Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to visit Destin and 30A. The weather is beautiful, the Gulf of Mexico is as stunning as ever, and spirits around town are high. There are so many family-friendly Thanksgiving break events in Destin and 30A. Whether you're hoping to get into the Christmas spirit a little early, or looking for a great turkey-trot, there's a fun event you're sure to enjoy this Thanksgiving break. Check out some of the most anticipated Thanksgiving break events in Destin and 30A!
1. Santa’s Arrival at Silver Sands Premium Outlets: November 23rd, 2019
If you're looking for a fun family-friendly holiday event the first weekend of Thanksgiving break in Destin, you're in luck. Head to Silver Sands Premium Outlets for a fun Christmas celebration that will get your whole family in the holiday spirit. Santa will make his grand entrance by Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th in a fire truck at 11 am on Saturday, November 23rd. Plus, the first 50 families to arrive at the event will even get a free goody bag complete with a $20 Disney Store gift card. In addition to taking photos with Santa, there will be face painting and tons of other kids’ activities as well. This is a fun event for kids you won't want to miss. However, with all the great shopping opportunities in Silver Sands, you'll have a blast at this event as well.
2. Holiday Seaside Farmers Market: November 26th, 2019
Image Credit: @tuktuk30a Instagram
The farmers market is a weekly tradition every Saturday in Seaside, however, you really don't want to miss out on this special Holiday Seaside Farmers Market on Tuesday, November 26th. Enjoy live music in the town center while you browse fresh produce, delicious baked goods, dairy products, and native plants from 9 am to 11 am. The farmers market is the perfect place to scoop up those last-minute must-have ingredients for your Thanksgiving dinner!
3. Twisted Treats and The “Magic” of the Holidays by Pittman Productions: November 26th, 2019
If you're visiting Rosemary Beach over Thanksgiving Break, you'll find that there's no shortage of fun holiday activities around town. On Monday, November 26th, head over to North Barrett Square in Rosemary Beach for some fun. There will be balloon artists making magical creations from 12 pm to 2 pm and a spectacular holiday magic show from 2 pm to 3 pm. Overall, this is a fun outdoor event everyone in your family is sure to enjoy.
4. Grand Boulevard Festival of Trees Kickoff
Image Credit: @grandboulevard Instagram
On Tuesday, November 26th, head over to Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach for this fun Christmas spectacular extravaganza. The Festival of Trees Kickoff will showcase twelve different uniquely decorated Christmas trees, each from one of the area’s non-profit organizations. In addition to the tree lighting, you can get photos with Santa, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and enjoy a wonderful performance by the Emerald Coast Theatre Company. You can also find these beautiful trees on display until December 25th. This is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit over Thanksgiving break in Destin!
5. S'mores with Santa at AJ's Grayton Beach: November 27th, 2019
Head over to Grayton Beach on November 27th for a special early Christmas event kids will absolutely love. AJ's Grayton Beach is hosting a fun meet-and-greet with Santa the night before Thanksgiving from 5 pm to 7 pm. Every child at the event will receive a small gift from Santa and a hot chocolate. In addition, there will even be a cookie decorating station and a campfire where you can roast marshmallows and make s'mores. The event is free, but you'll need to reserve your spot in advance.
6. 30A 10K, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run: November 28th, 2019
Image Credit: @30a10k Instagram
Whether you’re an avid runner or a total beginner, the 30A Thanksgiving Day Charity Race has something for everyone. Runners can participate in a 10K, 5K, or the one-mile fun run. All races begin and end in Rosemary Beach and the course takes you along the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, all proceeds from the race benefit local charities. What better way to kick off Turkey Day than with some cardio by the beach?
7. Baytowne Cinema: "The Polar Express": November 29th, 2019
Image Credit: @baytownewharf Instagram
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is hosting a festive movie night on the Events Plaza Lawn the night after Thanksgiving. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this free showing of “The Polar Express” from 7 pm to 9 pm! This is the holiday perfect event for the whole family and a great way to kick off the Christmas season!
8. Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market: November 30th, 2019
Image Credit: @watercolormerchants Instagram
WaterColor’s annual Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market takes place on Saturday, November 30th from 5 pm to 9 pm. This fun event is great for all ages and takes place in WaterColor’s town center. Enjoy the holiday festivities and get into the Christmas spirit with a special holiday market, where you can get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Additionally, there will even be a bonfire with s’mores, a tree lighting, pictures with Santa, carriage rides, and real snow!
9. Here Comes Santa Claus: November 30th, 2019
If you’re looking for a fun way to end your Thanksgiving break in Destin, Here Comes Santa Claus is just what you need. Both parents and children will love this festive holiday event on November 30th at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Here Comes Santa Claus is an event where Santa lights the village Christmas tree and makes his first appearance in the village. In addition to the tree lighting, kids will love the festive face painting, holiday crafts, and firework show over the bay.
All in all, you're sure to have an amazing trip with all these fun Thanksgiving break events in Destin and 30A. If you're still looking for a vacation home or condo to rent over Thanksgiving, be sure to check out our available vacation rentals and start planning your trip now!
Click here to check out our calendar for more events in Destin and 30A this holiday season!