12 Bars of Christmas OBX 2024

This annual pub crawl event is all about celebrating the season in style, with participants decked out in holiday attire as they make their way through some of the best bars and restaurants on the beach. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, the 12 Bars of Christmas is a fun, community-centered way to celebrate with friends, support local businesses, and experience the Outer Banks’ nightlife.

Event Overview

The 12 Bars of Christmas OBX is typically organized as a group pub crawl that stops at a selection of bars and pubs throughout the Outer Banks, particularly in towns like Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head. Each bar on the route offers special holiday-themed drinks, discounted food, and fun activities for participants. Many people join dressed in festive outfits, from Santa suits and elf costumes to ugly Christmas sweaters, creating a lively and colorful holiday atmosphere.

In addition to fun and festivities, the event often has a charitable component, with portions of proceeds going to local causes, such as food banks, toy drives, or other community support efforts.

Participating Venues and What to Expect

• Holiday Cocktails and Specials: Each bar offers unique, holiday-themed cocktails, drinks, or craft beers, often at special prices for participants.

• Festive Activities: Some bars feature activities like karaoke, live music, holiday-themed trivia, and raffles, adding a layer of fun to the crawl.

• Costume Contest: Participants are encouraged to dress in their most festive holiday attire, with prizes often awarded for the best costume, most creative outfit, or funniest ensemble.

12 Bars of Christmas OBX 2024: Participating Bars and Themes

1. Jingle 12

   • Location: Lucky 12 Tavern, 3808 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head

   • Theme: Vintage Christmas, including igloos, a ski lodge, and an ice fishing shed

   • Charity: OBX Room in the Inn

2. McCallister’s Corner

   • Location: Two Roads Tavern, 3105 N. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills

   • Theme: Inspired by Home Alone, featuring holiday mischief

   • Charity: Outer Banks Forever

3. Holly Jolly Christmas

   • Location: Jolly Roger Restaurant, 1836 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills

   • Theme: Pirate-inspired holiday decor

   • Charity: Interfaith Community Outreach

4. Goombrrrs

   • Location: Goombay’s Grille & Raw Bar, 1608 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills

   • Theme: Winter wonderland with the Yeti and Christmas Island of misfit toys

   • Charity: Fleet’s Fighters

5. The Broken Candy Cane

   • Location: Bonzer Shack, 1200 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills

   • Theme: Christmas villains’ hideout featuring characters like the Grinch

   • Charity: Surfrider Foundation, Outer Banks Chapter

6. Jack Frost’s Cheer & Burger Joint

   • Location: Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint, 800 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills

   • Theme: Festive ambiance with burgers, beers, and cheer

   • Charity: Mustang Music Outreach Program

7. Christmas Vacation Station

   • Location: Outer Banks Brewing Station, 600 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills

   • Theme: Inspired by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

   • Charity: Beach Food Pantry

8. Mama Klaus’s

   • Location: Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill, 1701 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills

   • Theme: Tropical “Hula-day” decor with holiday treats and cocktails

   • Charity: Surfing for Autism

9. Poor Rudolph’s

   • Location: Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop, 305 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo

   • Theme: Cozy holiday pub atmosphere

   • Charity: Dare County Arts Council

10. Deck the Hulls

    • Location: Outer Banks Distilling, 510 Budleigh St, Manteo

    • Theme: Nautical holiday decor with coastal charm

    • Charity: Coastal Humane Society

11. Sandy Claws

    • Location: Blue Crab Tavern, 1180 Colington Rd, Kill Devil Hills

    • Theme: Beachy Christmas vibes

    • Charity: Food for Thought

12. Aww Shucks

    • Location: Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, 2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo

    • Theme: Oyster-themed holiday decor

    • Charity: Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T

Location and Route

The 12 Bars of Christmas typically covers a stretch of bars in the central Outer Banks area, with stops at favorite local spots in Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Kitty Hawk. The event usually begins in the early evening, with groups rotating through bars over several hours. Be sure to check for details on where the crawl will kick off and the order of stops, as these can vary each year.

Getting There and Transportation

Since the event involves visiting multiple bars, safety and transportation are key. Here are some ways to make the event both fun and safe:

• Designated Drivers: Some groups designate a driver who can help everyone get home safely after the festivities. Alternatively, participants can consider arranging a pickup at the end of the night.

• 12Rideshare Options: Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the Outer Banks area, though it’s helpful to plan in advance, as demand may be higher on the night of the crawl.

• OBX Party Sleigh: Hop on the "OBX Party Sleigh" (aka the OBX Party Bus) for VIP pub crawls of the 12 Bars of Christmas, a collection of fun pop-up bars on the Outer Banks! We're running three different routes and visiting three to four bars on each route. Bring your beer, wine and seltzers to enjoy on the ride.

Tickets and Admission

Tickets for the 12 Bars of Christmas OBX are typically available for purchase in advance through the event's official website or participating bars. Admission usually includes an event wristband, which grants access to drink specials and activities at each venue, as well as any additional perks arranged by the organizers. Ticket prices may vary depending on early or group purchases, so it’s best to check in advance for the best rate.

Tips for a Great Experience

1. Dress Warmly and Festively: Since the event takes place in December, it’s best to dress warmly while still embracing the holiday spirit. Layering festive clothing is ideal!

2. Bring Cash and ID: Some bars may prefer cash, and an ID is essential for age verification.

3. Drink Responsibly: This is a night of fun, but drinking responsibly is important to keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.

A Holiday Tradition on the OBX

The 12 Bars of Christmas OBX is an unforgettable way to kick off the holiday season with friends, locals, and visitors alike. With lively costumes, holiday drinks, and a sense of community, it’s a celebration of the season’s spirit and a showcase of the Outer Banks’ vibrant nightlife.

Whether you’re in it for the festive drinks, the unique outfits, or just the fun of joining a great local event, the 12 Bars of Christmas is sure to be a highlight of the holiday season.