Thanksgiving.… the season for pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and getting stressed out preparing a 3-course meal that everyone finishes in 15 minutes… anyone else?
I realized a few years ago that the secret to having an amazing Thanksgiving that actually feels like a holiday for me as well is to outsource it! Plus, bonus points for Christmas kick-off events that are typically scheduled for the weekend after Thanksgiving!
We’ve taken the Thanksgiving meal to-go (looking at you, 2020) and also enjoyed a Thanksgiving Feast at one of our favorite family resorts in Texas. For our family, it’s simply the best.
All the family, fun, and feast…. none of the dishes!
Thanksgiving Events at the Best Family Resorts in Texas
1. Horseshoe Bay Resort – Lake LBJ, Texas
Horseshoe Bay Resort is known for its seasonal celebrations all year round and Thanksgiving is no different! Start your Thanksgiving off with a trot and end it with a waddle. The resort is kicking off the holiday with a Turkey Trot with options for a 10k, 5k, or 1k (family-friendly) distance. There will then be a Thanksgiving spread that can be enjoyed either at the Resort or taken to-go. The annual Winter Wonderland tree lighting ceremony complete with Santa photos, horse-drawn carriage rides, fake snow, and a laser light show will be on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Read our full resort review here: Horseshoe Bay Resort
2. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa – Bastrop, Texas
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Bastrop, Texas will be hosting a full day of family fun on Thanksgiving. There will be a Turkey Trot, a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade viewing party with complimentary coffee and pastries, and the famous Thanksgiving Buffet from 12 – 6 p.m. Expect all the traditional Thanksgiving favorites, complete with a mac and cheese station (um, yum). The Thanksgiving celebration will be followed by the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, November 29 at 6 p.m. If you want to make a whole weekend out of the holiday, visits with Santa will be on Friday and Saturday nights and Breakfast with Santa will be on Sunday mornings between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ho, ho, ho-liday magic in the making!
Read our full resort review here: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
3. Hyatt Hill Country San Antonio Resort and Spa – San Antonio, Texas
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio is getting in the holiday spirit by hosting a Thanksgiving Brunch at Antler’s Lodge. If you’ve been there before, you know it is top-notch! Expect a four-course Thanksgiving meal with a choice of main entree (Turkey – duh, prime rib, pork loin, or fish) and family-style sides. In my opinion, the thing you can be most thankful for is not having to cook…. or clean dishes on a holiday!
Read our full resort review here: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
4. San Luis Resort & Spa – Galveston Island, Texas
The San Luis Resort and Spa is basically synonymous with holiday buffets on Galveston Island. This year, the San Luis Resort is kicking off the holiday season by hosting a Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet with all the traditional Thanksgiving foods and so much more! The carving station, seafood station, and dessert station will put you into the food coma you’ve come to expect from the holiday. And Bonus! There’s a kid-friendly buffet with things that they actually want to eat (see: pizza, chicken tenders) as well as things that you actually want them to eat (broccoli, carrots, watermelon).
Read our full resort review here: San Luis Resort and Spa
5. La Cantera Resort and Spa – San Antonio, Texas
La Cantera Resort and Spa is hosting a traditional Thanksgiving Day Feast at Sweet Fire Kitchen on Thursday from 10 am – 8 pm (kids 5 & under free!), as well as an upscale multi-course, prix fixe menu at Signature from 5:30-10:30 pm. The best part of staying Thanksgiving night at La Cantera Resort? Proximity to the Shops at La Cantera on Black Friday morning! Christmas events will kick off at the resort the weekend before Thanksgiving this year with the annual tree lighting on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 7-9 pm .
Read our full resort review here: La Cantera Resort and Spa
6. The Woodlands Resort – The Woodlands, Texas
The Woodlands Resort is kicking off the holiday season with Thanksgiving Brunch from 10 am – 3 pm at Harrison’s. Choose from Turkey, prime rib, or ham at the carving station or from a selection of fresh shellfish at the chilled seafood station. Not a fan of the traditional Thanksgiving meal? Opt for a freshly made omelet or biscuits and gravy instead! The Woodlands Resort is also offering a to-go Thanksgiving meal option that can be enjoyed at home. You can pick up the traditional Thanksgiving trimmings on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving ($299, feeds 6).
Read our full resort review here: The Woodlands Resort
From Turkey Trots to Thanksgiving Brunches, Buffets, and Feasts, there are so many great options to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday at the best family-friendly resorts in Texas! Take advantage of the time spent with your family and bonus if you get a little Christmas kick-off in there too!
From our family to yours – We are so thankful for YOU, our readers, for helping keep our dream of making family-friendly travel in Texas feel doable again after having kids! We sincerely wish you a Thanksgiving full of family, fun, and of course…feasts!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Now…. can we decorate for Christmas yet?!?
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