Your 2026 Thanksgiving Guide to the Emerald Coast
Who needs falling snow when you’ve got sugar-white sand?
Thanksgiving on Florida’s Emerald Coast looks a little different. Our sweaters might stay in the closet, our holiday photos might feature palm trees, and there’s a good chance someone will suggest a beach walk after dinner.
Whether you’re a longtime local, visiting family for the holidays, or discovering what makes Northwest Florida such a special place to call home, there’s plenty to be thankful for this season.
Grab your stretchy pants, gather your favorite people, and check out what’s happening around the Emerald Coast this Thanksgiving!
Not everyone wants to spend Thanksgiving morning juggling oven timers and washing dishes. Luckily, several local restaurants are preparing holiday feasts.
Harbor Docks — Destin
One of Destin’s most meaningful holiday traditions returns for its 32nd year! Harbor Docks is hosting its annual community Thanksgiving Feast on November 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The meal is complimentary, everyone is welcome, and donations are encouraged to support local hunger-relief organizations. It’s a wonderful reminder of what Thanksgiving is really about.
Pandora’s Steakhouse — Destin
Looking for something a little different? Enjoy Chef Tim Creehan’s Louisiana fried turkey, traditional holiday sides, and desserts at HarborWalk Village. Thanksgiving dining is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are required.
Café Thirty-A — Seagrove Beach
Trade the cooking for a coastal dining experience. Café Thirty-A is offering a Thanksgiving menu featuring Southern deep-fried turkey, fresh seafood alternatives, and holiday desserts. Reservations are required, and a takeout feast for six is also available.
SOLARIS Yacht — Sandestin
Why settle for a dining room when you can celebrate on the water? The SOLARIS is offering Thanksgiving lunch and dinner cruises on Choctawhatchee Bay, complete with a holiday buffet and beautiful coastal scenery.
Sandestin Turkey Trot — November 22
Kick off Thanksgiving week at Baytowne Marina with a 5K run or a 1-mile fun walk. It’s a festive way to get moving while supporting the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.
30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races — November 26
Rosemary Beach hosts one of the area’s favorite Thanksgiving traditions. Choose from a 10K, 5K, or 1-mile fun run, with proceeds supporting local charitable organizations.
Whether you’re chasing a personal record or just trying to beat your cousin to the finish line, it’s a great way to start the holiday!
After the turkey, stuffing, and inevitable food coma, take advantage of something we’re lucky to have year-round: the great outdoors.
Enjoy a sunset stroll along the beaches of Destin or Okaloosa Island, explore the charming streets of Seaside and Rosemary Beach, or spend the afternoon fishing along the bay.
And for those celebrating farther inland, Crestview, Niceville, and Freeport offer their own small-town charm, peaceful parks, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Sometimes the best holiday memories don’t require reservations or elaborate plans. Just good company and a little fresh air.
🎄 From Turkey to Tinsel: Keep the Holiday Fun Going
Thanksgiving may be the main event, but the holiday weekend is just getting started.
November 27 — Seaside Holiday Movie Night
Head to the Seaside Amphitheater for an outdoor holiday movie at 7 p.m.
November 28 — Seaside Holiday Parade & Turn on the Town
Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with Seaside’s festive holiday parade and community celebration beginning at 3 p.m.
November 28 — Breakfast with Santa in Rosemary Beach
Keep the holiday magic going with a family-friendly Santa experience in Rosemary Beach.
❤️ Thankful for More Than Just the View
Living along the Emerald Coast gives us plenty to appreciate: beautiful beaches, welcoming neighborhoods, local businesses, and communities that come together when it matters most.
But what makes this area truly special isn’t just the scenery. It’s the people, the traditions, and the memories made along the way.
Whether your Thanksgiving is spent around a big family table, on a boat, at the beach, or simply relaxing at home, I hope it’s filled with laughter, gratitude, and maybe one more slice of pie.
Happy Thanksgiving from Candace Floyd | Coldwell Banker Realty
Helping you find more than a house—a place to call home.
