December OBX Events | Outer Banks December Events

Outer Banks Event Calendar - December 2011

23rd Annual Festival of Trees
December 1 - 3
Festival of Trees brings together residents and visitors to the OBX to celebrate the holiday season with twinkling lights, festive musical performances, punch and homemade cookies, craft activities for children, a visit with Santa complete with a souvenir photo, and shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts. The culmination of the Festival is an auction of donated, decorated Christmas Trees and Holiday Objects at a catered Gala Holiday Social.

Festival of Trees is an annual fundraiser that benefits crisis intervention programs of the Outer Banks Hotline for victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

December 1 & 2
Location: 108 Budleigh Street in downtown Manteo. 108 Budleigh is a spacious special event and reception venue. There will be the very popular Holiday Bazaar where volunteers will display and sell a wide variety of gift items, decorations, and even holiday attire. These items will have been collected throughout the year from the best of the best of donations to Hotline’s fundraising thrift shops. Most items are gently used, new, collectible, vintage, and unique! Also a large silent auction fundraiser for vacation packages and other gifts. Photo opportunities with Santa’s Snow Princess plus live performances by local groups. Cookies and punch will be served.

December 3
Location: Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. The events room in the new Jeanette’s Pier will provide a spacious venue for the Holiday Social and Benefit Auction of beautiful Christmas Trees donated and decorated by local businesses and artists. There will be approximately 12 to 15 full size Trees decorated around a specific theme. Each tree will also have gifts associated with it that add value and excitement to the bidding.

Holiday Social --- a ticketed event that begins at 6:30pm. The Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer for the evening will be local personality, Bill Rea. The Benefit Auction will begin at 8pm after a Holiday Social that will offer heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and champagne, and live entertainment. During the Holiday Social, approximately 6 items (including original paintings, stained glass, jewelry, etc.) will be offered in a Silent Auction to conclude at the beginning of the live auction.

Visit for more details visit www.obhotline.org

First Friday - Roanoke Island
December 2
Manteo Waterfront. 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Historic Inn Tour from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (tour maps at Dare County Arts Council), Live music from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Blue grass to Jazz to Classic Rock 'n Roll), Boutiques and Restaurants open late, Enjoy family friendly activities, Famous rock climbing wall, Historical interpreters in period costumes and more. townofmanteo.com

Manteo Tree Lighting
December 2
Set in front of the historic old courthouse on Queen Elizabeth Street, is a musical dramatic celebration of that indefinable spirit of selfless joy that, for over 400 years, has touched the lives of Roanoke Island residents at Christmas and caused them to persevere against all odds in pursuance of their dreams. townofmanteo.com

Grand Illuminations - The Elizabethan Gardens
December 3
Elizabethan Gardens. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Join us as we kick off 19 nights of lights, seasonal and floral displays at The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, North Carolina. This kick-off event will feature holiday foods and festive drink in the Embellished Hall and on the Great Lawn. Also featured are fire pits on the Great Lawn, where guests can enjoy the glow of the season. On this evening enjoy The Gardens' Gift Shoppe and plant sales, offering 10% off all merchandise. Friends' receive an additional 10% off. For the occasion, a special holiday promotion is planned featuring many gifts under $15.00 ~ pre-wrapped and ready to give for Christmas. Garden plant sales will feature winter annuals; ornamental vegetables; forced bulbs; rosemary Christmas Trees; and conifers with bows. Tickets for Illuminations for Non-Members are $14 for adults; $9 for youth (ages 6-17); $6 for children (5 and under). Tickets for Friends' are $10 for adults; $7 for youth (ages 6-17); $4 for children (5 and under). Groups of 20 or more receive $1.00 off each ticket. elizabethangardens.org

Downtown Manteo Christmas Parade
December 3
Winding through the streets of Manteo, the Christmas parade is a Manteo tradition. Local schools, charitable organizations, and business help spread the spirit of the season. townofmanteo.com

Holiday Small Works Show (Vault Gallery)
December 2 - 30
Over 500 works of art to fit every budget, including original paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, fiber, metal, mixed media and wood. Perfect for your holiday shopping. Great stocking stuffer items available. Shop locally and support Dare County artists and craftspeople! Opening reception, Friday, December 2nd 6pm – 8pm. For more information, please call (252) 473-5558 or see Dare County Arts Council’s website at darearts.org.

Art and Spirit: Sacred Works by Sixty Artists
December 3 - 22
Art Gallery at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Local and regional artists present two-and three-dimensional work that tells the story of their personal sense of spirituality.(252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com

WinterLights
December 6-10
Elizabethan Gardens. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Come experience Holiday lights and music transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland complete with peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures created with flowers, seeds, natural elements, as well as traditional holiday decorations. Stroll through The Gardens and enjoy the spirit of the season. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse, Reception Hall and great Lawn. WinterLights is 18 nights of lights and floral displays at The Gardens! Each evening enjoy The Gardens' Gift Shoppe and plant sales, which offer 10% off all merchandise. Friends' receive an additional 10% off. For the occasion, a special holiday promotion is planned featuring many gifts under $15.00 ~ pre-wrapped and ready to give for Christmas. Garden plant sales will feature winter annuals; ornamental vegetables; forced bulbs; rosemary Christmas Trees; and conifers with bows. Tickets for Friends' and Non-members: $9 for Adults; $7 for youth (ages 6-17); $4 for children (5 and under). elizabethangardens.org

The Nutcracker
December 10
Outer Banks Centre for Dance presents the Christmas Classic THE NUTCRACKER on Saturday, Dec. 10th at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at First Flight High School. Admission: $15. obxdance.com

Home and Gardens Workshop
December 10
Elizabethan Gardens. 10 a.m. - Noon. Learn the Art of Wreath Making with Wes and Kim Stetson Decorate your home for the holidays with a wreath that is uniquely yours! Let Kim and Wes Stetson of Holiday House Weddings share with you the Art of Wreath Making. This exciting workshop will be held in The Embellished Hall at The Elizabethan Gardens. Class is limited to 25 participants. The Elizabethan Gardens will provide the wreath base, greening pins and cuttings from The Gardens. Participants may bring in ribbon, ornaments or anything from home to make it uniquely you. This workshop is open to Friends for $20 and to Non-members for $25. Light refreshments will be served. elizabethangardens.org

The Art of Gingerbread Cookies with Laura Murden, Pastry Chef for Big Al's Soda Fountain and Grill
December 10
Elizabethan Gardens. Noon - 2 p.m. Come learn the art of gingerbread cookies an Elizabethan tradition. This hands-on workshop will give participants the opportunity to create from scratch gingerbread cookies while learning the techniques and decorating secrets in creating beautiful holiday gingerbread creation. This workshop is limited to the first 20 participants due to the hands-on experience. Participants are to come dressed for baking and decorating. This workshop is sure to be the highlight of your holiday season. This workshop is open to Friends for $20 and to Non-members for $25. Light refreshments will be served. elizabethangardens.org

Photographing Nature with Jeff Lewis - Photography Workshop for Adults
December 10
Elizabethan Gardens. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. This workshop is for anyone wanting to learn the skills needed to photograph nature. The class will be taught by The Elizabethan Gardens' Garden and Nursery Manager and published wildlife photographer, Jeff Lewis. Jeff will give a short presentation in The Meeting Hall and then a walking tour outside to explore and photograph wildlife in The Elizabethan Gardens along with its collection of priceless statuary, interesting plants, butterflies, birds and other garden creatures. Participants are reminded to dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, bring a camera, notepad, pencil, film (if needed) and a charged battery. Disposable cameras are for sale in the Gatehouse along with AA Batteries. Rain Date: Sunday, April 17th from 3p.m. until 5p.m. This workshop includes admission to The Gardens. Visit the grounds of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and The Waterside Theater. Members/Friends: $15 Non Members: $20. elizabethangardens.org

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Winter Climb
December 10
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. All climbers are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the steps on their own – they cannot be carried. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (16 years of age or older). The climb is strenuous--the 248 steps to the top equal climbing a 12-story building. nps.gov/caha

Christmas Past at Island Farm
December 10
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Explore Island Farm on a guided candlelight tour and experience an 1850s Southern Christmas. Discover the origins of some of our favorite Christmas traditions as interpreters bring to life the festivities of the season. Bring the children to visit the farmhouse decorated for the holidays with flickering wax candles illuminating the Christmas tree. Warm yourself by a crackling fire as you sip a cup of hot cider. Join carolers singing Yuletide favorites. Start a new holiday tradition at Island Farm! Special event admission of $10, children ages 5 and under admitted free. theislandfarm.com or 252-473-6500.

WinterLights
December 13-17
Elizabethan Gardens. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Come experience Holiday lights and music transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland complete with peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures created with flowers, seeds, natural elements, as well as traditional holiday decorations. Stroll through The Gardens and enjoy the spirit of the season. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse, Reception Hall and great Lawn. WinterLights is 18 nights of lights and floral displays at The Gardens! Each evening enjoy The Gardens' Gift Shoppe and plant sales, which offer 10% off all merchandise. Friends' receive an additional 10% off. For the occasion, a special holiday promotion is planned featuring many gifts under $15.00 ~ pre-wrapped and ready to give for Christmas. Garden plant sales will feature winter annuals; ornamental vegetables; forced bulbs; rosemary Christmas Trees; and conifers with bows. Tickets for Friends' and Non-members: $9 for Adults; $7 for youth (ages 6-17); $4 for children (5 and under). elizabethangardens.org

Dinner with Santa
December 16
Elizabethan Gardens. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Celebrate the beginning of the holidays with your child by dining with Santa in the magically decorated Embellished Hall at The Elizabethan Gardens. Culinary delights will be provided by Ortega'z, and Santa will be available throughout the evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture wonderful family holiday photos. The Gardens will also have a professional photographer available to take photos which can then be purchased from the photographer's website. Your ticket includes dinner, Santa and WinterLights. Dinner seating is at 6 pm, 7 pm, or 8 pm. Come experience holiday lights and music transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland complete with peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures created with flowers, seeds, natural elements, as well as traditional holiday decorations. Enjoy the spirit of the season, dinner and Santa! Friends' tickets: $35 for Adults; $20 for children. Non-members tickets: $40 for Adults; $25 for children. elizabethangardens.org

Home and Gardens Workshop
December 17
Elizabethan Gardens. 10 a.m. - Noon. Learn the Art of Wreath Making with Wes and Kim Stetson Decorate your home for the holidays with a wreath that is uniquely yours! Let Kim and Wes Stetson of Holiday House Weddings share with you the Art of Wreath Making. This exciting workshop will be held in The Embellished Hall at The Elizabethan Gardens. Class is limited to 25 participants. The Elizabethan Gardens will provide the wreath base, greening pins and cuttings from The Gardens. Participants may bring in ribbon, ornaments or anything from home to make it uniquely you. Bring the kids and let them enjoy the Kids Craft Day! This workshop is open to Friends for $20 and to Non-members for $25. Light refreshments will be served. elizabethangardens.org

Kids Craft Day
December 17
10 a.m. - Noon. Let Mom and Dad go shopping, while we entertain the children! This is a special day for children 5 and up. We will have an arts and crafts activity, healthy snacks, lunch, story time and a special stroll through The Gardens. Let the children enjoy the seasonal displays while you get ready for the Holidays! Children will delight in seeing floral creations of peacocks, butterflies and deer! Make sure they bring their coats! Mom or Dad can enjoy the Home and Gardens Workshop. Space limited to 30 children. Friends' $15; Non-members $20. elizabethangardens.org

108th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight
December 17
Wright Brothers National Memorial. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gather at the exact site at the exact time as the historic flight to remember, reflect and celebrate this milestone. The daylong anniversary tribute will be held at the site of Wright’s first flight. Visitors to the site experience a replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 encampment and majestic, 60-foot tall granite monument perched atop a 90-foot hill that serves a striking and lasting reminder of the important historical achievement that happened on this site a century ago. outerbanks.org

WinterLights
December 20-23, 27-30
Elizabethan Gardens. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Come experience Holiday lights and music transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland complete with peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures created with flowers, seeds, natural elements, as well as traditional holiday decorations. Stroll through The Gardens and enjoy the spirit of the season. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse, Reception Hall and great Lawn. WinterLights is 18 nights of lights and floral displays at The Gardens! Each evening enjoy The Gardens' Gift Shoppe and plant sales, which offer 10% off all merchandise. Friends' receive an additional 10% off. For the occasion, a special holiday promotion is planned featuring many gifts under $15.00 ~ pre-wrapped and ready to give for Christmas. Garden plant sales will feature winter annuals; ornamental vegetables; forced bulbs; rosemary Christmas Trees; and conifers with bows. Tickets for Friends' and Non-members: $9 for Adults; $7 for youth (ages 6-17); $4 for children (5 and under). elizabethangardens.org

Kids Craft Day
December 21
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Let Mom and Dad go shopping, while we entertain the children! This is a special day for children 5 and up. We will have an arts and crafts activity, healthy snacks, lunch, story time and a special stroll through The Gardens. Let the children enjoy the seasonal displays while you get ready for the Holidays! Children will delight in seeing floral creations of peacocks, butterflies and deer! Make sure they bring their coats! Space limited to 30 children. Friends' $15; Non-members $20. elizabethangardens.org

WinterLights - Come see Santa
December 23
Kids come see Santa before the big day. Admission to WinterLights is required. elizabethangardens.org

WinterLights - Bring Santa you Thank You letters
December 30
Kids come bring Santa your Thank You letters. Admission to WinterLights is required. elizabethangardens.org