When you think of Thanksgiving Day, you think of the golden turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and that slice of pumpkin pie. What else? Gratitude and togetherness. Now, have you ever tried celebrating it by breathing in crisp air, slipping into your best running shoes, and heading out with your loved ones? In Hilton Head, Thanksgiving can mean crossing the finish line with a medal around your neck and then partying! The Turkey Trot 5K is a full-on island tradition; you must experience it in 2025.

Thanksgiving in Hilton Head

Let’s reveal how Thanksgiving usually happens in Hilton Head first. It’s a little different and much more special with turtles, runs, seafood, golfing, beaches, and even Santa Claus.

Turtles

Every year from May to October, loggerhead turtles grace the island’s shores to build nests and lay their eggs. By November, those tiny hatchlings have already made their way into the ocean. Shout out to the organizations that protect them! Their journey is complete just as we start the Thanksgiving season.

Runs

Hilton Head locals warm up their legs at the Pre-Turkey Day Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K, a spirited beachside run before the big day. Runners trek across hard-packed sand with the ocean at their side, an event that reminds us Thanksgiving here is about fresh air and moving feet.

Seafood

Of course, no celebration on the island is complete without the food. Find platters of shrimp, steaming bowls of gumbo, and desserts that tempt you long before dinner. Lowcountry cuisine blazes during Thanksgiving! Restaurants, bakeries, and breweries offer festive menus that feel like an upgrade to the classic spread.

Golf

If you’re a golfer, Hilton Head is your dream Thanksgiving destination. While other parts of the country are too chilly for a round, the island’s fall weather is perfect. The courses are lush, the greens are open, and you can sneak in a game anytime.

Beaches

Hilton Head has 12 miles of sandy coastline, wide enough for games, long walks, or simply sitting by the waves reflecting on everything you’re thankful for. Many beaches are wheelchair accessible, too! Nobody gets left behind.

Santa Claus

Thanksgiving marks the official launch of the holiday season, so expect decorations to go up, lights to twinkle, and Santa himself to make an early stop on the island. He greets families, listens to wish lists, and adds a touch of wonder for kids (and adults who still believe).

To the Streets for Turkey Trot 5K!

Of course, nothing can outshine Thanksgiving turkeys. The Island Rec Center invites you to lace up for the 37th annual Turkey Trot 5K on November 27th, 2025, from 8:00 to 9:00 AM!

Wear your costumes (the sillier the better), and run from the Boathouse parking lot to Hilton Head Plantation and loop back. Registration is $40, and that fee includes a race shirt, a shiny finisher medal, and access to the afterparty.

Pro tip? Sign up now, because on November 1st, the price jumps to $50. No refunds, so commit early and commit strongly!

The fun begins before race day. On Wednesday, November 26th, packet pickup takes place at the Island Rec Center from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Bring canned goods and pantry items for donation to The Deep Well Project and spread holiday cheer beyond your own table.

If you have a ride, you can park at Mt. Calvary Church or in the Dockside/Hudson’s lots; attendants will be there to guide you to your spot.

Pets must stay home! Kids in strollers can participate, but please start at the back so everyone has room.

Why Join Turkey Trot 2025?

Some people roll out of bed and hit the couch to catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Others prep the turkey before sunrise, juggling pots, pans, and recipes. Many are guilty of hitting snooze, staying under the covers, and saving energy for the gathering.

There’s no right or wrong Thanksgiving morning. But on Hilton Head Island, the Turkey Trot 5K promises to delight you.

• Tradition (in the Making). Try it once and you’ll want to do it again and again! The kids will remember pinning race bibs, and the photos will make you smile. Suddenly, Thanksgiving won’t feel complete without it.
• Island Exploration. Turkey Trot 5K allows you to see and know Hilton Head in a different light. Sunlight dances across the trees, the breeze carries a salty air, and the sound of footsteps blends with laughter and cheers. Instead of driving around or reading about it, you experience it, one stride at a time.
• Community. Meet every kind of runner! There’ll be friends in matching shirts, neighbors greeting each other, and tourists joining for the first time. Some will race for their best time, while others stroll arm-in-arm wearing pilgrim hats and showing off inflatable birds. Everyone’s in it together.
• Fitness. Between the buttery mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and pie lineup, most of us happily eat a little more than usual on Thanksgiving. The Turkey Trot 5K hits the “balance” button as it gets your heart pumping. Even if you walk the whole way, you’ll feel amazing knowing you’ve earned your next meal.
• More of That Turkey, Please! Food tastes good when you feel good, and Turkey Trot 5K truly raises spirits. Enjoy seconds (or thirds) at dinner with your post-run appetite! Say yes to another plate, and think, “I can’t wait for the next Thanksgiving.”

Make Memories and Miles With Beachside Hilton Head

Turkey Trotters need a home base to rest those legs and store those leftovers. Whether planning a grand family trip or a quiet escape for two, Beachside Hilton Head has vacation rentals that fit the vibe. Come back from Turkey Trot 5K, shower off, slip into comfy clothes, and get ready for the feast!

Arrive early to discover the island’s beauty, play golf, tread the beaches, or taste local specialties. Celebrate with the community, and relax into the weekend knowing you’ve made the most of it.

Book your stay with Beachside Hilton Head now and turn your Thanksgiving 2025 into a holiday filled with miles, memories, and more reasons to be thankful.