There’s something extra magical about Christmastime on Roanoke Island. From the glow of the lights dancing on Shallowbag Bay to the small-town parade that feels like it was lifted from the pages of a holiday storybook to classic Christmas movies in the Pioneer Theater, the island offers those essential sparks of holiday cheer. Whether you’re sipping cocoa along the waterfront or stepping back into Christmases of centuries past, Roanoke Island shines bright all December long.
If you’re ready to feel the spirit of the season, head across the Washington Baum Bridge to experience Christmas cheer on Roanoke Island this month.
Manteo Tree Lighting & First Friday
Friday, December 5 | Free
Unfortunately, the traditional Manteo Tree Lighting has been cancelled due to rain this year. The town will show the lighting on Facebook Live at 7 p.m. The traditional choir singing will be held inside at The Pioneer Theater.
Meanwhile, it's the final First Friday of 2025. Pop over to Dare Arts to enjoy a kids' craft and refreshments and do some shopping for art, the perfect holiday gift! Dare Arts will be open until 7 p.m. You can enjoy the restaurants (reservations are accepted at Olives, 1587 and the new Vicki B's and Salt & Cypress) or live music and cocktails in the Manteo bars. Many of the shops will be open late as well, so get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Manteo Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m. | Free
Keep the merriment going with the annual Manteo Christmas Parade on Saturday morning. Expect floats, marching bands, dancers, local groups and Santa waving from the fire truck. Bring a chair, bundle up and soak in the small-town cheer that makes this parade such a beloved island tradition.
Christmas Past at Island Farm
December 5 and 6, 2 to 7 p.m. | $11 ages 4 and older; free for ages 3 and younger
Take a step back – way back – to the 1850s at Island Farm’s Christmas Past. Candlelit paths, costumed interpreters, traditional holiday cooking and crafts, freshly pressed cider and visits with St. Nicholas recreate the charm of an early Roanoke Island Christmas. It’s one of the most unique and heartwarming holiday experiences on the Outer Banks.
Photo: Experience Christmas of the 1850s at Island Farm.
Island Jingle at Roanoke Island Festival Park
Saturday, December 6 at 7 p.m. | Free
Keep the spirit alive at Island Jingle, hosted by The Tillett Sisters and featuring an impressive lineup of local and regional musicians. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music starting at 7. Performers include That Guy Shane, Doug Dino, Sam’O & JFC The Lion Band, Jeremy Russell, plus the Mustang All Stars and Mustang Kids bands. Concession proceeds benefit the Mustang Music Outreach Program, so you can enjoy the holiday vibes and support local youth musicians at the same time.
Eric Mintel Quartet: A Charlie Brown Christmas Jazz
December 6 at 7 p.m. & December 7 at 2 p.m. | $25 to $45
Dare Arts closes out its 50th anniversary year with a heartfelt tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Pioneer Theater. The Eric Mintel Quartet brings Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music to life alongside holiday standards and original jazz pieces. It’s cozy, nostalgic and perfect for music lovers of all ages. You can buy tickets here.
WinterLights
December 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Adults $22 | Youth (ages 2-17) $14 | Child (under 2) Free | Dog $6
Now in its 15th year, WinterLights at The Elizabethan Gardens is the #1 holiday tradition on the Outer Banks. Stroll through 10 acres of dazzling holiday lights and festive decor and cozy up by the open-air fire in a stunning garden setting. Timed-entry tickets are available online only, with seasonal plants, holiday gifts and live entertainment on select nights. Purchase tickets here.
Holiday Movies at the Pioneer Theater
Selected dates at 7 p.m.
Watching holiday movies at home does hold a candle to watching them in the charmingly nostalgic Pioneer Theater. Grab a tub of freshly popped popcorn and a soda or even a cocktail and enjoy classic holiday movies alongside your friends and neighbors.
It’s a Wonderful Life - December 4
Die Hard - December 5 to 10
How the Grinch Stole Christmas - December 13 to 18
David - December 19 to January 1
Holiday Marlin Market at Pirate's Cove Marina
December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Free
Shop among more than 50 coastal vendors to find unique gifts and enjoy seasonal treats by the water at Pirates Cove Marina's first annual holiday market at The Pavilion.
Photo above by Wes Snyder Photography
Outer Banks Flotilla
December 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. | Free
Head to the Manteo Waterfront to see Roanoke Island Yacht Club's second annual lighted flotilla boat parade. Stick around Downtown Manteo after the parade for dinner and drinks.
Christmas Island
December 5 to 31
Roanoke Island transforms into a Polar Express-inspired holiday adventure for the month of December, and if journey around the island you can win a prize from The Christmas Shop. For a $5 donation, pick up your Golden Ticket at any participating establishment and collect a punch at all 13 stops (please reference each location’s hours when planning):
1587 Lounge as Miracle on 1587th Street
Poor Richards as Poor Rudolph’s
Olives Kitchen as Olive You Christmas
Lost Colony Tavern as Frost Colony Tavern
Ortegaz as Ortegaz Southwest Express
Pioneer Theater
Old Tom’s as Old Saint Nick’s
Nou Vines as I’m Dreaming of a Wine Christmas
Vineyards on the Scuppernong as The Tipsy Elf
Vicki B’s as Ol Saint Vick’s
Kill Devil Rum as Deck the Hulls
Salt & Cypress as The Cypress Express
Firetender as Yuletender
Once your ticket is fully punched, turn it in at The Christmas Shop to receive a Christmas bell and be entered to win a holiday gift certificate giveaway drawn the first week of January.
Much More Holiday Spirit
This is only a small portion of holiday events happening on the Outer Banks this month. From bar crawls like 12 Bars of Christmas and Misfit Bars of Christmas to the Duck Yuletide Celebration and Hatteras Christmas Parade and so much more, the calendar is completely packed! See the full rundown of events on our Nightlife and Daytime events pages.
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.
