Your Guide to a 30A Holiday
Updated by: Helen Wells
Helen writes for Royal Destinations, sharing local expertise and insider tips on the best of Florida's Scenic Highway 30A. From beach vacations and hidden gems to seasonal events and coastal communities, she helps travelers make the most of their time along the Emerald Coast.
Bring some coastal flair to your holidays! Whether you're having your Thanksgiving dinner, your Christmas, or even celebrating the New Year on the beach, Scenic Highway 30A is a great place to make some lasting memories all year round.
Our spacious 30A vacation rentals are ideal for families and friends to come together. The winter weather is mild, so you'll have lots of time to be outside. There's seasonal dining, local traditions, and all the festive events to make your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's a real celebration.
Thinking about a holiday trip to 30A? Subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal updates, local tips, special offers, and travel ideas to help you enjoy your stay even more.
Subscribe to the Royal Destinations Newsletter
In this blog:
- A 30A Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving Dinner on 30A
- Christmas on 30A
- 30A Christmas Events
- Ring in the New Year on 30A
- Reserve Your 30A Holiday Getaway Today
A 30A Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Dinner on 30A
If you'd rather not be in the kitchen at all during your holiday, you can, of course, have someone else do the cooking!
Cuvée 30A in Inlet Beach offers its annual Thanksgiving meal on November 26th, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some Thanksgiving comfort food without having to put in the work!
Lots of local restaurants will start to post their Thanksgiving menus or takeout options as the holiday approaches. With things likely to be busy during the week of Thanksgiving, it's worth checking the menus, hours, and reservation details with the restaurant in question before your visit.
Christmas on 30A
After the Thanksgiving weekend, the Christmas celebrations on 30A really kick into gear. Some of the events actually start in November, so there are plenty of opportunities to get into the festive spirit.
Start the day with a stroll on the beach or some holiday shopping at the local boutiques. Then there are tree lightings, holiday markets, shows, a visit to Santa, and all sorts of other fun things to do. Whether you're with the kids, with extended family, or just a small group of friends, Christmas at the beach allows you to make it as lively or as relaxed as you like.
30A Christmas Events
There's a huge array of 30A holiday events to get involved with in 2026, ranging from live shows and holiday markets to parades and visits with Santa.
The Nutcracker at Seaside
Ballet Pensacola will be performing The Nutcracker at the Seaside Amphitheater on Sunday, November 22nd, 2026 (5 pm to 7 pm). This is the free annual show (Act II of The Nutcracker). Bring a low-back chair or a blanket and enjoy the holiday classic outdoors.
Pittman's Holiday Spectacular
Make your holiday extra special with The Pittman's Holiday Spectacular at the Rosemary Beach Amphitheater on Tuesday, November 24th, 2026 at 2 pm. It's a free outdoor show for all. If you’re around for New Year’s, you can catch it again on Wednesday, December 30th, 2026 at 2 pm.
Breakfast with Santa at Fish Out of Water
Kick off the Thanksgiving weekend with a breakfast with Santa at Fish Out of Water in WaterColor. Breakfast with Santa is on Friday, November 27th, 2026, from 8 am to 12 pm. Families can come in for a meal and a visit with Santa. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Rosemary Beach Christmas Tree Lighting
Keep the fun going in Rosemary Beach on Friday, November 27th, 2026, with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 pm in South Barrett Square. Another great way for the family to get the Christmas season properly underway.
Old Florida Holiday at WaterColor
Visit WaterColor on Saturday, November 28th, 2026, from 3 to 9 p.m. for the Old Florida Holiday—a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and get some holiday shopping done at the market before December.
Seaside Holiday Parade and Turn On the Town
Seaside's annual Holiday Parade and Turn On the Town is on Saturday, November 28th, 2026. The parade starts at 3 pm, and Turn On the Town follows at 5 pm. Make Christmas shopping part of your visit to the SEASIDE® Holiday Market on December 6th, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm. Shop local artisans and makers right in the heart of Seaside.
Destin Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
For a holiday tradition on the water, head to the Lighted Christmas Boat Parade in Destin Harbor on Sunday, December 13th, 2026 at 6 pm. The boats will be all decked out, cruising by, and then we've got fireworks.
With the celebrations running from November through December, you'll get a chance to experience some of the local Christmas traditions and still have time to relax on your 30A holiday trip!
Ring in the New Year on 30A
Keep the holiday fun going by celebrating New Year's Eve on 30A at the beach!
A favorite family tradition is the SEASIDE® New Year’s Eve Celebration in Central Square (4 pm to 9 pm on December 31st, 2026), where families can get together and celebrate before the clock strikes midnight. Or stay put and welcome the New Year from your holiday home. Have a proper meal, pour some champagne, and enjoy the traditional black-eyed peas and toast to another year together at the beach.
Whether you're going out or staying in, celebrating New Year's Eve on 30A is a great way to finish off your holiday season!
Reserve Your 30A Holiday Getaway Today
Featured Property: Emerald View on 30A
If you're looking to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's on 30A, then check out our luxury vacation rentals and start planning a holiday of great food, beautiful beaches, fun events, and lasting family memories. Our spacious properties, excellent amenities, and the sheer ease of access to restaurants, shopping, beaches, and all the holiday fun mean it's very easy to have a relaxed celebration with Royal Destinations!
Reserve your holiday stay today and find out why families come back to 30A every year to celebrate the season down on the Gulf Coast!