From Thanksgiving Day onward, prepare to enjoy yourself at events ranging from parades and toy drives to charity races and good old-fashioned fun. There’s plenty of cheer as the season of giving nears. 

Brighten your holidays with the 28^th Annual Chesapeake Energy Parade of Lights, which takes to the streets of downtown Fort Worth on November 26, 2010. This festive procession, with a theme of “Unwrap the Magic,” will feature more than 100 entries from classic cars to horses, and fabulous floats. There are plenty of good spots along the route to watch from, and attendance is free. If you don’t want to be on your feet, a limited number of seats is available by ticket purchase. Be sure to take the kids to enjoy some crafts at the Holiday Fun Zone, and treat yourself to some good food, coffee and entertainment. Bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate. The toys will be rounded up by the “Cowboy Santas” shortly before the parade for distribution to children in need. After the parade, move onto the Sundance Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. For more information, visit www.fortworthparadeoflights.org.

On your mark, get set, go to the Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, held Thanksgiving morning in Dallas. The event is a great way to get some exercise before the big meal. The trot features both a fun 5K course and an eight-mile course. Bring the family for a fun experience, whether you’re a runner or walker. Kids under six years old can join in as Trot Tots for a discount and their own apparel. You can even push the stroller or bring the dog along; four-legged participants can receive scarves. Dogs must be leashed and well socialized. A wheelchair race will start off the day’s events. You can walk or run, and help keep the YMCA’s essential programs going. Become a volunteer fundraiser and make even more of a positive impact in the community. Same-day registration is available. For more information, visit www.thetrot.org.

Have a jolly, old-fashioned holiday experience at the 30^th Annual Dickens of a Christmas…Home for the Holidays, taking place November 26 through 28, 2010. The event brings you traditional good times with horse-drawn carriage rides and the sounds of cheerful caroling, all enhanced by the charming backdrop of McKinney’s historic downtown. The event begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting in Mitchell Park, followed by candlelight shopping into the evening. There will be kids’ activities throughout the three-day event including seeing Santa. You’ll enjoy browsing the unique art and antique galleries, bookstores and many other shops as you enjoy checking gifts off your holiday shopping list. For more information, visit www3.mckinneytexas.org/www/mainstreet.aspx?id=4540.

Celebrate the splendor of the holidays by visiting wondrous downtown Waxahachie. See an array of homes decked out for the holidays on a Waxahachie Candlelight Home Tour. A total of 12 homes, ranging in style and age from Victorians to homes of the present century, will be showcased over three weekends: November 26 through 28, December 4 and 5, and December 11 and 12, 2010. Waxahachie’s Historic Downtown turns on the cheer with a Community Tree Lighting on Courthouse Square on November 26. Enjoy a spin on the E-Z Glide synthetic outdoor skating rink on the weekends, Thanksgiving through mid-December. On the morning of December 4, watch as the Waxahachie Christmas Parade rolls through. For more information on these and other festivities in Waxahachie, visit www.waxahachiechamber.com/calendar/candlelight.php.

Have a happy Thanksgiving and bring on the holiday cheer.