If this is your first visit to the Outer Banks in November, there is definitely a noticeable change of pace compared to the early fall months. Houses are boarded up for the winter, less visitors occupy the grocery stores and restaurants and there is a chill in the air, perfect for cozying up by the fireplace with a good book.
While the beach may seem quieter, there is no shortage of events to participate in as you kick off the holiday season. You’ll find something for everyone in your family to enjoy and plenty of reasons to make a visit to the OBX in November your new fall tradition.
NOVEMBER:
OBX Half, 8K, 5K and Fun Run – Taking Place November 9th and 10th, participants can choose to run in a variety of different races. Registration takes place online.
Winterlights at the Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo – Visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo between November 22nd – December 28th, 2024 from 6-9pm and enjoy the stunning holiday light displays transforming the gardens into an magical wonderland. This is a pet friendly event, so you can even bring your dog along for the experience! Tickets sold online here: Buy Tickets
Garden to Hearth – Island Farm will be hosting its annual Garden to Hearth event from Tuesday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 27th from 9am – 3pm to celebrate the fall season and the Thanksgiving Holiday. Guests visiting will get to experience how life during the 1850s was during the winter months on Roanoke Island. There will even be freshly harvested produce for purchase to include in your Thanksgiving dinner. Tickets can be purchased on-site on the day of your visit. The farm is located at 1140 N US Highway 64, north of Manteo, on Roanoke Island.
Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile – There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a fun run with beer?! The Outer Banks Brewing Station is hosting its annual Thanksgiving-themed beer mile run on Wednesday, November 27th at 11am. Wear your Holiday finest, costume contest judging for most creative. Registration can be done the day of or in advance online. This is a 21+ (adult) social run.
Kites with Lights – Jump start your holiday spirit from high atop Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head during Kites with Lights! This event lights up the night sky with strings of lights floating in the sky as well as the annual lighting of the Jockey’s Ridge State Park Solar Christmas tree, way up high in the dunes. This is a free event with warm beverages and baked goods available for purchase with donations benefitting the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge. The event takes place on November 30th from 4pm-7pm.
12 Bars of Christmas – In true Outer Banks style, 12 local bars have re-invented themselves for the holidays and created an experience like none other, including special drinks, menu items and of course, decorations. Enjoy one or all of them. To see the participating locations and to get more details visit the website here!
**Pro-Tip:Â Rent the Party Bus for your pub crawl, and leave the driving to them.
Will you be visiting the OBX to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday? Be sure to check out our Blog listing all of the restaurants serving dinner, to make celebrating the holiday a no-mess family event.
