Christmas lights are always a cherished part of the holiday season, especially in a small community like the Outer Banks. We all have our favorite traditions that are a “must do” every year, along with newer events that become cherished as well. Get out and explore all that the Outer Banks has to offer this holiday season!
Poulos Family Christmas House
Perhaps the most famous display of lights on the Outer Banks, the Poulos family has gone above and beyond in their Christmas displays for the past 36 years. Also known as The Christmas House, the Poulos House is a local treasure, no matter how many years you’ve seen it, it never gets old! In 2005, they were voted “Best Decorated House in America” by the Today Show, and then featured on HGTV in 2006. Visit daily through December 31st. The home is located towards the end of Ocean Acres Drive in Nags Head.
Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens
A gorgeous display of lights, the Elizabethan Gardens “Winter Lights” Grand Illuminations 2016 is open December through mid-January. Not only will you enjoy the beautiful light displays, but there are also open-air fire pits, musical entertainment, as well as a gift shop and plants for sale. Dogs are welcome to join! Tickets are $15 for adults, $9 for youth, kids 5 and under are $7, and dogs $3. Visit during December on Tuesday and Saturday nights or in January on Friday and Saturday nights, from 6pm-9pm.
Clamshell Drive
This awesome Christmas light display is also a community outreach program collecting donations and canned food items for the Beach Food Pantry. Located at 206 Clamshell Drive in Kill Devil Hills, you can find the collection area at the front of the home. Once you arrive tune your car radio to 107.9 to hear the music that plays along with the light show!
Whalehead Candlelight Christmas Tour
The perfect time to visit the historic Whalehead Club in Corolla is for their Christmas Candlelight Tour, held on weekends in December at 6pm (December 9, 10, 16, and 17). Tickets are $20 and include live performances, caroling, refreshments, and a preview of the new Starkley Room exhibit and new acquisitions. You need to register in advance because space is limited at VisitCurrituck.com/Events.
113th Annual Wright Brothers First Flight Celebration
Although this isn’t a “Christmas” specific event, it is a great event to be attended by locals and visitors alike. On December 17th from 8:30am-5:00pm, join in the celebration of the Wright Brothers historical achievement and legacy. At 10:35am there will be an aviation flyover to match the exact day and time of their original “first flight”. The Visitor Center will be open along with other exhibits and activities throughout the day. There will be a wreath laying ceremony to honor the Wright Brothers and the witnesses of their first flight. This year’s event will also pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard Aviation.
For more information on Outer Banks activities visit our blog. Or visit our equipment rental website or call us at 1-800-635-9559 for beach equipment rental information!
