Celebrate Thanksgiving in Houston 2025 with Southern charm, festive parades, delicious food, and activities for everyone — from family fun to Friendsgiving parties. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, Houston has plenty of things to do Thanksgiving weekend.
Why Spend Thanksgiving in Houston?
Mild Weather, Festive Events, and Southern Hospitality
November in Houston brings perfect sweater weather, blue skies, and a relaxed holiday vibe. Families can enjoy parades, turkey trots, and light shows without the freezing cold typical of northern cities.
A Mix of Tradition and Modern Fun
Houston offers everything from classic Thanksgiving parades to multicultural dining, holiday shopping, and world-class attractions — all wrapped in warm Southern hospitality.
Top Thanksgiving Events in Houston 2025
76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of Houston’s oldest traditions! Watch floats, marching bands, dancers, and giant balloons fill Downtown Houston starting at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Learn more →
Houston Turkey Dash & Turkey Trot Runs
Start your morning with a fun run before the feast. Choose from 10K, 5K, or family 1K options. Register for the Houston Turkey Dash or the Methodist Turkey Trot.
Uptown Holiday Lighting Celebration
After the parade, join the Uptown Houston community for their annual holiday lighting event with live entertainment, music, and fireworks.
Texas Renaissance Festival
Running through November 30, 2025, the Texas Renaissance Festival is a short drive from Houston and makes a perfect post-Thanksgiving weekend trip. Enjoy jousting, artisan crafts, and themed feasts. Visit their site.
Family & Kids-Friendly Thanksgiving Activities
Great Gobbler Week at Children’s Museum Houston
Celebrate with hands-on crafts, games, and “Turkey Jam” events perfect for young kids. View the full schedule.
Houston Zoo Lights & Discovery Green Ice Rink
Kick off the holiday season with festive lights at the Houston Zoo or ice skating under the stars at Discovery Green. These attractions are family favorites year after year.
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunts & Craft Workshops
Local museums and parks host scavenger hunts and themed crafts for families to enjoy throughout Thanksgiving week. Check Visit Houston’s events calendar for updates.
Friendsgiving & Adult Nightlife Options
Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl – Downtown Houston
Join the city’s biggest pre-holiday celebration on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Expect themed drinks, DJs, and holiday vibes downtown. Find tickets.
Friendsgiving Dinners & Parties
Houston’s vibrant food scene means plenty of restaurants and lounges will host special Friendsgiving dinners or cocktail events. Perfect for groups staying in town.
Thanksgiving Brunch & Dinner Hotspots
Many Houston restaurants offer special holiday menus or buffet options. Check out our Houston dining guide for top picks.
All-Ages Events & Holiday Kickoff Fun
Downtown Parade + Brunch
After the parade, head to nearby brunch spots for holiday specials. Try spots in EaDo or Midtown for great food and easy access.
Concerts, Theater & Holiday Lights
Enjoy live performances at the Hobby Center, Jones Hall, or local theaters. Many neighborhoods also launch their holiday lights displays this weekend.
Galveston & Moody Gardens Holiday Lights
Just an hour away, Moody Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures, light tunnels, and seasonal shows. Great family day trip idea!
Travel Tips for Visiting Houston in November
- Weather: Expect mild temps (55°F–75°F). Layer up for cool mornings and evenings.
- Parking: Downtown parking fills up fast for the parade — use Park & Ride or rideshare.
- Book Early: Hotels near Downtown, Uptown, and Galleria fill up quickly during the holiday.
- Dining: Reserve Thanksgiving meals or catering early; popular spots sell out fast.
Sample Itineraries for Every Type of Traveler
Family with Kids
- Morning: Houston Turkey Dash or Parade
- Afternoon: Visit Children’s Museum or Zoo Lights
- Evening: Family dinner at a local restaurant
Friends Getaway
- Thanksgiving Eve: Bar crawl or dinner downtown
- Thanksgiving Day: Parade + brunch
- Weekend: Texas Renaissance Festival or Uptown Lighting
Couples’ Relaxing Weekend
- Morning: Coffee & scenic walk in Hermann Park
- Afternoon: Art galleries or spa visit
- Evening: Dinner + holiday concert or light show
Plan Your Thanksgiving in Houston 2025 Today
Start booking early to enjoy the best of Thanksgiving in Houston 2025. From family parades to Friendsgiving feasts, Space City is ready to make your holiday unforgettable.