October 29, 2026Thanksgiving at the beach comes with a few welcome additions: a walk along the Gulf, a porch for your morning coffee, and holiday lights waiting just down the road.
In 2026, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26. Make it a long weekend, or arrive early and enjoy a full week of family meals, outdoor adventures, and celebrations across 30A and the surrounding beach communities.
From Thanksgiving morning races in Rosemary Beach to holiday festivities in Seaside, WaterColor, Sandestin, and Panama City Beach, here’s how to plan your holiday with Oversee.
Explore Oversee vacation rentals, or call 866-417-9970 for help finding a home that fits your family.
All event times below are local Central Time. Schedules, menus, prices, and availability may change; check the linked organizer pages before making plans.
Start Thanksgiving Morning with the 30A 10K
A little fresh air before the feast? The 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races return to Rosemary Beach on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with three distances to choose from:
- 10K: 7:30 a.m.
- 1-mile fun run: 7:35 a.m.
- 5K: 9:30 a.m.
The morning continues with awards and a post-race celebration in Barrett Square.
Register ahead of time and collect your race packet at The Big Chill in Watersound on Wednesday, November 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no race-day registration or packet pickup.
Arriving earlier in the week? The official Shake Out Run takes place at Idyll Hounds Brewery in Santa Rosa Beach on Tuesday, November 24, at 5 p.m.
Plan your drive: On Thanksgiving morning, the race organizer lists a road closure from 7 to 10:30 a.m. along 30A between East Water Street in Rosemary Beach and Bridge Lane just east of The Big Chill. Part of Watersound Parkway also closes for the 5K route.
See race details, registration, and road closures.
Where to Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner
Make room around your vacation rental’s table, reserve a restaurant meal, or take your celebration onto the water. These published holiday options give you several ways to spend less time cooking and more time together.
Cuvee 30A in Inlet Beach
Chef Tim Creehan’s Thanksgiving tradition features Louisiana Fried Turkey and holiday accompaniments at Cuvee 30A in 30Avenue.
The restaurant’s 2026 Thanksgiving service runs November 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Published prices are $99.99 for adults and $49.99 for children under 10. Early reservations are strongly recommended. Turkey-to-go is not offered.
View Cuvee 30A’s Thanksgiving menu and reservation request.
Havana Beach at The Pearl in Rosemary Beach
The Pearl’s Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet runs November 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with traditional holiday dishes, coastal cuisine, a prime rib carving station, and desserts.
Reservations are required through Havana Beach Bar & Grill at 850-588-2882. Review the restaurant’s cancellation policy and automatic gratuity when booking.
Explore The Pearl’s holiday dining details.
Thanksgiving Dining in WaterColor
WaterColor LakeHouse hosts its Thanksgiving Day Buffet on November 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are required through WCISocialEvents@stjoe.com.
Fish Out of Water offers Thanksgiving featured plates alongside its all-day à la carte menu, beginning at 11 a.m. Seating is first come, first served, with no reservations accepted. Confirm the final seating time directly with the restaurant.
Check WaterColor’s holiday dining program.
Thanksgiving To-Go from Edward’s
Prefer dinner in your vacation home? Edward’s in Rosemary Beach offers Thanksgiving meals to take home.
Order by Sunday, November 22, at 3 p.m., or earlier if supplies sell out. Pickup takes place Wednesday, November 25, between 2 and 5 p.m., with your time scheduled when you order. Payment is due when ordering, and sales are final.
Call 850-231-0550 or visit the restaurant to place your order.
View Edward’s Thanksgiving menu and pickup details.
Thanksgiving on the SOLARIS in Miramar Beach
For a holiday meal with a different view, the SOLARIS yacht departs from Baytowne Marina in Sandestin for Thanksgiving cruises on November 26:
- Lunch cruise: 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Dinner cruise: 6–8:30 p.m.
Reserve through SunQuest Cruises or call 850-650-2519. Check boarding instructions and allow time to reach the marina.
Stay for the Holiday Lights, Movies & Family Fun
Thanksgiving dinner is only part of the holiday. Friday and Saturday bring plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.
Seaside: Ballet, a Holiday Movie & Turn on the Town
Start the week with The Nutcracker Ballet Act II, performed by Ballet Pensacola at the Seaside Amphitheater on Sunday, November 22, at 5 p.m. This complimentary public performance welcomes all ages. Bring blankets or lawn chairs; lawn seating is first come, first served.
On Friday, November 27, at 7 p.m., return for Central Square Cinema’s showing of The Grinch, starring Jim Carrey, weather permitting.
Then celebrate Seaside’s Holiday Parade & Turn on the Town on Saturday, November 28, from 3 to 8 p.m. The afternoon and evening include a parade along 30A, a performance by Emerald Coast Theatre Company, the Christmas tree lighting, and Santa photos. The listed hours cover the full celebration.
Explore the official details for The Nutcracker, Holiday Movie Night, and Turn on the Town.
WaterColor: Breakfast with Santa & a Holiday Market
Bring the little ones to Breakfast with Santa at Fish Out of Water on Friday, November 27, from 8 a.m. to noon. Reservations are not accepted; seating is first come, first served.
On Saturday, November 28, from 3 to 9 p.m., the Old Florida Holiday Winter Market fills WaterColor Town Center and Cerulean Park with local vendors, carriage rides, Santa photos, and a traditional tree lighting.
See WaterColor’s holiday schedule.
Watersound: Family Time at The Big Chill
The Big Chill’s published holiday-week calendar includes:
- Tuesday, November 24: DJ Dance Party, 6–9:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 25: Live music, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Saturday, November 28: Pictures with Santa, 9 a.m.–noon.
The Big Chill is closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, so plan your visit for another day.
Browse The Big Chill’s November calendar.
Alys Beach: A Nearby Holiday Outing
Guests staying in Seacrest, Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, or Watersound can add Alys in Winter Wonderland to their plans.
Held at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Friday, November 27, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., the event includes a holiday concert, festive activities, and a tree lighting with Santa at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is free and open to the public, though some activities carry a charge. Activity lines close at 5:45 p.m.
Plan your visit to Alys in Winter Wonderland.
Miramar Beach & Sandestin: Movies, Santa & Ice Skating
At The Village of Baytowne Wharf, catch a free outdoor showing of The Polar Express on Friday, November 27, at 6 p.m.
Return Saturday, November 28, beginning at 6 p.m., for Here Comes Santa Claus, with a tree lighting, family entertainment, and fireworks.
The seasonal Baytowne on Ice rink offers another holiday outing; check its daily skating schedule before visiting.
Arriving the weekend before Thanksgiving? Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights takes place Saturday, November 21, from 4 to 6 p.m., with tastings, appetizers, and seasonal entertainment. Tickets are required.
See Baytowne Wharf’s November events.
Panama City Beach: Beach Home for the Holidays
Beach Home for the Holidays returns November 27–28, 2026, at Aaron Bessant Park, making it an outing to consider from Panama City Beach or Carillon Beach.
Friday’s program includes family activities beginning at 3:30 p.m., a Nutcracker performance at 5:15 p.m., the tree lighting at 5:55 p.m., The Band Perry at 6 p.m., and fireworks at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, activities begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by Panama City Symphony with Panama City Ballet at 6 p.m.
Check the official Beach Home for the Holidays schedule.
Make Time for the Outdoors
Leave a little room between meals and holiday outings for fresh air.
For guests staying in Dune Allen, consider a visit to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. In Gulf Place, browse the neighborhood shops and head to Ed Walline Regional Beach Access. Blue Mountain Beach offers another starting point for a bike ride and time by the Gulf.
In Grayton Beach, explore Grayton Beach State Park, or register for the Grayt Jackalope 10 & 5 Miler on Saturday, November 28. The 10-mile race starts at 8 a.m., followed by the 5-mile race at 8:10 a.m., from the park’s trailhead on CR-30A.
View Grayt Jackalope registration and course details.
Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Park list year-round hours of 8 a.m. to sunset. Admission fees apply; check park alerts before heading out.
Find Your Thanksgiving Home with Oversee
Where you stay can help shape your holiday.
Consider Seaside, WaterColor, Seagrove, or Grayton Beach if those communities’ holiday events are high on your list. Explore Watersound, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach, and Inlet Beach for plans centered on the eastern end of 30A.
Look at Dune Allen, Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach for a holiday built around beach time and outings across the area. Miramar Beach is worth considering for Sandestin festivities, while Carillon Beach and Panama City Beach offer options for guests planning to attend Beach Home for the Holidays.
Start with Oversee’s vacation rental search. Enter your dates and guest count, choose your preferred area, and add pets if they’re joining you. Use the map view to compare home locations with your plans.
Try November 25–29 for a Thanksgiving weekend, or November 21–28 for a weeklong stay. Availability and minimum stays vary by home.
Before booking, check the bedroom layout, kitchen details, and dining seating for your group. If pool time is part of the plan, ask whether heating is available and whether additional charges apply.
Need a hand choosing? Call Oversee at 866-417-9970, email booknow@oversee.us, or contact our Guest Ambassador team. Tell us your dates, group size, and what matters most to you. We’ll help you explore homes and neighborhoods, answer questions about your stay, and point you toward the information you need to plan your holiday.
Bring the family. Make room for seconds. We’ll help you find a place to gather.
