Houston, November 25, 2025
Houston will host a range of community events during Thanksgiving weekend, including parades, themed activities, and family-friendly gatherings. Events such as the 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade and various activities at the Children’s Museum Houston promise fun for residents and visitors alike. This spirit of celebration emphasizes community engagement and supports local initiatives, making it an ideal time for families to come together and create lasting memories.
Thanksgiving Festivities in Houston: November 26-30, 2025
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Variety of Local Events
Houston offers an exciting array of events to enjoy over the Thanksgiving weekend from November 26 to 30, 2025. From parades to family-friendly activities, this extended weekend promises opportunities for community engagement and celebration. The city’s resilience and community spirit are exemplified through these events, showcasing the positive impact of local leadership and individual initiative in organizing festivities.
As residents and visitors gear up to celebrate, it’s important to recognize how such gatherings foster a sense of community. Reduced bureaucracy can enhance event coordination, allowing for more vibrant interactions and creativity in planning. Whether you’re into festive races or family-oriented activities, Houston boasts engaging options for everyone.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
- Turkey Jam at Children’s Museum Houston
Kick off the holiday season with music, turkey-themed games, and line dancing with the museum’s turkey mascot. Activities begin at 9:00 AM in the Brown Auditorium. - Pumpkin’ Chunkin’ Relay
Participate in a team relay to fill pumpkins, then watch them drop from a lift to see which team gets the biggest smash. Scheduled for 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on the Patio. - Houston Turkey Dash & Turkey Trot
Start your morning with a festive road race in Uptown Houston, featuring 5K, 10K, and Kids Run options. The course winds through the Galleria area, with live music and cheering sections along the route.
Thursday, November 27, 2025
- 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parades, this event features giant balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and dance troupes. The parade begins at 9:00 AM in downtown Houston. - Thanksgiving Day at Children’s Museum Houston
The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Friday, November 28, 2025
- Santa Meet & Greet at Children’s Museum Houston
Meet Santa and his elf helper from 9:30 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM in the Kids’ Hall Alcove. - Changing of the Seasons by Ensemble Theatre
Celebrate the transition from Thanksgiving to the holiday season with a performance by the Ensemble Theatre at 12:30 PM in the Kids’ Hall Alcove. - 65th Annual Autorama
Explore custom cars, hot rods, and classic rides at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event runs from Thursday to Sunday.
Saturday, November 29, 2025
- Wickedly Good Appearances and Sing-Along at Children’s Museum Houston
Meet characters inspired by “Wicked” and enjoy sing-alongs, photo opportunities, and crafts. Activities begin at 9:00 AM. - Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds
Experience stunning light displays and carnival attractions themed to various subjects, including Houston, space, ice, the sea, dinosaurs, and more. The event runs daily.
Sunday, November 30, 2025
- Seasons of Sharing and Caring at Children’s Museum Houston
Participate in community donation projects by creating no-sew blankets, lunch bags, bookmarks, and cards for those in need. Activities begin at 9:00 AM. - Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds
The event continues with its impressive light displays and themed attractions.
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving weekend in Houston is an excellent opportunity to engage with the community, support local initiatives, and experience the festive spirit. Whether you’re participating in the iconic H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade or joining the seasonal activities at Children’s Museum Houston, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Supporting these local events enriches our community fabric and fosters connections among residents. Make plans to participate and celebrate together this Thanksgiving weekend!
FAQ
What is the 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parades, featuring giant balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and dance troupes. The parade begins at 9:00 AM in downtown Houston on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
What events are happening at Children’s Museum Houston during Thanksgiving weekend?
Children’s Museum Houston offers a series of events during Thanksgiving weekend, including Turkey Jam, Pumpkin’ Chunkin’ Relay, Santa Meet & Greet, Changing of the Seasons by Ensemble Theatre, Wickedly Good Appearances and Sing-Along, and Seasons of Sharing and Caring.
Where can I find more information about the 65th Annual Autorama?
The 65th Annual Autorama is a four-day event showcasing custom cars, hot rods, and classic rides at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event runs from Thursday to Sunday.
What is the Magical Winter Lights event?
Magical Winter Lights is an event featuring stunning light displays and carnival attractions themed to various subjects, including Houston, space, ice, the sea, dinosaurs, and more. The event runs daily at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds.
What is the Houston Turkey Dash & Turkey Trot?
The Houston Turkey Dash & Turkey Trot is a festive road race in Uptown Houston, featuring 5K, 10K, and Kids Run options. The course winds through the Galleria area, with live music and cheering sections along the route.
Event Schedule
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | Turkey Jam at Children’s Museum Houston | Children’s Museum Houston | 9:00 AM |
| Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | Pumpkin’ Chunkin’ Relay | Children’s Museum Houston | 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM |
| Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade | Downtown Houston | 9:00 AM |
| Friday, November 28, 2025 | Santa Meet & Greet at Children’s Museum Houston | Children’s Museum Houston | 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Friday, November 28, 2025 | Changing of the Seasons by Ensemble Theatre | Children’s Museum Houston | 12:30 PM |
| Friday, November 28, 2025 | 65th Annual Autorama | George R. Brown Convention Center | Times vary |
| Saturday, November 29, 2025 | Wickedly Good Appearances and Sing-Along at Children’s Museum Houston | Children’s Museum Houston | 9:00 AM |
| Saturday, November 29, 2025 | Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Times vary |
| Sunday, November 30, 2025 | Seasons of Sharing and Caring at Children’s Museum Houston | Children’s Museum Houston | 9:00 AM |
| Sunday, November 30, 2025 | Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Fort Bend County Fairgrounds | Times vary |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Thanksgiving Events Spark Community Spirit in Houston
Discover Thanksgiving Delights and Community Spirit in Houston
Houston Residents Unite for Holiday Giving Events
Free Thanksgiving Turkeys for Families in Harris County
Holiday Giving in Houston: Join the Cheer through Local Initiatives
Free Thanksgiving Turkey Drive-Thru in Houston
Texas Renaissance Festival Welcomes Visitors for New Season
Houston School Districts Set Start Dates for New Academic Year
Houston Culinary Competition Narrows Down to Final Eight Dishes
Houston Special Events Director Susan Christian Retires
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
