Thanksgiving Traditions in Destin, FL

Now that November has arrived, many families are beginning to prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Since Destin vacation rental homes and condos are the perfect gathering spot for family and friends, we’re looking forward to welcoming our many returning guests as well as inducting new families into our coastal Thanksgiving traditions.

Here’s a couple of our favorite South Walton and Destin Thanksgiving weekend traditions:

Harbor Docks Free Thanksgiving Dinner Benefiting Local Charities

 This year will mark the 20th 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.

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 28, 2024, the 10K, 5K and 1-mile races are predicted to be the biggest and best Thanksgiving Day event yet. Recognized as one of the top five turkey trots in America, the 30A 10K is known for its amazing flat and fast courses and over-the-top after-party. All runners receive a Bella + Canvas custom super soft race shirt. The delicious free post-race breakfast for all runners is sure to kick off a great Thanksgiving Day weekend. 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.

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.

Holiday at the Harbor

Holiday on the Harbor kicks off with Santa’s arrival at HarborWalk Village from 1 to 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., the Main Stage will be Rockin' with your holiday favorites followed by fireworks at 8 p.m.  

Baytowne on Ice

Get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Baytowne on Ice. The seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions. The ice rink is open through February 4th and hours vary daily. On Saturday, Santa Claus will arrive and greet kids from 6 to 9 p.m. Cheer on Santa as he makes his way to the Event Plaza Lawn to light up the Village Christmas Tree. Enjoy face painting, kids crafts, and a beautiful fireworks display at 9 p.m.

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 beach condos or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee. 

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

*UPDATED: 11/18/24