Turkey trots, waterfront feasts, giving back and a few uniquely Southwest Florida ways to celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has a funny way of bringing us back to the basics.
Family. Friends. Food. Gratitude. Traditions.
And perhaps one uncle who insists the turkey isn't done yet.
Here in Southwest Florida, Thanksgiving comes with its own personality. Instead of wondering whether snow will complicate travel plans, we're deciding whether Thanksgiving morning should begin with a 5K, a walk on the beach or coffee outside in the November sunshine.
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and whether you're hosting family, visiting Naples or Bonita Springs for the holiday, looking for someone else to cook the turkey, or simply searching for something memorable to do together, there's plenty happening around Southwest Florida.
So loosen the belt one notch and let's make some Thanksgiving plans.
🏃 Start Thanksgiving Morning With a Turkey Trot
Before the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie arrive, Naples gives you an opportunity to earn them.
13th Annual GCR Thanksgiving Race | November 26
The annual Gulf Coast Runners Thanksgiving Race returns to downtown Naples on Thanksgiving morning.
The main 5K Run/Walk begins at 7:30 AM, followed by a one-mile walk at 7:35 AM. There are also two free children's races later in the morning, a Kids 1K at 8:45 and a 100-yard dash at 9:00.
The course begins on Fifth Avenue and winds through downtown Naples, which makes this one of those events that feels distinctly local rather than simply another road race.
Even better, the race benefits St. Matthew's House and Gulf Coast Runners' Youth Development/Scholarship Fund. Participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for St. Matthew's House. RunSignup
2026 GCR Thanksgiving Race information and registration
Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Day 5K | November 26
Apparently Naples has enough room for more than one flock of running turkeys.
The Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Day 5K begins at 7:30 AM at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay.
This is another Thanksgiving-morning 5K option, with advance packet pickup in both Fort Myers and Naples. Registration currently starts at $49, with discounted pricing listed for families and groups. Elite Events
Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Day 5K details
🍽️ Let Someone Else Cook the Turkey
I love cooking.
I also love the beautiful Thanksgiving tradition known as someone else cooking and cleaning everything.
Naples has several Thanksgiving dining experiences already confirmed for 2026.
Thanksgiving Overlooking the Gulf at LaPlaya
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort will host its annual Thanksgiving Day Brunch on November 26.
The special buffet runs alongside live music from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and includes traditional Thanksgiving favorites such as roasted turkey, chicken-apple-sage stuffing and pumpkin pie, plus a raw bar, beef tenderloin and an omelet station.
And because this is Naples, your Thanksgiving feast comes with views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Reservations are required. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
LaPlaya Thanksgiving Weekend details
Thanksgiving at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Holiday and Special Events at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is also planning a substantial Thanksgiving celebration on November 26 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The feast is scheduled to include hand-carved turkey, prime rib, seasonal dishes, chef-attended stations and a large selection of desserts. Younger guests even get their own dedicated children's buffet. Marriott Bonvoy
Thanksgiving at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Thanksgiving Dinner at Olde Naples Hotel
The new Olde Naples Hotel has already published its 2026 Thanksgiving menu.
Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 3–10 PM, with a prix-fixe menu priced at $115 per person plus tax and gratuity. A lunch menu will also be available from 11 AM–2 PM.
The Thanksgiving menu gives diners choices rather than locking everyone into turkey. Entrées include herb-roasted turkey ballotine, filet mignon, Chilean sea bass and a vegetarian butternut squash and kale tian.
Dessert brings us safely back into Thanksgiving territory with pumpkin cheesecake, pecan tart and cinnamon-apple crostata. Opal Collection
Olde Naples Hotel Thanksgiving 2026 menu
🌴 Or Create Your Own Southwest Florida Thanksgiving Tradition
Of course, Thanksgiving doesn't have to revolve around an organized event.
Some of my favorite possibilities are also the simplest.
Start Thanksgiving morning with a walk along the beach. Take the family through one of Naples' nature preserves or parks. Get out on the boat for a few hours. Have coffee outside. Take a family photograph with the Gulf in the background. Or finish Thanksgiving dinner with a sunset walk instead of immediately surrendering to the couch.
That's one of the wonderful things about celebrating Thanksgiving in Southwest Florida.
The outdoors can actually be part of the holiday.
There's something wonderfully strange about sending Thanksgiving photos to friends and family up north when they're bundled in jackets and you're standing beside a palm tree.
We won't rub it in.
Much.
❤️ Make Giving Part of Thanksgiving
This may be my favorite part of the entire Thanksgiving guide.
Thanksgiving isn't only about gathering around our own tables. It's also a natural opportunity to think about people in our community who may need a helping hand.
The GCR Thanksgiving Race incorporates that spirit directly into the event by benefiting St. Matthew's House and collecting nonperishable food donations. findarace.com (UK)
As Thanksgiving gets closer, I'd also encourage readers to check with local food pantries, shelters, churches and community organizations in both Naples and Bonita Springs for 2026 food drives, meal donations and volunteer opportunities.
Those opportunities often appear much closer to Thanksgiving than restaurant and race announcements do, so this is one section of the guide worth revisiting in November.
And sometimes the best Thanksgiving tradition doesn't involve adding something to your calendar.
It involves adding something to someone else's table.
🦃 Extend Thanksgiving Into Friday
There's even an option for anyone who wakes up Friday morning and thinks, I probably should have stopped at the second piece of pie.
The The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón hosts its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot on Friday, November 27, from 8–11 AM.
The 5K fun run welcomes walkers and runners of all ages and fitness levels and winds through the Tiburón community. Participants receive a commemorative medal and T-shirt, with proceeds supporting Children's Miracle Network. Marriott Bonvoy
Ritz-Carlton Tiburón Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
I suppose technically that's a leftover trot.
🌅 Thanksgiving, Southwest Florida Style
Thanksgiving doesn't need snow, fireplaces or cold weather to feel like Thanksgiving.
Here, it might begin with running down Fifth Avenue while the city is still waking up.
It might mean brunch overlooking the Gulf, gathering around a table at home with family, delivering food to someone who needs it, taking the boat out for a few hours or watching another spectacular November sunset.
The scenery may be different.
The reason we celebrate isn't.
Thanksgiving remains an opportunity to gather with people we care about, appreciate what we have and perhaps do something kind for someone we don't know.
And if we can do all of that while wearing shorts in late November?
That's just Thanksgiving in paradise. 🦃🌴
Event schedules, menus, prices and availability can change. Confirm details directly with the organizer or restaurant before attending. Additional 2026 Thanksgiving events may be announced as November approaches.
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