December is the time of year to spread some OBX cheer! Get ready to experience a true Southern-style Outer Banks in Winter. With average weather temperatures in the high 50’s, the weather can be mild and sunny, or crisp and wet, so prepare for a beautiful white snowy or sandy Outer Banks in December. Once you arrive, start making a list of things to do in Outer Banks in December because there’s so much to do, so much to see, and memories to be made. Tour the Wright Brothers Memorial Hunt for Beach Treasures The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island Shop ’til You Drop Tour the Wright Brothers Memorial While you are here, visit the Wright Brothers Memorial. The Wright Brothers’ lasting legacy is well known for the first flight, right here on the Outer Banks. On December 17th, we will be celebrating 117 years of the first powered flight (more details on the celebration below!). Walk to the top of the hill to get an up-close look at the towering 60-foot tall granite monument. The visitor’s center is currently open with COVID precautions in place. A bookstore and gift shop can also be found in the visitor’s center. Plan to visit the Wright Brothers Memorial on Thursday, December 17th for an extra special celebration of the 117th anniversary of the first powered flight. The celebration takes place at the Wright Brothers National Park Visitors Center, and entrance fees are waived. Hunt for Beach Treasure Uncrowded beaches make December a great time of year to get out and do some shell seeking or metal detecting in search of your favorite shells, such as whelk, olive, and conch shells. Shark teeth can be found as well, not the mention one of the most prized finds, Outer Banks sea glass. Metal detecting is allowed on the Northern Beaches of: Carova Corolla Duck Southern Shores Kitty Hawk Kill Devil Hills Nags Head However, metal detecting is prohibited within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, including Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island Learn about aquatic life on the North Carolina coast at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island in Manteo. Their Sea Turtle Assistance and Rescue (STAR) Center allows visitors to go inside of the sea turtle “hospital” and to learn about threats to the Sea Turtle population and how they can be rehabilitated. Take some time to watch the entertaining otters, Banks and Finn. Additionally, check out the fossil dig area where visitors are able to search for treasures; like small shells or shark teeth. The Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit boasts an aquarium that holds larger fish, including sharks. *Capacity is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. Please visit their website or call (252) 475-2300 for tickets and more information on COVID precautions. Shop ’til You Drop Shop for unique gifts for everyone on your list at the 2nd Annual Misfits & Rejects Holiday Market at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. Handmade art and holiday cheer are on tap at the event, being held on Saturday, November 14th, and Saturday, December 12th, from 11:30 am to 4ish. Be sure to grab a bite to eat and one of Outer Banks Brewing Station’s house-made beers while you’re there. *Call ahead or check out their website for current COVID precautions. There are many eclectic places to shop on the OBX. Check off everyone on your gift list during your December trip to the Outer Banks! Eat Your Way Through the OBX With fewer folks visiting the Outer Banks in December than in the summer months, you have the opportunity to visit new restaurants with little or no wait time. Some OBX restaurants close during the cooler months, but many choose to stay open year-round. Please call ahead or visit a restaurant’s website before heading there to confirm that they are open. Check out our OBX off-season itinerary by town for our recommendations if you’re planning a driving tour of the Outer Banks during your December visit.