Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, giving thanks, and creating lasting memories. If you’re spending the holiday season in Odessa, Texas, you’re in for a warm and inviting experience. This vibrant city offers a variety of activities and attractions to make your Thanksgiving truly special. Here are some fun things to do in Odessa around Thanksgiving:
EVENTS
We’ve got you covered for some fun ideas on top of the events below. Stroll through the art exhibit, Con Carino by Guadalupe Hernandez at the Ellen Noël Art Museum. Use Stonehenge replica as your backdrop for family and fur-friends thanksgiving photos. Walk off that thanksgiving stuffing at Comanche Trails.
- 4th Annual Turkey Trot | Community 5K & Fun Run/Walk, November 23rd @ 8:30am • Time to put on your running shoes and participate in the Odessa College community Turkey Trot! You can either begin your Saturday morning while running or walking a 5K at the James Segrest Stadium. Win fun prizes! Click for more information
- Odessa Shakespeare Festival: Greatest Hits, Nov 23, @ 7PM • From the passionate romance of Romeo and Juliet to the hilarious antics of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this event promises to be a celebration of Shakespeare’s greatest hits. Click for more information
- Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Event, Nov 24 @ 11AM • Visit the MASA Bakery for a fun free thanksgiving cookie themed decorating event! There will be one hour timed slots, rsvp’s requested. Click for more information
- Friendship Sip & Paint Night @ El Sitio • Enjoy sips, bites, and guided painting at El Sitio with local artist, Liliana Marquez. Reservations are encouraged. Click for more information
- Odessa Jackalopes Hockey Games, Nov 29 & Nov 30 @ Ector County Coliseum • Go jacks! Pack the shack and get ready to cheer on the Odessa Jacks as they take on the Shreveport Mudbugs at the Ector County Coliseum. Click for more information
- Parks Legado Christmas Market, Nov 30 at 5pm @ Parks Legado Town Center • Wrap up your thanksgiving weekend with some Christmas cheer with the family or friends at this market! Find local vendors, holiday treats, free cookie decorating, free hot cocoa, visits with santa, shop for your perfect tree or wreath, and create those everlasting memories to ring in the Christmas season! Click for more information
EAT LOCAL
Looking for places to eat on Thanksgiving day? Check out Barrel & Derrick, Saltgrass Steakhouse, IHOP, Golden Corral, Denny’s. Don’t go empty handed to your friendsgiving, check out La Fiesta Bakery, Fat Jack’s Bakery, Doughboy’s Cafe, or MASA Bakery. Looking for a warm cup of coffee or tea, check out our coffee guide to find the best local spots.
- Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov 24, 2pm @ American Legion • Open invitation to join in for a Thanksgiving dinner with friends and loved ones at American Legion. Click for more information
- Thanksgiving brunch, Nov 28, 11am – 3pm, @ Barrel & Derrick • The talented Chef Marcos and his culinary team have created a mouthwatering menu featuring a delightful blend of savory breakfast favorites and classic Thanksgiving dishes. You can reserve your table on Opentable. Click for more information
SHOP LOCAL
Skip the big box stores and discover the unique charm of shoppin’ local in Odessa this holiday season! Our vibrant community boasts a variety of locally-owned boutiques, shops, and specialty stores offering everything from handcrafted treasures to the latest trends. Whether you’re searching for that perfect western outfit or a one-of-a-kind gift, shopping local in Odessa guarantees a personalized experience and supports the very heart of our city. For fun unique gifts, a couple of local favorites shops are McJack’s General Store, Sunflower Pharmacy, Vintage Deluxe, Ye Old Bookworm. Click here for more local shops
VOLUNTEER
Curbside Bistro, Nov 28, 11am • Curb Side Bistro is accepting volunteers to help serve a free thanksgiving meal to first responders, law enforcement, friends, neighbors and those in need! If you would like to volunteer, please show up to Curbside Bistro at 10am on thanksgiving day and they will find a place for you!
We hope we’ve got you covered on plenty of things to do this thanksgiving season! If not be sure to check out more blogs like: Outdoor Things To Do, Where To Find Live Music, Best Coffee Spots, Odessa TX Murals & Public Art, Things To Do & See Near the University of Texas of the Permian Basin
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