Christmas Vacation Station: A Griswold-Inspired Pop-Up at Outer Banks Brewing Station, Part of the 12 Bars of Christmas

"If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surpirsed."

"Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"

"We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny-f*#@ing-Kaye." 

If these quotes are part of your annual holiday traditions, you’re going to love Christmas Vacation Station.

From November 28 to December 31, as part of 12 Bars of Christmas, Outer Banks Brewing Station is transforming into Christmas Vacation Station, a pop-up experience packed with all things Griswold and holiday cheer. From quirky themed drinks to nostalgic holiday eats, this winter wonderland will have you feeling like you’re living inside Clark Griswold’s chaotic but heartwarming holiday dream. So, grab your ugly Christmas sweater and get ready to indulge in a bit of holiday madness.

For the next month, the bar will be brimming with specialty cocktails, menu items and decorations that pay homage to the iconic characters and moments from the film. Whether you’re indulging in a drink like the Marty Moose Mule or enjoying a savory bite like Holiday Dogs (inspired by Snots), every aspect of the Christmas Vacation Station brings you closer to the Griswold experience.

"We have a blast turning into the Christmas Vacation Station," says Diana Healy Marlowe, co-general manager of Outer Banks Brewing Station. "We incorporate quotes from the movie that inspire our cocktail and food menus. We also have different scenes from the movie a part of our decorations. Being part of the 12 Bars of Christmas has been an honor and a lot of fun."

For food lovers, the menu is filled with clever nods to the movie’s most memorable moments. Try the Turkey Egg Rolls inspired by the chaotic Christmas dinner scene, or the Charcuterie Board that nods to the Jelly of the Month Club. If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting the Hot Wings that might remind you of the scene where the family’s cat meets an untimely electrical fate, now’s your chance! Of course, there’s the Egg Nog Brewlee, a tribute to the boss who gets “kidnapped” by the Griswolds. For dessert, you can’t miss the special edition ice cream sandwich from Surfin’ Spoon, named You Serious Clark? It features eggnog frozen yogurt sandwiched between two spiced ginger cookies. 

Christmas Vacation Station also boasts a carefully crafted cocktail menu that takes inspiration from the film’s most beloved characters. Sip on the Ruby Sue, a festive and fruity concoction, or perhaps treat yourself to Margo's Espresso Martini. If you're in the mood for something a little more playful, go for Aunt Bethany's Mistletoe Kiss, a sweet and tangy option guaranteed to add a little extra cheer to your night. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re an adult looking for a cozy cocktail or a child craving a festive hot cocoa. Christmas Vacation Station has a Hot Cocoa menu, perfect for kids who like a sweet version and adults who like a spiked version.

What makes Christmas Vacation Station even more exciting is the range of fun events happening throughout the month. From family-friendly activities to adult-only gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’ve got little ones in tow, don’t miss the Tea Party with Elsa on December 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. It’s a magical experience for all ages, and it’s sure to make your holiday season extra special. For those looking to sing their hearts out, join in on Christmas Carol-oke on December 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Local Color OBX Mixed Media & Painting Parties on December 3, 10, and 17 are open to all ages and provide a perfect opportunity to tap into your creative side. And for those who love to dance, get your boots ready for the Christmas Line Dancing Night on December 11. Christmas Vacation Station will also host Live Music in the Backyard every Friday and Saturday plus a ton of other events all month long, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and soak in the festive atmosphere. Be sure to check out the event page for the Christmas Vacation Station full calendar of events.

This year, Christmas Vacation Station is teaming up with the Beach Food Pantry for the 12 Bars of Christmas Passport Challenge. For just $10, you can purchase a passport and visit all 12 participating bars in the area, collecting stamps along the way. Not only will you have a blast touring the bars, but your passport purchase will directly benefit the Beach Food Pantry, providing much-needed support to those in need during the holiday season.

Photo: The Bonzer Shack, aka The Broken Candy Cane decked out for 12 Bars of Christmas in 2024.

The 12 Bars of Christmas

Christmas Vacation Station is just one of the 12 stops on the 12 Bars of Christmas, all of which have similarly inventive cocktail and food menus and events for adults and/or families.

The 12 Bars of Christmas is a holiday tradition that has taken the Outer Banks by storm. Each bar on the tour chooses its own unique theme, and many of them are family-friendly, offering special events and menus designed to keep the whole family in the holiday spirit. Other participating bars include:

Other bars participating are:

• Bonzer Shack - The Broken Candy Cane, based on Christmas Villians like Grinch Burgermeister, Heat and Snow Miser, Bumble Snowman and more, benefits Surfrider Foundation
• Goombays - Goombrrs, land of Yeti and the Misfit Toys, benefits Fleet’s Fighters to support Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation
• Jack Browns - Jack Frost's benefits Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County
• Lone Cedar - 'Ol Cedar Brown's, based on Charlie Brown Christmas, benefits Dare Education Foundation
• Jolly Roger - Holly Jolly Christmas, based on Rudolph and his friends, benefits Interfaith Community Outreach
• Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar - North Pole Yacht Club (NPYC), an oyster themed popup bar, benefits Dare County Special Olympics
• Lucky 12  - Jingle 12, the original Christmas pop-up bar, features a ski chalet, two igloos and an ice fishing shed and benefits Room in the Inn
• Mama Kwan’s - Mama Klaus’s, a Hawaiian-themed holiday tiki hut, benefits Surfing for Autism
• Two Road’s Tavern - McAllister’s Corner, based on Home Alone!, benefits Food for Thought
• Outer Banks Distilling - Deck the Hulls, with rum drinks abounding, benefits North Carolina Coastal Federation
• Poor Richard's - Poor Rudolph's, a North Pole Watering Hole, benefits Outer Banks Relief Foundation

Whether you're visiting the Outer Banks for the first time or you've been a local for decades, the 12 Bars of Christmas is one of the most festive, spirited and community-centered traditions of the season. This annual event brings together locals and visitors for a month-long celebration filled with themed pop-up bars, special menus, family-friendly activities and charitable giving.

One of the best ways to take part is by grabbing your 12 Bars of Christmas Passport. At only $10, it’s an easy way to join the fun while supporting local nonprofits. Each stamp you collect represents another stop on your holiday adventure, and once you've filled the passport, you’ll earn a 2025 keepsake ornament and entry into the end-of-season giveaway. You do not have to buy a passport to visit any of the bars. Last year’s challenge from all 12 Bars of Christmas raised an impressive $73,000 for local charities, and this year, you can be part of the fun while giving back.

For the ultimate holiday night out, book a trip on the Outer Banks Party Bus, decked out for the holidays as the OBX Party Sleigh, for a fun and safe chauffeured bar crawl.

While the event definitely offers a ton of fun for adults, 11 of the 12 bars double as family-friendly restaurants, making this a holiday outing everyone can enjoy. Throughout the month, participating spots host a variety of events designed just for kids, including cookie decorating, holiday crafts, family trivia nights, character dining and festive kids' menus with fun drinks and desserts.

Mark Ballog, owner of Lucky 12, aka Jingle 12, and founder of the 12 Bars of Christmas, encourages everyone to come out and experience the Christmas cheer at the 12 Bars of Christmas.

"I'm thankful that locals, second homeowners and tourists have chosen to support us and help our economy in December when they could have gone elsewhere," Ballog says. "My hope is that we continue to be a December/Christmas destination, spreading Christmas cheer, which is really a thing, and that is what the 12 Bars does. I'm very happy the community has embraced it."

To stay up to date on special events and announcements from each participating bar, go to the 12 Bars of Christmas website, and don’t forget to follow along on Facebook and Instagram, where the 12 Bars of Christmas team shares festive updates as the countdown to opening day gets closer.