For many, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday and shopping seasons and also offers local events and activities.

Several communities start Thanksgiving morning with run/walk events. Many serve as fundraisers for different charities. The long weekend ends the way it began, with a 5K run that previews a holiday light display with more than two million bulbs.

In between, there are incentives to shop local, entertainment at a nearby theatre and a connection to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Fleet Feet Sports 6th annual Turkey Trot Events are 2-mile or 5-mile run/walk When: Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24, at 8 a.m. Where: Lake Forest Club House, 2734 Lake Forest Drive, Round Rock Proceeds go to Round Rock Operation Blue Santa and The Back Pack Coalition. The Round Rock Serving Center will be at the race with a food donation truck. 512-218-8786 www.fleetfeetroundrock.com

26th annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot Kids K at 8:15 a.m., timed 5 mile at 9 a.m., untimed 5 mile at 9:10 a.m., and 1 mile walk/run at 9:20 a.m. When: Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24, rain or shine Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin Entry fee information, online registration at www.thundercloud.com/turkey-trot 512-479-8805

Annie’s Way Thanksgiving dinner For anyone in the Round Rock area who is in need or does not have family locally, or for those who want to join a large gathering for the holiday When: Noon-1:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24 Where: Saint William Catholic Church parish hall, 620 Round Rock West Drive, Round Rock Donations of prepared dishes are welcome, including turkeys, salads, potatoes, cranberry sauce and dressing. Donations may be brought to the parish hall on Thanksgiving before the dinner. 512-255-4473 www.saintwilliam.org

Pfeathred Pfun Run Events are Kids K at 8 a.m., 10K at 8:30 a.m. and 5K at 8:35 a.m., with a virtual run option available for those who are out of town When: Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24 Where: Lake Pflugerville, 18216 Weiss Lane, Pflugerville, with start and finish at the North Beach Pavilion. Proceeds support local food pantries. Canned goods and non-perishables will be collected for the food pantries. www.pfunrun.com

Georgetown Turkey Trot 5 Miler When: 8 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24, rain or shine Where: 701 S. Main St., Georgetown Proceeds are shared between the Williamson County Meals on Wheels and Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation. Nonperishables will be collected for The Caring Place. www.georgetownrunningclub.org

Cedar Park Turkey Day 5K When: 9 a.m. for 5K, 10:15 a.m. for Kids K. Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24 Where: Gupton Stadium, 200 Gupton Way, Cedar Park Proceeds benefit Cedar Park Blue Santa and Cedar Park Parks & Recreation www.cedarparkturkeyday5k.com

Pride of Texas

Pflugerville ISD's Hendrickson High School marching band will represent Texas at the 90th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. More than 3.5 million people line the parade route, and another 50 million watch the broadcast. The parade begins at 8 a.m. for more than 10,000 participants. Band director Garth Gunderson said it was the commitment of the band members, community and the district to earn the honor of performing at the parade.

Small Business Saturday Founded by American Express in 2010, it celebrates small businesses in communities, anchored the Saturday after Thanksgiving, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. When: Nov. 26 Where: small businesses in Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto Downtown Hutto will be joined by the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce on Small Business Saturday as shoppers will have chances to win prizes with a small business passport, available at participating businesses Nov. 26. More details at www.chamber.com

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Where: Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown When: Thanksgiving weekend performances 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26; and 2 p.m. Nov. 27. 512-869-7469 www.georgetownpalace.com

7th annual Round Rock Rotary Reindeer Run

Rotary Reindeer Run 5K and Family Fun Run Benefits Play for All Abilities Park When: 4 p.m. registration; 5:30 p.m. timed 5K run; 6 p.m. family fun run/walk Sunday, Nov. 27. Previews the Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour Where: Old Settlers Park and the Dell Diamond parking lot, Round Rock. Packet pickup information available online. Entry fee information, online registration at www.5r5k.org