Thanksgiving in Houston

Lots of Reasons and Ways to Celebrate

There are so many things to be thankful for this year. Let the 2022 Thanksgiving festivities commence, whether it be Houston’s iconic Thanksgiving celebrations like the H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade or just little staycation getaways to pass the time while feeling grateful.

73rd Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade

 

 

 

 

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This famous parade is set to stroll at 9 a.m., Thursday, November 24, 2022. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, this event is one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country.  Look for marching bands, bright and colorful floats and a vibe of eternal gratefulness!

Thanksgiving Weekend: Disneys Fantasia!

 

 

 

 

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This Thanksgiving weekend, treat the entire family to the classic that’s captivated generations—Disney’s Fantasia! Stunning animation fills the giant screen at Jones Hall while the Symphony brings the soundtrack to life, including favorites like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Pomp and Circumstance, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and, of course, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. This one will round out a Thanksgiving-weekend program the whole family will love.

Thanksgiving with the Fish

 

 

 

 

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Looking to still have an experience whilst eating your Thanksgiving meal? Head to the Downtown Aquarium. Visitors can dine in at the aquarium and enjoy a full Thanksgiving menu that includes roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy and dessert. Reservations are required. To reserve, click here.

Wild, Wild Lights

 

 

 

 

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It would not be the holidays without the Houston Zoo’s Zoo Lights. There will be hot chocolate, libations, millions of lights, a giant ice throne, Santa photos, and a 125-foot-long Infinity Tunnel of Lights. Tickets are required for entry and are not available for purchase at the gate.

Skating Under the Stars

 

 

 

 

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After you’ve had your fill of Thanksgiving turkey, get active! Head to Discovery Green for safe, sanitized and socially distanced ice skating at The Ice Powered by Green Mountain Energy. Located in Downtown Houston, Discovery Green’s ice rink is surrounded by the bright lights of the city’s skyscrapers. The price for skating and rental is $15 and tickets must be purchased online.

Casual Shopping for a Cause

 

 

 

 

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One of Houston’s most well-known Christmas markets is the Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market. Nutcracker Market is truly a one-stop shop for all of your Christmas needs, as there are hundreds of vendors who showcase at the market. Of course, the market’s philanthropic goals remain steadfast, bringing arts education, scholarships, performances and classes to hundreds of thousands of Houston-area students. 

Time to Trot

 

 

 

 

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Get out and get moving at BakerRipley’s Houston Turkey Trot. This 5k race is a popular way for Houstonians to kick off Thanksgiving Day with a little exercise and socializing. The Turkey Trot benefits BakerRipley which brings resources, education, and connection to emerging neighborhoods. It is also the largest community development organization in the region serving serve nearly 600,000 children, adults, and seniors.

Thanksgiving To Go

Backstreet Cafe
This holiday season, let Backstreet Cafe’s kitchen help take care of the side dishes and desserts for your Thanksgiving feast! Chef Hugo’s versions of traditional classics are a must for every holiday occasion. Orders should be placed by Sunday, November 21 for pick-up on Wednesday, November 24 from 11am to 8pm (you will select your time).  They can be placed online at www.backstreetcafe.net or by phone at 713-521-2239.

Caracol
This holiday season, let Caracol help take care of all the fixings for your Thanksgiving feast! Chef Hugo’s versions of traditional classics are a must for every holiday occasion. Our Family Feast dinner or a la carte items should be ordered by Sunday, November 21 for pickup Wednesday, November 24 from 11 am to 8 pm (you will select desired time).  Ordering can be done online, by phone at 713-622-9996 or a completed form can be emailed to lucino@caracol.net.  Caracol is closed Thanksgiving Day.

Etoile Cuisine et Bar
Etoile will be open for Thanksgiving from 11 am to 9 pm with a special menu, and is also offering holiday foods to-go. Cost for the four-course dine-in menu is $92 per adult and $28 per child (kid’s menu), plus tax & gratuity.  Reservations should be made by calling 832-668-5808.

Goode Company Kitchen & Cantina
Goode Company is synonymous with the holiday season, from smoked turkeys and sides to their famous Brazos Bottom Pecan Pies. For more than four decades, Houstonians have given thanks with Goode Company goodies on the table, here in Houston and across the county. Goode Thanksgiving options, from the full feast to individual items, are available for online pre-order from until November 17, for pick-up November 22 & 23. 

Hugo’s
Bring the flavors of Hugo’s Authentic Regional Mexican cuisine to your Thanksgiving table with foods to-go from the award-winning restaurant.  Family Feast or a la carte item orders should be placed by Sunday, November 21 for pick-up on Wednesday, November 24 from 11am to 8pm (you will select your time). Hugo’s is closed Thanksgiving Day. Order online at www.hugosrestaurant.net or call 713-524-7744.

Kenny & Ziggy’s
Thanksgiving from Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen Restaurant in Houston ain’t your daddy’s Thanksgiving. The famed deli has created a pick-up and take-home Thanksgiving menu that covers the gamut of traditional Puritan to traditional East European. In addition to the special meal package, side items can be purchased a la carte.  Orders should be placed by November 17 for pick-up on Wednesday, November 23 by 2 pm. Kenny & Ziggy’s will close at 2 pm on Wednesday, November 23, is closed on Thanksgiving Day, and will reopen on Friday, November 25 at 8 a,m.  In addition to the meal and a la carte to go, there is also a variety of Holiday Entertaining Platters available from now until January 2.  Menus can be found online at www.kennyandziggys.com.

Prego
Let Prego help you with side dishes and desserts for your Thanksgiving Feast!  Available November 1 - December 31.  Please allow 24 hours’ notice before pick-up. 

Rainbow Lodge
Rainbow Lodge is Houston’s original lodge restaurant featuring seafood and wild game in a historic 115-year-old log cabin on an acre of beautiful grounds. The restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving Day serving a 3-course meal for $75 per person plus tax & gratuity. Options include traditional turkey dinner, seafood, smoked duck gumbo, grilled buffalo and venison, croissant bread pudding and chocolate pecan pie.  There is also a kids menu with kid-friendly choices for $45 per child plus tax & gratuity.  Seating times are 11 am to 7:30 pm and reservations can be made online or by phone.   They will be doing their $6 Snack Packs all day, too – enough turkey, gravy and dressing to make a sandwich! 

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen                         
Give your holiday celebrations a Tex-Mex twist with Tamales from Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen!  Tamales by the dozen are available in pork or chicken varieties for $22/dozen. Receive a complimentary dozen tamales when you order 5 dozen tamales!  Need More Than Just Tamales?  Sylvia’s can provide everything to make holiday gatherings a festive feast, including Chile con Queso, Chips and Salsa, Fajitas, and more.  And don't forget, Sylvia’s Famous Enchiladas are also available by the dozen! Prices are $38 per dozen for all enchilada varieties except those with shrimp, crab or fajitas, which are $44 per dozen.  If you like, you can bring a pan for your enchiladas to be placed in. To place your order, please call one of the 2 locations. All orders should be placed at least three days in advance, please.  This special offer is valid through December 31, 2021. 

URBE
Let URBE take care of all the fixings for your Thanksgiving feast. Chef Hugo’s versions of traditional classics are a must for every holiday occasion. Our Family Feast dinners or à la carte items should be pre-ordered by Sunday, November 21, and will be ready for pickup Wednesday, November 24 from 11am - 8pm at your selected time. Orders can be placed at UrbeHouston.com or call 713-726-8273.

Hotels

Friends and family flocking into town? Or just need a little staycation near all of the holiday festivals and activities? Houston is packed full of hotels waiting to welcome you, and better yet, take care of the dishes, this holiday season. Check out the below hotel holiday packages and deals for a savings that's hard to resist.