There’s no better place to celebrate the wonder of the season than in Manteo, where the waterfront shines bright with hometown charm, festive lights, and a calendar full of holiday cheer. Make it a December getaway and rediscover the joy of a nostalgic coastal Christmas.
Weekend 1: Tree Lighting & Parade Magic
December 5–7
Kick off your holiday season in true small-town style!
- Friday, December 5: Gather under the twinkling lights for the Town of Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting(opens in new tab) — a cherished tradition filled with carols, cocoa, and community spirit.
- Saturday, December 6: The Christmas Parade(opens in new tab) marches through downtown with floats, music, and hometown pride.
- Continue the fun with Christmas Past at Island Farm(opens in new tab) (December 6–7), where history comes alive with simple 19th-century holiday traditions.
Browse local treasures at the Holiday Marlin Market(opens in new tab) (December 7) and shop for coastal gifts, handmade crafts, and holiday treats. - Cap off the weekend with live holiday music at Charlie Brown Jazz & Holiday Favorites by the Eric Mintel Quartet(opens in new tab) (December 6–7) and Roanoke Island Festival Park's Island Jingle(opens in new tab) (December 6.)
Weekend 2: Coastal Cheer & Twinkling Lights
December 13
The holidays shine even brighter this weekend!
- Celebrate A High Tide Christmas and Spend the day exploring Manteo’s boutiques and shops offering holiday specials, sweet treats, and photos with Santa.
- As evening falls, gather by the docks to watch festively decorated boats light up Shallowbag Bay for the annual Holiday Flotilla(opens in new tab) — a dazzling coastal tradition that captures the magic of Christmas by the water.
- Stroll through a winter wonderland as The Elizabethan Gardens transforms into a sparkling display of holiday magic. Wander beneath thousands of twinkling lights, enjoy festive music, and experience the beauty of the season in this beloved Outer Banks tradition. WinterLights(opens in new tab) is available on select dates November 21 – December 30.
Weekend 3: Holiday Music & Merriment
December 20–22
- Experience the spirit of the season with The Goodwin Brothers Christmas Show(opens in new tab) at Roanoke Island Festival Park (December 20).
- Then dance the night away at The Tams Christmas performance(opens in new tab) at the historic Pioneer Theater (December 22).
- Toast to the season during Christmas Island bar promotions or the 12 Bars of Christmas, featuring festive cocktails and cozy vibes at downtown favorites like 1587, The Waterfront Trellis, Olives, Poor Richards, Lost Colony Tavern, and Outer Banks Distillery.
Stay, Shop & Savor the Season
Make your holiday getaway complete with a stay in one of Manteo’s charming inns — Roanoke Island Inn(opens in new tab), White Doe Inn(opens in new tab), the Pearl Hotel(opens in new tab), or Tranquil House Inn(opens in new tab) — each beautifully decorated for the season.
Spend your days exploring downtown boutiques for local art, gifts, and treasures, and refuel with lunch at Hungry Pelican or a cozy coffee from Charis Coffee Co.
Ring in the New Year on the Waterfront
December 31
Close out your holiday getaway with the Town of Manteo’s New Year’s Eve Celebration(opens in new tab) — a family-friendly evening of live music, food, and fireworks over the harbor.
Meet Me in Manteo this December — where the lights are brighter, the cocoa is sweeter, and the holiday spirit feels like home.
Brought to you with holiday cheer and support from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.