Things to do in Houston this week of November 20 H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023, 34th Annual YMCA Run Thru The Woods, & more!
Our top free and cheap picks for things to do in Houston this week of November 20, 2023, include H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023, 34th Annual YMCA Run Thru The Woods, Autorama, Italian Thanksgiving Feast, and more!
Houston is among the top 5 metroplexes in the US! What that means is that plenty is going on in Houston any day of the week. There are always things to do on Monday in Houston, things to do in Houston on Saturday night, and everything in between!
Some of you may be looking for things to do in Houston with family, while others may be focused on free things to do in Houston this week. Either way, you can be sure we have you covered in our list below.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out. Some of the events listed below may have affiliate links that help us earn a small commission on any purchase made after using the links.
Also, remember to check out our other Houston posts: Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events, Winter Wonders at Discovery Green, Mexican Restaurants in Conroe, Date Night Ideas Houston, and Midtown Houston Restaurants!
Things to do in Houston this week of November 20, 2023 – Monday
GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY ICE AT DISCOVERY GREEN!
Enjoy Winter Wonders with Frostival and Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green!
As Houston’s favorite holiday destination, Discovery Green, along with the Green Mountain Energy Ice, invites everyone to make the most of this winter season. Whether you’re gliding on the ice, marveling at public art, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, there’s a touch of magic waiting for everyone at Discovery Green!
Excited to have fun and slide and glide through the coolest ice rink in Houston? Then take note of the hours of operation so you can plan your visit soon!
- Monday – Thursday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Friday, Saturday & HISD School Holidays* 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Thanksgiving Day 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve – 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Christmas Day & New Year’s Day – 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 15) – 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
*HISD School Holidays are (Nov. 20 – 24; Dec. 25 – 29; Jan. 1 – 5, 8 & 15)
Green Mountain Energy Ice closes to the public at 5 p.m. on Nov. 19, Dec. 17, and Jan. 21 and at 4 p.m. on Dec 10 & 12.
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Regular admission for the ice rink is $17 plus tax, including skate rentals
For more information and the latest updates on events and schedules, visit Discovery Green’s website and sign up for the newsletter at discoverygreen.com/newsletter.
City Lights at Avenida Houston
Watch Avenida Houston come to life with dazzling lights, enchanting songs, and heartwarming performances of “A Happy Houston Holiday” this Thanksgiving weekend! The show will feature world-class performers, local talents, and even community groups with medleys that everyone can sing along to.
When: Monday, November 20 – December 17, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Avenida Houston, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Free
Family Fun and Games: Bingo and Pancakes
Enjoy a fun Monday with the family socializing and enjoying family-friendly bingo games at Evelyn Rubenstein JCC. There will be delicious pancakes for you to enjoy while playing. The event is best for kids aged 5 – 10 with their families.
When: Monday, November 20, 2023, 10 am
Where: Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX 77096
How Much: $6
Deal Alert – Houston CityPASS!
Maximize your time in the spectacular city of Houston with an indispensable Houston Mobile Ticket. Your mobile ticket includes free admission to the Space Center Houston plus enjoy free entry to four additional attractions of your choice and choose from a variety including the Museum of Fine Arts, home to more than 60,000 artworks, or the Houston Zoo, Kemah Boardwalk All-Day Ride Pass, the Children’s Museum of Houston, Downtown Aquarium, or the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Get more information and check out the Houston CityPASS TODAY!!!
Top Things to do in Houston this week of November 20, 2023 – Tuesday
Alley Theatre: A Christmas Carol
Celebrate the Christmas spirit with Alley’s new adaptation of the classic “A Christmas Carol.” Enjoy colorful Victorian costumes, lively dancing, special effects, stunning sets, and just the right blend of Christmas carols. Please take note that the show is best for kids aged 6 and above.
When: Tuesday, November 21 – December 30, 2023, 7 pm
Where: Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $100 | Ticket prices vary by date
Things to do in Houston this week of November 20, 2023 – Wednesday
10th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Carnival
Welcome the holiday season and enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with the family with the lighting of Alter’s Gem Jewelry’s 45-foot-tall Christmas tree. In addition to that, there will be tons of family-friendly events. This includes cookie decorating, photo ops with Santa Claus, an ice rink, performances, and more.
When: Wednesday, November 22, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Alter’s Gem Jewelry, 3155 Dowlen Rd, Beaumont, TX 77706
How Much: Free
Italian Thanksgiving Feast
Enjoy a fantastic Italian feast with your family this Thanksgiving week at Dante’s! Their 5-course meal will be served family style and is complete with complimentary bubbles and a dessert Carajillo.
When: Wednesday, November 22, 2023, 4 pm – 10 pm
Where: Dante’s River Oaks, 4340 Westheimer Rd #150, Houston, TX 77027
How Much: $60
Deal Alert – Lowest price on Houston City Tour & Downtown Aquarium All Ride Pass 
Find out what the largest city in Texas has to offer during a sightseeing tour by bus, and a visit to the Houston Aquarium. Includes one admission ticket for the Houston Aquarium and one ticket for the Houston City Tour.
Find out more details and book your Houston City Tour and Downtown Aquarium Pass TODAY!!!
Things to do in Houston this week of November 20, 2023 – Thursday
H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023
Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events | Image credit: H-E-B
Join thousands of Houstonians for one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country this Thanksgiving 2023! The parade will travel over 20 city blocks. Expect to see floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands, and other unique Houston entries.
When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 9 am
Where: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free
34th Annual YMCA Run Thru The Woods
Image credit: YMCA Run Thru The Woods
The Woodlands annual Turkey Day tradition will feature a 5-mile run, a 3-mile run, a 3-mile walk, and a 1-mile kids race. Thanksgiving or holiday costumes are highly encouraged. Kids under 2 on strollers are permitted to join the race with parents as well as service dogs.
When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 7:30 am
Where: The Pavilion Event Center, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
How Much: Starts at $22
Autorama
If you’re a huge fan of anything on wheels, check out Autorama! It will feature some of America’s finest hot rods, motorcycles, trucks, customs, and more. There will also be special guest appearances and award presentations.
When: Thursday – Sunday, November 23 – 26, 2023
Where: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $24 | $4.99 for kids 6 – 12 | Free for kids 5 and under
Deal Alert – Trill On Wheels (2-Hour Hip-Hop Party Bike Tour in Houston)!
Trill On Wheels is the country’s first Hip-Hop Party Bike Tour based right here in Houston! This 100% BYOB tour blends the legacies of UGK, Slim Thug, and Megan Thee Stallion, with Houston Nightlife and light fitness.
This custom-built party bike comes complete with a large bar, cooler, ice, cups, and their “Trappin’ Captain” who will serve as your own personal hype man and party host.
Get more information and book your Trill On Wheels (2-Hour Hip-Hop Party Bike Tour in Houston) TODAY!!!
Top Things to do in Houston this week of November 20, 2023 – Friday
Grand Galvez Christmas Tree Lighting
Welcome the holiday season this Thanksgiving week with the Grand Galvez’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration. It will begin with Santa Claus’ arrival and performances of the Galveston Ballet and Galveston Symphony Brass Ensemble. After that, there will be a countdown until the lighting of the hotel’s 35-foot Christmas tree.
When: Friday, November 24, 2023, 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Grand Galvez, Centennial Green, 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
How Much: Free
Black Friday Holiday Flea
Image credit: Flea at Silver Street
Support local artists and get some holiday shopping this weekend at the Black Friday Holiday Flea or Silver Street Studios. Here, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind collection of jewelry, mid-century modern furniture, vintage art, original designs, a full bar, and local food.
When: Friday – Sunday, November 24 – 26, 2023, 10 am – 5 pm
Where: Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards St, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: $5
Things to do in Houston on Saturday, November 25, 2023
Houston Ballet: The Nutcracker
Image credit: Houston Ballet
The holiday classic “The Nutcracker” is back with grand sets, stunning costumes, iconic score, and impressive choreography with the Houston Ballet. Make sure to grab your tickets early for the best seats.
When: Saturday, November 25, 2023, 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: Wortham Center, Brown Theater, 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $76
Deal Alert – 10 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals!
You’re welcomed aboard your own 10-passenger pontoon by our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Once aboard you’ll depart from our private marina in Seabrook, TX. Once on the water you are minutes away from Clear Lake and the secluded Party Cove where you take a plunge and float the day away. Captain your own ship and experience the treasures and beauty of the Gulf Coast. Keep your eyes open, as you may run into a few bottle-nose dolphins while you’re out.
Get more information and book your 10 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals TODAY!!!
Things to do in Houston this week of November 20, 2023 – Sunday
Holiday Tree Lighting at City Place
Image credit: City Place
Complete your Thanksgiving 2023 weekend with City Place’s annual lighting of their 35-foot Christmas tree! Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be attending the festivities.
The event will also serve as the debut of City Place’s larger-than-life Gingerbread Village! Its lollipop and candy-cane-lined path is guarded by two giant gingerbread men. This leads to the clearing filled with cookie trees, a 16-foot high gingerbread house, and a 12-foot windmill. It’s surely something you won’t want to miss.
When: Sunday, November 26, 2023, 4 pm – 8 pm
Where: City Place, 1700 City Plaza Dr, Spring, TX 77389
How Much: Free
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