Keep the holiday tradition alive at the 74th annual Thanksgiving Parade in Downtown Houston on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2023.
Take in a stunning showcase of sensational floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands, artistic entries, and live entertainment, this Thanksgiving at the 74-year-old holiday event, showcasing the Houston community.
Beginning in 1949 when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the Downtown Foley’s, the Thanksgiving Day parade has gone through a few changes but to this day remains an annual mainstay, entertaining parade-goers lining the streets each year on Thanksgiving morning.
For 2023, the parade will be led by Grand Marshal, Mayor Sylvester Turner, alongside co-Marshals and Houston Rockets legends Rudy Tomjanovich and Calvin Murphy.
The TSU “Ocean of Soul” marching band will kick things off, along with special performances by TUTS, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and many more Houston area groups and performers.
2023 Thanksgiving Parade Route
The parade will begin at 9am on Smith at Lamar, heading north to Walker and turning right onto Milam.
It will continue eight blocks south to Pease Street, then one block over to Louisiana, before snaking up through Clay and Smith, ending at the the corner of Dallas Street.
Food trucks and vendors will be available along the parade route for those working up an appetite spectating.
74th Annual Houston Thanksgiving Parade in Downtown
- Date: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2023
- Time: 9am to 11am.
- Location: At the intersection of Smith St and Lamar St, Houston, TX 77002
- Admission: Free. Learn more.
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