WebThanksgiving in Central Texas brings families together to celebrate gratitude, community, and tradition. Whether you live in Waco, Temple, Belton, Killeen, Salado, or nearby, there’s no shortage of events to enjoy this season. From charity fun runs and family feasts to festive parades and holiday markets, the region offers something for everyone to enjoy.
At Amy’s Attic Self Storage, we love being part of the Central Texas community and helping local families stay organised for the holidays. Here’s your guide to the best 2025 Thanksgiving events happening across Central Texas.
Poultry in Motion; Waco Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K and One Mile
Join your fellow pilgrims on Thanksgiving Day morning for a one mile fun run and a 5K run/walk in downtown Waco! We have even added a last minute “Side Dish” option for your last minute, more reluctant buddy that doesn’t want to pay full price (and maybe doesn’t want to get off the couch??)
And the “Spirit” of the holiday season …. all that quality family time… we have everything you need with an amazing new title sponsor this year, Bosque Spirits! Check out their two locations, one on LaSalle and one on Bosque! https://wacobarsupply.com/
And if you think just a fun run, think again! This year we are honored to donate to a very important local organization for which we are extremely thankful, the Community Cancer Association. Learn more about them at https://wacocancer.org/
Amy’s Attic Expert Tips: Dress in layers and bring a water bottle. Register early online to secure your race packet and avoid same-day lines.
Location: Indian Spring Park, Waco Suspension Bridge, 101 N. University Parks, Waco, Texas 76701
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025 – 8 AM
Admission: Check Website For More Information
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Waco/PoultryinMotionWacoThanksgivingDayTurkeyTrot
Killeen Turkey Trot & Family Fun Run
Families in Killeen love starting Thanksgiving Day with this fun, active tradition. The Killeen Turkey Trot features both 5K and 10K routes, along with a short kids’ dash for younger runners. It’s a great way to promote wellness while supporting local charities that benefit from event proceeds. The lively atmosphere and family participation make it an unforgettable morning for all.
Amy’s Attic Expert Tips: Bring your own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and wear bright clothing for visibility.
Location: Lions Club Park, Killeen, TX
Date & Time: Thursday, November 1, 2025 – 8:00AM CDT
Admission:Check Website For More Information
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Killeen/TurkeyTrotKilleen
Waco Wonderland Holiday Kickoff
Celebrate the start of the Christmas season at the Waco Wonderland Holiday Kickoff. Families can enjoy carnival rides, food vendors, fireworks, and the annual lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. The atmosphere is electric with laughter, music, and holiday cheer filling Heritage Square. It’s the perfect event to transition from Thanksgiving to the festive season.
Amy’s Attic Expert Tips: Bring cash for parking and food vendors. Arrive before sunset to get the best view of the tree lighting and fireworks show.
Location: Heritage Square, Waco, TX
Date & Time: Friday–Sunday, November 28–30, 2025 – 5 PM to 10 PM
Admission: Free
Website: https://wacowonderland.com
Thanksgiving at the Homestead Fair
Step back in time at the Homestead Fair just outside Waco, where families can explore artisan crafts, farm-fresh food, and live music. This Thanksgiving weekend tradition blends education and entertainment, showcasing blacksmithing, woodworking, and pottery demonstrations. Kids can visit farm animals, sample homemade bread, and learn how things were made long before modern technology.
Amy’s Attic Expert Tips: Bring comfortable walking shoes and arrive early to find parking. Bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards.
Location: Homestead Heritage, 608 Dry Creek Rd, Waco, TX 76705
Date & Time: Friday–Sunday, November 28–30, 2025 – 9 AM to 9 PM
Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
Website: https://www.homesteadfair.com
Harker Heights Thanksgiving Food Drive
We’re excited to share an opportunity for local families to give back to the community.
Harker Heights Athletics / Parks and Recreation is partnering with the Killeen ISD H.A.R.P. (Homeless Awareness Response Program) for a season-long food drive, with a special focus on Thanksgiving-themed items to help local families enjoy a warm holiday meal.
Amy’s Attic Expert Tips: Encourage kids to help pick out canned goods — it’s a great way to teach thankfulness. Deliver donations early in the week to ensure timely delivery.
Location: 307 Millers Crossing, Harker Heights, Texas, United States, 76548
Date & Time: On-going
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Website: https://www.justserve.org/projects/c49d73f3-fa7d-41d8-8272-29f07e8eb3df
15th Anniversary Carlson Law Firm’s Turkey Trot
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with the 15th Annual Carlson Law Firm’s Temple Turkey Trot at Pepper Creek Trail. This beloved event brings together families, friends, and runners of all ages for a morning of fitness and fun. Participants can enjoy a scenic route while supporting local charities. Each year, the Temple Turkey Trot grows in size and community spirit, making it a true Central Texas holiday tradition.
Amy’s Attic Expert Tips: Pre-register early to guarantee your commemorative race shirt and save on fees. Bring warm layers for the morning chill and plan extra time for parking.
Location: Pepper Creek Trail, Temple, TX
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025 – 8 AM
Admission: $30 pre-registration (by Nov. 16) | $40 race-day
Website: racetemple.com
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Lakehills
Celebrate gratitude and giving at the Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner hosted at Lakehills Community Center. Open to everyone, this heartwarming event provides a full Thanksgiving meal to families, seniors, and individuals who want to enjoy fellowship and delicious food. Volunteers are welcome to help serve and share kindness this season.
Amy’s Attic Expert Tips: Arrive early if you plan to dine in, as this event is first-come, first-served. Consider volunteering or bringing canned goods to support the community’s efforts.
Location: Lakehills Community Center, 11225 Park Road 37, Lakehills, TX
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025 – 11 AM to 2 PM
Admission: Free (donations and volunteers welcome)
Website: allevents.in/mico/free-community-thanksgiving-dinner/200029124811740
Plano Turkey Trot
Looking for a festive way to burn calories before the feast? Head north to the Plano Turkey Trot, one of Texas’s largest Thanksgiving Day runs. With both 5K and 10K options, this family-friendly event welcomes seasoned runners and first-timers alike. Enjoy music, holiday costumes, and post-race festivities that make it a memorable Thanksgiving morning tradition.
Amy’s Attic Expert Tips: Parking fills up quickly, so arrive at least 45 minutes early. Bring gloves or a light jacket for cooler morning temperatures.
Location: Plano, TX
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025 – 8 AM
Admission: $0 – $49.99
Website: txruns.com/planoturkeytrot
How Amy’s Attic Self Storage Helps Local Families
Thanksgiving and the holidays can fill your home with decorations, extra furniture, and family memories. Amy’s Attic Self Storage helps Central Texas families stay organised with clean, secure, and climate-controlled storage units perfect for seasonal items.
Whether you need extra space for hosting guests or a place to store decorations, our team is here to help. Visit our locations page to find a facility near you or rent now online in minutes.
