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Houston doesn’t slow down for Thanksgiving week. The holiday brings a mix of longtime local traditions, special events for the school break, and the first big wave of Christmas festivities.
If you’re planning your days off around the holiday, these Things to Do in Houston Thanksgiving Week will help you find something worth leaving the house for, whether you’re spending the week with family or making plans with friends.
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Also check out these articles: Best Thanksgiving Break Camps in Houston, Best Pumpkin Patches in Houston, Corn Mazes in Houston, and Things To Do This Fall in Houston.
Thanksgiving Day Parades, Races & Main Events
77th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Image Credit: newsroom.heb.com
Make your way downtown on Thanksgiving morning for Houston’s 77th annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition that dates back to 1949.
More than 20 city blocks will be filled with giant balloons, high school marching bands, elaborate floats, and live performers.
The parade starts at 9 AM, but arrive around 7:30 AM if you want a good curbside spot along Smith or Walker Street.
Prefer a guaranteed seat? Grandstand tickets near Smith and McKinney cost around $28, with access starting at 7 AM. Street viewing is free, but expect early road closures and busy parking lots.
When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 9:00 am
Where: 600 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free
Houston Methodist Turkey Trot
Image credit: runsignup
Swap your usual Thanksgiving morning routine for a run around the Galleria, where you’ll find plenty of runners dressed as turkeys, pilgrims, and even Santa.
Choose the 10K at 7:30 AM, the Wobble & Gobble 5K at 8 AM, or the Kids’ Run 1K at 9 AM.
Every finisher gets a technical T-shirt, medal, and commemorative bib, and the post-race party runs from 7:45 to 10 AM with food, bounce houses, and a kids’ zone.
Bringing little ones in a stroller? Designated corrals are available.
Runners ages 65 and older can also get a registration discount. Sign up early and arrange packet pickup ahead of race day, as spots can sell out. And don’t forget to look out for Sassy the Turkey, the event’s mascot.
When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 9:00 am
Where: Dillard’s near the Galleria, Houston, TX 77056 US
How Much: Starts at $25.99
Family Activities in Houston Thanksgiving Break
Children’s Museum Houston: Great Gobbler Fest
Image credit: cmhouston
If your kids would rather get hands-on than sit through another grown-up Thanksgiving conversation, Great Gobbler Fest gives them a different activity to look forward to each day.
Monday’s Turkey Jam features DJ-led line dances with a giant turkey character and paper-bag turkey costume crafts. On Tuesday, a real turkey arrives at 9:30 AM for Turkey Pardon Day, followed by the Kids’ Committee president’s official pardon at 12:30 PM and a parade of costumed children.
Wednesday is Pumpkin Chunkin’, where teams drop pumpkins from a lift to see whose smash travels farthest.
The fun continues after Thanksgiving: Friday brings a Changing of the Seasons ceremony with Ensemble Theatre and a visit from Santa, while Saturday’s Cozy Campfires includes hot chocolate spoon workshops, animal stuffie-making, and campfire storytimes.
On Sunday, kids can write letters, make friendship bracelets, and contribute to a canned food drive for Heights Interfaith Ministries.
When: November 23 – 29, 2026
Where: Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: Included in regular admission
Texas Renaissance Festival
Spend Thanksgiving weekend wandering a 70-acre Renaissance village where holiday festivities come with a side of jousting, sword-making, and oversized turkey legs.
Celtic Christmas takes over November 27–29, with Father Christmas and Mother Christmas, holiday music, Christmas decorations, and competitions such as pumpkin pie eating alongside traditional fare like haggis.
If Scottish traditions sound more appealing, visit earlier on November 21–22, for Highland Fling, featuring pipe music, Scottish eggs, Highland games demonstrations, and the Bonnie Knees Costume Contest.
Across the grounds, you can watch jousting and acrobatics, browse more than 400 shops and food vendors, and catch performances across 25 stages.
Parking is free, children 4 and under get in free every day, and children ages 5–12 receive free admission on Sundays and half-price admission on Saturdays and Black Friday.
When: October 1 – November 29, 2026
Where: Texas Renaissance Festival, 21997 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363
How Much: Varies by event
Houston Zoo Lights
After dark, the Houston Zoo’s familiar paths become a glowing holiday trail filled with illuminated animal sculptures, light tunnels, and themed displays.
The Great Ape Gallery transforms into the Illuminated Ocean, presented by H-E-B, while Winter Wonderland features simulated snow. Wild Wonder Lights adds projections. The Neon Playground also gives kids another area to explore.
Zoo Lights runs November 19 through January 3, including Thanksgiving Day itself. The zoo closes to daytime visitors at 4 or 5 PM before reopening for the evening event at 5:30 PM, so check the schedule for your chosen date if you’re planning your Thanksgiving around it.
Tickets are available online only.
When: November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Where: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
How Much: Starts at $24.95
Space Center Houston Galaxy Lights
If your holiday lights need a little space-age flair, Galaxy Lights sets its displays against some unmistakably Houston scenery: a 747 carrier aircraft, a twice-flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, and the grounds where astronauts train.
At Independence Plaza, LED swings sit beneath the 747’s wingspan. Elsewhere, a 40-foot shooting star display stretches 100 feet wide, and crystal fireworks synchronize with music. This 2026, you’ll also have a new galactic snow slide to enjoy.
You can also watch the Holidays in Space film or warm up around outdoor fire pits with s’mores and hot cocoa. It’s closed on Thanksgiving Day, so plan your visit for another evening over the holiday break.
When: November 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Where: Space Center Houston, 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
How Much: Starts at $19.95
Ice at Discovery Green
Trade Houston’s usual November weather for an outdoor skating session at Discovery Green. Ice at Discovery Green opens November 16, with extended daytime hours Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week under the HISD school holiday schedule.
While you’re there, check out H-Town Holiday Lights, a display by Frankie To-ong of Space City Light Shows, known for Houston-themed holiday light shows.
The seasonal calendar also includes Skating with Santa, figure skating demonstrations during Skating Stars, and DJ Skate Nights.
Buy tickets online before you go, and check the schedule if you want to catch a particular themed night.
When: November 13, 2026 – January 18, 2027
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $18 for regular admission
The Woodlands Ice Rink
Looking for an indoor skating option? The Woodlands Ice Rink opens November 20 with 21,000 square feet of ice at Town Center, beside the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and close to restaurants and shops.
The themed schedule gives you a reason to return: Carol Karaoke on Tuesdays, trivia on Thursdays, and Disco Fridays.
If your group includes first-time skaters, there’s a beginner practice area, toddler skates, and rental walkers to help with balance. Sensory-Friendly sessions are also available.
The rink is open on Thanksgiving Day and is part of the wider Holiday on the Waterway celebrations.
When: November 21, 2026 – January 18, 2027
Where: The Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381
How Much: $16 | $8 for kids 5 and under
Moody Gardens Holiday in the Gardens
Image credit: Moody Gardens
At Moody Gardens in Galveston, you can walk through an icy Christmas scene without leaving the Gulf Coast.
ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas fills a tent chilled to nine degrees with hand-carved ice sculptures, including a slide more than two stories tall. Shiver’s Ice Bar, one of the attractions, is made entirely of ice, so bring a warm coat if you plan to explore it.
Outside, the mile-long Holiday Lights Trail winds around the property with views of Galveston Bay.
You can add indoor ice skating, the Arctic Slide, holiday 3D and 4D films, a kiddie train, or the live A Very Electric Christmas show, whose ticket includes trail access. Moody Gardens also offers a Thanksgiving Day buffet if you’d like to include a holiday meal in your visit.
When: November 20, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Where: Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How Much: Varies by attraction
Houston Ballet: The Nutcracker
Make a holiday outing of Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, choreographed by Artistic Director Stanton Welch.
The production features hundreds of characters, elaborate sets, and detailed costumes as Clara’s familiar Christmas Eve story unfolds onstage.
Thanksgiving weekend performances tend to sell out early, so it’s worth checking availability before you settle on your plans.
When: November 27 – December 28, 2026
Where: Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $49
Alley Theatre: A Christmas Carol
Follow Ebenezer Scrooge through his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come in this seasonal story of generosity and second chances.
Thanksgiving-week performances include Saturday, November 21, Sunday, November 22, Tuesday, November 24, and additional performances over Black Friday weekend.
Arrive a little early to see Deck the Trees, the theater’s annual lobby display, which stays up through January 1.
When: November 15 – December 27, 2026
Where: Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $88
Leslie Odom Jr.: The Christmas Tour
Experience an unforgettable evening as the Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom Jr. takes the stage to perform a breathtaking holiday concert.
Known globally for originating the iconic role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton, this celebrated performer brings his extraordinary vocal talents and charismatic stage presence to Texas for a limited engagement.
When: November 28, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Smart Financial Center, 18111 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479
How Much: Starts at $72
Houston Holiday Lights & Festive Markets Opening Thanksgiving Weekend
Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field
Image credit: Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Constellation Field, home of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, turns into a holiday attraction with 3.5 million lights, a 40-foot Christmas tree, a nine-hole mini golf course in the H-E-B Picnic Plaza, and a synthetic ice rink.
During Thanksgiving week, there are several themed nights you can plan around.
November 22 is Lights & Leashes, when you can bring your dog along. On November 23, Goodwill Monday offers free admission to the first 250 qualifying visitors who donate a bag containing at least five gently used items.
Silver Bells Tuesday on November 24 gives visitors ages 55 and older discounted admission and bingo at Karbach Cantina. On November 25, teachers can receive a free ticket with a school email or teacher ID.
Starting November 27, Santa’s Triple Play bundles Holiday Lights, ice skating, and unlimited carnival rides at a 20% discount.
On November 29, Center Field Cinema screens a holiday movie on the stadium’s giant video board, alongside another Lights & Leashes night.
When: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Where: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77498
How Much: Starts at $18.24
Houston Botanic Garden: Radiant Nature
For a quieter evening among the holiday lights, Radiant Nature takes you along a trail through the Houston Botanic Garden, where more than 50 larger-than-life Chinese lantern installations glow among the living plants.
Look for oversized poppies, lilies, azaleas, geraniums, blue morpho butterflies, and owls, all accompanied by a soundtrack.
The trail is just under a mile, with timed entry to help manage crowds. You can take your time with photos and enjoy the displays at a more relaxed pace than you might at a busier holiday attraction.
Book ahead if you’re aiming for opening weekend or the nights around Thanksgiving.
When: November 20, 2026 – February 21, 2027
Where: Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017
How Much: Starts at $18.24
Flea by Night
Step into the lively open-air night market at Discovery Green and discover a treasure trove of creative goods crafted by local makers, artists, and independent small businesses.
Stroll beneath the twinkling downtown lights while browsing one-of-a-kind vintage finds, handmade jewelry, and unique artisan plants.
When: Friday, November 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Free
The Light Park Katy
Image Credit: The Light Park
Buckle up and turn up the car radio to dive headfirst into a mile-long spectacle of millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized perfectly to high-energy holiday music.
Cruise past towering animated trees, giant illuminated tunnels, and dancing reindeer while DJ Polar Ice broadcasts a non-stop soundtrack of remixed festive favorites straight to your dashboard.
When: November 6, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027
Where: Typhoon Texas Waterpark, 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494
How Much: Starts at $29.99
The Light Park Spring
Transform an ordinary evening into an electrifying winter wonderland adventure by driving through millions of brilliant LED lights choreographed to an upbeat holiday playlist.
Tune your car stereo to catch high-energy mixes from resident music master DJ Polar Ice as you glide past giant glowing tunnels and festive displays.
When: November 6, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027
Where: Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, 21300 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77373
How Much: Starts at $29.99
Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner in Houston
Rainbow Lodge
Thanksgiving at Rainbow Lodge gives you a choice between a traditional turkey dinner and the wild game dishes that have made the restaurant a Houston favorite.
The three-course holiday prix-fixe typically features roasted turkey alongside options such as elk chops and grilled buffalo tenderloin, while the regular menu may also be available if you’d rather try the restaurant’s venison, bison, or duck.
The 2026 menu hasn’t been announced yet, so check the restaurant’s website in early November and book ahead.
When: November 26, 2026
Where: Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
How Much: TBA
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Can’t agree on turkey for Thanksgiving dinner? B&B Butchers on Washington Avenue makes it easier to please everyone at the table.
The steakhouse has opened on Thanksgiving every year since 2015, offering a three-course holiday prix-fixe alongside its full dinner menu. You can order a traditional holiday meal while someone else sticks with a steakhouse favorite like prime rib.
In previous years, Thanksgiving service has run from around 10 AM to 9 PM, giving you more flexibility with your dinner plans.
When: November 26, 2026
Where: B&B Butchers, 1814 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: TBA
Monarch at Hotel ZaZa Museum District
For a dressier Thanksgiving dinner, Monarch Restaurant and Lounge pairs a dramatic dining room with the maximalist design of Hotel ZaZa Museum District, a boutique hotel with a Michelin Key rating.
Located at 5701 Main Street, the restaurant offers a polished setting for a holiday meal without straying from familiar Thanksgiving favorites. Its past three-course menu included turkey dinner options alongside prime rib, so you could stick with tradition or choose a steakhouse-style entrée.
When: November 26, 2026
Where: Hotel Zaza, 5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005
How Much: TBA
Brennan’s of Houston
Brennan’s of Houston has been part of the city’s Creole dining scene for more than 50 years, and its Thanksgiving menu brings that Louisiana influence to the holiday table.
Previous three-course menus have paired Creole-roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing and dishes such as turtle soup with aged sherry, shrimp and grits, filet mignon, and Berkshire pork osso bucco. With several choices at each course, everyone at your table can try something different. Live jazz has also traditionally accompanied Thanksgiving service.
When: November 26, 2026
Where: Brennan’s Houston, 3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006
How Much: TBA
Know Before You Go: Getting Around Houston During Thanksgiving Week
Houston’s Thanksgiving events aren’t all in one place. The parade takes over Downtown, the Turkey Trot runs near the Galleria, and holiday attractions such as Sugar Land Holiday Lights and The Woodlands Ice Rink sit well outside the Inner Loop.
Check the address before you head out, especially if you’re planning to visit more than one event in a day. A drive that looks short on the map can take longer with holiday traffic.
If you’re heading downtown for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, plan around road closures and arrive early to find a viewing spot. Check the parade’s official traffic and parking updates before leaving, and consider public transit or rideshare to avoid searching for parking near the route.
Common Questions About Things to Do in Houston Thanksgiving Week
What major attractions are open on Thanksgiving Day in Houston?
Some attractions welcome visitors on Thanksgiving Day, including Ice at Discovery Green, The Woodlands Ice Rink, and Moody Gardens in Galveston. Others, including Houston Zoo Lights and Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights, close for the holiday.
Check each attraction’s official schedule before setting out, as holiday hours and ticket availability can vary.
Do I need advance reservations for Thanksgiving dinner in Houston?
Yes, it’s a good idea to book early if you plan to dine out on Thanksgiving. Popular spots such as Rainbow Lodge, Brennan’s of Houston, and B&B Butchers offer holiday meals, but tables can fill up well before the day itself.
Check for the 2026 menu and reservation availability in advance, especially if you’re dining with a large group.
Are there free things to do during Thanksgiving week in Houston?
Yes. You can watch the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade from the curb for free, explore Discovery Green, or look for neighborhood holiday light displays that don’t charge admission.
Some events and attractions offer free activities on specific dates, too, so check the schedule before you go. Keep in mind that free admission doesn’t necessarily cover parking, skate rentals, or other add-ons.
Looking for more? See the upcoming Weekend Events in Houston.
- 15+ Best Things to Do in Houston Thanksgiving Week (2026) - October 23, 2026
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- Fun, Free & Cheap Events | October 23 – October 25 - October 22, 2026
