Four If By Sea – The Christmas House
There are some Outer Banks Christmas traditions that stand the test of time- through the years, through illness, through storms, even deaths- “The Christmas House” in Ocean Acres is one of the brightest traditions for Outer Banks families.
A lot has been written about Mr. Poulos through the years, from local articles, social media posts and even the national news- but this year the lights go on for the 49th year tribute to his late wife Ann who died this summer.
Something magical happens as you drive over the crest of the hill approaching the Poulos’s property. Yes, you see the twinkling lights overheard and the sounds of Christmas music echoing through your car, but there is something intangible that overwhelms you with a feeling of Christmas. Tens of thousands of lights, blow up snowmen, Christmas movies playing on outdoor screens, vignettes of mangers, gingerbread houses and candy canes abound. You can simply drive through, but to get the full experience, park your car down the lane and plan to spend about 30 minutes walking around. Not only will this let you experience everything up close- the details are incredible- put it will put you in prime viewing distance of the real attraction here- the children.
My husband and I have been taking our girls here since they were born and watching them take in the magic of this place is unexplainable: their wide eyes, the reflections of the lights glaring off them, the world of possibilities and the abundance of love. It is the true meaning of Christmas and a gift we thank the Poulos family for every year.
Be sure to check out the silver framed garage full of miniatures houses, Christmas trees made from retro fabulous 1980s stuffed animals and the real working train circling the ponds nearby. Drop a few bills in the donation box that helps to support the electric bill for this dynamic display.
Local Tip: Check out the guestbook in the little house by the end of the driveway. You can see visitors near and far have come to enjoy our little North Pole on the OBX. You might even see the signature of a celebrity or two.