Celebrate Christmas in Corolla: Events, Tours, and Festivities

Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season in one of the Outer Banks' most beautiful towns: Corolla, NC! Christmas in Corolla blends historic charm, local art and creativity, and a little seasonal magic into one of the most memorable ways to celebrate the holidays on the coast. Whether you're planning your first holiday getaway to Corolla or keeping up a long-held family tradition, everyone will love the candlelit tours, twinkling lights, and annual craft markets, which are the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind gift.

Christmas in Corolla 2026 at a Glance

Historic Tours: Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tours

Step back in time with Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tour! Set inside the beautifully restored 1920s-era Whalehead mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound, this guided tour shows you how Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, celebrated the season at their coastal retreat. Wander through rooms glowing with soft candlelight and decorated with traditional greenery, Christmas trees, and holiday displays of fruit, candy, and nuts.

One of the highlights is a live performance on the mansion's original, custom-designed Steinway piano, paired with traditional Christmas carols. You'll learn the history of the Whalehead and Corolla along the way and finish with a holiday treat. It's a gift for the whole family that feels like it came straight out of a holiday movie!

2026 tour dates (Fridays & Saturdays):

• November 27 & 28
• December 4 & 5
• December 11 & 12
• December 18 & 19

Location: Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park, 1100 Club Road, Corolla, NC 27927

Reservations: Call 252-453-9040

Advance reservations are required, and tours sell out quickly. Tickets are non-refundable, so lock in your date once your vacation rental is booked.

Seasonal Craft Markets: The Annual Christmas Craft Village

If you're still searching for that perfect OBX gift, look no further than the Annual Corolla Christmas Craft Village. Held on the first Friday after Thanksgiving, this one-day outdoor show fills the grounds of Whalehead with local crafters and artisans. Browse booths of arts and crafts, fine art, jewelry, ornaments, handmade cosmetics, and baked goods, then grab a bite from the food vendors and soak up the views of Historic Corolla Park. It's a festive way to skip the Black Friday crowds and support the local businesses that make the Outer Banks so special.

Date: Friday, November 27, 2026 (traditionally 11 AM–4 PM)

Location: Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park

Free admission.

Festive Holiday Events: Corolla Village Holiday Market

Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Corolla Village Holiday Market on Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28, 2026. Historic Corolla Village transforms into a winter wonderland filled with local artisans, craft vendors, twinkling lights, and festive tunes. Enjoy live and Christmas music at the Corolla Village Inn, listen to carols sung by students from Water's Edge Village School, and keep an eye out for Santa! Warm up with seasonal treats and hot cocoa, then wander the glowing streets and discover one-of-a-kind gifts in the Corolla Village shops.

Dates: Friday, November 27 & Saturday, November 28, 2026 (evenings; 2025's market ran 4–8 PM)

Location: Historic Corolla Village

This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season.

How to Do It All in One Day

Because Whalehead and Historic Corolla Village sit just steps apart, you can easily catch every event on Friday, November 27. Start your morning shopping at the Christmas Craft Village, then stroll Historic Corolla Park and the Currituck Sound waterfront. In the early evening, take your reserved Candlelight Christmas Tour at Whalehead, then walk over to the Corolla Village Holiday Market for lights, music, and a cup of something warm. Prefer a slower pace? Save the market for Saturday night.