In the Town of Manteo, you’ll find a place where Christmas sparkles brightly year-round. Since 1967 The Christmas Shop & General Store has delighted visitors with its extensive ornament collection, collectibles and holiday decor. And while Christmas certainly is a big draw here, the store also puts the “shop” in “Christmas shopping,” featuring more than 25,000 square feet of goods including gourmet food, wine, souvenirs, toys, jewelry and accessories.
If the promise of eternal Christmas is what’s luring you through the door, know that the Christmas experience certainly is unparalleled. You’ll find rooms of trees, lights, nativities, florals, garlands, wreaths, holiday figurines and so much more. The decorations are organized by popular themes like coastal, vintage, Grinchy and rustic farmhouse, and by color, so you can easily find your style.
The ornaments are a particularly nice way to commemorate a beach vacation, something that can be brought out and enjoyed year after year. There’s a huge selection to choose from, ranging from overtly Outer Banks to hobbies, sports, occupations and more. You can even get ornaments engraved with personalized names and dates for free.
Moving into the General Store, you’ll find gourmet foods and drinks such as locally roasted coffee, teas and snacks like dips, mixes, jams and honey that are perfect for taking back to the beach house. The Christmas Shop also stocks locally made chocolates, old-fashioned candy, sauces, glazes and much more.
Another feature is their Wine Shop, which offers tastings and wine by the glass available all day (this is a nice perk after a lot of shopping!). You’ll find local wine as well as wines from across the United States and around the world, including France, Italy, Portugal and New Zealand.
Once you’re refueled and relaxed and are ready for more shopping, explore the rooms and rooms of items perfect for gifting (or gifting a little something to yourself). Outer Banks souvenirs abound, with items like apparel, home decorations, maps, bath and body items, candles and tote bags. There are collegiate and professional sports pieces, jewelry, accessories of all sorts, toys and even gifts for dogs and cats.
You can also find decor for other holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Halloween.
So it’s about Christmas, yes, and Christmas is absolutely, beautifully, magically done here, but the offerings at The Christmas Shop & General Store also stretch far past the holiday. Be sure to pick up a map at the front counter — you’re going to need it to explore this one-of-a-kind shopping destination!
(252) 473-2838
621 U.S. Hwy 64, Manteo
OuterBanksChristmas.com
About the Author Heather Frese
Heather Frese fell in love with the Outer Banks when she was three years old. She grew up camping every summer on Hatteras Island, and her writing is deeply influenced by the history and wild beauty of the area. Her debut novel, The Baddest Girl on the Planet, won the Lee Smith Novel Prize and is set on Hatteras Island. 
