If you’re spending the holidays on the Emerald Coast, here’s the perfect guide to events happening all week long! November along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A and the Emerald Coast is filled with seasonal cheer, family-friendly fun, live music, and festive gatherings. From local holiday celebrations to unique community events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout Thanksgiving week. With food, art, music, and plenty of opportunities to make memories with loved ones, it’s the perfect time to experience all the magic and charm this coastal region has to offer!
THANKSGIVING WEEK FEATURED EVENTS
Hometown Holiday Parade & Celebration
November 21st, 2025
Grand Boulevard | Sandestin
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Grand Boulevard’s Hometown Holiday Parade & Celebration! Experience the magic as the Town Center lights up with thousands of sparkling white lights, a festive parade, and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa. Enjoy photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, a cozy hot chocolate bar, and plenty of holiday cheer throughout this winter wonderland!
Beach Santa
November 22nd, 2025
Silver Sands Outlets | Miramar Beach
Santa is coming to town for the annual Beach Santa Event! Enjoy his grand entrance, free photos, music, crafts, face painting, hot cocoa, and plenty of holiday cheer. Early arrivals might even snag a special Disney Store gift card!
Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights
November 22nd, 2025
The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights at Baytowne Wharf! Guests can stroll the beautifully decorated streets while sampling over 30 champagnes and enjoying appetizers from local restaurants. The evening culminates with the first tree lighting of the season and the dazzling 12 Nights of Lights choreographed show, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for friends, family, and holiday cheer!
Sandestin Turkey Trot 2025
November 23rd, 2025
Baytowne Marina | Sandestin
Start your Thanksgiving celebrations with the Annual Sandestin Turkey Trot! Lace up for a scenic 5K run or 1-mile fun walk through the resort, then stick around for a lively post-race tailgate with food, drinks, prizes, and football on the big screen. All proceeds benefit the Sandestin Foundation for Kids, making this a fun and meaningful way to kick off the holiday!
The Nutcracker Ballet Act II
November 23rd, 2025
Seaside Amphitheater | Seaside
Kick off the holiday season with a magical performance of The Nutcracker by Ballet Pensacola at the Amphitheater Stage. Guests can enjoy this timeless holiday tradition from the lawn—bring chairs and blankets for first-come, first-served seating. This complimentary event is open to the public and perfect for families and friends to celebrate the season together!
Drinksgiving
November 26th, 2025
Multiple Locations | Fort Walton Beach
Get ready for Downtown’s biggest pre-Thanksgiving celebration at Drinksgiving, the ultimate bar crawl the night before Turkey Day! Hop between your favorite local spots, enjoy cocktails, raffle prizes, and wrap the night up dancing at the official after party at Downtown Music Hall. Dress in flannel, feathers, or full-on turkey gear and bring your friends for a festive night of drinks, laughs, and memories to kick off this Holiday Season!
Christmas at the Garden 2025
November 28th-30th, 2025
The Garden at Peach Creek | Santa Rosa Beach
Celebrate the season at the 7th Annual Christmas at The Garden! Enjoy fresh Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, festive décor, kids’ crafts, and cozy treats like hot chocolate and cider. Capture holiday memories at the photo booths and meet The Real Santa of 30A during this cheerful, family-friendly weekend at The Garden at Peach Creek!
Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market
November 29th, 2025
WaterColor Town Center | WaterColor
Celebrate the season at WaterColor’s 18th Annual Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market! Enjoy a festive afternoon and evening filled with falling snow, carriage rides, carolers, bonfires with s’mores, holiday music, food trucks, and a charming winter market. Don’t miss photos with Santa and the sparkling holiday lights throughout Town Center and Cerulean Park—a perfect way to share the joy of the season with family and friends!
Here Comes Santa Claus
November 29th, 2025
The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin
Kick off the holiday season at Baytowne Wharf as Santa makes his grand arrival down Baytowne Lane to light the Village Christmas Tree! Enjoy festive fun for the whole family, including face painting, kids’ crafts, and a spectacular fireworks show to celebrate the start of the season!
Turn on the Town & Seaside Holiday Parade
November 29th, 2025
Seaside | Scenic Hwy 30A
Seaside’s holiday magic comes alive at Turn on the Town! Enjoy a festive parade, live performances, children’s theatre, and the grand lighting of the town Christmas tree with Santa. Continue the fun at the Christmas Village for photos and holiday cheer in this beloved community celebration!