Santa Claus greeting a family at Kitty Hawk Kites.
Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head may be the only place anywhere where kids get to greet Santa Claus sitting under a hang glider.
There could not have been two better days for Santa’s annual visit to the Kitty Hawk Kites store at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. Word must have gotten our quickly about his location because the line formed early and stayed long throughout the Friday and Saturday visit
Of course Kitty Hawk Kites is not the only location St. Nick be stopping by. In fact, we have it on good authority that the “fat jolly old elf” may not be quite so fat after a holiday season running from Duck to Hatteras. He’ll still be jolly of course, but Mrs. Claus tells us she expects him to be at least 20 pounds lighter come December 26.
It’s all part of what makes the Outer Banks such a wonderful place for families to live or visit. When Santa Clause comes to town around here, he takes the time to greet each child, and find out what is truly on their Christmas list.
For moms and dads wondering where Santa is scheduled this holiday season, here’s our Outer Banks list of upcoming Santa Claus appearances (hopefully we didn’t miss any!):
Festival of the Trees
Dec. 3-5
Held annually at the Outer Banks Brewing Station, the Festival of the Trees is one of the most popular parts of Outer Banks life. This year Santa will be making his appearance between 6-9p.m. on Thursday, the first evening of the show.
Manteo Christmas Celebrations
Dec. 4-5
The big event Friday evening is the tree lighting at the old Dare County Courthouse, highlighted by the lighting of the Christmas tree and Santa’s appearance. The parade Saturday morning is a wonderful example of small town life at its best with another appearance from Santa.
Duck Yuletide Celebration
Dec. 5
Santa rides into town in a fire truck, usually right around 4:30, but plan on spending the afternoon on the Duck Village Green. Live music, a crab pot Christmas tree and Carolers.
Christmas with Santa
Dec. 5
A wonderful children’s play filled with humor and a message. Presented by Bright Star Touring Theatre based in Asheville, tickets are only $5 and the play is a great introduction to live theater for kids. Indoor Theater, Roanoke Island Festival Park. Show begins at 7:00 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 6
A great concept—a delicious buffet breakfast at Pamlico Jack’s restaurant, followed by some one-on-one time with the big man himself! Proceeds are matched by Village Realty and go to the Dare County Angel Tree Fund. 9:00 a.m – 1p.m.
Hatteras Village Christmas Parade
Dec. 12
If there is one parade that is must see on the Outer Banks, this is it. A wonderful sense of community, floats, motorcycles, Coast Guard, bands and of course—Santa Claus.
Christmas Past at Island Farm
DEC 12, 2015
St. Nicholas arrives at the Island Farm by an ox-drawn wagon, giving wagon rides around the farm’s trails from 10am-12pm. There is also a 2:00 p.m. reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” 10am – 4pm.
Winterlights Dinner With Santa
Dec. 19
The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island give kids a last chance to get their Christmas wish list to the man in the red suit. Winter lights is a million light spectacular, turning the Elizabethan Gardens into a nighttime wonderland. Promises to be a magical evening.
