Finding time to explore and savor the best of Cocoa Beach is always something for travelers to look forward to. Those with plans to head here over Thanksgiving will find there’s even more to enjoy! The following guide is a great starting point to maximizing your holiday fun when travel plans bring you to a Cocoa Beach Thanksgiving in 2022.
Run Your Way to Fun This Cocoa Beach Thanksgiving
Whether you’re looking to keep up with health routines this holiday or are looking for a way to run off those extra turkey day calories, a trip to Cocoa Beach this time of year can always include participating in the Turkey Trot 5k! This annual family friendly event is a great way to gather with fellow athletes and run or walk your way to Thanksgiving fun during your time in Florida. The Cocoa Beach Turkey Trot is held on Thanksgiving Day and packet pickup happens between 6:30 am and 7:50 am. The race kicks off at 8:00 am starting at Bailiwick Mall at 20 N. Brevard Avenue. The starting line is located just north of Minuteman Causeway downtown. At 9:30 am, the Little Gobbler Fun Runs head out, giving kids the chance to participate as well! If you’re not up for running or walking in person, there are virtual options available in 2022 too. Proceeds from the Cocoa Beach Turkey Trot will go towards Kiwanis Foundation scholarships, the purchase of track equipment, and the track and cross country teams at Cocoa Beach High School.
Get into the Holiday Spirit Early
Those Thanksgiving travelers looking to get into a festive holiday spirit a little early this year will love all the options for lights and festivities around Cocoa Beach. The Space Coast Light Fest starts November 18, 2022 and runs through January 1, 2023. It’s held at Fred Poppe Regional Park and offers guests access to a holiday-themed drive through experience where the park is transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland! The drive is 1.3 miles in total and is a family-focused setup that includes everything from stunning light displays to animated works of holiday art as well. The Space Coast Light Fest happens each evening between 6:30 pm and 10:00 pm and the drive route ends with a 200-foot light tunnel filled with an explosion of color! Once you’ve taken the drive, guests will have opportunities to get out and enjoy photos as well. Certain nights of the event are dedicated “Stroll Nights” where guests can walk through the festival instead of driving.
Savor the Arts This Thanksgiving
The arrival of Thanksgiving weekend in Cocoa Beach also marks the arrival of the annual Cocoa Beach Art Show. This highly anticipated yearly event is one where food, music, and amazing art are all on full display for three days of fun. The Cocoa Beach Art Show starts on November 25th on Minutemen Causeway in downtown Cocoa Beach. Guests will find plenty of food vendors on site and cold beverage waiting as well. The kick-off street party runs from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm and dancing is always a part of the fun! On the 26th, the art show officially opens starting at 9:00 am with live musical performances beginning at 11:00 am. Sunday is another day filled with fascinating art displays to browse as well as live music and fantastic food. Typically, this art show welcomes upward of 150 artists and exhibitors from across the nation. It’s an inspiring creative experience you won’t want to miss this Thanksgiving!
Another great option for those looking to blend in the performing arts into their Thanksgiving holiday in Cocoa Beach is to head to the Cocoa Village Playhouse. Every Thanksgiving, this iconic stop hosts a musical and in 2022, they’ll be hosting Peter Pan between November 18th and December 4th. Booking tickets gives audience members access to this classic J.M. Bernie tale with a Broadway twist! It’s a Tony Award-winning musical that’s worth adding to your 2022 Cocoa Beach itinerary.
Make the Most of a Savory Thanksgiving Experience in Cocoa Beach
While local eateries like Flavour Kitchen & Wine Bar as well as Causeway Diner and Yellow Dog Café typically host Thanksgiving Dinner in Cocoa Beach FL, those who are looking forward to a traditional Thanksgiving meal can have that too. Booking accommodations through Stay in Cocoa beach gives travelers this time of year access to a wide variety of property options designed to inspire. Our Thanksgiving rentals can easily be booked with full kitchens included, making integrating that beloved Thanksgiving Dinner in Cocoa Beach FL into your agenda a breeze from start to finish!
Book a Rental to Fit Your Holiday Style
There’s no reason to wait when you’re ready to enjoy a Thanksgiving away in Cocoa Beach. Reach out to Stay in Cocoa Beach today to learn more about our holiday rentals and how we can help you start planning your next trip!