Are you planning to come to Roanoke Island for the holidays? Then you’re in luck. Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks has plenty to offer visitors and residents alike from Thanksgiving all the way till Old Christmas. Here are just some of the most popular events that take place for you to enjoy:
WinterLights
For twenty-two days, the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island become decked out in as many holiday lights as you can imagine. Called WinterLights, this event transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland. The lights and holiday décor make it an extremely romantic location for you and your significant other to enjoy. Take a stroll through the Christmas trees or warm up beside the open-air fire on the Great Lawn. There’s also plenty of food and drinks in the “Embellished” Hall in addition to a gift shop where you can buy presents for all of your family.
Christmas Parades
There are plenty of Christmas parades around Roanoke Island for you to enjoy. Want a taste of Roanoke Island history? Then be sure to attend the Manteo Christmas Parade and Holiday Homes tour on December 2. There’s also the Christmas parade in the village of Hatteras on December 8 that offers plenty of home-baked cookies, hot chocolate, and a special winter climb up the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Old Christmas
Finally, if you’re on Roanoke Island for the holidays, then you have to enjoy one our most unique traditions—Old Christmas. Falling on January 6, Old Christmas is the day Christmas used to be celebrated on when we followed the Julian Calendar. For some reason, the European settlers in the Outer Banks remained loyal to the Old Christmas date, and we’ve been celebrating it ever since. If you want to celebrate Old Christmas, then head down to the village of Rodanthe where you can enjoy parties and fireworks all around.
Before you head off celebrating the holiday season, you first need to make sure you have a place to lay your head. At the Island House of Wanchese B&B, we are one of the best lodging choices available in the area. Give us a call today at 888-255-7581 to learn more!