If you’re looking to escape the snow, but don’t want to be too hot, the Outer Banks in winter is the perfect vacation spot for you. The weather in the winter months is refreshing. Plus, you can avoid the summer crowds! Before you plan your OBX holiday vacation, make sure to request access to our free Vacation Guide. We’ve crafted the best list of restaurants, attractions, and entertainment for your enjoyment on your winter visit to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Experience the Outer Banks in Winter
Say goodbye to snow angels this winter, and hello to sand angels. The ocean is a bit cold to swim in during the winter, but there are tons of other adventures on the barrier islands that don’t involve getting in the water (unless you’re interested in the Polar Plunge).
OBXmas Weekends
WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens
A night of twinkling Christmas lights in an enchanting garden is ideal for getting in the holiday spirit. Enjoy WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo from December to mid-January. Stroll through a winter wonderland of shining colors and festive trees, leading to a toasty fire and holiday gift shop to warm you up.
Holiday Parades on the Outer Banks
There’s nothing like extravagant Christmas parades to have you feeling merry this holiday season! A couple of events you should know about are the Manteo Christmas Parade and the Hatteras Village Christmas Parade.
Support the local bands, kids on horseback, SPCA dogs, and more when you come out for the Manteo Christmas Parade. It starts at Manteo High School on the first Saturday morning of December.
Or, enjoy the Hatteras Village Christmas Parade on one Saturday in December. Just as twilight falls over the Outer Banks, see festively decorated vehicles roll around the village. Then, the big man himself, Santa Clause, will arrive by firetruck! Then, top the night off with delicious Christmas cookies and hot cocoa!
If you’re looking to travel a little bit further, one unique parade to experience is the Ocracoke Parade of Boats! A string of OBX fishing boats, yachts, sailboats, and jet skis get all decked out and hit the water for a unique holiday experience.
Annual Celebration of Orville and Wilbur’s First Flight
If you’ve ever been on a plane and wondered how the first flight came to be, you need to visit the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kitty Hawk, NC.
On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers celebrated the first flight right here on the Outer Banks. Today, we honor the prominent event in aviation with the Annual Celebration of Orville and Wilbur’s First Flight. Experience the legacy and learn how this important event in history changed the world!
Get Cozy in a Paramount Destinations Vacation Rental on the Outer Banks
Warm up this winter in a bright and cheerful condo or vacation home with Paramount Destinations. Our OBX vacation rentals are all near the beach and other fantastic attractions on the North Carolina coast.
Reserve our Corolla Condo, a charming accommodation, that’s perfect for your family vacation this winter. This two-bedroom rental accommodates five people and is in a prime location so you can be close to the best Outer Banks attractions!
Check our availability and book your winter getaway today!
