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

Pride of Texas[/caption]

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

7th annual Round Rock Rotary Reindeer Run[/caption]

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