Christmas often marks the time of year when family and friends gather and enjoy traditions that they look forward to year-round. This year, when you’re looking to elevate the fun of the holidays even further, consider celebrating alongside those you love most on Hatteras Island. This scenic and inviting Outer Banks destination is a treat for travelers year-round, but when you make your way here over Christmas time, you’ll enjoy the option to add seasonal festivities and fun to your itinerary as well. Whether you only have a few days to celebrate in good company, or you’re looking forward to an extended holiday adventure that’s one-of-a-kind, consider this Christmas in North Carolina guide your place to start when Hatteras Island is calling your name.
Enjoy the Annual Hatteras Island Christmas Parade
Locals and visitors alike often find a highlight of the Christmas season on Hatteras Island is always the annual Hatteras Island Christmas parade. This has been a decades-long tradition in the area that’s highly anticipated when December rolls around. The parade is organized and supported by a variety of local businesses as well as the fire department, the US Coast Guard, and a collection of nonprofit organizations too.
The parade is sure to get you into the holiday spirit as it makes its way along a mile-long route running from the Hatteras Community Center to Eagle Pass Road. Once you find your perfect place to view the holiday parade, you’ll be ready to admire coastal-themed floats, listen to live music, collect candy, and enjoy a family-friendly event that might just end up being the highlight of your stay. As the parade comes to an end in the heart of Hatteras Village, you’ll be treated to a special appearance by Santa himself.
After the parade is over, everyone heads to the Hatteras Community Center to enjoy cookies and hot cocoa in good company. The parade typically starts in the middle of the afternoon, but you’ll want to keep an eye on the event calendar when you travel to Hatteras Island in December as the date and time of the event can easily change due to weather conditions that fluctuate this time of year.
Participate in the Trail of Lights Experience
For many travelers heading anywhere at all during the holidays, the trip just wouldn’t feel complete without some quality time set aside to explore local light displays. A trip to Hatteras Island in December is no exception to that rule! When you’re excited to infuse illumination into your Christmas getaway, be sure to add the Trail of Lights experience to your itinerary. This local event kicks off in early December and typically lasts through January. Most years, the Trail of Lights experience is hosted nightly along the Sea Breeze Trail found in Hatteras Village. Throughout the month of December, locals and visitors alike can stroll along the trail, and admire a plethora of holiday lights that adorn the space. It’s not only a mesmerizing scene that will put you in the holiday spirit, but an amazing opportunity to take holiday photos at every turn.
Look Forward to the Village Tree Lighting
When you’re looking for a fantastic and family-friendly Christmas event to add to your Hatteras Island getaway experience, the village tree lighting ceremony is always a top choice. This is typically hosted at the beginning of December and is an annual event that dates back decades. The community Christmas tree is set up in the village triangle right next to the Hatteras Village Red and White Supermarket. Once you’ve had the opportunity to see the tree illuminated in holiday style, you can count on enjoying a free takeout meal served up at the Hatteras Village Community Building. This is an event hosted over the holidays that promises to be as inspiring as it is delicious.
Meet with Santa
Those who are heading to Hatteras Island over Christmas in North Carolina with little ones in tow will want to make sure to take advantage of the Santa meet-and-greet that happens in the area during this time of year. When Santa arrives in Hatteras Village, participants can enjoy taking a ride alongside the iconic gift bearer himself! This experience is set up by the Hatteras Volunteer Fire Department and includes a community gathering with food and beverage after all of those iconic holiday photos have been snapped.
Book Your Getaway Today
When your travel plans have you heading to Hatteras Island over the holidays, or you’re looking forward to traveling here another time of year alongside family and friends, having the right accommodations in place upon arrival can make a huge difference. That’s where the team of property professionals at Midgett Realty comes in. We specialize in helping travelers make more of every single moment they’re in town. Our collection of vacation rentals on Hatteras Island is designed to inspire and keep guests close to the places they can’t wait to explore while infusing luxury, style, and comfort into the experience too.
Be sure to reach out today to learn more about our inviting and exciting folio of property options available across Hatteras Island, including our Christmas rentals that will elevate your holiday fun in style. We look forward to seeing you in the scenic Outer Banks soon.
