Happy Holidays from Hurricane Hanks: Limited Christmas Eve Hours, Closed Christmas Day, and a Whole Lot of Gratitude in Holmes Beach

If you’re celebrating the season on Anna Maria Island (or you just wish you were), the Hurricane Hanks family has one big message for you: Happy Holidays from Hurricane Hanks! Whether you’re a long-time local, a first-time visitor chasing sunsets, or one of our beloved “we come every year and sit at the same table” regulars… we’re truly grateful you’ve made Hurricane Hanks part of your island traditions.

Before we get into the cozy, festive vibes: a quick holiday note for your plans. Hurricane Hanks will have limited hours on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is still a great day to stop in for lunch, early dinner, or that “one quick cocktail that turns into two” moment at the bar—just keep in mind we’ll be wrapping up earlier than usual.

Now let’s talk about what makes the holidays on Anna Maria Island feel like something out of a postcard—warm Gulf breezes, twinkle lights, and that unmistakable “Old Florida” charm that keeps people coming back year after year. If you’re planning a visit, here’s a helpful island guide from VISIT FLORIDA.

A Holmes Beach Tradition Since 2000

Hurricane Hanks isn’t just a place to grab a bite—it’s a Holmes Beach tradition. Locally owned and operated since its inception in 2000, Hurricane Hanks has built a reputation for welcoming hospitality, quality food, and a strong commitment to the community that makes Anna Maria Island feel like home.

Over the years, Hurricane Hanks has become the kind of restaurant where memories are made without even trying: family dinners after beach days, friends meeting up for a casual night out, and visitors discovering that “one spot” they can’t stop talking about once they’re back home. It’s also part of a larger local family of island businesses—proof that this isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a community-driven brand that cares deeply about the area it serves.

And honestly, that community feeling is exactly what the holidays are all about. Which is why we’re saying it again (because it’s worth repeating): Happy Holidays from Hurricane Hanks.

Holiday Plans: How to Celebrate the Season at Hurricane Hanks

Holiday week on Anna Maria Island has its own rhythm. You’ve got travelers flying in, locals doing last-minute shopping, families meeting up after years apart, and everyone trying to squeeze in as much island time as possible before the calendar flips. We love being part of that energy.

Christmas Eve: Limited Hours (Plan for Lunch or Early Dinner)

On Christmas Eve, Hurricane Hanks will be open with limited hours—so it’s the perfect day to come in a little earlier and make it easy. Grab a table, toast to the season, and enjoy an island meal that feels festive without being fussy. (Holiday guides for the island often note an early closing around the evening hours on Christmas Eve, with Christmas Day closure.

Christmas Day: Closed (So Our Team Can Celebrate, Too)

On Christmas Day, Hurricane Hanks will be closed. That closure isn’t just a scheduling note—it’s part of our values. Our staff works incredibly hard all year long, and we’re proud to give them a day to be with their families, rest up, and soak in the holiday like they deserve.

The Real Reason We’re Grateful This Season: Our Guests and Our Team

Restaurants don’t run on recipes alone. They run on people—people who show up, care, hustle, smile through the rush, and somehow keep things warm and welcoming even when the ticket printer won’t stop singing. This holiday season, Hurricane Hanks is thankful for every single team member who makes this place work.

We’re also deeply grateful for you—our customers. The regulars who bring out-of-town friends “so they can finally try it.” The snowbirds who make Hurricane Hanks part of their winter routine. The visitors who stumble in hungry and leave planning their next trip before they’ve even paid the check. Your support means everything, especially in a beach town where community is the heartbeat.

If you’ve ever left a kind review, tipped your server well, recommended a favorite dish, or brought your family in for a celebration—thank you. Those moments are what build a restaurant’s story, year after year.

And because we mean it with our whole hearts: Happy Holidays from Hurricane Hanks.

Holiday-Ready Favorites: Menu Picks Worth Celebrating

If you’re stopping by before Christmas (Christmas Eve is a classic!), here are a few customer favorites to put on your “must-eat” list. You can explore everything on the full menus here:

• Dinner Menu
• Lunch Menu
• Drinks Menu

The Iconic Island Classic: Grouper Sandwich

If you ask around Holmes Beach for a “you can’t leave without trying it” item, the Grouper Sandwich belongs in the conversation. It’s built around fresh grouper prepared grilled, blackened, or fried—served on a brioche bun with the classic fixings. It’s the kind of meal that fits an island day perfectly: simple, satisfying, and wildly memorable. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Start the Celebration with a Shareable Favorite: Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Want to kick off your holiday meal like you mean it? The Bacon Wrapped Scallops are a go-to for visitors and locals alike—juicy sea scallops wrapped in applewood smoked bacon, served with island sauce. It’s that sweet-and-savory combo that feels a little “special occasion” without trying too hard. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Something for the Whole Table

Hurricane Hanks is known for variety—seafood lovers, burger fans, salad people, and “I’m just here for a sandwich and a beer” folks can all win at the same table. If you want a quick overview of the vibe and the lineup, the main menus page is a great starting point. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Holiday Toasts: Cocktails Worth Clinking Glasses To

The holidays deserve a proper cheers—especially on an island where you can trade snow boots for sandals. Hurricane Hanks has a full liquor bar, wines, and a variety of beers, plus a cocktail list that’s become a favorite for guests who like their drinks fresh, balanced, and island-appropriate. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Signature Sips to Try

• Envious Old Fashioned – made with Hurricane Hanks’ private select Angels Envy Bourbon, bitters, and the classic garnish magic. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Patrón Paloma – Patrón Silver with sparkling pink grapefruit for a bright, refreshing holiday escape in a glass. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Hanks Top Shelf Margarita – made with Hurricane Hanks’ barrel select Patrón Añejo, citrus liqueur, fresh lime, and agave. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Pro tip: if you’re trying to keep things simple for a holiday meal, pick one cocktail for the table to toast with, then settle into dinner. (Or don’t. It’s the holidays. We’re not judging.)

Give the Gift of “Let’s Go to Hanks”

If you’re hunting for a last-minute gift that actually makes people happy, a gift card is basically the holiday cheat code. Hurricane Hanks offers online gift cards, so you can give the gift of an island meal, a favorite cocktail, and that “we should do this more often” feeling.

Hurricane Hanks Gift Cards

Hurricane Hanks eGift Card :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

A Quick Holiday Thought on Tradition (and Why It Matters)

Holiday traditions come in all shapes—some people bake, some people travel, some people keep it quiet, and some people make a restaurant their annual meeting spot. That idea of gathering—of sharing food, stories, laughter, and a little warmth in the middle of a busy season—is at the heart of why holidays have been celebrated for centuries. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

And on Anna Maria Island, traditions have a way of feeling extra special, because the setting encourages you to slow down. If you’re exploring the area and want local civic updates and resources (including seasonal notices), the City of Holmes Beach site is a handy bookmark. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

From All of Us to All of You

As we head into Christmas week, we want you to know how thankful we are. Thankful for our guests who support local. Thankful for our staff who brings the heart and soul every day. Thankful for the community that makes Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island such an incredible place to live, visit, and celebrate.

So one more time—loud enough for the people in the back booth and the folks at the bar:

Happy Holidays from Hurricane Hanks.

We hope your season is filled with good food, good people, and a few moments that you’ll remember long after the decorations come down. If you’re joining us on Christmas Eve, we can’t wait to celebrate with you (just remember those limited hours). And if we don’t see you before then, we’ll be ready to welcome you back after Christmas with your favorite dishes, your favorite drinks, and that classic Hurricane Hanks hospitality.

Happy Holidays from Hurricane Hanks—and we’ll see you soon in Holmes Beach.