shop & General Store. Yes, this store is a holiday extravaganza, but it’s so much more!
When it first opened in 1967, The Christmas Shop was focused solely on Christmas, and it quickly became an Outer Banks shopping novelty, drawing vacationers from the beaches to Manteo to get a head start on their holiday shopping. But over the last 58 years it has evolved into a 25,000-square-foot shopping experience with goods ranging well beyond holiday to include Outer Banks souvenirs, home decor, gourmet food and wine. There are so many rooms to explore here that they offer a map at the front counter so you don’t miss anything!
Holiday Magic
If you are coming for the year-round Christmas, you’ll be blown away by the offerings. You will find ornaments, decor and collectibles for every theme imaginable: Outer Banks (think lighthouses, mermaids, shells and more), themed decorating (coastal, Grinchy, rustic farmhouse, vintage, by color and more) and a huge range of occupations, hobbies and enthusiasms. Free ornament personalization – engraving ornaments with names and dates – makes your finds even more special.
“It’s so nice to pull out those ornaments and have a souvenir to mark the memories you’ve created on the Outer Banks,” says Gary Chatnik, owner of The Christmas Shop.
Beyond the Christmas holiday, you’ll find decor for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Halloween and seasonal decorations.
Goods for All Sesaons
Keep wandering through this massive store and you’ll discover room after room of unexpected treasures. There are gifts galore, from toys for all ages to bath and body items, dog and cat gifts to jewelry and accessories for a range of tastes. Sports fans will find collegiate and professional sports products, and anyone who loves the Outer Banks will want to stock up on their selection of themed souvenirs, apparel, gifts, maps and home decor.
Those who love to cook and entertain will appreciate the kitchen and table-top items and fun home decor items. And everyone loves the specialty foods and gourmet items. Choose from old-fashioned candy, locally made chocolates, locally roasted coffee, teas, gourmet snacks, dips and mixes, jams and honey, sauces and glazes.
The General Store even has a Wine Shop offering wines from around North Carolina, the United States and the world, including Italy, France, New Zealand, Portugal and more. Wine tastings and wines by the glass are available all day, a nice touch for a shopping experience that could literally take you hours!
As you can see, The Christmas Shop is more than a store, it’s a shopping destination. Make it a part of any trip to Manteo or make a trip just for this experience. It’s definitely worth it!
(252) 473-2838
621 U.S. Hwy 64, Manteo
OuterBanksChristmas.com
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
