CoastalGuide.com logo

Rodanthe

Rodanthe

Every January, about a week after most families have taken down their Christmas decorations, the residents of Rodanthe gather for a traditional celebration known as Old Christmas. Held on the Saturday closest to Epiphany, Old Christmas has been observed for over 100 years in this tiny Hatteras community.

It is thought to be a holdover from colonial days when, in 1752, the English Crown adopted the Gregorian calendar, shortening the year by eleven days. According to local lore, the isolated Hatteras towns were not informed of the change until years afterwards, and in true Outer Banks spirit, refused to adopt the change.

While the residents certainly welcome visitors, this is a locals' celebration held at the Rodanthe Town Center. Festivities usually begin with an oyster roast in the afternoon, followed later in the evening by the appearance of Old Buck, a mythical wild bull. Legend has it that Old Buck once terrorized the townspeople until a hunter finally felled him. Today, the residents who dress in bull's costume and parade through the celebration bring Old Buck back to life.

 

Morehead City Ferry Service

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown...

Jumpmasters OBX

Now with Axe Throwing! Jumpmasters OBX is the ultimate trampoline park on the Outer Banks with attractions the entire family will enjoy. From open jump trampolines to the dodgeball court, 3-D climbing wall, a foam pit, an epic ninja obstacle course...

Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the...

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates

Since 1968, our family owned and operated company has offered families just like yours a wide selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals in beach communities and towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and South Nags...