What's Going On In DFW On Thanksgiving Day & After

We're all familiar with the traditions of Thanksgiving that are the same no matter where you are in the country: the turkey, the pie, the nap that follows the turkey and the pie. And then there are the traditions that make a Thanksgiving a true DFW Thanksgiving. Here are some of the events going on Thanksgiving day (and after) in the DFW area that make this holiday a very special one to North Texans.

The Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot
Starts at City Hall
1500 Marilla Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Thanksgiving Day
Race begins at 9 a.m.

Registration Fees: Chip-timed runs (8 mile, 5k and wheelchair) $30, Fun Runs/Not Timed (8 mile, 5k and wheelchair) $25, Tot Trot (6 years and under) $15

http://www.thetrot.org
This race is one of the largest of the year for Dallas and the largest Turkey Trot in the country. For many, Thanksgiving Day doesn't begin until they run this race. Participants have the option of running or walking both the 8-mile course and the 5k (3.1 miles). Friendly dogs on a short leash and babies in strollers are all welcome, making this an experience the whole family can enjoy.

The Fort Worth YMCA Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day
All races start at the intersection of Camp Bowie and Westridge
http://www.fwtrot.org

If you're on the Fort Worth side of the Metroplex, you can still kick your day off with a brisk run at the Fort Worth YMCA Turkey Trot. Just like the one in Dallas, it's a true family affair. This one even has a separate race, the Gobbler Trot, for the younger crowd.

Start times and registration fees:
1k Gobbler Trot begins at 8 am, $19/child before November 23rd
5k begins at 8:35, $25 before November 23rd
10k begins at 8:20, $25 before November 23^rd

Add $3 to 5k and 10k for chip timing. All race entries, including the Gobbler Trot, increase to $35 on race day. Well-trained dogs may run for $10.

Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins

Cowboys Stadium

Thanksgiving and the Dallas Cowboys go together like turkey and dressing, like pumpkin pie and Cool Whip. This year they're playing the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff is at 3:15 pm, and you can catch it on CBS 11 or 105.3 The Fan if you weren't lucky enough to snag a ticket.

Fort Worth Parade Of Lights
November 25th
Downtown/ Sundance Square
Fort Worth, TX 76102
http://www.fortworthparadeoflights.org

Once you've slept off your turkey coma, it's time to embrace the holiday season. One of the best ways to get into the spirit is to celebrate at the Fort Worth Parade of lights, which kicks off the day after Thanksgiving. Activities begin at 2 p.m. at the Holiday Fun Zone in the Chisholm Trail parking lots. The parade, with over 100 entries lit up by over 500,000 lights, will begin at 6 p.m.

You can watch the parade for free, or you can reserve seats at various price points throughout the route. Check here for more information:

http://www.fortworthparadeoflights.org/parade-info/street-seats/

Happy DFW Thanksgiving!