Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events

Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events

Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events

Thanksgiving Activities

Thanksgiving Feasts

Thanksgiving for Kids

The Beginning of the Holiday Season

Beyond Thanksgiving


As the holiday season approaches, Houston is gearing up to welcome Thanksgiving 2024 with enthusiasm and a host of celebrations. 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 2024 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 2024. Get ready to explore and celebrate Thanksgiving in Houston style!

And if you are looking for other fun things to do around Houston today, check out 10 Things to Do with Grandparents in Houston, 30 Things to Do with Kids and Toddlers in Houston, 40 Outdoor Things to Do in Houston, 45 Date Ideas in Houston, and 60 Things to Do with Teenagers in Houston


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. 

Also, please note that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will benefit our readers!

Check out our articles on Black Friday Store Hours in Houston, Houston Stores Open Thanksgiving Day, 60 Houston Restaurants Open Thanksgiving 2024! 

Get in the festive season with our articles on Christmas Tree Lighting Houston TX, Dickens on The Strand in Galveston, Lights in the Heights 2024, and Radiant Nature Houston Botanic Garden!


Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events

H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2024

Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events

Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events | Image credit: Downtown Houston Facebook

Join thousands of Houstonians for one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country this Thanksgiving 2024! The parade will travel over 20 city blocks. Expect to see floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands, and other unique Houston entries.

This year, Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis will lead the parade as grand marshal!

When: Thursday, November 28, 2024, 9 am 
Where: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free


16th 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 28, 2024, Kids 1K: 7:15 am; 5K & 10K; 7:30 am 
Where: On The Run Clear Lake, 2427 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
How Much: $40 for the 5K and 10K | $20 for Kids 1K 


39th Annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot

Burn off the calories before you dig into the feast at the Sugar Land Turkey Trot! For its 39th 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 28, 2024,  1-mile kids run: 7:45 am; 5-mile timed race: 8:15 am; 2.8-mile family walk or jog: 8:30 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


9th Annual F R E E Turkey Trot 5K and 10K

Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events

Image credit: HARRA – Houston Area Road Runners Association Facebook

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 28, 2024, 8 am 
Where: Memorial Park Eastern Glades, 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: Free | RSVP requested


Thanksgiving Feasts

Thanksgiving at Bloom and Bee

Have your Thanksgiving feast at Bloom and Bee at The Post Oak Hotel. Families and friends will enjoy a three-course spin on traditional Thanksgiving fare with a lavish spread of the season’s harvest.

When: Thursday, November 28, 2024, 12 pm –  8 pm
Where: The Post Oak Hotel, 1600 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
How Much: $105


Deal Alert – Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access

Foodies wanted! Come enjoy diverse plates in the heart of Downtown Houston at some of the city’s most famous restaurants. The tour consists of 3 stops where you will try 8-9 delicious food samplings including authentic Mexico City cuisine, traditional Asian novelties, Houston’s unique take on Italian-American, & dessert.

These meals are pre-ordered & will be coming out fresh for your whole group. Gue25 Events For Thanksgiving Week 2024 in Houstonsts will also enjoy views of the tallest building in Texas & private limited access into the largest downtown tunnel system in the USA! (1/3 of the tour spent in tunnels) We hope to be eating with you soon!

Get more information and check out the Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access TODAY!!!


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 28, 2024, 11 am –  2 pm
Where: The San Luis Resort, Spa, & Conference Center, Grand Ballroom, 5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551
How Much: $147.56 for adults |$48.36 for kids aged 6 – 11 | $110.36 for seniors 65+ | Free for kids aged 5 and under


Moody Gardens’ Thanksgiving Day Meals and Buffets

Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events

Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events | Image credit: moodygardens.com

Enjoy wonderful Thanksgiving meals with your family without worrying about the cooking and cleaning up at Moody Gardens’ Thanksgiving Day Brunch. They’ll have a Thanksgiving brunch, buffet, lunch, and dinner buffet.

There are so many delightful options to choose from– from salads to lobsters to ham to turkey!

When: Thursday, November 28, 2024, Brunch: 10:30 am –  2:30 pm; Buffet: 10:30 am – 7 pm; Lunch: 11 am – 3 pm; Dinner Buffet: 4 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Moody Gardens Hotel, 7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How Much: Brunch: $48.80-$109.80; Buffet: $48.80-$109.80; Lunch: $36.60-$67.10; Dinner Buffet: $30.50-$69.54


Thanksgiving Feast 2024 at GRB Houston

The City Wide Club’s Grab ’n Go or Sit ’n Sup “SUPER FEAST” is widely regarded as the “Nation’s Largest Feeding and Turkey Distribution” held on Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve Day at the George R. Brown Convention Center, where thousands of families will receive all they need for a holiday meal.

When: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Where: 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Not stated


Thanksgiving Feast at Federal American Grill

Give thanks and dine in with Federal American Grill this Thanksgiving Day!

When: Thursday, November 28, 2024, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: 1221 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $65/person 3-Course Meal


Thanksgiving 2024 Houston Events for Kids

Great Gobbler Thanksgiving Week

For a whole week, Children’s Museum Houston is having an epic Thanksgiving week. Every day, there will be a new fun activity to enjoy!

Turkey parties, story times, games, a fun skit, meeting Santa, and so much more! Check out their schedule of activities on the site.

When: November 23 – December 1, 2024 | 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: Included in general admission


Deal Alert – Houston CityPASS

25 Events For Thanksgiving Week 2024 in Houston

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!!!


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 26, 2024, 11 am 
Where: The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W Panther Creek Dr #280, The Woodlands, TX 77381
How Much: Included with museum admission


Lone Star Flight Museum: Make Thanksgiving Take Flight!

Celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends at the Lonestar Museum! Enjoy half-price admission on Thursday, November 28th. Explore the fascinating world of aviation, space exploration, and Texas history. 

Enjoy iconic aircraft and space artifacts, immerse yourself in interactive exhibits, and discover the history of Texas aviation. Don’t miss this opportunity to create unforgettable memories! Visit the Lonestar Museum this Thanksgiving.

When: Thursday, November 28, 2024, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 11551 Aerospace Ave, Houston, TX 77034
How Much:

  • Adults (18-64) – $9 ($18)
  • Youth (12-17) – $7.5 ($15)
  • Child (5-11) – $6 ($12)
  • Seniors (65+) – $7.5 ($15)
  • Children (4 & under) – FREE
  • Museum Members – FREE

Thanksgiving at Kemah Boardwalk: A Fun-Filled Family Tradition

Join us for a Thanksgiving Day filled with fun, food, and festive cheer at Kemah Boardwalk! Enjoy thrilling rides, delicious dining, and breathtaking views of the bay.

Special Thanksgiving Weekend Pass: Make the most of your long weekend with our special Thanksgiving Weekend Pass! Get FOUR days of fun at the Downtown Aquarium, Kemah Boardwalk, and Pleasure Pier for the price of three!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Visit Kemah Boardwalk this Thanksgiving!

When: Thursday, November 28, 2024 – December 1, 2024
Where: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
How Much: $59.99 – Thanksgiving Weekend Adventure Pass


Children’s Bingo at Levy Park

Bring the kiddos and join our Levy Park team for Children’s Bingo! This 30-minute program, ideal for kids ages 4 to 12, is a fun way for children to practice their letters and numbers while earning prizes. 

When:  Thursday, November 28, 2024, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 3120 Southwest Fwy Ste 102, Houston, TX 77098
How Much:  Levy Park provides the Bingo cards, markers, and prizes.


The Beginning of the Holiday Season

City Lights at Avenida Houston

City Lights at Avenida Houston

Image credit: avenidahouston.com

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: November 22 – December 24, 2024
Where: Avenida Houston, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Free


TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at Houston’s favorite holiday lights experience, TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo! The spectacular Zoo grounds are the perfect setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with family and friends.

When:  November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025, 5:30-10:30 pm, last entry at 9:30 pm
Where: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
How Much: $26.45 – $34.95


11th 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 and stocking decorating, photo ops with Santa Claus, an ice rink, performances, and more. 

When: Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Around 6:45 pm
Where: Alter’s Gem Jewelry, 3155 Dowlen Rd, Beaumont, TX 77706
How Much: Free


Twinkling Tunes

Watch the trees sparkle to live music. Enjoy classic holiday songs and watch the lights dance on beat with the music. Join us by the Listening Lights on Wednesday, November 27, from 6 – 9 PM for a great performance by Michael Flores!

When: Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: 800 Town and Country Blvd, Houston, TX 77024
How Much: Free


Winter Wonderlawn at POST Houston

Celebrate the holidays at Winter Wonderlawn at POST Houston, where the five-acre rooftop Skylawn is decked out with thousands of beautifully illuminated holiday lights and festive decor, including a 25-foot Christmas tree and multiple holiday-themed activations, all with the downtown Houston skyline as the backdrop.

When: Thursday, November 28, 2024, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201
How Much: $10 – $15


Official Tree Lighting in Downtown Galveston

Downtown Galveston’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature a special guest appearance from the famous man in red, Santa Claus. Enjoy live entertainment by the Galveston Ballet and meet the Queen of Dickens on The Strand.

The tree lighting coincides with Galveston’s ArtWalk, where downtown businesses remain open later into the evening for shopping and holiday cheer.

Cost: FREE
When: Sunday, December 1, 2024 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: 2302 Strand St Galveston, Texas 77550


Oh What Fun! Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

Complete your Thanksgiving 2024 weekend and welcome the Christmas season with City Place’s annual lighting of their 35-foot Christmas tree! Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be attending the festivities. 

It’s going to be a day of holiday cheer and activities, like snow experiences, a holiday vendor market, crafts, music, the Gingerbread Village, and more!

When:  Sunday, December 1, 2024, 3 pm – 7 pm
Where: City Place, 1700 City Plaza Dr, Spring, TX 77389
How Much: Free


The Light Park – Katy, TX 

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 23, 2024 – January 1, 2024, 5:30 pm
Where: Typhoon Texas (Parking Lot), 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494
How Much: Starts at $39


Holiday in the Gardens Festivities

Now through January 1, 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 23 – January 1, 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

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: Until December 30, 2024 
Where: 18898 Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845
How much: General admission Adult: Online $51.95; $Gate 56.95 | General Admission Child: Online $46.95; Gate $51.95


Beyond Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Weekend: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

The extraordinary Yefim Bronfman performs this powerful and uplifting masterpiece on Thanksgiving weekend in a program featuring Schubert’s ever-popular Unfinished Symphony.

When: November 29 – December 1, 2024
Where: 615 Louisiana St #102, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: $42 – $120


Texas Renaissance Festival

This holiday season, step into the era of chivalry, merriment, and enchantment. Visit the most acclaimed Renaissance-themed attraction in the country. Dress in period-appropriate clothes, explore 70 acres of land, spend time in over 200 camping facilities, and check out over 400 shops.

There will be lots of exciting entertainment, activities, and food everyone of all ages will love!

When: Weekends until December 1, 2024
Where: 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, Texas 77363
How Much: Varies


Turkey Wing Dissections at The Health Museum

Celebrate this fall with turkey wing dissections throughout November! Get guidance from a doctor and one of The Health Museum’s science educators and learn about the organ’s anatomy inside and out.

When: Selected Saturdays, November 23, 2024 – January 11, 2025, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: 1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: $10 – $12


Stay on top of all the fun events and activities in Houston with our weekly updates to Things to Do in Houston this Weekend, and Things to Do in Houston with Kids this Weekend.

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Travel on your mind on Thanksgiving? Check the events happening on Thanksgiving in San Antonio!

Natalie Dulaney