Annual Tree Lighting & Parade on the Manteo Waterfront, The White Doe Inn celebrates on the Outer Banks, NC

Roanoke Island offers many wonderful events and festivities during this time of the year. History and tradition are important to this community and many of the events are centered around it's English heritage in addition to it's history. 

The month of December is filled with special activities that begin with the Annual Lighting of the Town Christmas Tree the first Friday of December. Held in front of the historic old courthouse on Queen Elizabeth Street, it is a magical celebration full of music, spirit and joy that for over 400 years has touched the lives of Roanoke Island residents at Christmas. The celebration includes the lighting of the tree, the yule log and bonfire and of course Santa.

The Annual Christmas Parade evokes images of a Norman Rockwell painting with all the small town charm you would expect. Local schools, charities and businesses build floats, sing and dance through Manteo's Downtown Waterfront to the excitement of all the children and adults alike. Elizabethan Christmas Carolers can be found throughout the weekend bringing cheer. All of December and well into January, there are events through out The Outer Banks. The Elizabethan Gardens' Grand Illumination, the Island Farm's Christmas Past, First in Flight Holiday Lights and so many more events!