Give thanks for things to do on Thanksgiving Day around Houston

Get out and experience the best of Houston—before or after your feast—with our very favorite things to do in Houston before and on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Whether you’re entertaining your entire brood, hosting a friends-giving, or relaxing with a solo Turkey Day, you’ll find plenty to entertain you.

And if you’re looking to skip the cooking this year, make your way to one of our favorite restaurants with our guide to dining and to-go options around Houston this Thanksgiving.

2023 Thanksgiving Day Things to Do in Houston

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2023

• Thanksgiving Lunch & Dinner in Greater Houston – Haven’t gotten your Turkey Day sorted? Fear not, because many of Houston’s dining spots will be serving up a Thanksgiving feast at a variety of price points. Take a look at our guide to find one near you, but act quick as some require advance reservations. Prices and times vary.
• 15th Annual Bay Area Turkey Trot in Clear Lake – Set out on Thanksgiving morning from On the Run in Clear Lake, weaving through scenic neighborhoods for a Turkey Day 5K, 10K and Kids K. $35; $20 for the Kids K. Prices increase for day of registration. 7:15am.
• 38th Annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot at Sugar Creek Village – One of the longest running Turkey Trots launches in Sugar Creek Village, sending runners around the Sugar Creek Country Club neighborhood in lengths from 5-mile to 1-mile Kids Run. $35 for the 2.8-mile walk/jog; $40 for the 5-mile run; $25 for the 1-mile Kids Run. 7:30am.
• 34th Annual YMCA Run Thru the Woods in the Woodlands at the Pavilion Event Center – 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. $41 for the 3-mile walk and 1-mile Kids Run; $48 for the 5-mile and 3-mile runs; $22 for a parent accompanying a child in the Kids Run. 7:30am.

• 8th Annual Free Turkey Trot 5K & 10K at Memorial Park’s Eastern Glades | FREE – The city-wide running club Houston Striders hosts a free Turkey Trot through Memorial Park’s Eastern Glades on Thanksgiving morning. Early arrivals can also get free handmade Turkey Day costumes. 8am.
• Thanksgiving Dog Walking at Montgomery County Animal Shelter Texas | FREE – Register in advance and you can come by the Conroe animal shelter to help walk dogs outside ahead of the holidays, in what will be their only chance to get outside for two days. Space is limited and walkers must be registered ahead of time. 8am to 10:30am.
• 9th Annual L3 Turkey Day 5K & Kids Wishbone 1K at Kingwood Town Center – The annual Kingwood Turkey Day run helps raise funds to find a cure for pediatric cancer. Runners can participate in a 5K run or the Kids 1K. $35; $20 for the Kids K. 8am to 11am.
• 74th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown | FREE – Get into the holiday spirit at the 74th 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.
• Thanksgiving Meal at San Luis Resort in Galveston – Along Seawall Boulevard, the Galveston resort hosts a Thanksgiving Day feast with champagne, live music and a massive selection of traditional and gourmet options for all ages. Four brunch seatings are available at 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm. $119; $89 for 65+; $39 for ages 6 to 11; free for ages 5 and under. 11am to 2pm.

• 63rd Annual Autorama at George R. Brown Convention Center – The annual car show returns to Downtown, rolling out some of the country’s finest hot rods, customs, trucks and motorcycles, alongside guest appearances from celebrities like wrestling superstars Lucha Bros, Lou Ferrigno from The Incredible Hulk, and more. $24; $5 for ages 6 to 12; free for ages 5 and under. 3pm to 8pm.
• Magical Winter Lights at Katy Mills – One of the city’s most popular attractions opens its gates at a new location in Katy this year. Wander through a lit-up wonderland filled with dazzling lantern sculptures, interactive displays, and a carnival with fun for the whole family. Early bird tickets are available now for the month of November. $21.75; $15.30 for ages 3 to 12 and 65+; free for ages 2 and under. Friday and Saturday 5pm to 11pm; Sunday 5pm to 10pm.
• The Riot Comedy Club presents Thanksgiving Night Comedy Showcase at Rudyard’s Pub – After a turkey dinner, swing by the Montrose pub to fill up on laughs at a stand-up showcase courtesy of the Riot Club. Connor Carter, Brian Gendron, Rich Williams, Luis Dejesus, George Brito and Josh Stokes will deliver the funny from the upstairs stage. $10 and up. 8pm.
• Thanksgiving Eve 2023 Dance Night at Metropolis y Extravaganza – Get your feet moving to cap off Thanksgiving with a holiday dance night at the West Houston Latin nightclub. Free until 10pm; cover at the door after. 9pm to 2am.
• The Best Bars in Greater Houston – Get out of the house and let your hair down at one or more of the best nightlife spots in the Houston metro. Find your neighborhood, city or community and find our top recommendations for fun and frolic near you.

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Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!