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Top 6 2009 Thanksgiving Weekend Activities in Texas

By Danno Wise, About.com

Across the country, Thanksgiving kicks off the 'Holiday Season.' Texas is no different. In fact, from Thursday through Sunday, Thanksgiving weekend is chocked full of activities across the Lone Star State.

1. HEB Holiday Parade

HEB Parade
An annual Thanksgiving Day tradition for almost 60 years, the HEB Holiday Parade signifies the official beginning of the holiday season in the Houston area. This year's parade is set to start at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving morning at Minutemaid Park.

2. FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade

FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade – El Paso’s uniquely Texan Thanksgiving Day parade, the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade originally began in 1936 as a prelude to the Sun Bowl, held on New Year’s Day. The parade date was changed in 1978 and it has remained a Thanksgiving Day tradition since, drawing over 250,000 visitors to the Sun City.

3. Sundance Square Parade of Lights

Parade of Lights
Held each year in downtown Fort Worth, the Sundance Square Parade of Lights features over 100 illuminated entries and climaxes with the lighting of the Fort Worth Holiday Tree. The 2009 parade is set for Nov. 27.

4. Chuy's Christmas Parade

Chuy's Parade
Why wait 'til December for a Christmas Parade when you can attend Chuy's Christmas Parade in Austin during November? This unique Christmas parade - set for Nov. 29 this year - raises money for "Operation Blue," which provides toys to needy children in the Austin area.

5. Arts Encounters at Beninis

Held throughout the year, Arts Encounters allow the public to visit with artists and view their work at the Benini Sculpture Ranch located just outside of Johnson City. This year, an Arts Encounters is scheduled to be held over Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26-27.

6. Wassail Fest at the Nine Flags Festival

For over 10 years, the annual Nine Flags Festival in Nacogdoches has celebrated the rich history and culture of Texas' oldest town. This year's festival is set for Nov. 14 - Dec. 12, but one of the Festival's most popular events, the Wassail Fest, will take place Nov. 28.
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