Fall Break
- No classes, Monday-Friday, Nov. 24 – Friday, Nov. 28
Thanksgiving Closures/Special Hours:
- Texas Global will be open 8am-5pm, Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 24-26
- Jack will be in the office for in person services from 10am-5pm, Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Jack will work remotely Wednesday, Nov. 26 but will be available by phone, email, and WhatsApp during regular business hours
- The university will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28 in observance of Thanksgiving
Final Reception Fall 2025
- Date: Monday, December 8
- Time: 4-6 p.m.
- WCP Student Activity Center (WCP, 2.410) Ballroom
- Dinner will be served
- Winners of the Spring 2026 scholarships will be announced!
- We will have a raffle with fun prizes!
- Do you have pictures to add to our slideshow?
Continuing Student Applications
- For Spring 2026
- Applications are now closed
- We would love to see you again!
A Guide to Thanksgiving: Meaning, Traditions, and Local Ways to Join In
Each November, people across the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. This is a holiday centered around gratitude, food, and community. Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving marks one of the most cherished American traditions and signals the beginning of the winter holiday season.
A Brief History
Thanksgiving’s origins trace back to 1621, when English settlers known as the Pilgrims shared a harvest meal with members of the Wampanoag Nation in what is now Massachusetts. This gathering is often remembered as the “First Thanksgiving,” though of course it was not yet an official holiday. It represented a moment of cooperation and mutual support after a challenging year for the settlers.
Centuries later in 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, urging Americans to take time for gratitude and reflection even in the midst of hardship. Since then, Thanksgiving has evolved into a day that celebrates appreciation, family, and togetherness, while also encouraging people to give back to their communities.
Modern Traditions
Today, Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with beloved traditions — some historical, others uniquely personal. At the center of most celebrations is the Thanksgiving meal, often featuring roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many families and friends gather around the table to share favorite dishes and express what they are thankful for.
In the morning, millions tune in to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, famous for its giant balloons, floats, and marching bands. Others enjoy football games, either on television or in local “Turkey Bowl” matches with friends. Beyond the festivities, many people also volunteer at food drives, soup kitchens, or shelters, embodying the spirit of gratitude through acts of service.
In recent years, a newer tradition called “Friendsgiving” has grown popular, especially among college students and young adults. Friendsgiving brings together friends who may live far from home, allowing them to celebrate with chosen family and create their own memories. It’s a reminder that Thanksgiving is about connection, no matter who gathers at the table.
The Spirit of Gratitude and Reflection
At its heart, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks. It offers a moment to slow down, reflect on the passing year, and appreciate our blessings both small and significant — health, friendship, opportunity, and community. For many, it’s also a time to acknowledge and learn about the complex history behind the holiday, including the experiences of Indigenous peoples whose traditions and resilience continue to shape American culture. Incorporating that awareness adds depth and meaning to the celebration, transforming it into not just a day of gratitude but also one of understanding and respect.
Celebrating in Your Own Way
Whether you’re sharing a meal with family, joining friends for a potluck, volunteering in your community, or simply taking a moment to reflect, Thanksgiving is ultimately about connection and gratitude. No matter how it’s celebrated, its message remains timeless: Take the time to appreciate what you have, the people around you, and the shared joy that comes from giving thanks.
Below are options for where to eat a delicious Thanksgiving meal and participate in US and local Austin traditions:
Kerbey Lane
- Kerbey Lane’s Thanksgiving Plate! For dine-in or to-go. Each plate includes: golden roasted turkey smothered in homestyle gravy, whipped garlic potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, a buttery biscuit, rich sweet potato casserole, herby cornbread stuffing, crispy Brussels sprouts.
- Hours: Open 7am-3pm on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27
- Available at participating Kerbey Lane locations: South, Northwest, University, Southwest, Round Rock, and Mueller.
- Visit the Kerbey Lane Cafe website for more information
Hyde Park
- Dine-in: Traditional Turkey Plate and Vegetarian Plate
- Open Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27
- Hours: 11 am – 7 pm
- Location: 4206 Duval St, Austin, TX
- Visit the Hyde Park website for more information.
HEB
Celebrate the holidays with ease. Build your own meal using easy seasonal staples for a stress-free holiday.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
A true American tradition, the 99th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on television nationwide on Thursday, November 27 from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm in all time zones on NBC. The parade will also be live on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock (you can sign up for an account). Take a look at their webpage for the event to preview the many giant balloons, floats, entertainers, marching bands, and more that are joining the celebration.
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
It’s the 35th Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot. This is one of Austin’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions! The event will feature a 5-mile run, 1-mile walk, and Kids-K. 100% of the raffle ticket revenue will benefit Caritas of Austin, a non-profit that works to prevent and end homelessness in the Austin community.
- Date: Thursday, November 27
- Start Times: 8:30 a.m. for timed 5-mile, 9:15 a.m. for untimed 5-mile
- Location: The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr.
- Registration Fees: Range from $15 – $45; includes an iconic Turkey Trot long-sleeved T-shirt! Tickets are limited, so register early!
- Register on the event website
Operation Turkey
Operation Turkey is a 100% volunteer organization that works together to ensure everyone receives a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day. Each year they prepare, package, and deliver meals to the homeless and less fortunate in just 4 hours.
Thanksgiving Morning, November 27, 8am-12pm
This is their main event where they build the meals and deliver them out to the community. Volunteers of all ages come together at a location and step into various roles including setup, cooking, plating, packaging, delivering, and more.
Special thanks to Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team with ISSS, for contributing the “Guide to Thanksgiving.”
I really appreciated this post; your explanation of Thanksgiving’s meaning and traditions felt so heartfelt. I also loved the tips for joining in locally; they make the holiday feel more welcoming and inclusive. Thanks for putting this together!
Thank you for your kind words, Carmen. I’m glad you read this blog post and enjoyed it! Happy Thanksgiving!