Thanksgiving on Jekyll Island is the perfect time of year to enjoy everything the island has to offer. There are fewer crowds with the arrival of cooler weather, so you will have plenty of space to explore the island or relax on the beach with family and friends. The natural beauty, exciting wildlife, and rich history of Jekyll Island provide a relaxing and fun way to spend time with your loved ones.

Jekyll Island Vacation Rentals for Thanksgiving

Our Jekyll Island vacation rentals provide the perfect space for friends and family to gather. With fully-equipped kitchens, large yard spaces for the littles to run around, and pet-friendly vacation rentals so the pup can join in on the family getaway, Jekyll Realty has everything you need to host a stress-free holiday.

Jekyll Island Area Restaurants/Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving

If you are planning to serve a traditional Thanksgiving feast in your vacation rental, you can find plenty of supplies at Jekyll Market or Winn-Dixie in nearby Brunswick. You could also take a short 30-minute drive north to St. Simons Island to pick up a pre-made Thanksgiving meal from The Market at Sea Island or Golden Isles Olive Oil, or homemade pies from Dulce Dough Bakery.

If you don’t feel like cooking, enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet at one of several Jekyll Island restaurants. Make a reservation for a traditional Thanksgiving buffet at the Jekyll Island Club or Beach House, or head to Sago on St. Simons Island for a poolside meal (reservations required). Not feeling like turkey? Head to Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar or The Wharf for tasty local cuisine. 

Jekyll Island Events Thanksgiving Week

After you finish dinner, enjoy the refreshing ocean breezes on one of Jekyll Island’s gorgeous beaches or take a walk on one of the trails running through the island. Stick around the day after Thanksgiving for the annual Tree Lighting Festival in the Historic District. The festival includes themed tours, crafts, and holiday decorations, and the tree will be lit at sundown. Or, check out these events happening on Jekyll Island throughout the week:

Holiday Paint & Sip at Jekyll Island Club Resort – Reserve your spot at Jekyll Island Club Resort’s Holiday Paint & Sip on November 26th. From 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, you’ll follow step-by-step instructions as you paint your masterpiece while sipping on your favorite beverage. Reservations can be made online, with admission at $70 per canvas.

Holiday Market at Jekyll Island Club Resort – Keep the holiday festivities going at the Holiday Market, where you can shop from local artisan booths featuring jewelry, handmade goodies, and seasonal décor. Thanksgiving weekend, the holiday market will be shoppable on both November 28th and 28th from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Oyster Roast on the River – Jekyll Island Club Resort is hosting its Oyster Roast on the River at the Wharf Lawn on November 28th. Enjoy steamed oysters, a low-country boil, and a variety of buffet sides and non-seafood options. There will also be live music to make the experience even more memorable. Pricing: Adults: 60++, Children (4-12): 35++, and Children (3 & under): Free. Purchase tickets to the event online.

Cold-Stunned Plunge – If you’re feeling a little crazy, join in on the cold plunge in support of the sea turtles on November 29th at 10:00 am. The Jekyll Island Authority’s Georgia Sea Turtle Center is hosting the fundraising event. Many sea turtles get caught in hypothermic water temperatures during the winter months, and your support will assist with cold-stun rehabilitation and recovery. Take the plunge and raise some funds!

 

Come stay at one of our premier vacation rentals and create a new Thanksgiving tradition on Jekyll Island!