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 24, 2022.

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.

2022 Thanksgiving Day Things to Do in Houston

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, 2022

• 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.
• 20th Annual Turkey Dash at Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch – The Katy YMCA Turkey Dash returns for the 20th year with races for both kids and adults. The post-race party will include a fully equipped kids zone and many ways to engage with local businesses and organizations. $25 and up. 7:10am.
• 14th Annual Bay Area Turkey Trot at On the Run Clear Lake – Have a Thanksgiving Day run through the beautiful neighborhoods of Clear Lake at this 14th annual fitness event. $40; $25 for the Kids K. 7:15am.
• 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.

• Sugar Land Turkey Trot at Sugar Creek – Take part in the 37th Annual Fort Bend Kia Sugar Land Turkey Trot through the beautiful, quiet, safe Sugar Creek subdivision. The post-race fun will include an Awards Ceremony; a costume contest for best-dressed race participants and prize drawings. $25 and up. 7:30am.
• 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.
• Turkey Trot at City Place | FREE – Prep your body for a day of culinary excess with Camp Gladiator’s Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot taking at City Place. 8:30am.
• 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.

• 62nd Annual AutoRama at George R. Brown Convention Center – 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. The AutoRama runs through Sunday, November 27. $23; $4.99 for ages 6 to 12; free for ages 5 and under. Times vary.
• 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.
• Magical Winter Lights at Houston Raceway Park – Get into the holiday spirit with these seven illuminated displays featuring more than six million lights in Baytown. Walk through a winter circus, grub on festival foods and more. This event is ongoing through Saturday, January 7, 2023. $25; $17 for ages 3 to 12 and 65+. 5pm to 10:30pm.
• Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field – More than three million lights create a sparkling winter wonderland at the home of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. There’s also a holiday market, themed displays, a carnival and visits with Santa Claus. This event is ongoing through New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2023. $15; $12 ages 4 to 12. 6pm to 10pm.
• 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.
• 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.