Plan Your 5-Day Thanksgiving Weekend: November 23 to 27, 2022

Things to Do All Weekend Long

• 2022 Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston | Daily (except Thanksgiving Day) – Galaxy Lights returns this year with a stellar spectacle that twinkles throughout the campus, allowing visitors to step through space-themed light installations, take in high-tech experiences, and walk among flown spacecraft in a one-of-a-kind holiday event that can only be found in Space City. Closed on Thanksgiving Day; on view through New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2023. $19.95 and up; free for ages 3 and under. Combo tickets that offer admission to the Space Center exhibits are also available. 6pm to 10pm.
• 62nd Annual AutoRama at George R. Brown Convention Center | Thanksgiving, Thursday to Sunday – Kicking off on Thanksgiving, the AutoRama offers four days of automotive spectacle with showcases of beautiful, customized muscle cars, lowriders, hot rods and other chromed-out vehicles. $23; $4.99 for ages 6 to 12; free for ages 5 and under. Times vary.
• Fall Festival at George Ranch Historical Park | Friday & Saturday – The Fort Bend historical park hosts a cowboy-themed Fall Festival with glimpses of life in the past, plus goodies like spiced hot apple cider off the 1860s cast iron stove, s’mores at the cowboy campfire, and craft activities with corn at the 1830s stock farm. $10 and up. 10am to 2pm.
• The Riot Comedy Show presents Fumi Abe at Rudyard’s Pub | Friday & Saturday – On back-to-back nights at the upstairs stage, Fumi Abe visits to share his latest material, coming off his work as a writer for The Late Late Show with James Corden and as podcast host for Asian Not Asian. $17 and up. Times vary.
• Black Friday Holiday Flea at Silver Street | Friday to Sunday – Ditch the crowds at big box retailers and opt for some Black Friday shopping from more than 75 local vendors and artisans doling out leather goods, handmade jewelry, gourmet foods, home decor and more. $5; free for ages 12 and under. 10am to 5pm.
• Friendswood’s Lighted Christmas Trail Opening Weekend at Stevenson Park | Friday to Sunday | FREE – Kicking off a month-long holiday celebration that runs through the end of December, the lighted Christmas trail opens to the public on Thanksgiving weekend, offering families a chance to stroll through twinkling lights, mail letters to Santa, and snap some memorable photos. 5pm daily.
• We So Houston Art Show at Saint Arnold Brewing Company | Friday to Sunday | No Cover – Held at the Saint A beer hall throughout the weekend, Houstonians can learn about the city’s rich history and culture through art, food and local beer. Times vary.
• Comedian Lavell Crawford at Houston Improv | Friday to Sunday – Known for his role as Huell in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, the actor and comedian brings his stand-up set to the Improv stage for a weekend of his latest work. $70 for 2, and up. Times vary.
• Houston Symphony presents Disney’s Fantasia at Jones Hall | Friday to Sunday – The orchestra plays the lush, classical music-inspired score to Disney’s 1940 animated masterpiece while the movie plays on screen. $29 and up. Times vary.

Thanksgiving Dine-In, World Cup Watch Parties & More Destinations

• Thanksgiving Dine-In & To-Go Menus in Houston – Deadlines are fast approaching this week to secure your to-go Thanksgiving feast from restaurants across Houston. Check out our guide to some of the best offerings this turkey season.
• Where to Watch 2022 World Cup in Houston – We’ve highlighted some of the best soccer pubs and bars that will open their doors for the biggest matches of the 2022 World Cup—and some that will be open even for those earliest kick-off times at 4am. Dates, times and locations vary.
• Holiday Markets in Greater Houston – Get in the spirit of the season with our guide to 25+ holiday markets offering Christmas decorations and seasonal shopping opportunities across Greater Houston.
• Fall Festivals in Greater Houston | Many FREE – Circle these dates for 45+ of this season’s upcoming fall festivals featuring live music, food, cultural celebrations and more at places across Greater Houston through Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 24, 2022.
• Limited Time Museum Exhibits & Art Installations Around Greater Houston | Daily | Many FREE – Explore the many striking, stunning, and diverse exhibits exploring history, science, art, culture, and creativity around the Greater Houston metro area.

Ongoing Theater Shows & Arts Performances

Many plays, musicals, and other stage shows span multiple weeks. Scroll down to find new shows opening this week, then ongoing performances, followed by shows that are wrapping up this weekend.

Keep track of more openings with our weekly roundup of Performing Arts events.

• Stages presents Panto Snow White & the Seven Dorks at the Gordy | Friday to Sunday | Opening Weekend – The Panto tradition returns with an all-new holiday show, this one delightfully skewering the Snow White tale. The Evil Queen has a high-tech virtual mirror and she’s banished Snow White to the wilds of Silicon Valley, where she encounters seven dorky hackers. Expect hilarity to ensue. Production runs through Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24. $30 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Wortham Center | Friday to Sunday | Opening Weekend – The Tchaikovsky classic returns to the stage, as only the Houston Ballet can deliver it. Stanton Welch’s take on this beloved story of young Clara and the nutcracker she receives as a gift on one magical Christmas Eve offers grand sets, gorgeous costumes and stunning dance. Production runs through Tuesday, December 27. $35 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Main Street Theater for Youth presents Cinderella at MATCH | Friday & Saturday | Ongoing – The beloved story comes to life as a musical, backed by music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein. This stage adaption is based on the popular teleplay, and captures the romance of Cinderella and her prince, the capers of her stepsisters and the magic of her fairy godmother, who shows that impossible things happen every day. $30 and up. Showtimes vary.
• A Motown Christmas at Ensemble Theatre | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Get into the groove that only the signature sound from Detroit can deliver. This Motown revue in Midtown blends traditional holiday carols with soulful sounds from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and more. $44 and up. Showtimes vary.
• The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley at Main Street Theater | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Jane Austen fans and lovers of drawing room comedy will delight in this holiday bonbon that takes places in the servants hall at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy’s estate. As the Darcys and their guests enjoy the holiday upstairs, hijinks are afoot downstairs, especially when Lydia’s incorrigible husband arrives. $44 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Stages presents Houston for the Holidays With DeQuina Moore at the Gordy | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – The Houston native, who starred in Stages’ Plumshuga, hits the stage for a holiday-themed cabaret-style evening of song and story. $30 and up. Showtimes vary.
• A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – The beloved Charles Dickens Christmas story returns, telling the tale of the miserly Scrooge visited by three spirits who compel him to change his ways, in a new production adapted and directed by Alley artistic director Rob Melrose. $41 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Catastrophic Theatre presents They Do Not Move at MATCH | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Imagine a future where American democracy is vanquished and monarchist forces roam the land seeking out waifs and strays. Descending into the absurd, this play features a beauty pageant, a sitcom, and is full of references to horror movies, Texas law and other pop culture nods. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Times vary.
• The Garden Theatre presents Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical at MATCH | Friday to Sunday | Final Weekend – Based on the 1990s film starring Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe, this musical takes audiences into a manipulative liaison in Manhattan. $25. Times vary.
• Classical Theatre Company presents The Marriage of Figaro at the DeLuxe Theater | Friday & Saturday | Final Weekend – Audiences may be familiar with the opera of the same name, but this French farce on which the opera is based, predates it. Classical Theatre Company artistic director John Johnston offers his own translation of the story of Figaro as he prepares to wed the love of his life. Spoiler alert: hijinks ensue. $25. Showtimes vary.

Tickets to Houston Pro Sports Games

• Houston Texans Home Games at NRG Stadium | 2022 Tickets on Sale | Sponsored – Save on 2022 Texans games with cheaper, better or hard-to-find seats on the online resale market.

• World Cup Watch Parties at William Price Distilling Company | No Cover – Catch all the World Cup action on Thanksgiving at the Garden Oaks distillery. Uruguay faces South Korea at 7am to kick things off, followed by Portugal vs. Ghana at 10am, and Brazil vs. Serbia at 1pm. All games screening on the 20-foot screen, with food and drinks available all day. 7am to 3pm.
• BakerRipley Houston Turkey Trot in Uptown – The annual Thanksgiving tradition returns to the Galleria area this year, sending thousands of runners from near the Waterwall, through Uptown and Tanglewood, and ending by the Galleria. Registration starts at $40 for the 5K; $45 for the 10K; and $15 for the Kids Run. 7:25am to 10am.
• 33rd Annual YMCA Run Thru the Woods at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The annual tradition in the Woodlands will see thousands of runners take to the woods around the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion to help support local non-profit organizations. Registration starts at $40. 7:30am to 10am.
• Galveston Island Turkey Trot in Menard Park – The annual Galveston Turkey Trot features a flat ocean-view course along the Seawall and welcomes both runners and walkers of all ages. Registration is $40 for the 5K. 7:30am to 11am.
• 73rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown | FREE – Get into the holiday spirit at the 70th Annual H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade, a showcase of sensational floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands, artistic entries, and live entertainment through the streets of Downtown. 9am to 11am.
• Free Thanksgiving Meals at Monkey’s Tail in Northside | FREE – For the third year, the Northside bar and cantina is handing out 500 individual meals for free. Distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, visitors will receive boxed meals with fried dark and white meat turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels, cornbread stuffing and more. 9am to 11am.
• Thanksgiving at Brennan’s of Houston – The longtime Midtown staple hosts their annual three-course Thanksgiving Day meal with Creole and holiday classics. $84; $30 for children (no age specified). 11am to 7pm.
• Thanksgiving Day at Kemah Boardwalk | No Cover – The Boardwalk is open all Thanksgiving Day long, offering rides, food, and boardwalk games. Noon to 9pm.
• Thanksgiving at CRÚ Food & Wine Bar – At both of its locations (in Houston and the Woodlands), CRÚ serves up a three-course, fall-inspired meal with an amuse bouche of butternut squash and burrata bruschetta; indulgent starters like pumpkin ricotta ravioli, or lobster and saffron risotto; a roasted turkey breast with all the fixings; and servings of pumpkin cheesecake or chocolate molten cake. $52; $25 for ages 12 and under. Noon to 9pm.
• Thanksgiving at Bludorn – The acclaimed French-inspired, New American restaurant helmed by Chef Aaron Bludorn opens their doors on Thanksgiving with a three-course meal highlighted by appetizers like maitake mushroom and fennel soup, Heritage turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce, potato gnocchi with butternut squash brown butter foam, and classic desserts. $105; $55 for ages 12 and under. 3pm to 7pm.
• 34th Annual Uptown Holiday Lighting on Post Oak Boulevard | FREE – The annual Uptown Holiday Lighting kicks off the holiday season with the illumination of Uptown’s 300 custom, 20-foot tall holiday trees along Post Oak Boulevard with live fireworks, holiday shopping, street entertainment, and appearance by Santa Claus, and more. 4pm to 7pm.
• The Riot Comedy Club presents Live Laugh Love on Thanksgiving at Rudyard’s Pub – Local comic talent and headliners join forces to share heartbreak stories and perhaps give you a little something to feel thankful for. $15 and up. 7pm and 9pm.

• More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do are happening all weekend long. Scroll up and see our list, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum passes, tours, and more.