December > Camden County
Hiking, biking, birding, boating, fishing the Great Dismal Swamp
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Trails are open everyday from sunrise to sunset. The refuge headquarters is located at 3100 Desert Road in Suffolk, Virginia. The headquarters is closed on federal holidays; the hiking and biking trails remain open. Fishing and boating are permitted year-round on Lake Drummond. A Virginia fishing license is required. Access is via the Feeder Ditch, which connects Lake Drummond with the Dismal Swamp Canal. A public boat ramp is located north of the Feeder Ditch on the Dismal Swamp Canal. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
December > Elizabeth City
Arts of the Albemarle Exhibits & Gallery
Visit the Gallery where you will find exhibitions, original artwork, unique handcrafted items and photography. The resident Encore Theatre Company produces three shows per year with about twenty performance nights. Arts of the Albemarle
December > Currituck County
Peak Waterfowl Observation Month at Mackay Island NWR
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
December > Windsor
Peak Waterfowl Observation Month on Roanoke River NWR
http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
December > Windsor
Small Game Hunting on Roanoke River NWR
Hunt administered by NC Wildlife Resources Commission. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
December > Windsor
Waterfowl Hunting on Roanoke River NWR
Hunt administered by NC Wildlife Resources Commission. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
December > Hyde County
Peak Waterfowl Observation Month on Swanquarter NWR
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge
December > Hyde County
Peak Waterfowl Observation Month on Mattamuskeet NWR
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
December > Columbia
Peak Waterfowl Observation Month on Pocosin Lakes NWR
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
December > Columbia
Small Game Hunting on Pocosin Lakes NWR
Refuge permit required. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
December > Hyde County
Waterfowl Hunting on Mattamuskeet NWR
Refuge permit required. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
December > Wilmington
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Thalian Hall
December > Wilmington
Cameron Art Museum
The Cameron Art Museum presents 6-8 special exhibitions annually; monthly family and children's programs (Kids @ CAM); weekly interdisciplinary, public programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics... more info: Cameron Art Museum
December > Wilmington
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
There are permanent and featured exhibits along with special programs too numerous to list in this calendar. Be sure to check out their exhibits and events calendar when planning your to-do list. Admission charged. Cape Fear Museum
December > Beaufort
Down East FolkArts Society Contra Dance
The Down East FolkArts Society sponsors contra dances once a month at Duke Marine Lab. Dances include live music (jigs, reels and old time tunes) and a caller who teaches and prompts every dance. www.downeastfolkarts.org
December > Cedar Island
Peak Waterfowl Observation Month at Cedar Island NWR
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
December > Kitty Hawk
Outer Banks Music Showcase
Musical Variety Show. Reservations recommended, but not required. www.outerbanksmusicshowcase.com
December > Nags Head
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Jockey's Ridge State Park. Learn more about the natural, cultural and historical history of Jockey's Ridge State Park and the Outer Banks at the park's exhibit hall. Find out what dunes are made of, how they are created and how they are shaped. Contact the park office or check online: http://207.4.179.50/dprcoe/coe_pub.html Jockey's Ridge State Park
December > Carova Beach
Peak Waterfowl Observation Month on Currituck NWR
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
December > Hatteras Island
Peak Waterfowl Observation Month on Pea Island NWR
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
December > Carova Beach
Waterfowl Hunting on Currituck NWR
Administered by NC Wildlife Resources Commission. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
December > Manteo
Peak Waterfowl Observation Month on Alligator River NWR
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
December > Manteo
Small Game Hunting on Alligator River NWR
Refuge permit required. - Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
December > Manteo
Waterfowl Hunting on Alligator River NWR
Refuge permit required. - Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
December > Roanoke Island
The Art Gallery at Roanoke Island
Roanoke Island Festival Park. Hosts monthly changing exhibits featuring renowned artists. Monday thru Friday 9am to 5pm. roanokeisland.com
December > Roanoke Island
North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island
The NC Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island will offer a variety of maritime skills, boatbuilding, sailing programs and workshops throughout the year in the Creef Boathouse. Junior Sailing will be offered mid-June through early August ( each is a five-day session). Visit the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and learn the history of the screw-pile lights. Visit obxmaritime.org for current schedules.
mid-February thru late Dec > Manteo
History, Arts and Fun - All Rolled Into One!
Enjoy daily programs about the Elizabeth II, in the Settlement Site and in the interactive Roanoke Adventure Museum. A docudrama in The Film Theatre entitled The Legend of Two-Path, art shows monthly in The Art Gallery, gifts at The Museum Store, picnic areas, marsh-side boardwalks, a fossil pit, and more. Roanoke Island Festival Park
December > Manteo
Red Wolf Howling Safaris
Learn more about red wolves and to experience a howling! Meet at the designated time at Creef Cut Wildlife Trailhead. Pre-registration is required. We recommend you bring flashlights and insect repellent. PLEASE-- do NOT bring pets and dress for the weather. Creef Cut Wildlife Trail is about a 15 minute drive from Manteo. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/ To pre-register for a howling, visit www.redwolves.com
More about the Red Wolf at ARNWR
mid-April thru mid-December > Wilmington
Farmers' Market
The City of Wilmington, in cooperation with the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension, announces the opening of the Farmers' Market at Halyburton Park. Regional produce, plants, herbs, cut flowers, seafood and more will be featured weekly, with special events and promotions to be held throughout the year. www.wilmingtonfarmers.com
December > Gates County
Merchants Millpond State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Merchants Millpond State Park, one of North Carolina's rarest ecological communities. Massive cypress & gum trees covered with Spanish moss form a canopy for the dark waters of the 750-acre cypress millpond ~ a wilderness sanctuary for wetland wildlife. Contact the park office or check online: Merchants Millpond
December > Currituck County
Open Roads Day on Mackay Island NWR
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
September - December > Windsor
Deer Hunting on Roanoke River NWR
Hunt administered by NC Wildlife Resources Commission. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
December > Columbia
Deer Hunting on Pocosin Lakes NWR
Refuge permit required. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
December > Manteo
Deer Hunting on Alligator River NWR
Refuge permit required. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
November 23 - December 14 > Morehead City
Holiday Show, Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition
The annual Holiday Show of the Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition, a juried art show and sale, opens at The History Place in downtown Morehead City, 1008 Arendell Street and shows for three weeks. Crystal Coast TDA
Late November thru Late December > Wilmington
Enchanted Airlie
Airlie Gardens will be the setting for magical evenings of illumination and wonderment when it is transformed into Enchanted Airlie on weekends during the holiday season. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continuing until Christmas Eve the Gardens will be open from 5 PM until 9 PM. Airlie Gardens will welcome visitors to revel in an evening of simple pleasures- strolling on foot through a glittering landscape of twinkling oaks and lighted displays. Merrymakers can partake in traditional holiday delights: beverages, sweets, & savories for purchase, Santa visits, Cape Fear Model Railroad Club's train layouts, musical performances, and one of a kind gifts including Christmas decorations. There will be something special for all ages, a perfect family outing in a showcase garden. Admission charge. Airlie Gardens
Last week of November thru December > Carolina Beach
Walking Tour of the Lake
One mile magical walk around Carolina Beach Lake. Local community groups will have lighted displays, luminaries and caroling. Island Of Lights Festival
December 1 - 24 > Ocean Isle Beach
Dreaming of a Silver Coast Christmas
Festive lights and beautiful grounds at Silver Coast Winery. Silver Coast Winery
December 01 > Manteo
Manteo Rotary Rockfish Rodeo
Tournament sponsored by the Manteo Rotary. For additional information: rockfishrodeo.com
December > New Bern
Colonial Christmas Celebration
Visitors to Tryon Palace will experience a Colonial Christmas Celebration featuring beautiful decorations, a colonial militia encampment and captivating colonial characters. Tryon Palace
December 04 > Wilmington
Lighting of the World's Largest Living Christmas Tree
The City of Wilmington will illuminate the World's Largest Living Christmas Tree. Holiday entertainment begins at 5:30 pm with the lighting of the tree and the arrival of Santa Claus to follow. The tree will remain lit through December 31st. Admission is free. City Of Wilmington Parks And Recreation
December 05 > Plymouth
Christmas on the Roanoke & Old-Fashioned Christmas Marketplace
A quaint waterfront village all decked out for the Holidays. Old-fashioned bazaar with arts & crafts, wonderful food & treats, sights, sounds & smells of the season. Carolers, musicians, candlelight carol sing-along at the lighthouse. Washington County Tourism
December 05 > Carolina Beach
Island of Lights Night-time Parade
Exceptional night-time electric parade featuring floats, bands, queens, clowns, and much more. All combined to bring festive fun and entertainment to all. Pleasure Island Tourism
December 05-14 > Southport
Christmas By The Sea Festival
The first two weekends in December the Southport-Oak Island area celebrates Christmas at the coast. The Festival includes a lighted boat flotilla, band concert, choral concert, hometown parade, tree lighting ceremonies, tour of beach homes on Oak Island and a tour of historic homes in Southport. www.christmasbysea.com
December 05 thru January 06 > Wilmington
Holiday Lighting of the Battleship NC
Part of historic downtown Wilmington's annual holiday light celebration and naval tradition, the Battleship is dressed in lights strung from the bow up to the masts and down to the stern. Enjoy nightly. Free viewing from downtown Wilmington. Battleship North Carolina
December 05-06 > Washington
Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and Sale
This annual arts and crafts show features a variety original, quality hand-made items for sale by more than 45 artists and craftspeople from across North Carolina. Washington - Beaufort County Tourism
December 06 > Hertford
Historic Hertford Christmas Parade
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas Parade through the quaint town of Hertford. Parade starts at 2 pm. Perquimans County Tourism
December 06 > Swanquarter, Hyde County
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Open House
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge personnel offer van tours of refuge areas normally closed to the public. This is peak waterfowl viewing season with thousands of Canada and snow geese, tundra swans, and over 200 species of duck. Other wildlife may also be seen. Hyde County Tourism
December 06 > Knotts Island, Currituck County
Holiday Open House
www.moonrisebaywine.com
December 06 > Halifax County
Christmas in Halifax
Town wide event. Activities will be held at the historic site. Window decorating, parade etc. Halifax County Tourism
December 06 > Roper, near Plymouth
Roper Christmas Parade
Music will fill the air as bands march and play Christmas music for the season. A Christmas Festival will follow the parade with food and craft vendors present to help with appetites and Christmas shopping. Washington County Tourism
December 06 > Elizabeth City
Christmas Parade
Long time tradition celebrating Christmas. Over 100 entries in parade. Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County Tourism
December 06-07 > Williamston, Martin County
The Story of Christmas Outdoor Drama
Macedonia Christian Church presents the annual outdoor drama depicting the birth of Jesus. Nightly at 7:30 p.m. Martin County Tourism
December 06-07 > Wilmington
Old Wilmington by Candlelight
The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is sponsoring its Old Wilmington by Candlelight tour in the historic district. Each year some of the most beautiful private homes in the area are opened and decorated for the holidays. Admission charge. Lower Cape Fear Historical Society
December 06 > Carolina Beach
Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla
Fishing boats and pleasure craft electrically decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. Pleasure Island Tourism
December 06 > Washington
Washington Christmas Parade
Washington - Beaufort County Tourism
December 06 > Washington
Christmas Flotilla
Local boaters and visitors have a boat parade on the Pamlico river on Washingtons' Waterfront as part of our yearly Christmas celebration!! Gather along Stewart Parkway for the best view. This is going to be bigger and better than ever! Washington - Beaufort County Tourism
December 07 > Scotland Neck, Halifax County
Annual Christmas on the Commons in Scotland Neck
A community event held on the Town Commons with carols, crafts, coffee, cocoa and cookies. Live musical performances will begin in the afternoon. There will be a special lighting of the tree a visit from Santa. www.townofscotlandneck.com
December 07 > Wilmington
Wilmington Holiday Parade
The City of Wilmington presents its' annual holiday parade at 6 pm in historic downtown Wilmington. The event will feature area bands, community groups and businesses celebrating the season. City Of Wilmington Parks And Recreation
December 07 > Wilmington
Christmas Open House
The manor house never looks more beautiful than at Christmas. Imagine a magnificent tree decorated with all hand-crafted ornaments. Not just any kind, but ones that reflect those found on Christmas trees so long ago! Poplar Grove Plantation
December 08-09 > Corolla
Holiday Concert at the Whalehead Club
Whalehead Club: Get into the holiday spirit with holiday tunes playing throughout the Whalehead Club. For ticket information and to reserve a seat: Whalehead Club
December 09 > Manteo
Manteo Preservation Trust Annual Holiday Tour of Homes
Town Of Manteo
December 12-13 > Edenton
Christmas Candlelight Tour Weekend
Private homes and public buildings are decorated for the holidays with many associated activities that make for a unique Christmas experience Edenton Tourism
December 12-13 > Edenton
Christmas Wassail Bowl
The Cupola House is decorated with period decorations for the season. Wassail is served along with some tasty treats and entertainment throughout the weekend. Edenton Tourism
December 12 - 13 > Edenton
Annual Groaning Board
The Iredell House is decorated for the season with period decorations and foods that make the table heavily laden with treats to enjoy. Edenton Tourism
December 12-13 > Oriental
Oriental's Spirit of Christmas
The businesses, churches and civic groups of Oriental have joined together to present the "Spirit of Christmas". For these few very special days, extra efforts are made to present Oriental in its finest holiday array. Over 3000 luminaries line the streets, glowing golden with the warmth of the holidays, lighting a path to tasty treats and lively entertainment. www.visitoriental.com
December 13 > Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County
Annual Christmas on the Roanoke Canal
The Canal Museum will host several local musical choirs and groups throughout the day. Christmas crafts, homemade holiday beverages and goodies will be available. www.roanokecanal.com
December 13 > Edenton
Edenton-Chowan Christmas Parade
Floats, Boats, horses, Shrine Units Edenton Tourism
December 13 > Carolina Beach
Island of Lights Tour of Homes
Visit inside area homes to enjoy holiday decorations and Southern hospitality at its best as the owners welcome you into their homes for a self-guided tour. Pleasure Island Tourism
December 13-14 > Wilmington
Colonial Christmas
Historic home built in 1771 is decorated for the holidays in traditional Colonial style. Music and reenactments enhance the visitor's experience. Burgwin-Wright House
December 13 > Beaufort
Coastal Carolina Christmas Walk
The Christmas Walk features open house tours of historic Beaufort Bed and Breakfast Inns and the Beaufort Historic Site buildings decorated in period fashion for Christmas. A special, narrated holiday bus tour through the Historic District is available aboard the vintage British double-decker bus Beaufort Historic Site
December 08 > New Bern
Holly & Ivy Homes Tour
Tour six historic homes decorated for the holidays in historic downtown New Bern. Craven County CVB
December 13 > New Bern
Christmas Candlelight Tour
Step back in time for an unforgettable evening in colonial New Bern in 1770. The palace is illuminated and filled with elegant dancers and fascinating characters. The grand finale of the evening is a spectacular fireworks show. Tryon Palace
December 14 > Williamston, Martin County
Christmas Tour of Homes
Annual tour of homes decorated for the holiday season. Annual fundraiser for the Woman's Club. Tickets are available in advance or at the door, good both days. Martin County Tourism
December 14 > Bath
Historic Bath Christmas Open House
Tour the 1751 Palmer-Marsh House, the 1830 Bonner House, the 1790 Van Der Veer House and the 1734 St. Thomas Episcopal Church, decorated in period holiday fashion. Enjoy music, apple cider and fresh-baked gingerbread. Historic Bath
December 17 > Kill Devil Hills
Countdown at Wright Brothers NM
Come Join Us in Celebrating the Anniversary of Powered Flight! It lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. Yet, it changed the course of history and reshaped the future. It was humankind's very first powered flight achieved by Wilbur and Orville Wright near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903. The daylong anniversary tribute will be held at the exact site of the Wrights' first flight, the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Visitors to the site can experience a replica of the Wright brothers' 1903 encampment and a majestic, 60-foot tall, granite monument perched atop a 90-foot hill that serves as a striking and lasting reminder of the important historical achievement that happened on this site nearly a century ago. The day's events will end with the Wright Brothers Annual Ball, a semi-formal event. www.firstflight.org
Wright Brothers National Memorial
December 17 > Manteo
Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight
Gather at the exact site at the exact time as the historic first flight to remember, reflect and celebrate this milestone. The daylong anniversary tribute will be held at the site of Wright's first flight, the Wright Brothers National Memorial. 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 over a century ago. Wright Brothers National Memorial
December 18-21 > Wilmington
Holiday Lights Tour
Take a festive trolley tour through some of Wilmington's best decorated neighborhoods. Admission charge. wilmingtontrolley.com
December 19 > Hertford
Colonial Christmas Open House
Gather around the Yule Log and enjoy musical performances during this holiday celebration at the 1730 Newbold-White House. The family event is free. Perquimans County Tourism
December 30 > New Bern
Christmas Candlelight Tour
Step back in time for an unforgettable evening in colonial New Bern in 1770. The palace is illuminated and filled with elegant dancers and fascinating characters. The grand finale of the evening is a spectacular fireworks show. Tryon Palace
December 31 > Carolina Beach
New Years Eve Countdown
The countdown features the lowering of a giant lighted beach ball. A street dance featuring live music precedes a spectacular fireworks display to welcome in the New Year. Refreshments available at this entertainment event for all ages. Sponsored by the Island of Lights Committee. Pleasure Island Tourism
December 31 - January 01 > Wilmington
New Year's Eve Party Cruise
Cruise into the new year aboard the Henrietta III Riverboat. The cruise along the Cape Fear River includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, party favors and a champagne toast. Pre-paid Reservations Required. Cape Fear River Cruises
December 31 > Oriental
Running of the Dragon
While the town's name was taken from a ship and not from any ancestral connection to the Orient, the "Running Of The Dragon" has become a New Year's Eve tradition in the village. The Oriental Dragon comes out at 8:00 and again at 11:00 pm to run the waterfront. www.pamlicochamber.com
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