Experience the Outer Banks like never before this December, as 12 local bars and restaurants transform into immersive holiday-themed pop-ups. From vintage decor and nostalgic movies to nautical Christmas cocktails and festive igloos, each spot brings its own creative twist to the season. Whether you’re looking for a unique night out, festive bites, or themed drinks with friends, this month-long event delivers one-of-a-kind holiday spirit across the beach.
Your Guide to the 12 Bars of Christmas
Back for another season of festive fun, the 12 Bars of Christmas is turning some of your favorite Outer Banks bars and restaurants into over-the-top holiday pop-ups. Starting November 28, each bar takes on its own unique theme, think tropical Santas, nostalgic movie references, cozy ski lodges, and more.
The best way to experience it all? Join the Passport Challenge:
- Grab a passport for $10 at any participating bar (proceeds support local charities).
- Visit all 12 spots before December 31 and collect a stamp at each one, no purchase required.
- Return your completed passport to get a special ornament (while supplies last).
- Drop off the entry form to be included in the final raffle drawing on January 5.
Each bar has gone all-in with themed drinks, décor, and holiday surprises. Whether you’re planning a festive bar crawl or just looking to soak up the spirit of the season, this is one holiday tradition worth making your own.
Meet the 12 Holiday Pop-Up Bars
Mama Klaus – Mama Kwans
Mama Kwan’s brings the island vibes to Christmas with Mama Klaus’s, a festive tiki-style pop-up serving up Klaus Cocktails and holiday-inspired bites. While you’re there, know that every donation collected supports Surfing for Autism, a local nonprofit that hosts adaptive surf events for children on the autism spectrum each summer. It’s a great reason to raise a glass and give back.
Goombrrrs – Goombays Grille & Raw Bar
Goombays Grille and Raw Bar has frozen over into a coastal winter wonderland. Goombrrrs: The Yeti & The Christmas Island of Misfit Toys brings frosty fun, festive décor, and a holiday menu full of creative cocktails by Goombrrrs’ own Bad Santa. It’s playful, a little mischievous, and the perfect mix of North Pole and Outer Banks.
Jingle 12 Tavern – Lucky 12 Tavern
Now in its fifth year, Jingle 12 at Lucky 12 Tavern in Nags Head is decked out with vintage Christmas décor collected from across the country, from blow molds to melted popcorn ornaments. Enjoy Christmas cocktails, seasonal beers, and festive bites, or book a spot in one of their cozy igloos, ski lodge, or ice fishing shed for a holiday experience you won’t forget.
The Broken Candy Cane – Bonzer Shack
The Bonzer Shack transforms into The Broken Candy Cane, your favorite Christmas villains’ hangout! Step into a world of festive mischief with over-the-top décor, Christmas-inspired food, and creative cocktails for both adults and kids. Keep an eye out for the Grinch, Burgermeister, Heat and Snow Miser, and Bumble the Snowman; they’re all part of the holiday fun.
Poor Rudolf’s – Poor Richards
A Manteo icon since 1984, Poor Richard’s transforms into Poor Rudolph’s, the North Pole Watering Hole of the Outer Banks. All December long, enjoy Christmas-themed food, festive drinks, and a cozy waterfront atmosphere that makes this local favorite shine even brighter for the holidays.
North Pole Yacht Club – Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Pirate’s Cove Marina, Blue Water Grill transforms into the North Pole Yacht Club, an elegant, oyster-themed Christmas pop-up. Celebrate the season with coastal flair as you sip festive cocktails, savor fresh seafood, and soak in the holiday magic overlooking the sound.
Deck The Hulls – Outer Banks Distilling
Set sail for the season at Deck the Hulls by Outer Banks Distilling in Manteo. This nautical Christmas pop-up celebrates Roanoke Island’s maritime spirit with festive décor and handcrafted cocktails made with their signature Silver, Pecan, Gold, and Winter Spice rums. It’s coastal Christmas cheer, distilled to perfection.
Christmas Vacation Station – Outer Banks Brewing Station
Wax up your sled and channel your inner Griswold at Christmas Vacation Station inside Outer Banks Brewing Station. Celebrate the season with themed food and drinks inspired by Clark, Cousin Eddie, and the whole family, plus a cocoa bomb bar for both kids and adults. Expect plenty of Christmas chaos, live music, DJs, and even silent disco nights to keep the holiday party going strong
Jack Frost’s – Jack Brown’s
This winter, Jack Brown’s chills out as Jack Frost’s Cheer & Burger Joint, a frosty hideaway where burgers, brews, and bad Santa energy collide. Expect over-the-top holiday décor, and fried Oreos straight from Santa’s secret stash. Cozy up, grab a pint, and let Jack Frost show you how the Outer Banks does Christmas cool.
‘Ol Ceadar Brown’s – Lone Cedar Café
Perched on the Causeway between Nags Head and Manteo, Lone Cedar Café transforms into Ol’ Cedar Brown’s for the holidays. This waterfront favorite pairs panoramic Sound views with festive décor, live entertainment, and the freshest local seafood caught in North Carolina waters. It’s Christmas on the coast, Lone Cedar style.
McCallister’s Corner – Two Roads Tavern
McCallister’s Corner brings all the cozy chaos of “Home Alone” to Two Roads Tavern. Step inside for Christmas classics on repeat, playful nods to Kevin and the Wet Bandits, and festive food and cocktails that’ll make you say, “Keep the change, ya filthy animal.” It’s holiday nostalgia with a Two Roads twist, fun, flavorful, and full of cheer.
Holly Jolly Christmas – Jolly Roger Restaurant
The Jolly Roger goes all-in for the holidays with Holly Jolly Christmas, a decked-out celebration of twinkling lights, vintage cheer, and over-the-top décor. From Christmas morning breakfasts to late-night cocktails, this local legend delivers nonstop festive fun because at Jolly Roger, it’s always the season to be jolly.
Ride the OBX Party Sleigh
Make your 12 Bars of Christmas adventure legendary aboard the OBX Party Sleigh, presented by OBX Party Bus. This festive ride takes the hassle out of driving and turns your bar crawl into a moving celebration across the beach.
Choose from three unique routes, each stopping at three to four of the Outer Banks’ most festive pop-up bars. Bring your own beer, wine, or seltzers, coolers, ice, and cups are provided. Festive holiday attire is highly encouraged, so grab your friends, throw on your Santa hats, and get ready to jingle all the way.
Seats sell out fast, book your spot on the sleigh before they’re gone!
Celebrate the Season on the Outer Banks
The 12 Bars of Christmas is more than a bar crawl, it’s a holiday tradition that brings together local flavor, creative spirit, and a good dose of festive fun. Whether you visit one pop-up or make it to all twelve, you’ll find great food, seasonal drinks, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. This December, experience the Outer Banks in a whole new light, relaxed, welcoming, and full of holiday cheer.