Thanksgiving on the Georgia Coast: St. Simons & Jekyll Island Holiday Guide 2025

Hi, I’m Glendon Emmons – CEO of Emmons Realty and a proud local. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I’d like to extend a warm Golden Isles welcome from our family to yours. There’s no place I’d rather spend the holidays than right here on the Georgia coast. From the mild autumn weather (often sunny with highs in the low 70s) to the friendly community spirit, Thanksgiving in St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island is truly something special. Let’s dive into what makes a coastal Georgia Thanksgiving so memorable – and how we at Emmons Realty can help you create an unforgettable Thanksgiving getaway on the Georgia coast.

Coastal Holiday Festivities & Events

The Golden Isles come alive with festive holiday events during Thanksgiving week. Here are some insider picks for things to do on St. Simons and Jekyll Island in 2025:

• Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K: Kick off Thanksgiving morning with the Wobble B4U Gobble fun run in nearby Brunswick. This family-friendly 5K winds through historic downtown Brunswick – a great way to burn calories before your feast and support a local cause (proceeds benefit special needs students).
• RSM Classic PGA Tournament: The week before Thanksgiving, Sea Island hosts the RSM Classic, a PGA Tour event on the Seaside Course. This world-class golf tournament (founded by Davis Love III) brings excitement and crowds to the Golden Isles and sets the stage for the holiday season. It’s a treat for golf lovers visiting in mid-November!
• Beach Walks & Sunsets: Sometimes the simplest traditions are the best. Many locals (myself included) love a casual stroll on St. Simons’ East Beach or Jekyll’s Driftwood Beach at sunset on Thanksgiving Day. The scenery is breathtaking, and it’s a peaceful way to reflect on what we’re thankful for – with ocean breezes and maybe a few dolphins offshore.
• Holly Jolly Jekyll Lights: Typically starting the Friday after Thanksgiving (in 2025, that’s November 28), Jekyll Island transforms into a holiday wonderland as the Holly Jolly Jekyll season kicks off. More than half a million sparkling lights adorn the island, including a Great Tree with over 35,000 lights. Stroll or bike through the illuminated Historic District, or hop on a Holly Jolly light tour trolley to soak in the magic. This nightly festival of lights runs through early January, but there’s something extra special about seeing Jekyll light up for the first time on Thanksgiving weekend.
• Cold-Stunned Plunge: Usually held on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend (in 2025, November 29), the annual “Cold-Stunned Plunge” on Jekyll Island is a chilly Atlantic Ocean dip to support the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. It’s a fun, feel-good event (yes, costumes and turkey-themed floaties are encouraged!) that raises funds and awareness for our beloved sea turtles. Warm up after with hot cocoa in Beach Village and browse the shops’ holiday sales.
• Tree Lightings & Holiday Kickoff: The day after Thanksgiving also marks the start of Christmas festivities. Just across the causeway, downtown Brunswick hosts its annual tree lighting on Friday evening with carols, Santa visits, and twinkling lights in Queen Square. While St. Simons Island’s official tree lighting at Pier Village takes place a bit later (usually the following week), the Thanksgiving weekend is still perfect for getting into the holiday spirit early. Many boutiques in Pier Village and Redfern Village have “Plaid Friday” deals and festive window displays if you fancy a little local shopping.

As a long-time local, I can assure you there’s no shortage of holiday cheer here. Whether you’re cheering on golfers at the RSM Classic, running off pumpkin pie in a Turkey Trot, or marveling at a million coastal Christmas lights, Thanksgiving on St. Simons and Jekyll Island offers a unique blend of relaxation and celebration.

Feast by the Sea: Thanksgiving Dining on St. Simons & Jekyll

No Thanksgiving is complete without a delicious feast. Fortunately, you’ll find some fantastic dining options on the islands – from traditional turkey dinners to coastal-inspired brunches. Here are my top recommendations for 2025:

🏝️ King and Prince Beach Resort – ECHO Restaurant (St. Simons Island)

The historic King and Prince Resort welcomes locals and visitors each Thanksgiving for an oceanfront holiday meal. Their on-site restaurant ECHO crafts a special Thanksgiving menu each year, blending classic flavors with coastal Georgia ingredients. Imagine indulging in herb-roasted turkey and Southern sides, all while overlooking the Atlantic! This festive brunch buffet at ECHO is a beloved tradition – just be sure to reserve early, as it fills up fast. If you’d like to stay nearby, browse our vacation rentals near the King and Prince Resort.

🏝️ Jekyll Island Club Resort – Grand Dining Room & Eighty Ocean

For a truly grand holiday dining experience, the Jekyll Island Club Resort offers two superb options on Thanksgiving Day. In the historic Grand Dining Room, you can savor a lavish Thanksgiving buffet with all the trimmings (served from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) beneath the glow of stained-glass windows and chandeliers. It’s an elegant step back in time. Meanwhile, at the resort’s oceanfront Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar, the culinary team presents a special four-course Thanksgiving dinner prix fixe from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. – perfect for those who prefer a more intimate, modern setting by the beach. Whichever you choose, Jekyll Island Club’s hospitality will make your holiday meal memorable (and yes, non-resort guests are welcome with reservations).

🏝️ Sea Palms Resort – Thanksgiving Day Brunch (St. Simons Island)

Sea Palms Resort on the north end of St. Simons hosts an annual Thanksgiving Day Brunch that has become a favorite for many island families. Their team puts on an expansive buffet from late morning into afternoon (roughly 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) featuring all the classic holiday dishes alongside coastal and Southern additions. Picture a carving station with juicy turkey and ham, plus a spread of Southern sides, local seafood, a garden-fresh salad bar, breakfast favorites, and decadent desserts – truly something for everyone. It’s a casual yet festive atmosphere, and you won’t leave hungry! Jackets aren’t required at Sea Palms, but reservations are – this brunch tends to sell out each year.

Insider Tip: Many of our local restaurants close on Thanksgiving to give staff time with family, so the above resort-hosted feasts are lifesavers if you’re visiting and don’t want to cook. If dining out, be sure to call ahead for reservations. Alternatively, if you’re staying in one of our Emmons Realty vacation homes and love to cook, you can pick up a pre-roasted turkey or seafood boil from local markets. Then enjoy a DIY Thanksgiving dinner on your rental’s patio or around the big dining table – with no cleanup worries, since our team will handle that after checkout!

Stay with Emmons Realty – Your Home for the Holidays 🏡

Of course, a key part of any Thanksgiving getaway is having the perfect home base for your family gathering. That’s where Emmons Realty comes in. We’re proud to offer an exceptional collection of St. Simons Island vacation rentals and a growing portfolio of Jekyll Island vacation rentals for the 2025 holiday season. Our expansion into Jekyll Island means guests and homeowners now have a locally owned option for high-touch Jekyll Island vacation rental management.

Since 2012, Emmons Realty has redefined quality vacation rental management on St. Simons, and we’re bringing that same personalized touch across the causeway to Jekyll Island. With several beautiful Jekyll properties in our portfolio (and more on the way), we’re ready to host your Thanksgiving or Christmas getaway on either island.

Why choose Emmons Realty for your holiday stay? Simply put, we treat you like family. Our boutique company is led by myself and my mother, Carla, and we personally ensure every guest experience is top-notch. I still individually oversee all pricing and bookings – no “set it and forget it” algorithms here – to make sure you get a fair rate. Carla, a former home inspector, oversees maintenance and housekeeping, so every home is impeccably clean and safe. Unlike some bigger competitors, we offer 24/7 local support – if you need anything at 9pm on Thanksgiving, you’ll reach our on-call staff right here on St. Simons, not a distant call center. (In fact, we joke that we answer the phone even when we don’t want to – but that’s the level of dedication our guests can count on!) It’s no surprise that we maintain a stellar 4.9-star rating from hundreds of Google reviews – higher than any other local rental company in our market. That superior guest satisfaction is something we’re incredibly grateful for, and we work hard to earn it every day.

Our vacation homes themselves are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Many feature large gourmet kitchens, open living areas, and big dining tables – ideal for a family feast. Several of our St. Simons Island vacation rentals with private pools and hot tubs let you take a post-turkey dip or unwind under the stars. Looking for pet-friendly options or a specific amenity? Just ask – we likely have a home that fits the bill, from cozy cottages to spacious luxury estates. For larger groups, explore our large homes and guest-favorite communities like Harbour Oaks, Shipwatch, and Ocean Walk for easy access to the beach and village. We’ve hosted groups of all sizes over the years, and because we also own and stay in vacation homes ourselves, we understand the details that make a stay exceptional (yes, we’ve seen it all – pools, spas, quirky WiFi issues and all!). Rest assured, when you book with Emmons Realty, you’re getting a fully vetted, well-managed home ready to welcome you.

As you plan your Thanksgiving getaway in St. Simons or Jekyll Island, I invite you to browse our listings and reach out with any questions. We hand-pick and manage each property, and we or our all-star staff are here to help 24/7. Our family has called the Georgia coast home for generations, and nothing makes us happier than sharing it with you during the holidays. If you own a St. Simons or Jekyll Island home and are curious about professional care, you can also explore our vacation rental management services.

Ready to Book Your Thanksgiving Getaway?

Whether you’re envisioning a cozy island Thanksgiving for two or a big family reunion at the beach, Emmons Realty has you covered. Many families return to our rentals year after year for the holidays – it’s a tradition we cherish, and we’d love for you to become a part of it. 🧡

Plan your Thanksgiving on the Georgia coast today: Browse all our coastal Georgia vacation rentals, or jump straight to our St. Simons Island rentals and new Jekyll Island rentals, and secure your favorite beach house before it’s booked. Don’t wait too long – the most popular homes with private pools and ocean views always go fast for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If your dates are flexible, keep an eye on our current specials for potential holiday savings.

On behalf of all of us at Emmons Realty, Happy Thanksgiving! We are truly thankful for our guests, our community, and the chance to help you create lasting holiday memories here in coastal Georgia. If you join us this Thanksgiving in the Golden Isles, I’m confident you’ll fall in love with this place – and we’ll do everything we can to make your stay comfortable, fun, and filled with Southern hospitality. Feel free to contact us anytime with questions or local recommendations (I have plenty more up my sleeve!).

Here’s to a joyous Thanksgiving in St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island – we hope to see y’all soon!

Sincerely,
Glendon Emmons
Founder CEO, Emmons Realty – St. Simons Island & Jekyll Island

Published by Glendon Emmons
Thursday, November 20, 2025