2027 calendars are now open!
Buy A House 800-368-3825
    • WiFi *
    • Keyless Entry *
    • Fully Equipped Kitchen *
    • Cook & Tableware *
    • Coffee Maker *
    • Outdoor Grill *
    • Sheets & Towels *

      We supply two towel sets per King/Queen/Double bed and one per Twin bed. Each towel set contains a bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth. Extra towel sets are available for rent, please call our office for more info.

    • Signature Welcome Package *

      A reusable shopping bag containing a starter supply of fresh roasted coffee, dishwashing detergent, bath soap, toilet tissue, laundry detergent, paper towels, as well as 2 dish cloths, 2 dish towels and a pot holder

    * All houses include these items.

    WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens

    WinterLights on the OBX
    Date:
    Time:
    -
    Location:
    1411 National Park Drive
    Venue:
    The Elizabethan Gardens
    Link:
    Event Link
    Map:
    View map

    Details about WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens

    Price:

    • Adults $22
    • Youth (ages 2 to 17) $14
    • Children under 2 are FREE
    • Dogs $6

    Ages:

    • All ages welcome!

    Pets:

    • Leashed dogs are allowed at WinterLights as long as they are up-to-date on all vaccinations and registrations. There is a limit of one dog per adult. Service dogs are admitted free of charge.

    WinterLights: November 20 – December 29, 2026 (Select Dates)

    When most people think of the Outer Banks, they picture an endless coastline of sandy beaches, fishing piers, and crashing waves. But once the holiday season rolls around, the Island transforms into a winter wonderland thanks to WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo. Whether you’re spending the holidays on the Outer Banks or just looking for a fun evening with family and friends, this is one annual event that you won’t want to miss.

    WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens

    History of WinterLights

    The Elizabethan Gardens first opened in the early 1950s as a living tribute to Sir Walter Raleigh and the Lost Colonists. Over the years, many donations from around the world have filled the gardens with beautiful statues, stunning artwork, and a variety of plant species, creating a one-of-a-kind place where visitors can walk through winding floral paths and discover something new around every corner.

    When WinterLights first started in 2010, the goal was to simply encourage people to visit the gardens. Well, it sure worked, because over the years, it has grown into one of the Outer Banks’ favorite holiday attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year! During the holiday season, the 10-acre botanical garden comes alive with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights that line the walking paths, sparkle through the trees, and bring holiday cheer.

    OBX WinterLights event

    What to Expect at WinterLights

    As soon as you walk in, you’ll be immersed in an array of dazzling lights, festive music, and the cozy, magical feeling that only the holidays can bring. Take your time strolling through the glowing garden paths, and discover beautifully decorated Christmas trees, holiday displays, sparkling tunnels of lights, and family photo-ops around every corner. A crackling fire adds to the holiday spirit as children and adults sip hot cocoa and roast marshmallows. Santa typically makes an appearance every night from 6 PM-8 PM, and select nights feature live entertainment. Don’t forget to take home a seasonal plant or holiday souvenir from the gift shop. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but it’s recommended to buy them in advance because this popular event sells out fast!

    Outer Banks holiday lights at the Elizabethan Gardens
    Photo by Wes Snyder

    Explore The Area

    There’s plenty of things to see outside of the Elizabethan Gardens too! Hit up the downtown Manteo waterfront beforehand and stroll through quaint streets, shop locally owned arts and craft stores, dine at one of the waterfront restaurants, or simply grab a double scoop homemade ice cream waffle cone. History lovers can explore the Roanoke Island Festival Park, where you can climb aboard the Elizabeth II sailing ship, discover what life was like for 16th-century settlers at the Settlement Site, visit the American Indian Town to learn about the coastal Algonquin culture, and explore Outer Banks History at the Adventure Museum.

    Downtown Manteo, NC

    See You There!

    Grab your family or a bunch of friends and head to WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens.  It’s the perfect Outer Banks off-season activity; you can slow down, sip some hot cocoa, sing along to the holiday tunes, and enjoy one of the area’s most magical holiday traditions.

    WinterLights on the OBX