Thanksgiving 2024

Explore restaurants open and things to do in Bryan Thanksgiving weekend for a true Texas holiday!

Thanksgiving in Bryan is more than just turkey and stuffing—it’s a full-on fall holiday of flavors, festivities, and football! Whether you’re here to dive into a plate piled high with mashed potatoes, run off the pie at the Turkey Trot, or score Black Friday deals faster than you can say “leftover sandwich,” Bryan has you covered.

This is the kind of Thanksgiving where traditions get a Texas twist: think charcuterie boards alongside pecan pie, BBQ pit stops in between football games, and twinkling lights that make your Instagram pop. So, loosen that belt buckle and get ready for a holiday weekend that’s all about feasting, fun, and a whole lot of Texas-sized hospitality!

Where to Eat on Thanksgiving in Bryan

Bryan’s local restaurant scene is filled with options for Thanksgiving meals, whether you’re dining out, ordering takeout, or planning to cater your holiday feast. Here are some top picks:

Thanksgiving Meals for Dine-In

Campfire at the Stella - The Stella Hotel will be hosting a Thanksgiving Brunch from 7 AM to 3 PM, featuring their daily brunch menu and a Fried Turkey special, which extends into dinner with their standard all-day menu. Thanksgiving specials include Deviled Eggs, Rosemary Buttermilk Biscuits, Crispy Masa Crusted Shrimp, and Venison Meatballs in BBQ Demi Glace. For main dishes, enjoy Southern Fried Turkey Breast, Texas Eggs Benedict, and Campfire Chicken Strips and Waffles. Dessert offerings include Bourbon Pecan Pie with vanilla bean ice cream, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake, and Pumpkin Cheesecake. Call Campfire at (979) 421-4444 for reservations.

Cracker Barrel - Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal starting at 11 a.m. Dine in for the classic fixings, or pre-order their Heat n' Serve Feast that serves 8-10 people and is ready in just two hours.

IHOP - You might be planning a full home-cooked dinner for the holiday, but that doesn't mean you should have to make breakfast, too! Start your Thanksgiving morning with a hearty breakfast at IHOP, or stop by for a late-night, after-meal meal. IHOP will be open 24 hours.

The LaSalle Hotel - Kick off your Thanksgiving festivities at the La Salle Hotel! Join the Day Before Thanksgiving Happy Hour on November 27th for all-day deals: 50% off draft beers, Texas Grazing Boards, and Beer Cheese Pretzels, plus 5 Jalapeño Poppers for just $10. On Thanksgiving Day, enjoy a special holiday meal at Station 36 for $36 per person from 5-7 PM.

Thanksgiving Take-Out & Catering

Graze & Gala - Order a charcuterie or grazing board to enjoy before your feast or as a standalone treat. Options range from personal boxes to large boards.

Cotton Patch Cafe -Their Homestyle for the Holidays catering offers chef-made meals, ready to heat and eat. Order by November 26th and pick up before Thanksgiving. Serves up to 12.

Desserts & More

The Chocolate Gallery - Impress your out-of-town guests with Texas-inspired novelty chocolates and souvenir candies. Or finish your meal with one of The Chocolate Gallery’s must-try gourmet cheesecakes.

Sweet Relish Café & Baked Goods - Order pies or cobblers in advance, with options like classic apple, sweet potato, or pumpkin pie.

Kettlebells Sweets & Treats - Enjoy gluten-free and allergy-friendly desserts, customizable to fit your needs.

Messina Hof Winery - Create the perfect Thanksgiving pairing with Messina Hof’s curated wine selection.

Fresh Turkeys from Hollydew Farm - Visit the Brazos Valley Farmers Market to pick up a fresh turkey and other local goods.

Thanksgiving Events in Bryan

Bryan's Thanksgiving weekend is filled with events to get you into the holiday spirit!

Yesterday's Bar and Grill - (Thanksgiving Eve) Kick off the holiday festivities at Yesterday's Bar and Grill for the annual BISD & CSISD All-Year Reunion on Wednesday, November 27, starting at 7 PM. Enjoy food, drinks, and karaoke as you reconnect with old friends. While bringing a toy for donation isn't required, it’s certainly appreciated and adds a dose of holiday spirit!

Lights On! in Historic Downtown Bryan - On Friday, November 22, from 6-8 PM, enjoy the annual Lights On! event. Main Street and Bryan Avenue will glow with holiday lights, making for a festive start to Thanksgiving weekend. Expect photo ops, entertainment, and even a visit from Santa!

Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run - Join the Thanksgiving morning run at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. The event begins at 8 AM and post-race fun includes music, apple and pecan pie, and craft beer from Blackwater Draw Brewing. Proceeds support the Mercy Project.

Beauty & the Beast Jr. - Catch the youth production of Beauty & the Beast Jr., running from November 29 to December 15 at The Theatre Company of BCS.

Texas A&M vs. University of Texas Football - On November 30, experience the classic rivalry at Kyle Field. Take advantage of the free game-day shuttle from Historic Downtown Bryan for easy access.

Lone Star Showdown Concert - Get ready to kick off the Lone Star Showdown weekend with an unforgettable concert! Join the excitement on Friday, November 29, at Reed Arena with Pat Green and the Randy Rogers Band for a night filled with music, tradition, and Aggie spirit. Doors open at 7 PM, and tickets are available through the 12th Man Foundation.

13-0 Burn BBQ Cook-Off - Taste the rivalry at the 13-0 Burn BBQ Cook-Off! On Saturday, November 30, head to the Aggie Spirit Lawn for a celebration of Aggie pride with mouthwatering BBQ, as 20 teams compete for top honors judged by celebrity guests. Open to the public, this is one event you won’t want to miss!

Black Friday & Holiday Shopping

From vintage stores to upscale boutiques, find everything you need when you shop local in Bryan, Texas during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Black Friday Shopping

From unique boutiques in Downtown Bryan to big-name stores at Post Oak Mall in nearby College Station, you'll find great deals. Make it a day of shopping and dining, with plenty of local flavors to fuel your adventure.

Small Business Saturday

Support local businesses with a day of special deals and one-of-a-kind finds, perfect for unique holiday gifts.

With so much to eat, see, and do, Bryan is a great choice for Thanksgiving 2024. Whether you’re here for the day or the weekend, you’ll find a festive mix of holiday charm, Texas flavors, and family-friendly fun.

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