A Little Outer Banks Tradition
Here on the banks we are bursting to the brim with holiday cheer! We have decorated to the limit every tree in sight, strung lights on anything that isn’t moving, hung our wreaths every possible place and stocked up on the ever present hot coco and cookies. WE.ARE.READY. Now, we want to hear from YOU!!! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite things we have taken part in this season so far to give you an idea… we want to know what traditions get you in the holiday spirit!
Our own hometown celebration is never one to miss. Jazz music is always a welcome sound, along with carolers to set the mood. Tons of scrumptious treats and the big lighting of the Town Crab Pot Tree is the single moment when you know it really is Christmas!
The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo puts on a breathtaking, month-long show of lights in the gardens that is simply synonymous with Christmastime on the Outer Banks. The historic nature of Manteo gives a special flair to the holiday events, making them all the more magical and heartwarming. A trip through will surely get you in the mood for some Christmas cheer.
SUCH a spectacular sight! We loved seeing the kites soar through the air, lighting up the night sky. We bundled up in our warmest layers, packed a blanket and a couple thermoses of hot chocolate, and sat back to watch the show. A truly unique experience on the Outer Banks that just screams Christmastime to us!
From diving for oysters to holiday crafting with their shells, all the events surrounding this little shellfish in the fall make us full of holiday cheer. Nothing gets us going like the sight of a big heap of steamed oysters shoveled out on a table ready for shucking, still steaming in the chilly air. The Big Curri-Shuck kicked off oyster season in a big way, and we loved it! Endless oysters, steamed crabs, BBQ, local wine and beer, and live music all set the stage for an amazing day.
The perfect evening to bring back the glamour of Christmas! The Whalehead Club in Corolla is one of the most spectacular sights to see around the holidays. Trussed up in true 1920’s splendor, sparkling lights and exquisitely trimmed trees are some of the best parts to this show.
To enter the holiday contest, comment below telling us which holiday tradition gets YOU in the spirit! Happy Holidays everyone!
Watching “Christmas Vacation” with family.
Gathering together and celebrating with family and friends.
Going to the Polous house to see the decorations and always seeing old friends to say Merry Christmas too!
Richmond tacky lights tour, Christmas lights at the Ginter, and matching Christmas pjs on Christmas Eve for my two kids!
baking with the kids
Listening to Christmas music..dislike that quit playing after Christmas Day.
Watching Its a Wonderful Life with my daughter b
Baking with my mom and sister!
Getting together with the entire family and friends, new and old, from near and far.
Favorite tradition…finding the pickle on the tree!
James Island Festival of Lights and the Teddy Bear Tea at Charleston Place Hotel!
Driving around looking at all the BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!
Christmas church service at midnight.
putting up Christmas tree
We have several favorite traditions. Baking lots of Christmas cookies, taking long drives looking at everyone’s decorations and giving our grandson 12 days of Christmas gifts are some of our favorite traditions.
Baking cookies and sharing recipes from my grandmother and mother.
I love making chocolate roulage for Christmas Day with my mom – it’s not an easy recipe, but it’s a delicious tradition 🙂
Tacky Lights Tour!!!
My favorite tradition is our Christmas stockings – my mom still fills the same stockings that we all had as kids!
My favorite is decorating our 20ft tree.
We love to sit in front of the fire upstairs in the Beach House at the Sanderling, sipping champagne in the good company of the nutcrackers!
Egg Nog and Christmas Caroling around the neighborhood
Watching my son decorate the tree with ornaments that my Nana made while listening to the Elvis holiday album. Then, enjoying my Mom’s homemade fudge. Merry Christmas!
Watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation with the family!
I love our family’s Christmas Eve! Spending time with everyone and opening one gift before Christmas 🙂
A trip to the Poulus House to see the Christmas lights!
Christmas Eve with family and continuing through Christmas Day. Food and plenty of love!
Spending Christmas with my family and baking with my mom on Christmas Eve.
Breakfast casserole before opening presents
Watching the Grandchildren open their gifts. Such excitement in believing in Santa.
Spending time with the family and eating delicious food!
christmas cookies… Of course! 🙂
We always open one present on Christmas Eve. As a kid this really built the excitement for Christmas Day!
Watching nieces and nephews open up their Santa gifts on Christmas morning!!
Playing Christmas music at home during the weeks before Christmas. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of our five year old granddaughter, as well as through the eyes of other children….
Our Friend Jerry’s warm pecan rolls!
playing dirty Santa with the family, after all the regular gifts are opened, we all place a wrapped gift, draw numbers and then see who gets what and what is stolen. Then we have a paper fight.
Mimosas on Christmas morning while opening up gifts 🙂
Drinking just enough wine to not even notice Uncle Mark passing gas on the couch.
making cookies for my kids using the recipes that my mom and grandma used long ago.
cinnamon rolls on christmas morning!
Taking the dogs for a walk on the beach Christmas morning.
New jammies and a book for Christmas Eve! Love to go to bed with a new book and wearing a new pair of jammies.
Taking the dogs for a walk on Christmas morning
Christmas day with my family
Winter Lights at Elizabeth Gardens with my husband 💜
Christmas Movies!
My fav holiday tradition is opening gifts with my wife’s family on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day when the out of town family arrives
Decorating the Christmas tree with my family. Seeing the ornaments year after year of places we have visited is especially meaningful !
Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens! 🙂
Having all of the family together in too small of a space with the same food and same stories!!!
Driving around to see the lights always makes me smile!