Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving on the Outer Banks: Holiday Dinner Ideas in Nags Head
Ideas for hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving on the Outer Banks, from beach walks to a private holiday dinner in Nags Head.
More families spend Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks every year, and it is easy to see why: mild weather, empty beaches and a big rental house with room for everyone. Here is how to make the holiday easy, whether you are hosting family Thanksgiving or a Friendsgiving with your favorite people.
Start the day on the beach
A Thanksgiving morning walk on a quiet Nags Head beach is a tradition for a lot of OBX families. Bundle up, bring coffee, and let the kids run before the big meal.
Get outside before dinner
- Climb the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head
- Walk Jennette’s Pier
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills
- Drive south to the Bodie Island Lighthouse
Skip the kitchen: host the dinner at a venue
Cooking for 30 in a rental kitchen is nobody’s idea of a vacation. A private holiday dinner at Village Beach Club gives you a long table, a menu prepared on site and a staff that cleans up. A holiday buffet with roasted pork loin with apple glaze, herb roasted chicken, Yukon whipped potatoes and the harvest salad with cranberries and pecans starts at $64 per guest.
Friendsgiving ideas
- Pick a theme, like a Southern supper or a pasta bar
- Add a signature fall cocktail
- Go around the table with one thing you are grateful for
- Plan a group photo on the deck at sunset
Kids are welcome: the children’s menu is $22 per child (ages 2–12). Learn more about friends & family holiday gatherings.
