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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Houston: Thanksgiving Parade, The Nutcracker, and Holiday Celebrations

Head downtown for the 2025 City of Houston Thanksgiving Parade this weekend. Photo by Jim McIngvale.
Head downtown for the 2025 City of Houston Thanksgiving Parade this weekend. Photo by Jim McIngvale.
11/25/25 - By Rachael Cherry

Looking for the best things to do in Houston this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

If you’re looking for things to do over Thanksgiving weekend, Houston has some great options for families. As always, the City of Houston is hosting its spectacular Thanksgiving Day Parade. And if you have family in town, Cistern Illuminated is a gorgeous, uniquely Houston outing to add to the list.

For even more holiday fun, the new Festival of Trees at Chateau Nouvelle brings festive cheer for a great cause. With beautiful tree displays, live entertainment, holiday activities, and ways to give back, it’s a lovely stop for all ages.

If you decide at the last minute that you’re not up for cooking, we’ve rounded up plenty of kid-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving. You can also explore our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for everything from themed crafts to easy recipes and more.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Mommy Poppins Houston team!

More Things To Do in Houston this Week with Kids:

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Things to Do This Thanksgiving Weekend 2025 in Houston with Kids

Festival of Trees at Chateau Nouvelle

Northwest Houston
Wedneday, November 26 - Saturday November 29
  ​​​​Celebrate the Magic of the Season at the inaugural Festival of Trees at Chateau Nouvelle! This annual event is designed to bring together the community in the spirit of holiday cheer, all while supporting a cause that makes a lasting impact. From breathtaking tree displays to live entertainment, festive activities, and opportunities to contribute to a meaningful cause, this celebration is perfect for all ages. READ MORE

Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade

Downtown – FREE
Thursday, November 27
Get ready, Houston! The 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is rolling through downtown again! As one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parades in the nation, this beloved tradition draws hundreds of thousands of Houstonians together to celebrate each year. READ MORE

Screen on the Green at Discovery Green:The Wild Robot

Downtown – FREE
Friday, November 28
Enjoy The Wild Robot under the stars at the city’s coolest park! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, grab meals or drinks from The Grove Marketplace, and arrive early for fun games and activities. READ MORE

The Houston Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Downtown
Friday, November 28 - Sunday, December 28
Houston’s holiday tradition continues with the magic and wonder of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. READ MORE

Ice Village! at Rice Village

Rice Village
Friday, November 28 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Ice Village. Rice Village will transform into a winter wonderland with the debut of Ice Village, the district’s first-ever ice-skating rink. READ MORE

Cistern Illuminated

Downtown
Friday, November 28 - Sunday January 18 (Select Dates)
Take a luminous journey through light and sound this holiday season with Cistern Illuminated. This multi-sensory art experience transforms the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern into a transcendent spectacle of color, echo, and optical illusion.  READ MORE

Holiday in the Plaza at CityCentre

Memorial – FREE
Saturday, November 29
Come visit Santa and 2 of his reindeer at CityCentre during Holiday in the Plaza. Donation of new, unwrapped toys can be donated in exchange for a complimentary picture with Santa.  READ MORE

Wickedly Good! at Children's Museum Houston

Museum District
Saturday, November 29
Step into a world of whimsy, wonder, and Wicked-inspired fun at Children's Museum Houston! Get ready for a spellbinding experience as you meet Glinda and Elphaba, belt out your favorite tunes in a magical sing-along, and unleash your creativity with wickedly fun crafts!  READ MORE

Santa’s Saturday Night Lights at Market Square Park

Downtown – FREE
Saturday, November 29 - Saturday, December 13 (Saturdays)
Celebrate the season with free photos with Santa, live music, festive entertainment, face painting, and hands-on holiday workshops! READ MORE

Oh, What Fun! Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at City Place

Spring – FREE
Sunday, November 30
Stroll through a Holiday Market, play in a Real Snow area, meet Mr. Claus himself, enjoy the Gingerbread Village, and watch the Tree light up after dusk! READ MORE

Open Air Market at Evelyn's Park

Bellaire – FREE
Sunday, November 30
Bellaire Open Air Market brings an outdoor shopping experience to Evelyn’s Park, featuring local artisans and small businesses. Families can also enjoy a thankful craft for kids at the Trevillion. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: