Central Texas Holiday Roundup: Eats, Events, and Festive Fun

The holiday season in Central Texas is full of festive cheer, with plenty to see, do, and taste! From ordering a Thanksgiving feast to savoring the glow of dazzling light displays, there’s no shortage of holiday experiences for all ages. Whether you’re planning a day out with family, seeking unique gifts, or looking for local flavors to enjoy at home, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about what our local area has to offer this holiday season.

THANKSGIVING MEALS MADE EASY — EVERYTHING YOU NEED, PREPARED FOR YOU

Whether your schedule is packed, or you just want to unwind and leave the cooking to someone else, local restaurants are ready to make your Thanksgiving stress-free. Many are taking advance orders for pickup, while others are offering special meals on Thanksgiving Day. From the a single side dish or dessert to the full feast, these businesses are here to meet your needs — big or small. Here’s a list of options we’ve found for you.

THANKSGIVING TO GO

 
Love at First Bite (Jarrell, TX)

A Jarrell gem with delicious comfort food made available for Thanksgiving.

• Offerings: “Large Feast” (serves 8-15 people) for $375, “Small Feast” (serves 4-8 people) for $275, “Dinner for Two” for $50, 13 side options (quart or 9×13 pan available) and 36 pie options (2 pies for $40 or $25 each)  
• How to order: Call the restaurant at (512) 746-6124 or order in-store
• Order deadline: November 18^th  

Alexander’s Craft Cocktails & Kitchen (Salado, TX)

Gourmet take-home Thanksgiving meals with additional side and dessert options. 

• Offerings: “Traditional Turkey Package” (serves 6-8) for $145, “Prime Rib Package” (serves 6-8) for $199, desserts and additional side dishes available a la carte
• How to order: Purchase through Eventbrite
• Pickup: Thanksgiving Day, November 28^th from 10:30-11:00 AM  

Pignetti’s Restaurant (Temple, TX)

Thanksgiving meal packages with pickup the day before Thanksgiving.  

• Offerings: Thanksgiving meal (feeds 10) for $249.99
• How to order: Call the restaurant at (254) 778-1269
• Order deadline: November 23^rd by 6:00 PM
• Pickup: Wednesday, November 27^th from 12:00-4:00 PM at Temple High School

Miller’s Smokehouse (Belton, TX)

Let a Texas Monthly Top 50 “Best in Texas” BBQ joint do the cooking for you this Thanksgiving. 

• Offerings: Smoked turkey, brisket, broccoli salad, potato salad, pies (pumpkin, pecan, chocolate cream, sopapilla) and more. Items priced separately.
• How to order: Preorder on Miller’s website

Schoepf’s BBQ (Belton, TX)

Enjoy Thanksgiving Texas-style from an established Central Texas BBQ restaurant.

• Offerings: Whole turkey, brisket, and ham with a variety of sides and desserts such as Mexican street corn, cheesy or German potatoes, ground brisket cornbread dressing, cobbler and much more. Items priced separately. 
• How to order: Call the restaurant at (254) 939-1151
• Order deadline: November 22^nd by 3:00 PM
• Pickup: Wednesday, November 27^th or Thanksgiving Day (November 28^th) from 10:00-11:00 AM

Yellow House Bed & Breakfast (Salado, TX)

Take-and-bake Thanksgiving meals for small families.

• Offerings: Thanksgiving meal for four people ($99 + tax)
• How to order: Call the business at (254) 444-0404 
• Order deadline: November 21^st by 5:00 PM  
• Pickup: Wednesday, November 27^th, from 12:00-4:00 PM  

The Gin at Nolan Creek (Belton, TX)

Individual Thanksgiving plates available for easy, pre-holiday pickup.

• Offerings: $28 per plate, featuring classic Thanksgiving recipes  
• How to order: Call the restaurant at (254) 613-4446 
• Order deadline: November 23^rd  
• Pickup: Wednesday, November 27^th from 11:00 AM-6:00 PM  

OPEN THANKSGIVING DAY (November 28^th): IN-RESTAURANT DINING

 
Alexander’s Craft Cocktails & Kitchen (Salado, TX)

Elevated Thanksgiving dining experience featuring a variety of gourmet options and seasonal sides.

• Time: 2 seatings available at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM  
• RSVP: Reserve your spot online or call the restaurant at (254) 947-5554

The Barton House (Salado, TX)

A fine Thanksgiving feast in a beautiful, historic setting.

• Time: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM  
• Pricing: $49 for Adults, $25 for Children 6-11 years old, and free for Children under 5
• RSVP: Call the restaurant at (254) 947-0441  

Dead Fish Grill (Belton, TX)

Thanksgiving buffet with a scenic lake view, offering a unique holiday dining experience.

• Time: 11:00 AM-7:00 PM  
• Pricing: $40 per person  
• RSVP: Call the restaurant at (254) 939-5771

CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES – LOCAL EVENTS FOR FESTIVE FUN

An impressive lineup of events is coming to Central Texas this holiday season. These local resources are excellent hubs to explore what’s happening nearby. From holiday markets, seasonal sips, live music, Christmas performances and movie screenings to awe-inspiring light displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Check them out and see what sparks your interest!

• Christmas events in Salado, Texas
  • Noteworthy: 64^th Annual Salado Christmas Stroll
• Christmas events in Temple, Belton, and Killeen, Texas
  • Noteworthy: Temple’s “Holly Jolly” Christmas & “Nature in Lights” at BLORA
• Christmas events in Georgetown, Texas 

• Christmas events in Waco, Texas

 
With so much to see, do, and savor, the holiday season in Central Texas has something for everyone. Whether you’re preparing for quality time around the table, picking up a handcrafted gift, or doing something fun with family and friends, we hope this guide helps you create lasting holiday memories with your loved ones. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, joy, and all the magic Central Texas has to offer!

 
* This list was compiled to provide you with helpful information and options. Please note that we do not guarantee or endorse the quality of products or services of the business mentioned.