Free Admission at the Aquarium on Roanoke Island with donation to “Santa Paws” program for our four-legged friends. Santa Paws needs donations of 7 lbs. of dog, puppy, cat or kitten food, rawhides, pillow cases, bleach, dog shampoo, blankets, paper towels and clumping kitty litter. All of these items will be placed under our Santa Paws Christmas Tree for delivery on December 23rd to the Outer Banks SPCA Animal Shelter in Manteo. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information call 252-473-3494 or visit ncaquariums.com.
Bears that Care
December 1 – December 19
Outer Banks Bear Factory, MP 12.5, Across from Jockey’s Ridge. Bears that Care is a program that the Outer Banks Bear Factory has started to assist Hotline in their effort to help the children of Dare County have a good memory at Christmas. For every 16″ animal purchased the Outer Banks Bear Factory will donate an 8″ animal to Hotline for their Christmas Toy Drive. Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  (252) 255-5222 or obxbear@charter.net.

50% off Storewide Sale – The Christmas Shop, Manteo
December 3 – 31. 50% off Storewide Holiday Sale! The best sale of the year! Plus 25% off all books at Manteo Booksellers. outerbankschristmas.com.

Art and Spirit: Sacred Works by Sixty Artists
December 3 – 22. Art Gallery at Roanoke Island Festival Park. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

WinterLights
December 13-30. Elizabethan Gardens. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Holiday lights and music transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland complete with peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures created with flowers, seeds, natural elements, as well as traditional holiday decorations. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse, Reception Hall and great Lawn. Garden plant sales will feature winter annuals; ornamental vegetables; forced bulbs; rosemary Christmas Trees; and conifers with bows. Tickets for Friends’ and Non-members: $9 for Adults; $7 for youth (ages 6-17); $4 for children (5 and under). elizabethangardens.org.

Dinner with Santa
December 16. Elizabethan Gardens. 6 – 9 pm prices are reduced. Celebrate the holidays with your child by dining with Santa in the magically decorated Embellished Hall at The Elizabethan Gardens. Bring your camera or purchase photos by professional photographer. Your ticket includes dinner, Santa and WinterLights. Dinner seating is at 6 pm, 7 pm, or 8 pm. Friends’ tickets: Was $35 now $25 for Adults; Was $20 now $12 for youth (ages 6-17); $6 for children (5 and younger).  Non-members tickets: Was $40 now $27 for Adults; Was $22 now $14 for youth (ages 6-17); $8 for children (5 and younger). elizabethangardens.org.

Kids Craft Day
December 17 & 21. Elizabethan Gardens. 10 a.m. – Noon. Arts and crafts activity, healthy snacks, lunch, story time and a special stroll through The Gardens. Kids will enjoy seasonal and will delight in seeing floral creations of peacocks, butterflies and deer! Make sure they bring their coats! Space limited to 30 children. Friends’ $15; Non-members $20.elizabethangardens.org.

Annual Centerpiece Sale

December 15. Front Porch, Nags Head & Manteo. 7 – 10 a.m. The Dare County Master Gardeners Club will be hosting their annual Centerpiece Sale Stop by and purchase some festive, handmade, holiday greenery for your home or office.

108th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight
December 17. Wright Brothers National Memorial. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The daylong anniversary tribute will be held at the site of Wright’s first flight. Visitors to the site experience a replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 encampment and majestic, 60-foot tall granite monument perched atop a 90-foot hill that serves a striking and lasting reminder of the important historical achievement that happened on this site a century ago. outerbanks.org.

UNC Greensboro Amahl and the Night Visitors
December 18. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The tender, heartwarming story of Amahl and the Night Visitors is one of the most popular of American operas. Tickets are $10 adults and $5 for those 12 and under. roanokeisland.com.

Let’s Eat!
December 21. NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For ages 8-12. Spend a day learning what it takes to feed our sharks, sting rays, otters, and other residents. Campers will get to observe mealtime in action for some of the animals as they feast. Cost: $25 per camp. Closed toe shoes and a bag lunch required each day.

“Snakes, Gators, & Frogs, Oh My!”
December 29 NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For ages 8-12. The Aquarium has so much more to see than just fish. See how many reptiles and amphibians live at the Aquarium and learn about their care and interesting behaviors. Cost: $25 per camp. Closed toe shoes and a bag lunch required each day.

Back of Shirt

December 1
Christmas Sights and Sounds
Fort Raleigh, Roanoke Island. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy holiday sights and sounds with The Lost Colony. This seasonal celebration is complete with horse and carriage rides, Santa Claus, holiday music performances, hot chocolate and other Christmas-tide events.  Visit the upside down Christmas tree at the Lost Colony Office Building for hors d’oeuvres and more fun. (252) 473-3414 or thelostcolony.org.

December 3
First Friday
Downtown Manteo Waterfront. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented street festival. firstfriday-roanokeisland.com.

December 3
Santa at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come visit with Santa! Free. (252) 475-1750 or roanokeisland.com.

December 3 – 4
Town of Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Tree Lighting will be December 3rd at 6 p.m. with Santa visiting with the children afterwards at the Maritime Museum at the Creef Davis Boathouse. The parade will be December 4th at 11 a.m. in downtown Manteo. manteo.govoffice.com.

December 3-4
Marshes Light Marina Open House
Visit our new Welcome & Sales Center and future Ship’s Store. Located on the waterfront, off of Uppowoc Street, in front of the College of the Albemarle’s Professional Arts Building.  2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

December 4
Manteo Preservation Trust Holiday Tour of Homes9th Annual Manteo Preservation Trust Holiday Tour of Homes. 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.10-12 houses, Inns and/or historic structures  (some properties not handicap accessible). Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased the day of the tour at the Dare County Courthouse (located in downtown Manteo) which is also the first stop on the tour.  For more information contact Grizelle Fearing 252-473-7336.

December 4
The Jazz before Christmas
Comfort Inn North Oceanfront, Kill Devil Hills. Mix, mingle and celebrate the holidays with jazz! A Semi-Formal Affair Hosted by Gwendolyn Meekins. Performance by Chante Moore. Live Jazz Band. Catering by Basnight’s Lone Cedar. Heavy hors d’oeuvres. One specialty beverage. Full cash bar. Admission: Advance Purchase – $50, Door – $65. For additional information, call 252-573-1014 or email GM.Events@live.com. Ticket and Semi-Formal Attire Required for Admission.

December 4 – 5
Nights in Rodanthe Holiday Open House
December 4 from 10am – 6pm and December 5 from 1pm – 6pm. The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation and the new owners Ben and Debbie Huss of Newton, NC, will host a Holiday Open House at Serendipity. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 from HICF board members or at the Midgett Realty office in Hatteras village, Buxton Village Books in Buxton, Vacation Traditions and Island Convenience in Rodanthe and the Dunes Restaurant in Nags Head. They can also be purchased through PayPal on the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation web-site at  http://www.hicf.org/events.html.

December 3 – 31
Holiday Art Show
Dare County Arts Council Gallery, Manteo. Over 500 works of art to fit every budget, including original paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, fiber, metal, mixed media and wood. darearts.org.

December 4
RIFP Performance Series Christmas at the Park with Elizabeth City State University
7 p.m. Indoor Theatre The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500, roanokeisland.com.

December 5 – 29
Kitty Dough Botanical Drawings and Nature Art, Jim Fineman- Clay Vases and Basketry
Art Gallery at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon-Fri) 10 a.m. 4 p.m. (Sat). Enjoy botanical drawings and nature art by this certified botanical illustrator, Kitty Dough and stoneware vases and basketry by Jim Fineman. Reception: Dec. 5, 2-4 p.m. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com,

December 7
Hatteras Connection Seafood Dinner
Hatteras Village Civic Center. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Local fish, chowder, sides and dessert. $10 plus one non-perishable food item. Benefits Hatteras Island Food Pantry and Hatters Meals. (252) 995-4131.

December 8
Grand Illumination
Join The Elizabethan Gardens as we kick off ten nights of lights and floral displays at The Elizabethan Gardens, featuring holiday foods and festive drink in the Embellished Hall. Also featured are fire pits on the Great Lawn, where guests can roast marshmallows, drink hot cocoa and be entertained by Dockside Theatre Company and others. Special holiday promotion is planned with many gifts under $15.00 and plant sales will feature winter annuals; ornamental vegetables; forced bulbs; rosemary Christmas Trees; and conifers with bows. Please call The Elizabethan Gardens at 252-473-3234 for more information or visit elizabethangardens.org.

December 11
Home and Gardens Workshop ~ The Art of Wreath Making
Wreath making workshop by Kim and Wes Stetson of Holiday House Weddings will be held in The Embellished Hall at The Elizabethan Gardens. Class is limited to 25 participants. The Elizabethan Gardens will provide the wreath base, greening pins and cuttings from The Gardens. Participants may bring in ribbon, ornaments or anything from home to make it uniquely you. This workshop is open to Friends for $20 and to Non-members for $25. Light refreshments will be served. Call 252-473-1554 to register for class.

December 17
Dinner with Santa
Celebrate the holidays with your child by dining with Santa in the magically decorated Embellished Hall at The Elizabethan Gardens. Culinary delights will be provided by Ortega’z, and Santa will be available throughout the evening. Traditional holiday decorations. Ticket includes dinner, Santa and WinterLights. Dinner seating is at 6 pm, 7 pm, or 8 pm.. Call 252-473-1554 to register.

December 17
107th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight
Wright Brothers National Memorial. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The daylong anniversary tribute will be held at the site of Wright’s first flight. Visitors to the site experience a replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 encampment and majestic, 60-foot tall granite monument perched atop a 90-foot hill that serves a striking and lasting reminder of the important historical achievement that happened on this site a century ago.

December 21
Kid’s Craft Day
Elizabethan Gardens. Let Mom and Dad go shopping, while we entertain the children! This is a special day for children 5 and up. We will have an arts and crafts activity, healthy snacks, lunch, story time and a special stroll through The Gardens. Space limited to 30 children. Friends’ $15; Non-members $20 call 252-473-1554 to register.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

2. FOOD AND WINE

Wine Reserve Tastings – Native Vine, Point Harbor
Weekly tastings of wines from throughout the world. Thursday and Friday evenings 6:30. Reservations required. 252-491-5311

The Blue Point – Duck Waterfront
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings. Join us this winter for our new 3 for 30 menu–3 courses for $30. Or enjoy dining at the bar for a lighter menu and the 2-4-6 bar ($2 draft beer-$4 highballs – $6 wine). 252-261-
8090.

Kill Devil Grill – Kill Devil Hills
On the Beach Road. Personal favorite – try the fresh ocean rock in season, great burgers, fried chicken Fridays or the salmon salad. See TripAdvisor.com for 81 unbiased reviews of Kill Devil Grill.

Ortegaz Grill – Downtown Manteo
Emphasis on fresh food served up with a definite southwestern flair in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. 252-473-5911

3. SHOPPING

Roanoke Island
Quaint downtown village of Manteo with great shops and restaurants. Explore Manteo Booksellers, Sleepin’ In, John Silver Art Gallery and Charlottes; don’t miss the gift shop at Roanoke Island Festival Park.

Scarborough Faire – Duck
Duck’s Original Shopping Village, stroll on wooden sidewalks under the live oaks and browse through the shops that make Scarborough Faire a very special place on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Tanger Outlets – Nags Head
Coach, J.Crew, Nine West, Gymboree, Eddie Bauer and more.

TimBuck II – Corolla NC
Over 60 exciting shops, restaurants and recreation overlooking the Currituck Sound on the Northern Outer Banks of North Carolina.

4. FITNESS

Knuckle Up Kill Devil Hills
Morning boot camps, kickboxing and more. http://fitnessouterbanks.com/http://fitnessouterbanks.com/.

Outer Banks Yoga Kitty Hawk, Sanderling & Manteo Studios
Daily classes offered by internationally trained and creative instructors and offer classes to suit every mood, from gentle and restorative classes for beginners or just tired bodies, vinyasa flow, pilates and more. 252-480-3214.

OBX YMCA
3000 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head. (252) 449-8897

http://www.ymcashr.org/locations/outerbanks

5. Elizabethan Gardens
November 23-30 Thanksgiving Week Sale; Gifts are 20% off this week.
December 2 Elizabethan Gardens: Christmas in the Park, 5-8 p.m. Celebrate the season with holiday fare and fun; catch the spirit with music, gift shop discounts, activities and hot chocolate. Bring the children by to sit on Santa’s lap!

6. Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 1-12 12 Days of Christmas Sale Museum Store. Each day there will be a new category added with some discounts up to 50% off. Sale is not valid with other discounts. Call (252) 475-1500 for more information, ext. 252.

7. 21st Annual Hotlines Festival of Trees
December 3 – 5 The Pearl Restaurant located in the Sea Ranch Hotel, Kill Devil Hills. Noon – 9 p.m. Fundraiser of donated Christmas Trees, holiday items, seasonal musical performances, a Santa visit, and bazaar, including an auction to benefit crisis intervention programs of the Outer Banks. (252) 473-5121

8. First Friday, Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade
December 4 Downtown Manteo Waterfront. First Friday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. First Friday is a fun-filled, family oriented street festival. firstfriday-roanokeisland.com.
December 4-5 Downtown Manteo. Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Tree Lighting will be December 4th at 6 p.m. with Santa visiting with the children afterwards at the Maritime Museum at the Creef Davis Boathouse. The parade will be December 5th at 11 a.m.

9. 12th Annual Manteo Rotary Rockfish Rodeo
December 4-5 Roanoke Island Festival Park, Outdoor Pavilion. A fishing tournament sponsored by the Manteo Rotary. (252) 473-6644 or rockfishrodeo.com

10. Dare County Arts Council Gallery
December 4-31 Holiday Small Works Show. Over 500 items of affordable framed originals, reproductions and photography that are no larger than 16”x16” as well as pottery, glass, jewelry, fiber, metal, mixed media and wood for holiday shopping. (252) 473-5558 or darearts.org.

11. Oakwood Waits in Concert – Roanoke Island Festival Park
. December 5, Film Theatre at. 7 p.m. The talented group will feature a selection of holiday music, spreading the joy of the season. The choral group can also be seen and heard in the Town of Manteo Christmas Parade, also on December 5 at 11:00 a.m. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

12. Betty Tyler Show – Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 7-27 Art Gallery. Reception: Dec. 6, 4-6 p.m. An eclectic artist who paints abstracts, still life and portraits using oils, watercolors or acrylics. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com

13. Hatteras Connection Seafood Fundraiser Hatteras Village Civic Center
December 85-8 p.m. Enjoy baked or grilled fish, seafood chowder, roasted potatoes, cole slaw, corn bread, iced tea and dessert. Island commercial fishermen and charter-boat captains and mates are donating the fish, and a great team of local folks, known for their skills in the kitchen, will be the chefs. (252) 995-4131 or ridgeroad@earthlink.net

14. Violins & Voices a Classical Christmas – Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 11, Film Theatre, 7 p.m. Performers include: Angelo Sonnesso Tenor; Lisa Martinez – Soprano Christian Jackle –Soprano; Nick Hodsdon – Baritone; Sue Artz – Violin; David Spangler – piano/accompanist. Tickets are $10.00, benefit GEM. Refreshments will be served following the performance. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

15. 3rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration – Currituck Heritage Park & Currituck Beach Lighthouse
December 12 5 p.m. See the giant cedar tree in simultaneously illuminated. Gather on the north lawn to enjoy free hot chocolate and sing carols. Following the lighting ceremony, the Whalehead Club will host an open house to show off the decorations inspired by the 1920′s etchings of Edward Collings Knight, Jr. 252-453-9040.

15. The Cypress House Inn Christmas Open House
December 13 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Beach Road, Kill Devil Hills. Built in 1946 as a private hunting and fishing lodge, the Cypress House Inn would like to invite Outer Banks locals and visitors alike to come join us for some holiday cheer. All are welcome. (252) 441-6127 or visit cypresshouseinn.com

16. Botanical Painting Class - Elizabethan Gardens
December 15-16 – Instructor Linda C. Miller offers workshop, open to all levels. The instructor will provide the drawing and students will create an 8″x10″ painting focusing on wet and dry brush techniques and learn how to mix a variety of greens, commonly used in traditional botanical art.Material
s list at http://BotanicalNaturalisticArtInstruction.blogspot.com. 252-473-1554.

17. Third Wednesday Guided Tour – Elizabethan Gardens
December 16 Come learn about our 16th century Italian Renaissance statuary, view the nursery and greenhouse areas. Each season brings a fresh and exciting array of flowering plants, shrubs and trees. 252-473-3234.

18. 106th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight
December 17 – Wright Brothers National Memorial. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Gather at the exact site at the exact time as the historic flight to remember, reflect and celebrate this milestone. Visitors to the site experience a replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 encampment and majestic, 60-foot tall granite monument perched atop a 90-foot hill that serves a striking and lasting reminder of the important historical achievement that happened on this site a century ago.

19. Elizabethan Christmas – Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 19 Noon – 5 p.m. Get a taste of 16th century holiday traditions by making decorations, learn special dances, sing songs, discover food and drink of the season throughout the settlement site, and indulge in merriment with members of the Guild of St. Andrew. Many events will be held inside and the celebration will go on, rain or shine. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

20. Trio la Mer – Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 20 4 p.m. Film Theatre. The Trio La Mer is chamber group of local musicians featuring John Buford, piano, Leslie Erickson, violin, and Sue Waters, viola. They perform music from the Baroque to the Contemporary periods, including some original arrangements. Admission is included in the general admission ticket to the Park.

21. The White Doe Inn Christmas Open House
December 20 – Sir Walter Raleigh Street, Manteo. Sunday 2-6 pm. Enjoy hot cider and refreshments while touring one of the most photographed homes of the Outer Banks. The White Doe Inn, previously known as The Meekins House, is a grand three-story late-Queen Anne style house on Roanoke Island. It was constructed in 1910 by local builders John Wilson and Joe Dailey for Theodore S. Meekins and his family. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 noted for its architectural and historic significance. 252-473-9851, whitedoeinn.com.