Thanksgiving Traditions in Destin, FL

Seaside’s Turn on the Town Celebration and Holiday Parade

On Friday after a day of “Black Friday” shopping, another great local tradition is to gather for the 30A holiday parade and the “Turn on the Town” celebration in Seaside, Fla. Find a spot along the parade route along Hwy 30A between Seagrove Beach and Seaside and watch the community showcase their holiday spirit. From lighted golf carts and bicycles to boats and trailers, if it can be lit you'll probably see it in the parade. The South Walton holiday parade concludes in Seaside where the town lights are turned on for the season and Mr. and Mrs. Claus make a special appearance.

Sandestin Turkey Trot

The 5th Annual Sandestin Turkey Trot 5K fun run and 1-mile fun walk will take place Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Start your Thanksgiving week with an invigorating run through the beautiful landscapes of Sandestin. Packet pickup begins at 6am, 1-mile fun walk at 7:00am and 5k fun run at 7:30am. After the race, stick around for a festive post-run tailgate party at 11am featuring beer, food, prizes, and NFL food and beverage specials available after—it's the perfect family-friendly event!

Registration is $50 for adults, $40 for military, and $40 for participants 17 and under, with the first 150 registrants receiving a free t-shirt, walk up registrations will not be applicable for a shirt, unless there are extras. Plus, your participation supports a wonderful cause: all proceeds from this event will benefit the Sandestin Foundation for Kids. Learn more and purchase tickets here. 

30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races

For more than a decade, the 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day races have been a fun Thanksgiving Day tradition. Scheduled for November 26, 2026, the 10K, 5K and 1-mile races are recognized as one of the top five turkey trots in America. Known for its amazing flat and fast courses and over-the-top after-party, the 30A 10K is one of the most fun 10Ks in the Southeast. All runners receive a super-soft race shirt. After the race, all runners enjoy a delicious free post-race breakfast to kick off a great Thanksgiving Day. With a mission to raise funds for local non-profits, the 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races have donated more than $850,000 to local charities. Learn more and register here. 

Thanksgiving Buffet Cruises

Treat the family to a Thanksgiving Day buffet on the water! Cruise aboard the 125' SOLARIS Yacht for either lunch or dinner this Thanksgiving. Your experience includes a 2.5-hour cruise aboard a yacht, along with a lavish traditional Thanksgiving buffet. A full bar is onboard, with beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Reservations are required. Learn more and make reservations online here or call 850-650-2519.

Harbor Docks Free Thanksgiving Dinner Benefiting Local Charities

 This year will mark the 27th consecutive year, Destin's Harbor Docks restaurant is sponsoring the free Thanksgiving dinner to raise money and awareness for local charities. Families will enjoy a free dinner and donations will be collected for Destin Harvest and Okaloosa County Habitat for Humanity. In the past, the event fed more than 1,500 people and raised more than $20,000! This wonderful Destin Thanksgiving tradition is deliciously charitable! For a full list of restaurants offering holiday meals, click here.

Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Feasts

If you’re spending the holidays in the Destin area, you'll enjoy the many options for a Thanksgiving feast in Destin Florida. Our friends at To Do in Destin have created a list of those restaurants that are open and serving Thanksgiving meals this holiday season. View the list here. 

Start Planning

If you haven’t made your Thanksgiving reservation, now is the time. View Newman-Dailey’s premier selection of Destin vacation rentals online, including luxury rental homes and beach condos or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 850-837-1071. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee. 

View Rentals Here

Thanks to Destin’s holiday traditions, the beach is “where you’d rather be” for the holidays.  

*UPDATED: 10/29/26