Thanksgiving Day 2026 is Thursday, Nov 26, and Florida fills the long weekend with morning races, a five day car show and the first tree lightings of the Christmas season. The ten picks below run from Nov 25 to Nov 29 and are spread from Pensacola to Key West. Every date and time comes from the organizer's own page, and anything an organizer did not publish is left out, so check the event page for the final schedule before you go.
In this guide 10 sections
Life Time Turkey Trot Miami 5K/10K & Kids Race
The organizer lists the race for Thursday, Nov 26, 2026 at Tropical Park, with a 5K, a 10K and a Kids Trot. Its page says kids get a bounce house and face painting at the finish festival.
Insider note — The pages we read do not list a start time, so check the race schedule page before you plan your morning.
Wild Turkey Trot 3K at Brevard Zoo
A 3K that starts at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov 26, 2026 and runs a course through Brevard Zoo, passing animal habitats and native Florida plants. The race is presented by Orlando Health and benefits Brevard Zoo.
Insider note — Registration ends Nov 22, 2026 at 11 a.m. EST.
Daytona Turkey Run
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The 53rd annual Daytona Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway is a combined car show and swap meet. The organizer lists more than 5,000 collector cars on the show field, a car corral of more than 1,500 cars for sale and more than 2,000 swap meet vendors.
Insider note — Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Children 11 and under are free, and leashed pets are welcome.
Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival
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Three days of bluegrass at Florida Sand Music Ranch, running from noon on Thursday, Nov 26 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 28. Camping is offered, campers have a Thanksgiving potluck on Thursday afternoon with turkey provided, and food, beverage and craft vendors are on site.
Insider note — The event page lists no performers yet. Chairs are limited to 39 inches high and 26 inches wide, and high back and rocker chairs are not allowed.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
ZooTampa says the event runs select nights starting Friday, Nov 27 through Wednesday, Dec 30. It describes one of Tampa Bay's largest light displays, a chance to get your picture with Santa, animal experiences and shows.
Insider note — The exact nights are posted on a calendar image on the zoo's page, so check it for your date.
Pensacola Winterfest Opening Night and Elf Parade
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Winterfest opens Friday, Nov 27, 2026 with an Elf Parade that the organizer says is free for everyone and calls a grand kickoff to the 2026 holiday season in downtown Pensacola. Tours and Photos with Santa also run on Nov 27 and 28, and the organizer says snow begins to fall as you enter Plaza Wonderland on Palafox Place.
Insider note — The organizer recommends reservations for Santa, and the page does not list a start time for each tour.
The Mayor's Hometown Christmas
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Venice lights its Christmas tree at Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Avenue, with local choirs including The Venice Chorale and time with Santa. Shopping and dining in Historic Downtown Venice are part of the evening.
Insider note — The organizer says to bring chairs or blankets.
Stuart Christmas Tree Lighting
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The 30 foot Christmas tree at the Riverwalk Stage in historic downtown Stuart is lit at this Christmas on Main event, with DIY photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa's Sleigh Rides and live holiday music. Stuart Main Street lists free admission.
Insider note — The page gives the 4 to 7 p.m. window but not a specific time for the lighting.
Celebration Tree Lighting Ceremony
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Celebration Town Center lists the Tree Lighting Ceremony for Nov 28 to 29, 2026 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at 701 Front St. The same events page lists Now Snowing Nightly starting Nov 28.
Insider note — The events page lists Now Snowing Nightly with a 5:30 p.m. start, so check it for the current nightly time.
Holiday Makers Market at The Studios of Key West
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A Small Business Saturday market at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street, with local artists and artisans selling across the building, a DIY ornament painting station, holiday music on the rooftop, light projections and a bar with festive drinks. The Studios say it is free and open to the public.
Insider note — It is an indoor market, so it works as a rain plan.
Good to know
Which Florida turkey trots are on Thanksgiving Day 2026?
The Life Time Turkey Trot Miami 5K/10K and Kids Race is on Thursday, Nov 26, 2026 at Tropical Park, and the Wild Turkey Trot 3K at Brevard Zoo in Melbourne starts at 7:30 a.m. the same day.
What Florida events run through Thanksgiving weekend?
The Daytona Turkey Run car show and swap meet runs Nov 25 to 29, and the Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival in Brooksville runs from noon on Nov 26 to 10 p.m. on Nov 28.
Is the Daytona Turkey Run open on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes. The organizer lists 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and Thanksgiving Day is the Thursday, Nov 26.
Where are the Florida tree lightings the day after Thanksgiving?
Stuart lights a 30 foot tree on Friday, Nov 27 from 4 to 7 p.m., Venice holds The Mayor's Hometown Christmas from 5 to 7 p.m. the same day, and Celebration's Tree Lighting Ceremony is listed for Nov 28 to 29.
Where can I shop local on Small Business Saturday in Florida?
The Studios of Key West hosts its Holiday Makers Market on Saturday, Nov 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the organizer says it is free and open to the public.
Keep exploring
Every one of these is a ranked list, not a directory page.
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