Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and reflect on the things we’re grateful for. If you’re in Houston for Thanksgiving, you’re in for a treat! The city offers a wealth of activities and experiences to make your holiday memorable. Here’s how to spend a perfect Thanksgiving in Houston.
1. Enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast
- Dine Out: Many of Houston’s top restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus. Consider dining at places like Brennan’s of Houston, known for its Southern-inspired holiday menu, or B&B Butchers & Restaurant, where you can enjoy a traditional feast with all the trimmings.
- Order In: Prefer a cozy meal at home without the hassle of cooking? Several local establishments offer takeout Thanksgiving dinners. Options like Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa provide gourmet meals that you can enjoy in the comfort of your home or hotel.
2. Thanksgiving Day Parade
The H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved Houston tradition. Featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and performances, it’s a fun-filled event for the whole family. Stake out a spot along the parade route early to get the best view. This year the Parade will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2026, at 9 a.m.
3. Turkey Trot
Start your day with some exercise and community spirit by participating in the annual Houston Turkey Trot. This family-friendly event offers a 5K, 10K, and a kids’ run. Proceeds benefit local charities, making it a great way to give back to the community while working up an appetite for your Thanksgiving meal.
4. Visit Houston’s Museums
Many of Houston’s museums remain open on Thanksgiving, providing a great opportunity to explore the city’s cultural offerings. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science are excellent choices for a day of discovery and learning.
5. Outdoor Activities
Houston’s mild November weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities. Consider a visit to Hermann Park, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, paddle boating, or a picnic. The Houston Zoo, located within the park, is another fantastic option for families.
6. Holiday Shopping
Kick off your holiday shopping at one of Houston’s many shopping centers. The Galleria, Houston’s premier shopping destination, is open on Thanksgiving evening, offering a head start on Black Friday deals. Alternatively, visit local markets like the Houston Heights Market for unique, locally-made gifts.
7. Theater and Live Performances
Experience Houston’s vibrant arts scene with a holiday performance. The Alley Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” is a seasonal favorite that brings the classic story to life with captivating performances and stunning sets.
8. Volunteer Opportunities
Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving by giving back to the community. Many local organizations, such as the Houston Food Bank and Star of Hope Mission, welcome volunteers to help serve meals and support those in need during the holiday season.
9. Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
If you’re looking to explore beyond the city, consider a day trip to nearby attractions. The Space Center Houston offers fascinating exhibits and an insider’s look at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Alternatively, Galveston Island provides beautiful beaches and historic sites just a short drive from Houston.
10. Capture the Memories
Remember to capture your Thanksgiving memories! Whether you’re dining at a fancy restaurant, enjoying the parade, or spending time with family, take photos to commemorate the special moments. Houston offers numerous scenic spots for great holiday photos, including Discovery Green and Buffalo Bayou Park.
Houston is a dynamic city with a rich array of activities and experiences to enjoy during Thanksgiving. From festive parades and delicious dining options to cultural excursions and community events, there’s something for everyone to make the holiday special. Enjoy your Thanksgiving in Houston, and make the most of all the wonderful things the city has to offer!
Here’s an updated “Thanksgiving in Houston” blog post for 2026, pulling together known events, perennial favorites, and tips for making the most of the holiday. If you like, I can try to dig up some closer-to-date event announcements (since many things for late 2026 aren’t yet fully confirmed).
How to Spend Thanksgiving in Houston — 2026 Edition
Key Dates & What’s Confirmed So Far
- Thanksgiving Day in 2026 will be Thursday, November 26.
(That sets the date for major events, dinners, parades, etc.) - The H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is a long-standing signature event. Past announcements show it typically kicks off at 9:00 AM downtown. (City of Houston)
For 2025, it was set for Nov. 27. (City of Houston)
Expect the 2026 parade on Thanksgiving Day at a similar time, though exact route, grand marshal, and reserved seating details are usually announced a few months ahead.
What to Do Over Thanksgiving Week
Here are things that tend to happen, plus some new offerings & ideas to plan for 2026.
| 🎯 Activity | Where / Details | What’s New or Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Parade Day | H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, downtown Houston, ~9 AM | As usual, expect floats, balloons, marching bands. Reserved seating is often sold. Check the City of Houston Special Events or Visit Houston websites later in summer/early fall. |
| Family / Children’s Activities | Children’s Museum of Houston hosts “Great Gobbler Thanksgiving Week,” with games, line dancing, special exhibits. (cmhouston.org) | New themes likely. If you have kids, this is a good bet for daytime fun and escape from cooking. |
| Turkey Runs / Fitness Events | Turkey Dash or Turkey Trot events (5K, 10K, family fun runs) across various neighborhoods. (CultureMap Houston) | 2026 should see some updated routes or offerings (handcycling, etc.) as inclusivity grows. |
| Dining Out & To-Go Meals | Many restaurants do special Thanksgiving dinners (buffet or plated), plus multiple options for take-home turkey, sides, pies. There are catering services, etc. (Houston Press) | In 2025, places like Galiana’s offered family-meals to go. Expect similar, perhaps more upscale options, themed menus, and earlier reservation deadlines in 2026. |
| Cultural / Evening Programs | Zoo Lights (Houston Zoo) and other light-shows often begin in late November; ice rinks, public holiday displays; museums and theatres put on special holiday programming. (Visit Houston) | For 2026, expect more integration of lighting shows, perhaps outdoor concerts or performances timed with the parade or the weekend after. |
| Shopping / Holiday Kick-Off | After the parade, holiday markets, festive decorations, tree lighting ceremonies across the city, especially in downtown and popular retail districts. | Many people use the long weekend for early holiday shopping. Retail districts will likely offer promotion weekends around that time. |
Where to Eat & What to Order
- Make dinner reservations early. Many of the well-known fine-dining restaurants (steakhouses, seafood houses, upscale Southern-oriented places) will offer special Thanksgiving menus. Plan ahead—reservations for Thanksgiving Day fill up early.
- To-Go / Catering: If you’d rather relax at home, pre-order turkey dinners or catering menus. Businesses and caterers like Grupo Herrera, local barbecue spots, Tex-Mex joints are likely to expand their pre-order options. (Visit Houston)
- Dessert: Pie traditions are strong (pumpkin, pecan, apple). Specialty dessert shops will have limited-edition offerings.
- Kid-friendly & casual spots: Diners, cafeterias and family-style restaurants will often have easier going, especially if you’re traveling or with kids.
Where to Stay & Logistical Tips
- Downtown and inner loop hotels fill up around parade & weekend. If visiting from out of town, book early.
- Traffic & parking will be heavy on parade day. Public transit (bus, light rail if relevant) may have modified schedules; check beforehand.
- If going to multiple events over the weekend, plan geographically (don’t crisscross the city too much). Houston is big, and traffic can break your schedule.
- Weather can vary: late November in Houston tends to be mild to cool, but mornings can be chilly. Layers are helpful.
What to Look Forward to / Things to Check Closer to the Date
As 2026 approaches, keep an eye out for:
- Parade announcements: route, grand marshal, any changes or enhancements (e.g. new floats, performances)
- New events: maybe outdoor concerts, theatrical performances, light shows scheduled to start Thanksgiving weekend.
- Updated menus & catering offerings: restaurants often release their Thanksgiving menus in early-mid fall. Watch for themed menus (fusion Thanksgiving, upscale twist, etc.).
- Latest public health or safety guidelines: crowd sizes, possible permits, etc.
- Special promotions or pop-ups: local markets, artisan fairs, holiday shopping districts may host Thanksgiving weekend pop-ups.
Sample Day Plan for Thanksgiving Day, Houston 2026
Here’s a suggested schedule to get the most out of the day:
- 8:00 AM – Wake up, coffee, light breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Attend the H-E-B Parade downtown
- 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM – Thanksgiving dinner or brunch (dine-in or pick up to-go)
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Relax with family, maybe visit a museum/exhibit or enjoy a walk at Buffalo Bayou or Hermann Park
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – See holiday lights or attend a special evening event (lighted zoo, outdoor concert)
- Evening – Finish with dessert, perhaps movies at home or catch a show
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