The most anticipated 74th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is coming your way on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at 9 am!
This annual parade, one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country, is a proud tradition that Houstonians showcase each year. The Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023 promises to be a spectacular event.
Expect several hundred thousand Houstonians to line the streets to cheer on participants as elaborate floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons, and other unique float entries join the H-E-B Houston Parade.
Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023 – Participants
This year, many nationally notable Houstonians, Santa Claus, marching bands, NEW floats, towering inflatables, community groups, and more will be participating in the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade Houston.
For the final parade in his administration, Mayor Sylvester Turner will be leading the parade as its grand marshall. Mayor Turner will be joined by his co-marshalls Rockets legends, former championship coach Rudy Tomjanovich, and Hall of Fame player, Calvin Murphy.
Calvin Murphy used to play for the NBA Houston Rockets and was a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He was the first Hall of Famer to play with the Rockets for his entire career. Following his retirement, he continues to work with the Rockets as an assistant coach, community services advisor, and broadcaster.
Rudy Tomjanovich was also a member of the Houston Rockets his whole career. He was also inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Following his retirement, he spent days as an assistant coach and then as the head coach of the Houston Rockets. He led the team to two consecutive NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Now, Tomjanovich is a player personal consultant for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Here’s a list of other key participants:
- Theatre Under the Stars featuring Cinderella
- TSU Ocean of Soul
- 2xclusive Performing Arts & Crocket Elementary
- Adams Davy ASX
- Apache Belles
- Arabia Shriners Hot Rod Unit
- H-E-B Cart
- Escaramuza
For a complete list of who you can see during the Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023, check here.
Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023 – Route, Map
According to Houston stories, when Santa landed at Union Station in 1949 and drove his sleigh to downtown Houston’s Foley’s department store, the city’s first-ever Thanksgiving Day Parade Houston happened.
The Mayor’s Office of Special Events now puts on the yearly HEB Thanksgiving Parade. It will start on Smith at Lamar, travel north to Walker, east to Milam, south to Pease, west to Louisiana, north to Clay, west to Smith, and north to end at Smith and Dallas.
Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023 – Start time, Reservations, and More!
The public is welcome to attend the 74th H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade for FREE. If you wish to avail of premium, seated admission, you can purchase tickets online!
Seating opens at 7 am. Organizers insist visitors must be seated by 8:15 am. Purchased tickets allow buyers to sit anywhere in the selected section.
Regardless, there will be plenty of curbside space along the route where you can set up your lawn chairs and blankets. Along the route, parking is conveniently located, and Metro buses will operate on a holiday schedule.
When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, at 9 am
Where: Heart of downtown Houston
How Much: $28.25 for seating area admission (w/ fees)
As the Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023 approaches, excitement builds for what is sure to be a vibrant and memorable celebration. The H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade Houston promises to bring together the community in a display of color, music, and festivities, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this historic event, the Thanksgiving Day Parade Houston, a highlight of the city’s annual celebrations. Mark your calendars and join us in downtown Houston for an unforgettable experience!
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