How to Have the Best Thanksgiving in Austin

Written by: Becca Youngers

October in Austin was full of ACL Fest, F1, UT football games, and Halloween celebrations! Even with all these events, it’s hard to believe November is already here! While most are wondering when the appropriate time is to pull out holiday decorations from storage, Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

Maybe it’s your first Thanksgiving in Austin, your family members are coming to visit, or you’re spending it alone and want to make the most of the holiday! Whatever the case, we’ve compiled our guide to having the best Thanksgiving Day in Austin. Take a look!

ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot

Yes, we understand the Turkey Trot can be a controversial Thanksgiving tradition. We often categorize ourselves into Turkey Trot families and non-Turkey Trot families. But the ThunderCloud Subs Annual Turkey Trot is a little bit different. Held just south of downtown at the Long Center, they offer a 5-mile run as well as a 1-mile run/walk, so no worries if you’re not a runner!

It’s been a tradition since the 90s in Austin, and according to their website, it’s the largest 5-mile run held in Texas! To give thanks and give back to the community, they donate 100% of the proceeds made to Caritas of Austin, helping the homeless in Austin.

Check out the history of the race here

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Once you’ve finished trotting, or walking (we don’t judge!), head back home and turn on the iconic, classic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The massive balloons, amazing musical performances, the Radio City Rockettes, and so much more make the parade an essential part of many Thanksgiving celebrations around the country.

One of the marching bands performing is the Flower Mound High School Marching Band, so it’ll be awesome to see some Texas representation at the parade. You can tune into the parade on NBC from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., or if you have Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, you can watch it any time on there!

Check out the lineup here

Check out To-go Offerings at Tómalo Grill

Love Thanksgiving but don’t want to plan out an elaborate meal yourself? No worries! Tómalo Grill is currently taking to-go orders for Thanksgiving offerings until Sunday, Nov. 17. The offering will feature Thanksgiving favorites with a modern Mexican twist. There are also options for a pastry add-on or a wine add-on depending on your preferences. Order ahead now and pick up on Wednesday, Nov. 27!

Check it out here

Catch a Football Game at Crown and Anchor

Known for being open every day of the year, Crown and Anchor is a great place to catch one of the NFL games on Thanksgiving day. They’ve also done a free potluck in past years, so keep your day of eating going strong at this legendary pub!

The lineup for this year (in local Austin time):

Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions (11:30 a.m.)
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants (3:30 p.m.)
Dolphins vs Packers (7:20 p.m.)

Crown and Anchor website here

Tell Your People You’re Thankful for Them!

Whether or not you can be with friends, family, or loved ones on Thanksgiving, take the time during the holiday to let them know you’re thankful for them. Call them or text them, and tell them that you’re thinking of them. Thanksgiving can be a very stressful time of the year, but it

is also a great holiday to take a step back to reflect on all of the amazing people and things in our lives.

Conclusion

Here at Urbanspace, we’re so thankful for the family we’ve created within our company and the family we’ve created in the Austin area and beyond. We hope this time of year will be an opportunity for gratitude and thankfulness. Happy November!