30A Thanksgiving Food and Events 2024
Thanksgiving at the beach is quickly becoming a 30A tradition. Mild weather and spacious homes are the perfect combination for a week of kicking off the Holidays. Providing a turkey day dinner to meet the expectations of your crew might seem a little daunting if you're in a temporary space. There's are so many wonderful restaurants in the South Walton area that will be either open and ready to serve or offering delicious take-home feasts that can be served in the comfort of your beach getaway.
And that's not to say food is the only great thing here during Thanksgiving... There are a bevy of holiday events taking place to get everyone into the spirit of the season. Tree lightings, holiday markets, turkey trots and much more...
As always, if I've missed your event, reach out to me and I'll add it to the list.
30A Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving
Ambrosia 30A - Thanksgiving Day Menu
Located in Watersound Town Center, a Pre-Fixe dinner offered at $125 per adult and $45 per child. Call 850-909-0100 or visit www.ambrosia30a.com for reservations.
The Bay - Thanksgiving Day Menu
With views of the Choctawhatchee Bay, this local staple has a diverse menu available at varying prices. Reservations are available by calling 850-622-2291.
Cafe Thirty-A - Thanksgiving Day Menu
Seagrove Beach's fine dining mainstay will be offering a special menu for $85pp. Reservations are available for parties of 4 or less online through Resy or for parties of more than 4 by calling 850-231-2166.
Cuveé 30A - Thanksgiving Day Menu
On the east end of South Walton, at 30Avenue Cuveé will be serving a traditional feast for $89.99 per adult, $49.99 per child (under 10), and also offering an extensive wine list. Reservations are required and can be made by clicking here.
Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant - Thanksgiving Day Menu
A local favorite, these folks won't disappoint with their Thanksgiving options. Adults can choose from a $55 Three-Course-Meal or a $39 Turkey Plate and kids under 12 are just $19. I even spotted snow crab on the a la carte menu! Call 850-586-3015 for reservation.
Farm & Fire - Thanksgiving Day Menu
Another Choctawhatchee Bay-view favorite, F&F has a side menu that envies all. For $46 per guest, you can choose from mains that include Turkey, Pork, or Mahi along with those delicious sides and dessert. I would definitely make reservations for this one by calling 850-789-6312.
FOOW Watercolor Inn
Fish Out of Water will be serving traditional turkey plates on a first come, first served basis until 2pm on Thanksgiving Day. No reservations available, but great views as always.
Great Southern Cafe - Thanksgiving Day Menu
Nostalgic as ever, I'm sure this one is going to be packed, but well worth it. Chef Jim Shirley has an exquisite menu available. I don't see a mention of price on this one, but hey it's Seaside during the holiday's, who's paying attention to that anyway? Get a reservation before they run out (you're probably late to the game on this one), by calling 850-752-9191.
Havana Beach at the Pearl - Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Coming in clutch, for those of us who like to make sure we get seconds... this Rosemary Beach icon has it all on Turkey Day. You will want a reservation, so call 850-588-2882.
LaCo - Thanksgiving Buffet Menu
While they may be best known for their Mexican cuisine, LaCo is bringing traditional buffet vibes for this holiday. Adult meals are $59.50 and kids under 12 are $29.50 (under 3, no charge). They're encouraging reservations, but will be taking walk-ins with availability. Give them a call at 850-231-4021 or send an email to [email protected] to lock yours in.
Old Florida Fish House - Thanksgiving Buffet Menu
If you've never been to OFFH for a holiday buffet, you're missing out. I expect this one to be nothing less than amazing as well. You'll eat well for $69 per adult and $29 per child from an absolutely enormous assortment of food. Truly a feast. Reservations will make your life a lot easier on this one so call 850-534-3045 or click here.
Perfect Pig - Thanksgiving Buffet Menus
Two locations, two buffets. Both the Watercolor and Gulf Place locations are offering a spread that won't disappoint for $58 per adult and $18 per child (under 12). There are two seatings; one at 11 and one at 1:30, so you'll need reservations here. For Watercolor call 850-533-1522 and for Gulf Place call 850-660-1591.
Roux 30A - Thanksgiving Day Menu
For those desiring an elevated celebration of the harvest, take note of this option. Priced at $100 per person, hourly seatings are available and you will need a reservation. Click here to set your place at the table.
Stinky's Fish Camp - Thanksgiving Day Menu
There's only one way to get a reservation at Stinky's and that's on Thanksgiving Day. That should tell you something! Adults can choose a turkey plate for $34.95 or a three course meal that adds a salad and dessert for $48.95. Kids under 12 receive a turkey plate for $14.95. The regular Stinky's menu will also be available for those who aren't in to the whole turkey thing. Back to those reservations... get one by calling 850-267-3053.
Vue on 30A - Thanksgiving Buffet Menu
If a view of the Gulf is top priority, you're going to like this one. The buffet menu includes a raw bar and omelette station in addition to the expected fare. Adults are $85 each and kids $30. For reservations, call 850-267-2305.
Watercolor Lakehouse - Thanksgiving Buffet Menu
Join your fellow Watercolor lovers at the Lakehouse for a buffet from 10am to 2pm. They need you to send an email to [email protected] to reserve your seat and the menu is also available for takeout, just reference the link above.
Wine Bar Watercolor
Primely located right on 30A, in Watercolor, Wine Bar is bringing its traditional Thanksgiving menu to the table until 3pm. They suggest you fill out this form to reserve a spot, but they may take walk-ins if they don't end up fully booked!
30A Thanksgiving Take-Home Dinners
If you would rather feast at your own table, but leave the cooking to someone else. There are a number of local restaurants offering take home meals, either ready to heat or hot and ready. These made for group meals mean you'll have time to run the 10K in the morning, so we better see you there!
Blue Mountain Bakery - Thanksgiving Pre-Order Menu
Leading the pack is the thanksgiving-famous BMB. These folks pull off a take-home and reheat miracle every year that marvels my logistical brain. The menu is huge, the prep is wild, and the final product brings everyone back for more. It's a must-try. They have both pickup and delivery options for the day before Thanksgiving.
Cafe Thirty-A - Thanksgiving Take-Out Menu
In addition to their dining room menu mentioned above, you can order a take-home version that feeds six, for $375.
Chanticleer Eatery - Thanksgiving Take-Out Menu
One of my favorite out-of-the-way local stars, they'll be offering a to-go meal for four at $220. This will need to be picked up on the evening of the 27th and you must place your order before Tuesday the 25th.
Cowgirl Kitchen - Thanksgiving Pre-Order Menu
The Blue Mountain Beach location will be cooking up a huge menu for pickup on Thanksgiving morning. There are a lot of options to create your own best combination and they'll also have their signature dips available.
Edwards 30A - Thanksgiving Take-Out Menu
Edwards is serving meats by the pound and sides by the family-size for pickup on Wednesday evening. They're only taking orders until the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so get them in quick. You'll need to give them a cal at 850-231-0550 to place yours.
Fonville Press - Holiday Take Out Menu
Alys Beach's mainstay has introduced a great, diverse holiday takeout menu that covers more than just dinner. Their Thanksgiving Dinner for six is $225. But go ahead and order breakfast while you're at it! Pickup will be Wednesday evening and you should reach out at [email protected] or 850-641-0043 to order.
Gallions - Thanksgiving Pre-Order Menu
Located in Rosemary Beach and serving a prepared menu to serve six, this $365 option includes a 12lb turkey! Pick-up will be Wednesday afternoon.
30A Thanksgiving Things to Do
Family Portraits by Modernmade Photography
You've gathered the whole clan, whether thats 2 of you or 24 of you... it's time for a family portrait and there's no better time to hire a 30A beach photographer than on Thanksgiving Week. Yours truly, with 24+ years of experience creating timeless family photos on our beaches, has a bit of availability left for Thanksgiving week. Reach out to us at 850-332-3791 for more info and to secure a sunset spot for you and your closest.
30A 10k - 5K - 1 Mile Fun Run
The not-to-be missed event of the season. Get your running shoes on and race (or walk) to the finish line in Rosemary Beach.
Redfish Taco Annual Turkey Dance
Tired of turkey and ready to snap out of the tryptophan lull? Redfish Taco will be hosting their annual Turkey Dance with live music starting at 5pm. Tacos will be aplenty.
Breakfast With Santa - Watercolor
Now that we've got November pretty much out of the way... it's time to ring in the Christmas season starting off with Friday morning Breakfast with Santa in Watercolor at Fish Out of Water. Adults, $48 and kids, $24 from 8am to noon will be treated to a buffet, pictures with the man himself, and wishlist writing. No reservations required, but I would suggest going early.
Football on the Jumbotron at The Big Chill
Catch your favorite teams all day Friday on the 25' big screen at the Big Chill. With abundant bars and casual eats, you can make this a most of the day affair.
Family Movie Night - North Beach Social
NBS will feature The Nightmare Before Christmas at 6:30 on Saturday the 30th. With beautiful views of the bay, great drinks, and a casual menu this should make for a fun time with the fam.
Old Florida Holiday and Winter Market - Watercolor
This event is a must-do on Saturday the 30th from 3-9pm. Watercolor always pulls out all the stops including fake snow, a bonfire, lots of vendors, food trucks, Santa, horse drawn carriage rides and more! The market takes place throughout the Cerulean park area and Town Center in Watercolor. I highly suggest planning ahead and being prepared to walk. You may want to catch the Seaside parade just before the Watercolor event starts.
Seaside Holiday Parade
On Saturday the 30th at 3pm, the season will be in full swing with Santa riding down 30A from Seagrove, through Seaside. Don't miss this annual festivity! Following the parade, Santa will light the tree in Central Square.
Rosemary Beach Tree Lighting
Come on down to Barrett Square to see Rosemary Beach come alive for the Holidays. Rosemary Beach merchants will be hosting an open house with shopping and refreshments.
Breakfast With Santa - Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach Town Hall sets the scene for this bustling breakfast filled with holiday cheer. $20 tickets at the door include a boxed breakfast and photo with Santa. All proceeds support the South Walton Fire Department's Angel Tree.
Alys in Winter Wonderland - Alys Beach
I don't have all the details on this one yet, but it's set for 4-7pm on Friday the 29th. Last year's event was a blast with lots of fun activities for the kids, pictures with Santa, and the long awaited tree lighting.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
The REP theater will perform this original play in the amphitheater behind Seaside's iconic post office on Sunday the 1st at 11am.
