Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events

Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events

As the holiday season approaches, Houston is gearing up to welcome Thanksgiving 2023 with enthusiasm and a host of celebrations. Whether you’re visiting Houston for Thanksgiving 2023 or are a Houstonian eager to rediscover your city, there’s an abundance of festive joy awaiting you. This year’s Houston Thanksgiving events and activities promise to be spectacular, combining the traditional holiday spirit with the unique cultural flair of Houston.

Thanksgiving in Houston 2023 offers an array of choices to suit all tastes and interests. Enjoy a variety of exciting things to do in Houston during Thanksgiving week!

This list is your gateway to making the most of Houston Thanksgiving 2023. Get ready to explore and celebrate Thanksgiving in Houston style!


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information presented is subject to change. Please confirm before you head out. 

Remember to check out our holiday-related posts including Winter Wonders at Discovery Green, Texas Renaissance Festival, Midtown Houston Restaurants, and Mexican Restaurants in Conroe!


Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events – Things to do in Houston on Monday, November 20

Turkey Jam

Have a fun turkey time with the kids at the Children’s Museum Houston’s Turkey Jam! There will be a live Turkey DJ, a dance freestyle, and a turkey line dance to look forward to. 

When: Monday, November 20, 2023, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: Included in general admission


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


Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events – Things to do in Houston on Tuesday, November 21

Boogie Bash: Turkey Trot

Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Woodlands Children’s Museum! Enjoy fun songs, fingerplays, and creative movement including the “Turkey Pokey” and “Turkey Tango.” 

When: Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 11 am 
Where: The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W Panther Creek Dr #280, The Woodlands, TX 77381
How Much: $8


Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events – Things to do in Houston on Wednesday, November 22

10th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Carnival

10th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Carnival

Image credit: Beaumont Animal Care

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


Drinksgiving

Drinksgiving

Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events | Image credit: Little Woodrow’s Midtown

Invite your friends and have a Thanksgiving celebration with drinks and play at Little Woodrow’s Midtown. There will be a Turkey Bowling Competition and DJ Gobble Gobble will be playing tunes all night long.

When: Wednesday, November 22, 2023, 7 pm 
Where: Little Woodrow’s Midtown, 2306 Brazos St, Houston, TX 77006
How Much: No cover


Friendsgiving

Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with a Friendsgiving Feast at Heights & Co. The place will be adding a champagne bar, espresso martinis, fire pits and fixings for s’mores, and a photo wall to their regular menu for the holiday.

When: Wednesday, November 22, 2023, 7 pm 
Where: Heights & Co., 1343 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
How Much: Prices vary | Reservations are required


Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events – Things to do in Houston on Thursday, November 23

15th Annual Bay Area Turkey Trot

Start your Thanksgiving day with a family tradition with the 15th Annual Bay Area Turkey Trot! Run through the neighborhoods of Clear Lake for a 10K, 5K, or Kids 1K route. You can take your furry friends with you too. 

Donations of nonperishable food and paper goods are encouraged. 

When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 7:15 am 
Where: On The Run Clear Lake, 2427 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
How Much: $35 for the 5K and 10K | $20 for Kids 1K 


38th Annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot

38th Annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events | Image credit: Sugar Land Turkey Trot Event

Burn off the calories before you dig into the feast at the Sugar Land Turkey Trot! For its 38th year, the race will be held in the beautiful Sugar Creek neighborhood. 

As tradition, there will be three events: a 1-mile kids run, a 5-mile timed race, and a 2.8-mile family walk or jog. Winners in the Open and Masters categories for the 5-mile race will get a pair of Newton Running Shoes. 

When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 7:30 am 
Where: 13895 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478
How Much: $40 for the 5-mile run | $35 for the 2.8-mile walk/ jog | $25 for the 1-mile kids run


8th Annual Free Turkey Trot 5K and 10K

8th Annual Free Turkey Trot 5K and 10K

Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events | Image credit: Chadwick HW – Houston Striders

Get some miles in before cooking, eating, and snoozing for the rest of Thanksgiving at the Houston Striders’ Turkey Trot! In addition to the run, there will be free handmade Turkey Day costumes for early birds and refreshments afterward.

When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 8 am 
Where: Memorial Park Eastern Glades, 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: Free | RSVP requested


H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2023

Things to do in Houston Thanksgiving Week 2023 | 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 


Moody Gardens’ Thanksgiving Day Brunch

Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with your family without worrying about the cooking and cleaning up at Moody Gardens’ Thanksgiving Day Brunch. The menus will feature an assortment of breakfast items, salads, antipasti, soups, seafood, pasta, a carving station, an assortment of desserts, and more. 

When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 10:30 am –  2:30 pm
Where: Moody Gardens Hotel, 7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How Much: $36.60 for kids aged 4 – 12 | $85.40 for seniors aged 65+ | $97.60 for adults


Thanksgiving Fall Harvest

This Thanksgiving 2023, The Post Oak Hotel will be transforming into a unique fall wonderland destination! It will feature a bustling market filled with everything delightful about fall including sweets, wines, cheeses, jams, seafood, and more. 

When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 11 am –  5 pm
Where: The Post Oak Hotel, 1600 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
How Much: Free – $198


The San Luis Resort Thanksgiving Brunch

Enjoy a decadent Thanksgiving Day Brunch feast with your loved ones! This brunch is complete with champagne, a massive selection of traditional and gourmet options, special cocktails, kids options, desserts, live music, and more. 

When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 11 am –  1 pm
Where: The San Luis Resort, Spa, & Conference Center, Grand Ballroom, 5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551
How Much: $199 | $39 for kids aged 6 – 11 | $89 for seniors 65+ | Free for kids aged 5 and under


Thanksgiving Eve 2023 Dance Night

End Thanksgiving Day 2023 with an epic dance party at Metropolis y Extravaganza. Make sure to wear comfy shoes so you can keep on dancing until you’re ready to snooze.

When: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 8 pm –  2 am
Where: Metropolis y Extravaganza, 8925 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77063
How Much: Not stated


Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events – Things to do in Houston on Friday, November 24

Texas Renaissance Festival

Texas Renaissance Festival

Image credit: Texas Renaissance Festival

Celebrate Celtic Christmas. Father Christmas, Mother Christmas, and all the Christmas elves as the Texas Renaissance Festival welcomes children of all ages to their final three-day celebration of the coming Yuletide season.

The Kingdom will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland and holiday music will fill the lanes. You can also find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list in our over 400 shops.

When:  Friday – Sunday, November 24 – 26, 2023, 9 am – 8 pm
Where: 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, Texas 77363
How Much: Varies


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


Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events – Things to do in Houston on Saturday, November 25

Official City of Galveston Tree Lighting

Official City of Galveston Tree Lighting

Image credit: Galveston Historical Foundation (1)

Join the city of Galveston this Thanksgiving week for the city’s official tree lighting and party! Expect an appearance by Santa, performances by the Galveston Volunteer Bad, vendors in the park, beer and wine sales, and more. 

When:  Saturday, November 25, 2023, 6 pm – 7 pm
Where: Saengerfest Park, 2302 The Strand #000, Galveston, TX 77550
How Much: Free


Things to do in Houston Thanksgiving Week 2023 – Sunday, November 26

Bike and Brunch Turkey Bowl

Bikers gather around! Join hands and wheels at Emancipation Park for Thanksgiving weekend for a scenic 10-mile ride. Afterward, dive into a scrumptious potluck feast so don’t forget to make your best dish.

When:  Sunday, November 26, 2023, 10 am
Where: Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: Free


Holiday Tree Lighting at City Place

Things to do in Houston Thanksgiving week 2023 | 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


Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events – Things to do in Houston on Week & Beyond

The Light Park – Katy, TX 

Things to do thanksgiving week in Houston - The Light Park

Image Credit: The Light Park FB Page

The Most EXCITING, and ELECTRIFYING Light Show South of Katy is here! This has the best, most exciting drive-through light show of the season. Eat, drink, and watch as you travel through the night with millions of Christmas lights and festive music transporting you to a whole new Christmas wonderland.
When: November 3, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Where: Typhoon Texas (Parking Lot), 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494
How Much: Starts at $39 | Starts at $49 for Thanksgiving weekend


Moody Gardens Festival of Lights & More

Things to do thanksgiving week in Houston - Moody Gardens Festival of Lights

Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events | Image Credit: Moody Gardens

Now through January 6, you can get a load of eight special holiday attractions at Moody Gardens, including the Festival of Lights, Ice Skating, Train Rides, photos with Santa, and much more. It’s a great place to enjoy the best of the holiday season with the whole family.
When: November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Where: Moody Gardens, One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77554
How much:  Prices vary for different events and attractions


Santa’s Wonderland in College Station

Things to do thanksgiving week in Houston - Santa's Wonderland

Thanksgiving 2023 Houston Events | Image Credit: santas-wonderland.com

It’s a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it to visit Santa’s Wonderland in College Station! Immerse yourself in millions of dazzling lights, Texas snow and ice, and tons of cheerful attractions spread throughout the vast winter wonderland. There’s surely something for all ages. Please take note that opening and closing times vary for certain dates so please check their official website before booking going.
When: November 10, 2023 – December 30, 2023 
Where: 18898 Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845
How much: General admission: $44.95 Adult 


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