By Rebecca | Local Austin Expert | 8 min read
The best things to do in Austin Thanksgiving week include holiday markets, Longhorns football, a famous Turkey Trot, and the start of Zilker’s holiday season. Family is in town, and college students are home. As a result, everyone needs a plan. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is open all Thanksgiving week except Tuesday and Thursday. Here is how to fill the week.
Quick Answer: Things to Do in Austin Thanksgiving Week
The best things to do in Austin Thanksgiving week include ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, A Christmas Affair holiday market, the Austin Studio Tour, Longhorns vs. Arkansas, the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, and the Zilker Holiday Tree lighting. We are open all Thanksgiving week except Tuesday, November 24, and Thursday, November 26. Book an afternoon tour early, because family groups fill the schedule fast.
1. Spend Thanksgiving Week at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Open All Week Except Tuesday and Thursday
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is open all Thanksgiving week except Tuesday, November 24, and Thursday, November 26, which is Thanksgiving Day. Therefore, plan your tour for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or the weekend. Our season ends soon, and we are closed December through February.
We are about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Your group rides across the lake to reach the ziplines. Then you fly high above the water.
Two Tour Options
We offer two tours, so you can match the trip to your group.
The 5-Line Tour is our full adventure. You fly five ziplines, including the Double Barrel Shotgun. That ride sends two people side by side over 2,800 feet at up to 65 mph, 22 stories above the lake.
The Double Barrel Single-Line Tour is a shorter option. It centers on the Double Barrel Shotgun, our signature ride. As a result, it suits groups that want one big ride and time for family plans.
Lake Access After the Tour
Both tours include full-day lake access. After your tour, head back to the lakefront. Then stay as long as you like before returning to Austin.
Great for Family Groups
Thanksgiving week brings cousins, siblings, and grandkids together. A zipline tour gives everyone a shared story. Additionally, it burns off energy before the big meal.
Riders must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Check your group early. We recommend an afternoon tour, because the light is golden and the temperature is comfortable. Reservations are required, so book at laketraviszipline.com and check current rates there.
2. The Weekend Before Thanksgiving: November 20 to 22
A Christmas Affair
A Christmas Affair is the Junior League of Austin’s big holiday market. It runs November 19 to 22 at the Palmer Events Center. More than 200 merchants sell gifts, decor, and food. General admission hours are 10 AM to 7 PM on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, it runs 10 AM to 4 PM. Confirm details at jlaustin.org.
Austin Studio Tour
The Austin Studio Tour returns for its second weekend, November 21 and 22. Local artists open their studios to the public. You can meet makers and see works in progress. Furthermore, it is a great way to find a gift that no one else has.
Longhorns vs. Arkansas
Texas hosts Arkansas on Saturday, November 21, at Darrell K Royal Stadium. This is the final home game of the season. The kickoff window is listed as 2:30 to 3:30 PM, so confirm the time at texaslonghorns.com. Game day fills downtown with fans. Therefore, plan your zipline tour for a different day, or book an earlier afternoon slot.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is open daily through December 24. Shoppers find handmade jewelry, art, and home goods. It is a good stop for relatives who love local gifts.
3. Thanksgiving Day and the Days Around It
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot happens Thursday morning, November 26. It starts at the Long Center on West Riverside Drive. This is the 36th year. The event includes a 5-mile run, a 1-mile walk, and a kids’ race. All proceeds support Caritas of Austin. Register at thundercloud.com.
Plan Around Our Closed Days
We are closed on Tuesday, November 24, and Thursday, November 26. Many Austin restaurants and attractions are also closed or limited on Thanksgiving Day. Therefore, plan your holiday meal early. Then book your adventure for Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.
Black Friday and Longhorns at A&M
On Friday, November 27, the Longhorns play at Texas A&M. Kickoff is at 6:30 PM. Many Austin bars host watch parties. Consequently, a Friday afternoon zipline tour fits well before an evening of football.
4. The Weekend After Thanksgiving: November 28 and 29
Zilker Holiday Tree
The Zilker Holiday Tree season starts Sunday, November 29. The tree stands in Zilker Park and is visible from across the park. Check the City of Austin website for the lighting ceremony time. It is a free way to start the holiday season.
Saturday Adventure Day
Saturday is the last weekend day before the holiday crowd leaves. Book an afternoon tour at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Then enjoy lake access and head back to Austin for dinner.
5. Free Austin Favorites
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs stays about 68 degrees all year. A cool November day makes it quiet and calm. The surrounding Zilker Park is also lovely in fall.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is a free hike through limestone canyons. Cool weather makes the trail comfortable. As a result, it is a good plan for Tuesday, when we are closed.
Lady Bird Lake Trail
The trail wraps around the lake near downtown. It is flat and easy for all ages. Additionally, it works well for a family walk after a big meal.
6. Sample Thanksgiving Week Plan
Monday, November 23
Book an afternoon zipline tour with the visiting family. Then enjoy lake access before heading back to Austin.
Tuesday, November 24
We are closed today. Instead, hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt or visit Barton Springs Pool. Then stock up on groceries for the holiday.
Wednesday, November 25
Fit in a second afternoon tour if more family arrives. Then enjoy an easy dinner and an early night.
Thursday, November 26
Run or walk the Turkey Trot in the morning. Then enjoy your Thanksgiving meal. Remember that we are closed today.
Friday, November 27
Shop the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Next, fit in an afternoon tour at Lake Travis. Finally, watch the Longhorns at A&M that evening.
Saturday and Sunday, November 28 and 29
Spend Saturday on a Lake Travis tour or a Greenbelt hike. On Sunday, visit the Zilker Holiday Tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures open Thanksgiving week?
Yes. We are open all Thanksgiving week except Tuesday, November 24, and Thursday, November 26. Book at laketraviszipline.com.
What days are you closed during Thanksgiving week?
We are closed Tuesday, November 24, and Thursday, November 26, which is Thanksgiving Day.
What are the best things to do in Austin Thanksgiving week?
Top options include ziplining on Lake Travis, A Christmas Affair, the Austin Studio Tour, Longhorns football, the Turkey Trot, and the Zilker Holiday Tree.
What tours does Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offer?
We offer the 5-Line Tour and the Double Barrel Single-Line Tour. Both include full-day lake access.
What are the weight requirements for ziplining?
Riders must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds.
How far is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures from downtown Austin?
About 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin.
When does the Austin Turkey Trot start?
It happens on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, at the Long Center. Check thundercloud.com for start times.
Is the Zilker Holiday Tree free?
Yes. Visiting the tree is free. Check the City of Austin website for dates and the lighting ceremony time.
Plan Your Thanksgiving Week
Thanksgiving week is busy, but it is also full of fun. Start with an afternoon zipline tour, and build the rest around family. Then book at laketraviszipline.com before the holiday slots are gone.
About the Author
Rebecca is a 30-year Austin resident, UT Austin alumna, and outdoor recreation and tourism professional who has spent her career in the Austin adventure tourism industry. She has guided zipline tours on Lake Travis and worked in outdoor recreation tourism through the University of Texas, where she studied marketing and business. When she is not writing about Austin, she is out on the lake.
For more ideas, see Best Things to Do in Austin for Thanksgiving Weekend with Family, Best Things to Do in Austin in the Fall, and Family Friendly Activities in Austin TX.