In Austin, events such as the annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot and the Zilker Holiday Tree lighting ceremony bring the community together for the holiday.
The Driskill Hotel Thanksgiving Day Feasts
The Austin hotel's traditional Thanksgiving Day brunch on the mezzanine and The Driskill Grill's five-course, fixed-price dinner will be offered on Thursday.
The family-friendly brunch features classic breakfast options, soups and salads, seafood dishes, charcuteries and cheeses. Reservations can be made by calling 512-391-7227. See the full menu here.
When: Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: The Driskill Hotel mezzanine, 604 Brazos St., Austin
Cost: $38 (children ages 6-12), $79 (adults), free for children under 5 years old.
The Driskill Grill's Thanksgiving dinner includes classic holiday dishes such as grilled kale salad, roasted sweet potato bisque, free-range heritage turkey, brioche sage stuffing, port wine cranberry relish, roasted butternut squash with creme fraiche and buttered whipped potatoes with sea salt. Reservations can be made by calling 512-391-7227.
When: Thursday, 1-5 p.m.
Where: The Driskill Hotel mezzanine, 604 Brazos St., Austin
Cost: $42 (children ages 6-12), $89 (adults), free for children under 5 years old.
Blue Starlite Presents
Blue Starlite drive-in movie theater will be screening "Goonies" and "Indiana Jones" and "The Raiders of the Lost Ark" Friday, with "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" screening as the pre-show. Tickets can be purchased here.
Where: Blue Starlite Austin, 1901 E. 51st St., Austin
When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $8-$35
26th annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
The largest 5-mile run in Texas, the 1-mile walk/run and the kids K run will benefit Caritas of Austin, a nonprofit organization that fights poverty, homelessness and hunger in Austin.
When: Thursday, 8:15 a.m. (Kids K run), 9 a.m. (5-mile run), 9:10 a.m. (untimed 5-mile run), 9:20 a.m. (1-mile walk/run).
Where: Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin
Cost: $10-$40
Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade
The Children giving to Children Parade is rain or shine and features giant inflatable balloons, holiday floats, famous children’s characters, marching bands, classic cars and Santa.[/caption]Held rain or shine, the parade on Congress Avenue benefits Operation Blue Santa and new, unwrapped toys are donated along the parade route.
When: Saturday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Down Congress Avenue beginning at the Texas Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, and ending at Cesar Chavez Street.
Cost: Free
Zach Theatre presents 'A Christmas Carol'
Charles Dickens' Christmas classic comes to the stage starting Wednesday, with new hit songs and reimagined carols as well as a traditional Victorian setting and costumes. It is recommended for children ages 6 and up.
When: Wednesday-Dec. 31, times vary.
Where: Zach Theatre, 1510 Toomey Road, Austin
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Hyatt Regency Austin Thanksgiving brunch
The Austin Regency Hyatt will be offering a Thanksgiving day brunch.[/caption]The hotel's brunch will feature a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as herb-roasted turkey, candied sweet potato casserole and sage and conrbread stuffing to less conventional holiday options such as king crab, prime rib and sushi.
When: Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road, Austin
Cost: $32.50 (children ages 4-12) $65 (adults) free for children under three years old
Military personnel eat free at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
The following restaurants in the Austin airport are offering free meals to all uniformed military personnel from Monday to Sunday thanks to Airport concessionaire Delaware North Companies: Annie’s Café, Earl Campbell’s Sports Bar, Mangia Pizza, Schlotzsky’s Deli, Maudie’s TexMex, The Salt Lick BBQ, Nuevo Leon, Hill’s Café, Hoover’s Cooking and Saxon Pub.
Airport concessionaire Paradies Lagardere will offer free meals to active and retired military service men and women who show their military identification from Nov. 20-27 at the airport's ThunderCloud Subs and Ruta Maya Cafe.
When: Nov. 20-27
Where: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Cost: Free
Zilker Holiday Tree lighting ceremony
The Zilker Holiday Tree uses more than 3300 lightbulbs.[/caption]The 155-foot-tall Zilker Holiday Tree will be lit by the winners of the Zilker Tree art contest.
When: Sunday, 6 p.m.
Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
Cost: Free
Santa on the Terrace
Participants can join the Long Center for the Performing Arts on its City Terrace and take some time out to celebrate the holiday season. Children receive a free photo with Santa Claus with the Austin skyline as a backdrop. The event also features performances, family activities, food trucks and Black Friday discounts.
When: Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin
Cost: Free
Decorate a Gingerbread House
Hosted by the Central Market Cooking School, this children’s class allows participants to create a holiday decoration of their own. An authentic Swiss lebkuchen (gingerbread) house, icing and candy, and edible decorations are provided at the class. Light snacks are being offered as well as a box to transport the creation. The event is for ages 5-17. 10 a.m.-noon.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd.
Cost: $45
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The annual bazaar officially opens Friday, with thousands of original works—from serious art and photography to fun accessories and clothing—on sale.
When: Friday-Dec. 24
Where: 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin
Cost: Free to park and attend
Are we missing your Thanksgiving event? Email us at [email protected] with all the event details.
