2018 Thanksgiving Events in Space Coast 

The Thanksgiving season on Florida’s Space Coast will have you in the holiday spirit in no time. From theater performance and 5K races to holiday spectaculars the whole family will enjoy, there’s something for everyone here. Plus, the weather should be just right to sneak in a day at the beach or a boat ride on the water. Here’s a list of some of the top Thanksgiving events on Florida’s Space Coast this year:

Space Coast Lightfest

November 19 - January 1

Come and enjoy the lights any night of the week from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. More than 2.7 million twinkling holiday lights will ignite the night sky at Wickham Park in Melbourne. The Space Coast Lightfest is a holiday themed drive-through event transforming Wickham Park into a virtual winter wonderland. This family-oriented celebration features shimmering lights and animated displays and draws more than 15,000 vehicles annually. SpaceCoastLightfest.com

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” | Cocoa

November 16 – December 2

Based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on television every Christmas. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. The delightfully versatile score ranges from gentle ballads to show-stopping full-ensemble numbers. “A Christmas Story, The Musical” will bring an exciting new dimension to those who have seen the movie and will certainly stand on its own for those who haven't. CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com

Festival of Trees

November 17

Excitement is in the air for the Junior League of South Brevard’s, Inc. 34th Annual Festival of Trees. What can you look forward to seeing? Beautifully adorned trees of all sizes donated from talented designers; wreaths and other decorative items to make your home festive; Fabulous marketplace perfect for early holiday shopping; Feed that sweet tooth with yummy gifts and treats at Gifts from the Kitchen; bring your kids to talk to Santa and stay for games and crafts. Jlsb.net/FOT

Downtown Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

November 17

The third Annual Downtown Melbourne Food & Wine Festival features sips and samples from your favorite downtown and top Florida's Space Coast's restaurants. Opening ceremony starts at 5 p.m. This event will be an experience to remember including live entertainment, showcasing from Brevard’s cultural organizations, cooking competitions, and unforgettable tastes from Brevard’s culinary elite. Come stroll, sip, nibble and enjoy the rich cultural tapestry our community offers, all in one place. FoodAndWine.DowntownMelbourne.com

ArtWorks of Eau Gallie

November 18-19

ArtWorks of Eau Gallie Fine Arts Festival is a 'plein-air' show in Melbourne, FL which attracts thousands of art lovers from around the region to this beautiful riverside community. This two-day family-friendly event is different from other art festivals in that it’s a "working artist" show and all artists are required to demonstrate their methods of work. ArtWorksOfEauGallie.org

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas | Melbourne

November 19

This year marks the 34th Anniversary of the Christmas Tour and release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album that revolutionized the Holiday Season music category.

The show features Mannheim Steamroller classics, along with dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting. In addition to being a holiday tradition for many families, the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Tour regularly attracts repeat attendance from multi-generational guests and is one of the longest running tours in the music industry. KingCenter.com

Thanksgiving Dinner Locations

November 22

If you're planning on being in town on Thanksgiving Day, don't let that stop you from partaking in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Some of our local restaurants are serving Thanksgiving meals, from traditional fare to fine dining, so there’s a place for you no matter your preference:

• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton | Melbourne Beach | (321) 723-4222 x 0.
• Hilton | Melbourne Beach Oceanfront | (321) 777-5000 x 5186
• Matt's Casbah | Melbourne | (321) 574-1099
• Hilton Rialto | Melbourne | (321) 768-0200 
• Chart House | Melbourne | (321) 729-6558
• Hilton Cocoa Beach | Cocoa Beach | (321)799-0003

Space Coast Turkey Trot 5K & 10K | Cocoa Beach & Melbourne

November 22

Kick off your Thanksgiving Day at this year’s Space Coast Turkey Trot 5K & 10K at the Front Street Civic Center at the base of the Melbourne Causeway on Route 192. Staying in Cocoa Beach? Check out the Cocoa Beach Turkey Trot here. Learn More…

“It’s A Wonderful Life, The New Musical” | Titusville

November 23 – December 16

Based on the beloved 1946 film, this musical faithfully follows George Bailey’s life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond, as we all take a journey to discover whether his life has mattered at all. Cinematically scored and theatrically staged, this adaptation breathes musical life into a familiar story, while retaining the warmth, humor, and pathos of the original. A new holiday classic for devotees and newcomers alike. TitusvillePlayhouse.com

Light Up Viera

November 24

Light Up Viera will kick off the holiday season for the Space Coast! There will be a magical parade full of sparkling lights, which will include professionally decorated floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus arriving on a sleigh. The pre-parade festivities begin at 4 pm at the Calvary Chapel in Viera. There, you can enjoy food trucks, an Elf meet and greet, Santa’s Letter Station, the Wells Fargo Concord Stagecoach and an entertainment area. The main event starts with a firework display at 6 p.m. on Stadium Parkway with the parade immediately following. LightUpViera.com

Shop Small Sip & Stroll

November 25

After all the turkey on Thursday and the Black Friday big-box stores the day after, come on down to Cocoa Village to relax, Shop Small, and Sip & Stroll. Cocoa Village will have dozens of small shops that carry unique gifts, things you won't find in the big stores. Be different, Shop Small, support your friends and neighbors in your local community. VisitCocoaVillage.com

Cocoa Beach Art Show & Music Fest

November 24 – 25

The Cocoa Beach Art Show is the place to be Thanksgiving weekend in Cocoa Beach! Always located in beautiful Downtown Cocoa Beach, the whole family will enjoy beautiful, unique art, music and food. CocoaBeachArtShow.com