Updated for 2023!
THANKSGIVING EVENTS & BUFFETS ON THE OUTER BANKS
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for friends and family to celebrate everything they are thankful for… and there are plenty of reasons to be thankful if you’re spending Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks! If you’re planning to visit the OBX during Thanksgiving Week 2023, we’ve compiled a handy list of great holiday events you may be interested in attending as well as a list of restaurants serving up a delicious Thanksgiving meal!
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*We will continue to update this page as we learn about more events and dining options!
Local Thanksgiving Week Events
Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile
On Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 11 AM, head to the Outer Banks Brewing Station to celebrate and participate in their annual Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile! This 21+ event hosted by the OBX Running Company is all about fun. Runners compete in a run-drink-run-drink-run-drink style race in quarter-mile intervals and are encouraged to wear costumes (there will be prizes awarded to the most creative!) At the conclusion of the race, there will be a backyard party at the Brewing Station! Register online here for $40.00. Walk-up registration is available up to 15 minutes before the race begins but there are only 100 spots open so register early to guarantee your participation!
Hangin’ With Santa
Hangin’ With Santa & Kites with Lights is a 2-day event perfect for getting in the Christmas mood. On Friday, November 24th and Saturday, November 25th, take the kids to Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head for a chance to meet Santa! After getting their picture taken, your kids can hang out with a few of Santa’s elves while trying out some classic toys. Plus, there will be excellent holiday sales so you can start Christmas shopping early!
Kites With Lights
On November 25th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm, you won't want to miss this annual holiday light show that will brighten up the sky over the dunes of Jockey's Ridge! Come out to Kites With Lights, presented by Kitty Hawk Kites, and celebrate with an impressive display of huge 19 to 30-foot kites completely decorated for the season! Kids and adults will relish in the sight and will also enjoy the lighting of the Jockey's Ridge State Park Solar Christmas Tree! Plus, baked goods and warm beverages will be available across the street (Jockey's Ridge Crossing). Although the event is free, donations are welcome and benefit The Friends of Jockey's Ridge, a nonprofit organization created to support, maintain and enhance the park.
Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens
For a little post-Thanksgiving fun to really bring out the holiday spirit, visit the Elizabethan Gardens beginning November 17th for select dates through December 30th. Kids from “one to ninety-two” will love this enchanted display of festive holiday lights. As you wander through the paths around the garden, you’ll experience the magic of a true winter wonderland with Christmas trees, holiday décor and thousands upon thousands of glowing lights. Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for ages 6-17, and $8 for children 5 to 2. Little ones under 2 get in free! Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. The final tickets of the night are sold at 8:15 PM and since this display is outside, it is subject to weather cancellations. Even if you’ve been in the past, this is a display that you should see year after year!
Restaurants Providing Thanksgiving Feasts
Red Sky Café
Red Sky Café is a wonderful café in Duck that serves a delicious Thanksgiving meal every year! To start 2023’s Thanksgiving Bounty, enjoy coffee, tea, local craft brews and fall-themed cocktails. The main dish options include fire-roasted turkey, Virginia ham, shrimp & grits, Chimichurri bistro steak, Country Fried Oysters, and more! There are plenty of sides too, of course, ranging from herb stuffing to green bean casserole, to brown sugar roasted yams, and more. Top it all off with a sweet treat prepared by Francie's Fancies! The cost for adults is $48 and the cost for kids 12 & under is $16. Lunch is served from 10:40 AM to 3:00 PM and reservations are recommended by calling or texting (631) 601-7538.
Kimball's Kitchen
Check out Kimball's Kitchen for a memorable three-course dinner with three delicious options per course for $125/person. Reserve a table for 1 pm, 3:30 pm, or 6 pm. Seats are limited, so book early! Their knowledgeable staff will be on hand to recommend our finest wines and beverages that perfectly complement your meal. Dress code: Resort Chic - Relaxed business dress. For men: collared shirts with dress pants or shorts; for women: equivalent resort wear. If you have any special dietary restrictions, please let them know; they will be happy to accommodate. Can't wait to make your Thanksgiving memorable! See you there!
Captain George's Seafood Restaurant
Captain George’s in Kill Devil Hills is no stranger to offering luxurious buffets. However, their annual Thanksgiving buffet is one that will certainly appease any palette. They offer traditional Thanksgiving food like turkey and ham in addition to seafood favorites like crab legs, steamed shrimp, oysters, and more! They also have homemade desserts, vegetables, sides, soups and salads! The restaurant will open at 11:30 AM on Thanksgiving Day and serve through 8:30 PM. Reservations are available between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. The feast will cost guests $49.99.
JOLLY ROGER
Jolly Roger in Kill Devil Hills is once again hosting a wonderful annual Thanksgiving feast! The cost is just $34.95 per person and you can even take home your leftovers starting at $9.99 per pound. Dinner starts at 1:00 PM (restaurant open regular hours for breakfast) and you can make reservations ahead of time. They will be offering traditional Roasted Turkey and Honey Glazed Ham along with She Crab Soup, Mashed Potatoes, Traditional Dressing, Fresh Homemade Rolls, Collard Greens, Seasonal Pies, Apple Dumplings & more!
MULLIGAN'S GRILLE
Mulligan’s Grille in Nags Head is another local favorite offering a delicious Thanksgiving meal! New this year is their “Better Than a Buffet” dine-in or carry-out dinner plates. Plates include turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, sweet potato casserole, collards, cranberry sauce and cornbread! You can also choose a dessert for your plate with options like bread pudding, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie. They also have a variety of plate add-ons like beef tenderloin, baked rockfish, lump crab cakes, clam chowder, hushpuppies, and more. Dinner plates are $28.99 per person. Kids 12 & under are $15.99. Reservations for dine-in or carry-out can be accepted up to 48 hours in advance by calling (252) 480-2000.
OWEN'S RESTAURANT
Owen’s Restaurant is offering a dine-in menu for Thanksgiving, available between Noon and 8:00 PM. Meals range from Turkey & Ham with gravy, dressing and potatoes to Rockfish & Shrimp with sweet potato crunch, mac & cheese, and collards. Side orders, salads, soups and desserts are also available for purchase. Their Southern Coastal Cuisine A la Carte menu includes soups, salads, desserts, surf and turf platters, and more with a range in prices. There is even a menu for kids that includes chicken fingers, local fish, cheeseburgers, turkey and ham with a side!
Basnight's Lone Cedar
Join Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe for their 16th Annual Thanksgiving Feast. They'll be open Thanksgiving Day from 10:30AM to 7:30PM. Both reservations and walk-ins are welcome for this massive buffet menu. Enjoy Thanksgiving with the beautiful views of the sound. Their wide selection of food includes Shrimp & Grits, Fresh, Local Seafood, Turkey, Ham, and Beef, a variety of vegetables, and an assortment of desserts including Banana Pudding and Pumpkin Cheesecake. $42.95 for Adults; $19.95 Under Twelve; Under Five Free. For reservations, call: 252-441-5405.
Other Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Here is a list of other local OBX restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day! (Note: hours and menus are subject to change. Check with individual restaurants for additional details).
Duck
- Duck Donuts
- Fishbones Raw Bar & Restaurant
- Lifesaving Station Resaurant
- NC Coast Grill & Bar
- The Paper Canoe
- Red Sky Cafe
- Sweet T's Coffee, Beer & Wine
- Tulio's Bakery
- Vine & Board
Kitty Hawk
- Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream
- Duck Donuts
- Outer Bean Cafe
- Stack'em High Pancakes and So Forth
- Starbuck's Coffee
- Vilai Thai Kitchen
Kill Devil Hills
- 3 Tequilas Restaurante Mexicano
- Beachside Bistro
- Captain George's Seafood Restaurant
- China King
- Duck Donuts
- Dunkin's Donuts
- Five Guys Burgers & Fires
- Front Porch Cafe
- Fuji Japanese Steakhouse
- Higher Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream Co.
- Jolly Roger
- Khan's Mongolian Grill
- Little Caesars Pizza
- New York Bagels
- Sal's New York Pizza
- Stack'em High Pancakes and So Forth
- Ten O Six
Nags Head
- Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe
- Benny Tesoro's
- Dirty Dick's Crabhouse
- Duck Donuts
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Front Porch Cafe
- Mulligan's Grille in Historic Cottage Row
- New China Buffet
- Owen's Restaurant
- Single Fin Bistro Bar & Grill
- The Spot
Manteo
- Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Front Porch Cafe
- T.L.'s Family Restaurant
Hatteras Island
- Angelo's Pizzeria
- Cafe Pamlico
- Chinatown
- Duck Donuts
- The Froggy Dog Restaurant & Bar
- Giovanni's Restaurant
- Good Winds Restaurant
- Lisa's Pizzeria
- Muffins & Scones
- Waterman's Bar & Grill
Enjoy a Fresh Seafood Feast in Your Rental!
Outer Banks Clambake is the perfect solution for those who don't want to get the whole family ready to go out to a restaurant this holiday season. Instead, let the feast come to you! OBX Clambake will come right to your rental home, bring the ingredients, cook the meal, and clean up afterward! Plus, Seaside Vacations guests are eligible for discounts through Club Seaside! Contact Outer Banks Clam Bake directly to work out a menu, confirm guest total, and arrange other details.
