Discover the legend of Old Buck, the history of two Christmases, and the unique celebration that keeps this Outer Banks tradition alive.
A Timeless Tradition: The History of Old Christmas on the Outer Banks
For more than a century, residents of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo have embraced a unique and cherished tradition—Old Christmas, celebrated on January 6th. While much of the world wraps up their festivities on December 25th, this little corner of the Outer Banks keeps the holiday spirit alive for just a little longer. Visitors are welcome to join in, but it’s a celebration steeped in local history, legends, and customs that may feel wonderfully unfamiliar.
The Origins of Old Christmas
The roots of Old Christmas trace back to medieval England. Before the Calendar Act of 1751, which introduced the Georgian Calendar, Christmas was traditionally observed on January 6th. When the English Crown adopted the new calendar, the change shortened the year by eleven days. However, word of this adjustment didn’t reach the isolated villages of Hatteras Island until years later. When it did, the stubborn Bankers refused to acknowledge it, clinging to their original calendar and traditions.
While other parts of Great Britain still refer to January 6th as Old Christmas Day or Twelfth Night, here on the Outer Banks, it became something uniquely their own.
The Practical Reason for a Second Christmas
In the days when Rodanthe was divided into two settlements—north Rodanthe and south Rodanthe (which eventually became Waves)—it was difficult for families to gather in one place for Christmas. To solve this, locals split their celebrations across two dates. On December 25th, one half would visit the other; on January 6th, the process reversed. The end result? Twice the festivities, twice the fun.
Old Christmas Traditions
The celebration of Old Christmas begins on Old Christmas Eve night (January 5th), setting the stage for a lively and mystical holiday steeped in folklore and customs:
Courtesy the Outer Banks History Center 
Courtesy the Coastland Times 
Courtesy the Outer Banks History Center
- The Legend of Old Buck
Perhaps the most iconic part of the festivities is the mythical wild bull known as Old Buck. According to legend, Old Buck roamed Buxton Woods, terrorizing farmers and impregnating every cow in sight until he was finally shot by a hunter. Yet, Old Buck’s spirit was too wild to be tamed—it lives on, haunting the marshes and hummocks of Rodanthe.Today, Old Buck is brought to life by villagers, appearing as a horned, masked creature draped in a blanket. Towards evening, he makes his grand entrance, much to the delight of onlookers. - The Dumb Table
A curious and eerie tradition, the Dumb Table dates back to Old Christmas Eve nights of the past. Young girls would cook a meal, set it on the table, and then hide beneath it in silence, awaiting the appearance of “ghosts.” These spirits were said to resemble the men the girls would one day marry. - Fifes, Drums, and Colorful Disguises
At the crack of dawn, fifes and drums would play eerie music to awaken the villages. Children and adults alike dressed in homemade masks, socks on their faces, and bright, colorful clothing. Running from house to house, they sang carols as they eagerly awaited the appearance of Old Buck. - Roasting Oysters and Gathering Together
Today, Old Christmas has retained its community focus. Families and friends from Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo gather at the Rodanthe Community Building to roast oysters, share stories, and celebrate their heritage. Though it’s far more family-friendly now than the Old Christmas of the late 1970s—when it gained a reputation for wild, brawling festivities—the event remains a joyful and unique experience.
Courtesy the Outer Banks History Center 
Courtesy the Outer Banks History Center 
Old Christmas on the Outer Banks
Old Christmas: A Celebration Like No Other
Whether you call it Little Christmas, Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, Old Christmas on the Outer Banks is a testament to the spirit of tradition, community, and folklore. While tourists may marvel at the festivities, it’s the locals who understand the deep-rooted significance of this extra Christmas.
If you happen to be on Hatteras Island the first weekend after Epiphany, consider stopping by to witness Old Christmas for yourself. You might just spot Old Buck—or at the very least, enjoy a unique slice of Outer Banks history.
