There’s something uniquely special about the coast during the holidays. The crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and familiar beach towns glow with lights, laughter, and long-standing traditions. At Seaboard Hospitality, winter by the sea is one of our favorite seasons. A time when small moments matter most and the simple comforts of a thoughtful stay shine even brighter.
From Rehoboth Beach to Dewey Beach to Nags Head, our properties remain welcoming places to gather, unwind, and celebrate. Whether you’re returning for an annual tradition or discovering a winter coastal getaway for the first time, the holidays with Seaboard are about more than where you sleep, they’re about how you feel while you’re here.
Holiday Spirit Along the Coast
Rehoboth Beach: Festive, Familiar, and Full of Charm
Rehoboth Beach comes alive in December with traditions that locals and visitors alike look forward to all year. The season kicks off with the Rehoboth Christmas Parade, filling the streets with bands, floats, and holiday cheer. Downtown shops sparkle with lights, and community events like the Santa Bar Crawl and Schellville Winter Celebration bring families together for outdoor fun, skating, treats, and seasonal magic.
Staying at Avenue Inn & Spa or Cooper Cottages puts guests right in the heart of these moments. Close enough to enjoy the festivities, yet comfortably tucked away when it’s time to unwind.
Dewey Beach: Winter Calm with a Celebratory Twist
In Dewey Beach, the holidays strike a perfect balance between peaceful oceanfront days and lively seasonal events. Guests at Atlantic View Hotel enjoy ocean views that feel especially serene in winter, along with easy access to local celebrations like:
- New Year’s Eve at Bottle & Cork, ringing in the year with music and energy
- The annual Dewey Dunk on New Year’s Day, a beloved, chilly tradition
- The Dewey Winter Gala, a bright spot in the heart of winter
It’s a reminder that even in the quieter months, the coast still knows how to celebrate.
Outer Banks: Laid-Back Traditions and Open Horizons
In Nags Head, winter brings a slower pace and a deeper connection to the natural beauty of the Outer Banks. Holiday markets, local artisans, and coastal traditions create a welcoming atmosphere that feels authentic and unhurried. Guests at Surf Side Hotel often say winter is when they truly fall in love with the OBX. Wide beaches, dramatic skies, and time to breathe.
Traditions That Make the Season Feel Like Home
Each Seaboard Hospitality property brings its own personality to the holidays, with traditions that feel warm, familiar, and genuinely personal.
At Avenue Inn & Spa, the lobby is dressed for the season, and guests are welcomed with thoughtful touches that have become part of many families’ holiday memories — including the annual holiday ornament, a keepsake guests often collect year after year. They also encourage guests to add an ornament of their own to the lobby tree. Enjoy a cozy spa experience, and winter becomes a season of restoration.
At Surf Side Hotel, holiday joy often includes Cookies with Santa and sometimes even a surprise visit from the Grinch creates moments children (and parents) remember long after the decorations come down.
At Atlantic View Hotel, the tradition is simpler, but no less meaningful: quiet mornings, oceanfront views, and the peaceful rhythm of winter waves just steps from your room.
At Cooper Cottages, the holidays feel like coming home. With full kitchens and space to gather, families and groups can create their own traditions. From shared meals to late-night conversations to relaxed mornings near the beach.
More Than a Bed: What’s Always Included
What truly sets a Seaboard Hospitality stay apart, especially during the winter months, is the value built into every day. When guests book directly with Seaboard Hospitality, they’re not just reserving a room. They’re choosing a stay shaped by comfort, care, and thoughtful extras that make the experience feel complete.
Across our winter-open properties, guests enjoy*:
- Hot breakfast each morning, ready to start the day without extra planning
- Fresh coffee available throughout the day, perfect after a beach walk or before heading out to explore
- Evening socials or refreshments, creating moments to slow down and connect
- Late-night sweet treats, a small but beloved tradition that adds warmth to winter nights
- Prime locations, walkable to town centers or steps from the ocean
- Friendly, familiar staff, many of whom return season after season
These are the details that materially change a stay. The things guests remember, appreciate, and often mention when they return.
Why Guests Love the Coast in Winter
There’s a quiet beauty to the beach in winter that summer simply can’t offer. Guests love:
- Peaceful shoreline walks without crowds
- Cozy evenings after festive town events
- Clear skies, glowing sunsets, and fresh ocean air
- A sense of space and calm that invites reflection
Winter stays also offer exceptional value — more availability, more flexibility, and more opportunity to truly enjoy the destination at your own pace.
A Thoughtful Gift That Never Goes Out of Style
As the holidays approach, many guests look for gifts that feel meaningful rather than material. A gift certificate is one of those rare presents that always fits. It’s perfect for couples, families, or anyone who could use a little time by the sea. It’s a gift of rest, experience, and memory-making, available at each of our coastal properties. Just stop in or call your preferred hotel or location for personalization.
Thank You for Being Part of the Seaboard Family
As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has stayed with us, returned to us, or plans to visit in the seasons ahead. Your traditions, your stories, and your loyalty are what make Seaboard Hospitality what it is.
From the entire Seaboard Hospitality Crew — we wish you a joyful holiday season and look forward to welcoming you by the sea this winter.
*Amenities differ by location. Inquire within about each hotel’s unique amenity list.
