Each year we prepare for another busy holiday season. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family and be thankful for everything you have. After so many years of celebrating the same way, you might be ready for something a little different. If that is what you are feeling a trip to Austin for the Thanksgiving holiday is just what you need. Visiting Austin for Thanksgiving will provide you with plenty of ways to celebrate through unique holiday events and activities. You can also enjoy the city’s regular activities during a time when there are fewer visitors in the area. Here is your guide to celebrating Thanksgiving in Austin.
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
No matter where you go for the Thanksgiving holiday you are sure to find a turkey trot event waiting for you in that city. Austin is no different where we feature the annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot here in Downtown Austin. ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot started as a smaller event back in 1991 where a handful of volunteers put it on for the city.
The event has now grown to be the biggest race in all of Texas where 20,000 participants join the fun each year. This year the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot will benefit the Caritas of Austin, a non-profit that battles against homelessness right here in the city. Ever since COVID happened the event now offers both in person and virtual races to participate in. The in-person races include the timed 5-mile run perfect for those looking to be a top runner during the award ceremony.
The untimed 5-mile run is perfect for going at your own pace even walking. There are shorter races too including the 1-mile run or walk and the Stepping Stone School Kids K perfect for younger children. If you cannot make it to the event itself, you can always join the virtual run. Participating in the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot is a great way to build up your appetite along with supporting a great cause. All participants must register for the event in advance.
Prepare a Thanksgiving Meal
If you prefer to stick to the tradition of making a Thanksgiving feast you will be pleasantly surprised that the kitchens offered in our vacation rentals will more than do the job. Your stay will include access to a full-size kitchen where most properties feature full-size appliances and plenty of countertop space. Many of our properties often come with modern renovations so you will be using state-of-the-art appliances making it a breeze to prepare multiple dishes at once. Separate kitchen islands offer plenty of room to lay out your sides and entrees so everyone can make a plate buffet-style for the meal. All you will need is to purchase your ingredients at a local market! The properties typically feature dining room tables with room for a maximum occupancy of the home. That is one way to continue your regular family tradition of a Thanksgiving meal made from scratch.
Thanksgiving Day Restaurants
If you want to spend your time in Austin away from the kitchen you will also be thankful to know that there are plenty of restaurants open during holiday hours. This is a great way to spend time together as a family instead of working hard in the kitchen. Several different steak houses in the city will be open for Thanksgiving and regular menus include Fleming’s, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, and Truckluck’s Seafood, Steak, and Crab House. You can also grab a table at Trace for a tapas-style menu that uses locally foraged ingredients. Many local breweries are also open on the holiday so you can grab a holiday beer as you enjoy your time together.
Fishead Tim’s Frozen Turkey Tourney
If you are in the mood for a little friendly competition this Thanksgiving, make sure you sign up for the annual Fishead Tim’s Frozen Turkey Tourney. This is the city’s disc golf tourney taking place at Zilker Park. The event has grown every year and will be holding its 7th consecutive event in 2023. A variety of prizes will be made available to those with the best game. The event benefits local charities and encourages participants to bring frozen turkeys for those in need. Don’t miss out on this popular event only taking place in Austin!
Memorable Thanksgiving in Austin
You will find a Thanksgiving holiday like no other when you book a holiday stay in Austin. The city is always known for unique events and activities and Thanksgiving is no different. Book one of our vacation rentals today and come see what Austin has to offer your family for yourself. You will not be disappointed with the holidays in Austin!
The Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect start to the winter season. Each year, millions of families spend this holiday together with family traditions and exciting activities. This year, start a new tradition and spend your Thanksgiving holiday with us here in Austin. Our Texas home offers all of the exciting Thanksgiving events and activities you can find back home but with an Austin twist. Take a look at how your 2022 Thanksgiving in Austin can be enjoyed:
Dine Out for Thanksgiving
Some families enjoy spending their vacations outside of the kitchen, instead checking out the local restaurant scene. Our incredible city has a thrilling restaurant scene with many restaurants open on Thanksgiving. You will find locally owned restaurants and chains that offer enticing flavors and special Thanksgiving menus. Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille is one such location that takes fine dining to a new level. Their Thanksgiving feast offers some special menu items not available during other times of the year. Of course, you can always order one of their made-to-order steaks that may be the best steak you have ever tasted. P6 Lounge Bar is a more casual restaurant that offers direct views of Town Lake. Their menu offers lighter fare such as chicken satay, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is another great fine dining restaurant that offers high-quality seafood and USA prime beef. The dessert menu includes favorites such as crème brulee and bananas foster that have to be tried during your visit!
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Each year, the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot takes place to the benefit of Caritas of Austin. This will be the 32nd consecutive year of the event, showing how long this tradition has taken place in Austin. Turkey trots are an important part of any Thanksgiving holiday: it’s a race that encourages physical activity before enjoying all of the food later in the day and it usually helps a nonprofit organization. The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot offers a variety of races for you to choose from. Guests can choose from the 5-mile run, 1-mile walk, or the Stepping Stone School Kids-K. This allows both adults and children to join in on the fun before the big feast later in the day. The event will take place on Thanksgiving Day Thursday 11/24 with the main event starting at 9:30 AM. Participants will need to register in advance to participate in the race.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Many individuals across the country tend to start their holiday shopping around Thanksgiving. You can do just that when you stop by the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. This local favorite is open every year for several weeks before it is closed down again for the season. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar features 200 different art vendors selling immaculate works of art. These artists are some of the best in the city and apply each year for their art to be sold at the bazaar. This year’s event will be available from November 18th through December 24th giving locals and visitors plenty of time to get their holiday shopping in. Expect to find some of the best artwork in all of Austin sold at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Daily hours are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Prepare a Thanksgiving Feast of Your Own
While Austin has several different restaurants open for Thanksgiving, many families will want to stick to tradition and make a feast of their own. Luckily, doing that in our vacation rentals is as easy as ever. Our properties will feel like a home away from home, giving you plenty of space inside. Spacious common areas such as living areas allow you to relax during your holiday travels. Expect plush furniture, expansive fire places, and flat screen TVs in the room. Of course, it is the kitchen that is the important area of the home for your Thanksgiving meal. Most properties feature gourmet kitchens that come with stainless steel appliances, spacious countertops, and cabinetry full of the essential cookware. All you need are the ingredients that can easily be purchased from the local markets. Since you are in Austin, the BBQ capital of Texas, you should use the provided BBQ grill typically found on the back patio. There is no shortage of options for you and your family to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast.
Book Your Thanksgiving in Austin Today
Thanksgiving in Austin will be your new family tradition, starting with this year’s holiday. Get ready for your stay by reserving one of our luxury vacation rentals in and around Austin. You can be just a short drive away from these exciting activities and enjoy all our luxury amenities. Book now to find your favorite rental! See our Austin Cabin rentals here.