Christmas on the Outer Banks will completely charm you. Trade in blustery cold temperatures and snowy sidewalks for sandy shores and twinkling lights, making these coastal communities shine. Cape Hatteras ushers in the holidays with parades, markets, and other traditions. Make plans to attend the following top North Carolina Christmas activities and attractions in Cape Hatteras! When you stay with Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging, you’ll have the perfect holiday home base to enjoy them all.
Attend the Hatteras Village Christmas Parade
The most anticipated holiday event on the island is The Hatteras Village Christmas Parade, and for good reason! Floats decorated with lights and garlands make their way down the main street. The sounds of live music and holiday tunes fill the air. Old St. Nick himself will make a jolly appearance at this Christmas parade, waving to merry paradegoers as they enjoy the festivities. Being at this parade will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Lifetime movie, complete with small-town charm and good cheer. It’s the perfect activity to kick off your Outer Banks Christmas getaway, and that’s why it tops our list.
Shop at a Holiday Market
The holidays and shopping have become synonymous. Why not shop local at any of the holiday markets happening in Cape Hatteras? Local makers who live on Cape Hatteras set up vendor stations where they offer their holiday best. Here you can find ornaments, stocking stuffers, gifts, goodies and other holiday treats. These markets are great at capturing the warmth of the season and allow you to find those one-of-a-kind gifts to share with loved ones this holiday season.
Visit the Christmas Village in Corolla
For a magical holiday outing, head north to Corolla, where our next Christmas attraction is an entire Christmas village! This village comes to light and is full of holiday wonders with lights, displays, Christmas activities and more. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take holiday photos, and explore all the activities that make this time of year so much fun.
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Manteo
Come down to the Manteo waterfront for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The night includes live music, storytelling, and singing, which makes it a Christmas event that appeals to all ages. This warm celebration is perfect for bringing the whole family to see the lights sparkle in such a beautiful location. This Christmas tree glows brightly, just like your love for the holidays in Cape Hatteras.

Stay in a Christmas Rental by the Coast with Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging
Add these Christmas activities and attractions to your Cape Hatteras holiday itinerary. Staying in a vacation rental from Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging offers a comfortable and centrally located place to stay in the area. Choose from a selection of suites, rooms and beach homes and find the right space for your group and traditions.
The best part of choosing a vacation rental from Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging is the ability to bring your own traditions with you. Whether you choose a suite or full beach home, you’ll have access to a kitchenette or kitchen where you can create holiday dishes with ease. Gather for Christmas breakfast or dinner at the dining table that you can set for the season. Celebrate the way you always have, just in a different location.
Christmas in Cape Hatteras doesn’t mean leaving behind what makes the holiday special. It means enhancing it with the beauty and serenity of the coast. You can wake up to beautiful ocean views on Christmas morning and walk down to the beach for a quiet, reflective moment. Exchange gifts and stream holiday movie marathons in the living room. Get plenty of rest, which is so important during the holidays, from your comfortable and spacious bedrooms. Make time to enjoy yourself as you give so much to others. Seek out a moment in the hot tub, go for a walk at the beach or at a nearby preserve. Make moments of solitude count during your Christmas getaway in Cape Hatteras.
Make Christmas in Cape Hatteras a Yearly Occurrence
Get in the Christmas spirit by attending these top Christmas activities and attractions in Cape Hatteras. Celebrate with parades, tree lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, and your own holiday traditions. Make it the ultimate Christmas in the Outer Banks with a vacation rental from Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging. You can find the perfect rental that meets your holiday needs and will give you a relaxing holiday with your favorite people by the coast.
The holidays will be here before we know it. You’re not the only one with good taste so don’t wait until the last minute to book your holiday rental from Lighthouse View. Check out the selection of rentals available and reserve your Christmas rental today. We can’t wait to host you this Christmas!