How to Spend Your Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale This Year

Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale is a little different than most places. With mild weather, you’ll see locals setting up grills instead of turning on fireplaces. Families gather outdoors, watch football on big screens, and enjoy long weekends that often include a stop at the beach.

This guide highlights what’s happening around town during Thanksgiving week, along with ideas for dining, gathering, and staying in Fort Lauderdale.

 

2025 Thanksgiving Activities Around Fort Lauderdale

 

Thanksgiving week in Fort Lauderdale brings plenty of sunshine and a lot to do. Here are a few ways to enjoy the long weekend.

  • 14th Annual Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot: This isn’t your normal Thanksgiving run! Though turkey trots have become a tradition across the country, few beat the view of running (or walking) down A1A. If you plan to participate, be sure to register ahead of time.
  • Catch a football game at a local bar: It’s not Thanksgiving without a football game on the TV. Many bars around town keep their doors open for patrons looking to catch a classic Thanksgiving matchup.
  • Head to the beach: The beach may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the holidays, but that’s what makes spending them in Fort Lauderdale so special. You’ll see visitors and locals alike take the day to soak up some rays and walk off the turkey.
  • Take a holiday boat tour: See the city from the water with a sightseeing cruise or water taxi ride. The canals and Intracoastal are beautiful in the fall light, and some local tours even start adding festive touches for the holidays.
  • Stroll Las Olas Boulevard: Spend part of the weekend exploring Las Olas. The street stays lively through Thanksgiving week, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and people-watching. It’s a good spot to walk off your meal or get a head start on holiday shopping.

 

Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale is all about good weather, good food, and time spent outside. And no heavy coats are required!

 

Hosting Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale

 

On hosting duty this year? 

 

Spending Thanksgiving in your RV is a special kind of experience. You get the freedom to celebrate on your own terms— maybe that means gathering loved ones at your site for a full meal, or keeping things simple and sharing a bite with fellow travelers nearby. The setting feels a little more relaxed, and there’s something memorable about cooking your favorite dishes with the windows open and the palm trees swaying outside.

 

In Fort Lauderdale, Yacht Haven Park & Marina is a favorite place to spend the holiday. The resort’s large waterfront sites give you room to spread out, decorate your setup, and enjoy dinner outdoors. Many guests bring friends and family, while others connect with neighbors at the park. You might see folks grilling, playing music, or swapping stories over dessert as the sun goes down.

 

Gonna be at Yacht Haven on November 26th (Thanksgiving Eve)? Call to RSVP to our annual potluck, happening from 4-7pm.

 

Between meals, the pool, marina, and nearby beaches make it easy to fill the day. If you’re traveling with a boat, Yacht Haven’s private slips make getting out on the water part of the weekend fun.

 

It’s a relaxed, coastal take on Thanksgiving that feels both festive and easy—exactly what a holiday should be.

 

Places to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Fort Lauderdale

 

If you’d rather skip the cooking this year, plenty of local restaurants are ready to serve a full Thanksgiving feast. From waterfront spots to upscale dining, here are a few options to check out.

 

  • Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Buffet: Oceanic at Pompano Beach Pier is hosting their annual feast. Choose between a three-course prix fixe or buffet.
  • Shooter’s Waterfront Thanksgiving Dinner: This iconic Fort Lauderdale seafood eatery is cooking up a Thanksgiving feast to remember. Visit their website to reserve your spot. 
  • Thanksgiving at Lucky Fish: Looking for more options on the water? Lucky Fish will be serving up the classics— with a view!
  • Thanksgiving at Diplomat Prime: Indulge in Diplomat Prime’s holiday menu.
  • Yacht Haven Park & Marina: Call to RSVP for our Thanksgiving Potluck on November 26th from 4-7pm!

 

For even more options, be sure to check out Visit Lauderdale’s event calendar.

 

Celebrate Thanksgiving the Fort Lauderdale Way

 

Thanksgiving feels different here. The weather stays warm, the ocean breeze never stops, and most people spend the day outside. You might start your morning with a jog on A1A, relax at the beach in the afternoon, and end the night with dinner by the water.

 

Visitors find it easy to settle in. Locals are friendly, the food scene is lively, and there’s always something happening nearby. For those looking for a comfortable place to stay or the perfect Thanksgiving venue, Yacht Haven Park & Marina is close to it all, has plenty of space to relax, and throws an annual potluck for your enjoyment (just be sure to RSVP beforehand via the phone number on our website).

 

However you spend it, Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale feels like a holiday that’s more about slowing down and enjoying where you are.