Plan Your Thanksgiving Weekend: November 22 to 26, 2023

Things to Do
All Weekend Long

• Pearland Restaurant Weeks | Daily – Throughout the month of November, the growing restaurant scene in Pearland will showcase curated menus and specialty offerings, with a portion of all orders going to support Pearland Neighborhood Center. Fixed-price menus are $29 for 2-course breakfasts and lunches; $35 for 3-course dinners. Times and locations vary.
• Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston | Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – The cosmic spectacle returns to Space Center Houston, transforming the campus into a twinkling wonderland of space-themed light installations, high-tech experiences, holiday treats and more in a one-of-a-kind event that can only be found in Space City. Tickets range from $19.95 to $27.95; free for ages 3 and under. Save $5 on each ticket when you use promo code 365XLIGHTS at checkout. 6pm to 10pm.
• 63rd Annual Autorama at George R. Brown Convention Center | Thursday to Sunday – 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. Times vary.
• Magical Winter Lights at Katy Mills | Thursday to Sunday | Ongoing – 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 Chris Grace at Rudyard’s Pub | Friday & Saturday – The comedian known for his role as Jerry in the NBC sitcom Superstore, Chris Grace returns to his hometown of Houston to perform three sets at the Montrose upstairs stage. $20 and up. Friday 7pm; Saturday 7pm and 9pm.
• Comedian Jon “Polar Bear” Gonzalez at Houston Improv | Friday & Saturday – For four shows in two nights, the Texan comedian and podcaster sets up at the Spring Branch laugh house to deliver his thoughts about life between cultures. $50 for 2, and up. Times vary.

Magical Winter Lights
Katy Mills
^{Thursday to Sunday}

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.

$21.75 | Times Vary

Learn More

• Bellamy Brothers in Concert at Main Street Crossing | Friday & Saturday – The country pop duo who have performed together since the 1970s head to Tomball for back-to-back nights of hits like “Let Your Love Flow,” “Redneck Girl” and others. $95 and up. 8pm.
• Bay Area Nutcracker Market at Pasadena Convention Center | Friday to Sunday – Boutique vendors and local artisans will be doling out jewelry, holiday decor, yard art and more at this Pasadena nutcracker market taking place in late-November. $5. 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 120 local vendors and artisans doling out leather goods, handmade jewelry, gourmet foods, home decor and more. $5. 10am to 5pm.
• Funbox Bounce Park at Katy Mills | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Scale the climbable Marshmallow Mountain, scamper across the Gumball Gallop, work your way through the Funbox obstacle course, and take part in other thrilling attractions waiting to be discovered at the vast inflatable playground in Katy. Save 30% on admission when you use promo code Todo30 at checkout. Times vary.
• Houston Symphony: “I Will Survive” Diva Legends at Jones Hall | Friday to Sunday – Gather your family and friends on Thanksgiving weekend and relive the songs you know and love, with chart-topping hits from Gloria Gaynor, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, and more. $34 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Umami Fest Night Market 2023 at Aveva Stadium | Saturday & Sunday – This umami-packed, Asian-inspired food festival and night market will rock street food and merch vendors, artists, night market games and prizes, a lineup of tuner cars, a hot wing eating contest and DJ Mik One leading the festivities. $5. Saturday 4pm to 11pm; Sunday 2pm to 9pm.

Ongoing Live Theater & Performing Arts in Houston

• A.D. Players presents A Texas Carol at the George Theater | Wednesday, Friday to Sunday | Opening Weekend – This holiday take is back by popular demand. It’s the story of the Dinkel family, gathering at Mee-Maw Jane’s East Texas ranch for what could be her very last Christmas. But when the first family guests arrive, they find she’s already gone. Can they keep her death a secret from everyone else and keep up the holiday spirit? This production runs through Saturday, December 23. $25 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Wortham Center | Friday to Sunday | Opening Weekend – This dazzling production of the beloved ballet recounts the story of Clara, gifted a magical nutcracker one Christmas Eve, and the adventures she encounters in the Land of Sweets. See why Tchaikovsky’s score has captivated audiences around the world for more than a century. This production runs through Wednesday, December 27. $30 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Main Street Theater for Youth presents Disney’s Beauty & the Beast at MATCH | Wednesday, Friday & Saturday | Ongoing – The dazzling fairy tale comes to life on stage, telling the story of the bookish Belle, who yearns for something more than her provincial life. When her father is captured by a ferocious beast, Belle trades her freedom for his, and finds herself in an enchanted castle. Can she ever find her way back home, and discover how to make her dreams come true? $22 and up. Noon and 3:30pm.
• Stages presents Always…Patsy Cline at the Gordy | Wednesday, Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Celebrating its 35th anniversary, this musical biography features 27 of the iconic country singer’s hits, while showcasing her rise to stardom in the 1960s. It’s also the story of the friendship between Cline and Houston native Louise Seger, who met the singer in a Bayou City honky tonk. $48 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Catastrophic Theatre presents Turn of the Screw at MATCH | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – This classic ghost story by Henry James about a governess in Victorian England gets a new environmental and multimedia production. Look for a haunting soundscape, toy theatre, puppetry, and for performers and guests to collaborate in creating a new take on one of the world’s most celebrated ghost stories. This production runs through Saturday, December 9. Pay-what-you-can. Showtimes vary.
• Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley at Main Street Theater | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – The final chapter in the beloved Christmas at Pemberley series explores the friendship between Mr. Darcy’s younger sister Georgiana and the youngest Bennet sister Kitty. As the family gatherers at Pemberley for Christmas, the two young women eagerly await the arrival of Georgiana’s secret correspondent, Henry Grey. When he arrives to a chilly welcome from Mr. Darcy, Georgiana fears her chance for love is lost. This production runs through Sunday, December 17. $39 and up. Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm.
• A Motown Christmas at Ensemble Theatre | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – This family-friendly holiday revue blends traditional carols with that distinctive Motown sound, with hits made famous by the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye and more. This production runs through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24. $34 and up. Showtimes vary.
• A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – The beloved Charles Dickens holiday classic returns to the stage, telling the story of the miserly Scrooge and, with a series of visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, how he learns the true meaning of the holiday season. This production runs through Saturday, December 30. $29 and up. Showtimes vary.

Katy Asian Town, Holiday Fun & Other Destinations

• Must Do Things in Katy Asian Town – Explore this nook of Katy rich with shopping, culinary delights and more from across the Asian continent.
• Thanksgiving Dining & To-Go Guide in Houston – Deadlines for Thanksgiving takeout packages are fast approaching this weekend, so don’t miss your chance to grab the perfect feast before it’s too late.
• Holiday Markets in Greater Houston – Plan your holiday gift shopping with our guide to holiday markets taking place over the coming weeks in 2023.
• Top Holiday Shows in Houston – Check out our top picks for 25 holiday shows ongoing and coming up in the holiday season on stages around Houston.
• Best Brunch in the Heights – The bustling neighborhood hides plenty of gems for your weekend brunch destinations.
• 20+ of Houston’s Best Patios – It’s patio weather in Houston—at long last—and we’ve gathered more than 20 spots across town where you can post up and enjoy a breeze, a beer or a meal.
• 75+ Fall Festivals in Houston | Ongoing – Explore our guide to a supersized festival season coming to Houston, showcasing the city’s culture, music, arts, food scenes, and more.
• Fall Markets in Greater Houston | Ongoing – From spooky evenings on the bayou to annual nutcracker extravaganzas, we’ve gathered 25 fall markets to put on your radar.

• 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 Parade
Downtown
^{Thursday, November 23}

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.

FREE | 9am to 11am

Learn More

• 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.
• The 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.
• 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.

• More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston are happening all weekend long. Scroll up to explore events and shows spanning multiple days, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum and brewery passes, tours, and more.