3 Jul 2024

Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather together with family and there's no better place for a family celebration than the beach! When you rent from Seaside Vacations, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful holiday while enjoying an awesome vacation! Here are 4 reasons to spend Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks:

4 REASONS TO SPEND THANKSGIVING ON THE OUTER BANKS

4 Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks

dining with a view for thanksgiving on the obx

1. Hassle-Free Relaxation.

Bring the family together for a coastal holiday celebration everyone will love with a vacay in an Outer Banks vacation rental home. From large, well-equipped kitchens, perfect for preparing a savory feast, to dining rooms where conversations seem to linger, to miles of pristine empty beaches perfect for that post-dinner stroll, creating unforgettable Thanksgiving memories is easy in an Outer Banks vacation home.

fishing on the obx

2. PLAY TIME.

The temperature around Thanksgiving usually stays in the high 50’s (sometimes higher, sometimes lower – it’s all up to Mother Nature). The weather makes the perfect setting for a post-Thanksgiving dinner OBX stroll. It’s also amazing for the abundant fishing opportunities this time of the year, as well as some of these OBX events: OBX Gobbler 5K, Fun Runs, Kites with Lights (thrown by Kitty Hawk Kites), and Grand Illumination ceremonies around the island.

obx seafood and festivals

3. THE FOOD.

You can cook a delicious traditional Thanksgiving dinner in your rental home, or try some coastal-inspired side dishes, such as seafood stuffing, Hatteras-Style clam chowder, or baked crab dip. The options are endless. Another option – don’t cook at all! You can have Club Seaside partner, Clambake OBX, or one of our local restaurants (such as Ten O Six in Kill Devil Hills) cater your turkey day feast, or you can dine-in at one of the many restaurants that are open that day.

Duck Waterfront Shops

4. RETAIL THERAPY.

Christmas IS right around the corner after all. There are so many specialty shops on the Outer Banks that you’re bound to find a unique gift for your loved ones (or yourself). PLUS – it’s the best time of the year to score deals. Visit the Duck Waterfront Shops, Kitty Hawk Kites, and one of the island’s surf shops, art gallerias, and consignment stores on the beach to score amazing one-of-a-kind treasures made by one of the many talented artists on the OBX.

THANKSGIVING EVENTS & BUFFETS ON THE OUTER BANKS

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for friends and family to celebrate everything they are thankful for… and there are plenty of reasons to be thankful if you’re spending Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks! If you’re planning to visit the OBX during Thanksgiving week 2024, we’ve compiled a handy list of great holiday events you may be interested in attending as well as a list of restaurants serving up a delicious Thanksgiving meal!

*We will continue to update this page as we learn about more events and dining options!

LOCAL THANKSGIVING WEEK EVENTS

TIPSY TURKEY BEER MILE

Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile

On Wednesday, November 27th at 11 AM, head to the Outer Banks Brewing Station to celebrate and participate in their annual Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile! This 21+ event hosted by the OBX Running Company is all about fun. Runners compete in a run-drink-run-drink-run-drink style race in quarter-mile intervals and are encouraged to wear costumes (there will be prizes awarded to the most creative!) At the conclusion of the race, there will be a backyard party at the Brewing Station! Register online here for $40.00. Walk-up registration is available up to 15 minutes before the race begins but there are only 100 spots open so register early to guarantee your participation!

HANGIN’ WITH SANTA

HANGIN’ WITH SANTA & KITES WITH LIGHTS

Hangin’ With Santa & Kites with Lights is a 2-day event perfect for getting in the Christmas mood. On Friday, November 29th and Saturday, November 30th, take the kids to Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head for a chance to meet Santa! After getting their picture taken, your kids can hang out with a few of Santa’s elves while trying out some classic toys. Plus, there will be excellent holiday sales so you can start Christmas shopping early!

KITES WITH LIGHTS

Kites With Lights

On November 30th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm, you won't want to miss this annual holiday light show that will brighten up the sky over the dunes of Jockey's Ridge! Come out to Kites With Lights, presented by Kitty Hawk Kites, and celebrate with an impressive display of huge 19 to 30-foot kites completely decorated for the season! Kids and adults will relish in the sight and will also enjoy the lighting of the Jockey's Ridge State Park Solar Christmas Tree! Plus, baked goods and warm beverages will be available across the street (Jockey's Ridge Crossing). Although the event is free, donations are welcome and benefit The Friends of Jockey's Ridge, a nonprofit organization created to support, maintain and enhance the park.

WINTER LIGHTS AT THE ELIZABETHAN GARDENS

For a little post-Thanksgiving fun to really bring out the holiday spirit, visit the Elizabethan Gardens beginning November 22nd for select dates through December 28th. Kids from “one to ninety-two” will love this enchanted display of festive holiday lights. As you wander through the paths around the garden, you’ll experience the magic of a true winter wonderland with Christmas trees, holiday décor and thousands upon thousands of glowing lights. Little ones under 2 get in free! Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. The final tickets of the night are sold at 8:15 PM and since this display is outside, it is subject to weather cancellations. Even if you’ve been in the past, this is a display that you should see year after year!

RESTAURANTS PROVIDING THANKSGIVING FEASTS

RED SKY CAFÉ

Red Sky Cafe

Red Sky Café is a wonderful café in Duck that serves a delicious Thanksgiving meal every year! To start the Thanksgiving Bounty, enjoy coffee, tea, local craft brews and fall-themed cocktails. The main dish options include fire-roasted turkey, Virginia ham, shrimp & grits, Wagyu sirloin, Fried Oysters, and more! There are plenty of sides too, of course, ranging from Caesar salad and candied sweet potatoes to mac & cheese, and redskin potatoes. Don't forget a homemade dessert prepared by Holly’s Creative Confections! The cost for adults is $48 and $16 for kids 12 & under. Lunch is served from 10:40 AM to 3:00 PM and reservations are recommended by texting (631) 601-7538.