Holiday Lights on Ocracoke Island

Holiday Lights

Well Ocracoke has wasted no time in dressing up for the holidays. I have a feeling per capita – there are more lights per resident than any town in America. They are lights, and decorations everywhere. The town has these really pretty light figures and shapes that hang throughout the village on various power poles. There are angles, snowflakes, candy canes lining the streets wherever you go. Businesses are lit up – even places that are closed get into the season and dress themselves up right. The Ocracoke Preservation Society Christmas tree at the museum is quite spectacular, But the best to me are the houses. Yes, like all holidays – Ocracokers take pride in dressing for the Occasion. There are sleighs, reindeer, and Santas aglow. Each street seems to try and out do the next. I took a scud about the other night and was quite happy to see the sights. I wouldn’t want to judge any contests – but I will say the boat pulled by snow geese in flight on Lighthouse Rd. is one of my favorites.

Of course the Castle is decked to the nines. I don’t know how they do it, but each year it just looks better and better. I don’t think there is a spot not decorated in my old home, I actually never lived there, but considered it my home anyway. I have never seen such a collection of Christmas cheer. There are five beautiful hand made wreaths that hang out front that are made by local island artists. These ladies have been doing these for years with greenery they collect here on Ocracoke. The whole town is sporting them and looking very festive.

The Castle is hosting the employee Christmas Party for OIR and Castle employees. Sherry from Gaffers is doing food and of course Ronnie has been baking up a storm so the food looks well covered. Jose is DJing and promises to get folks up dancing. Now for some of those ladies – it doesn’t take much. Course I’m hoping they will remember to do my favorite – the Hokey Pokey. I’ll let you know if they do – and if anyone gets a little too festive. You know how those staff parties can be! You should see the wish list the Castle folks pinned on Santa. I swear those folks are sometimes just too funny.

If you are wanting to come down and enjoy the island this winter – you can stay in one of the Villas. They are open all year and provide a homey warm spot to return after a day of Ocracoke adventure. The Castle is closed until Valentines Day when they open for a Valentines special - I’ll let you know more about that soon. The Castle reopens February 17th. So start making your plans. I’ll be happy to have more folks visiting – gets a little quiet even for an old spirit like myself in the off season.

I hope it is festive where you are. Here’s wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday.

Spirit of Sam Jones