Line the street for Houston’s 75th Thanksgiving Parade in Downtown

Keep the holiday tradition alive at the 75th annual Thanksgiving Parade in Downtown Houston on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Take in a stunning showcase of sensational floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands, artistic entries, and live entertainment, this Thanksgiving at the 78-year-old holiday event, showcasing the Houston community.

Beginning in 1949 when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the long gone Downtown Foley’s, the Thanksgiving Day parade has gone through a few changes. But today it’s bigger than ever and remains an annual mainstay—entertaining parade-goers lining the streets each year on Thanksgiving morning.

Featuring 21 high-flying helium balloons, 19 colorful floats, marching bands, and more, the parade will traverse over 20 city blocks and will feature elaborate floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons and other uniquely Houston entries.

For 2024, nine-time gold medalist, Carl Lewis, will lead the parade through Downtown to honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

2024 Houston 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.

75th Annual Houston Thanksgiving Parade in Downtown 

• Date: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024
• Time: 9am to 11am
• Location: At the intersection of Smith St and Lamar St, Houston, TX 77002
• Admission: Free. Learn more.

Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!