From holiday celebrations to quiet cozy relaxation, winter on the Outer Banks is truly magical! Throughout the winter season, you will find a wide variety of local events and celebrations, from the glow of WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens to the spectacle of Kites with Lights soaring above Jockey’s Ridge. Festive events and peaceful shorelines, coupled with the lowest rental rates of the year, may make winter one of the best times to visit the OBX!
Whether you are staying in Corolla , Duck , Southern Shores , Kitty Hawk , Kill Devil Hills , Nags Head , there are festive nearby events to enjoy! For those looking for a follow-your-nose type of activity and who love holiday shopping, you'll be thrilled to find a variety of holiday markets featuring local artisans' goods perfect for the gift-giving season. Beyond holiday-focused events, visitors will also discover events celebrating moments in local history, such as the anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ First Flight on December 17th. This event is a must for history and aviation enthusiasts!
We look forward to having you celebrate the holidays with us!
Explore OBX events in other seasons:
Below is a selection of winter events you and your group can attend and participate in here on the Outer Banks:
Please Note: We are in the process of adding more events to our listings, so be sure to check back as we continue to expand this resource.
November 20, 2026 -
December 31, 2026
November 20, 2026 through New Year's Eve, join this Christmas-themed bar crawl and support a great cause.
December 2, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 2, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 3, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 3, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 4, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 4, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 5, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 9, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 10, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 10, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 11, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 11, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 12, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
7:00 pm
December 12th is Roanoke Island Yacht Club's annual Outer Banks Holiday Flotilla! Enjoy a parade of boats decked out with lights and more.
December 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 16, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 17, 2026 at 9:00 am -
5:00 pm
On December 17, 2026, come celebrate the anniversary of the first flight at the Wright Brothers National Memorial!
December 17, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 17, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 18, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 19, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 19, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 21, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 21, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 22, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 22, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 23, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 23, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 26, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 26, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
December 27, 2026 at 6:00 pm -
9:00 pm
December 27, 2026: Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens! Meander along paths decked out with extensive holiday light displays.
