Top 5 Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving in St. Augustine

When you think of the perfect Thanksgiving getaway, you might picture cozy family meals, crisp autumn air, and maybe even a stroll through a charming town filled with history and lights. That’s exactly what you’ll find when you celebrate Thanksgiving in St. Augustine. The nation’s oldest city blends rich heritage with coastal charm, offering the ideal mix of warmth, festivity, and relaxation. It’s where the First Thanksgiving in St. Augustine took place—56 years before Plymouth—and the city continues to honor that spirit of gratitude in its own uniquely Floridian way.

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In This Article: 

• Perfect Weather
• Holiday Events
• Holiday Shopping
• Thanksgiving Dining Experiences
• Quiet Beaches
• Plan Your Thanksgiving Getaway
• FAQs

1. The Weather Is Perfect for Exploring

November brings some of the most comfortable weather of the year in St. Augustine. Highs hover in the low 70s, the humidity dips, and ocean breezes from the Atlantic keep things just cool enough for a light sweater, but warm enough for beach walks and patio dining. You can spend the morning exploring historic St. George Street, have lunch by the water, and still catch a sunset at the pier without bundling up. It’s a welcome escape from other regions’ winter temps.

2. Holiday Events Kick Off with Nights of Lights

Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of one of St. Augustine’s most magical traditions: Nights of Lights. This award-winning holiday display transforms the city into a glowing wonderland with millions of twinkling bulbs illuminating the streets, plazas, and bayfront. Grab a hot cocoa or cider and wander through the historic district, or take a scenic trolley ride to see the lights from every angle. The city officially switches on the display the right before Thanksgiving, so you’ll arrive just in time for the first sparkle of the season. 

3. Holiday Shopping Without the Stress

Skip the mall madness and make holiday shopping a memorable part of your trip. Downtown St. Augustine and the beach area are filled with boutiques, antique shops, and local artisans selling handcrafted gifts you can’t find anywhere else. 

Start your day at Coconut Barrel, where more than 200 local makers showcase jewelry, home décor, and beach-inspired art. Wander St. George Street for shops like Market to Market and Gypsy Moon, or visit the St. Augustine Premium Outlets if you’re looking for big-name brands at great prices. And if you’re here Thanksgiving weekend, you’ll find festive pop-up markets and seasonal events, perfect for getting a head start on your gift list without the long lines or stress.

For all the details, check out our full guide to holiday shopping in St. Augustine.

4. Outstanding Thanksgiving Dining Experiences

Whether you prefer a traditional feast or something with a gourmet twist, the restaurants in St. Augustine open on Thanksgiving make it easy to celebrate without lifting a finger. From oceanfront views to elegant hotel dining rooms, here are a few standout options for a memorable St. Augustine Thanksgiving dinner:

Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen

Located near the historic district, Castillo offers both a festive breakfast and a luxurious four-course dinner on Thanksgiving Day.

• Thanksgiving Breakfast Buffet: 7–10 AM, featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, pastries, fruit, and chef-attended stations.
• Thanksgiving Dinner: 12:30–8 PM, four-course meal with family-style appetizers, soup or salad, entrée, and dessert.
• Price: Breakfast $35++ adults / $20++ children; Dinner $115++ adults / $35++ children.
• Make Reservations

Columbia Restaurant

A St. Augustine institution since 1905, Columbia serves a traditional holiday meal with a Spanish twist. Guests can dine in or order a complete take-home feast that feeds up to ten.

• Dine-In Menu: Roast turkey with great-grandmother Carmen Hernandez’s famous stuffing (Italian sausage, beef, chicken livers, apples, water chestnuts, and raisins), served with sweet potato pecan casserole, green beans, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Dessert options include pumpkin pie or pumpkin flan.
• Price: $34 adults / $9 children. Whole sangria pitchers, made tableside, are also available.
• Take-Home Bundle: Includes a 12-lb turkey, Columbia’s original 1905 salad, all sides, fresh Cuban bread, and your choice of pumpkin or key lime pie.
• Make Reservations: Call 904-824-3341.

Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar

Inside the historic Casa Monica Resort, Cordova hosts an elegant Grand Buffet with live music and all the holiday favorites. Expect chef-carved meats, seafood selections, traditional sides, and an over-the-top dessert spread.

• Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM
• Price: $95 adults / $45 children (ages 6–12)
• Make Reservations

Raintree Restaurant

Set in a restored 19th-century home, Raintree offers a refined Thanksgiving dining experience with both traditional fare and upscale entrées.

• Menu Highlights: Roast turkey with all the trimmings, prime rib, beef Wellington, rack of lamb, and seafood thermidor. Each entrée includes salad options and the restaurant’s signature sides.
• Price: $32 for traditional turkey dinner / $15 for children under 12.
• Make Reservations 

From lavish buffets to family recipes, St. Augustine’s Thanksgiving dining scene offers something for everyone, no matter what you’re craving. And, if you’re not interested in going out, your Coastal Realty vacation rental’s fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to whip up a family feast in the comfort of your beach condo.

5. Quiet Beaches and a Chance to Start a New Tradition

While many destinations are packed over the holidays, Thanksgiving week in St. Augustine offers a rare kind of calm. The beaches are peaceful, the parking is easy, and the sunsets are breathtaking. You can spend your holiday morning walking along the shoreline, then head back to your rental for dinner and a movie with the family. Many guests tell us this trip has become their favorite new tradition.

Plan Your Thanksgiving Getaway with Coastal Realty Vacation Rentals

Featured Property: Seaside at Anastasia G302

Whether you’re gathering with family or escaping for a quiet couple’s retreat, our St. Augustine vacation rentals make the perfect home base for your holiday stay. Our oceanfront properties offer incredible views, our pet-friendly condos mean the whole family can enjoy the trip, and our Premier Properties feature gourmet kitchens that make preparing a Thanksgiving dinner easy and enjoyable. Regardless of where you choose to stay, make sure you book your trip directly with Coastal Realty for the best service and rates. Our local team is happy to help you plan an unforgettable visit you’ll want to relive every year.

See All St. Augustine Vacation Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving in St. Augustine

Is November a good time to visit St. Augustine, Florida?

Absolutely. November offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and the start of the city’s most festive season. It’s ideal for outdoor exploring, patio dining, and catching the first glow of Nights of Lights.

What to do in Florida on Thanksgiving Day?

In St. Augustine, you can enjoy a morning beach walk, brunch downtown, a Thanksgiving feast at one of the city’s top restaurants, or an evening stroll through the light displays. It’s also a great time for holiday shopping, visiting historic sites, or simply relaxing in your vacation rental.