Event Roundup: What to Do this Thanksgiving Week

Happy Thanksgiving Week! As you're planning your holiday week, here are some events to consider around town: 

Children's Museum Houston hosts a cornucopia of Thanksgiving events and activities for the whole family. 

Great Gobbler Thanksgiving Week at Children's Museum Houston 
Nov. 25-Dec. 1 (excluding Thanksgiving Day), 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Children's Museum Houston
General admission: $19.95/adult and child
Join the Children's Museum Houston for festive Thanksgiving-related activities, including: Turkey Jam & DJ Games (Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.); Turkey Pardon - watch as a real turkey gets a free pass from Kids' Committee President (Nov. 26, 12 p.m.); Turkey Tales (Nov. 26, 1 and 4 p.m.); Pumpkin' Chunkin' Relay (Nov. 27, 12 p.m.); Changing of the Seasons skit (Nov. 29); and more.  

Houston Turkey Dash 
Thurs., Nov. 28, 6:45 a.m.
Delmar Stadium
Price varies
The Houston Running Company presents the return of the Houston Turkey Dash on Thanksgiving Day. This year's event includes a new offering – handcycling – in addition to a half marathon, 10K, 5K, Family 1K or Kids K. Individuals of all skill levels are invited to participate and make lasting memories with family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday. Proceeds from the event will benefit the HRC Foundation, Ainsley's Angels, The Asher House Animal Sanctuary, Girls on the Run, and LifeGift Organ Donation.

The Houston Methodist Turkey Trot includes a 10K Run/Walk, 5K Run/Walk, Virtual, and a Kids Run for ages 12 and under. Get your steps in before the Thanksgiving Day feast.  

Houston Methodist Turkey Trot 
Thurs., Nov. 28, 7:30-10 a.m. 
Galleria area, near Dillard’s 
Price varies 
Get in some steps before the Thanksgiving feast. Run with your family and friends in Uptown Houston. Multiple race types are available, including a 10K Run/Walk, 5K Run/Walk, Virtual, and a Kids Run for ages 12 and under. Registration dollars go to production costs of the event and donations go directly to charity partner, Be An Angel. The post-race party is from 7:45-10 a.m. 

The 2024 Turkey Trot Presented by Saint Arnold Brewing Co. 
Thurs., Nov. 28, 8-11 a.m.
Saint Arnold Brewing Co. 
Volunteer options open
Saint Arnold Brewing Co. presents a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, including a 5K (timed and not timed), 10K, 1-mile walk, 5K (timed wheelchair). Although spots are full to participate in the race, join the waitlist or consider volunteering.  

The 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, led by nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis, will take place on Thanksgiving Day in downtown Houston. This year's parade will honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade  
Thurs., Nov. 28, 9 a.m.
Downtown Houston
Free
Nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis will lead the 2024 parade through downtown Thanksgiving Day. This year’s parade will kick off with a salute to the Houston-area Paris Olympians and Paralympians with a special performance of songs from Bring it On: The Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda performed by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS). The parade will feature colorful floats and balloons, marching bands, dance companies, and more.

The Texas Renaissance Festival will mark its 50th anniversary with an extraordinary celebration of magic, merriment, and new attractions. (Photo courtesy of Texas Renaissance Festival)

The Texas Renaissance Festival
Through Dec. 1
Texas Renaissance Festival grounds
Prices vary
The Texas Renaissance Festival marks its 50th anniversary this season. The nation’s largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed event continues through Dec. 1 and is open Thanksgiving Friday.

Visit with Santa and two of his reindeer at CityCentre during Holiday in the Plaza presented by Sewell Cadillac. (Photo courtesy of CityCentre)

Holiday in the Plaza
Sat., Nov. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Free
CityCentre
Visit with Santa and two of his reindeer at CityCentre during Holiday in the Plaza presented by Sewell Cadillac. The event includes holiday songs with the Houston Show Choir at 12, 2:30, and 4 p.m. Bring a donation (new, unwrapped toys) to help fill Santa’s Cadillac, and get a free photo with Santa. 

Texas vs. Texas A&M 
Sat., Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m. kickoff 
College Station 
Hook ’Em & Gig ’Em: The revival of the UT vs. Texas A&M rivalry on Saturday is one of the most highly anticipated games of the season. The last time the two schools played was 2011. The game will be broadcast on ABC. 

The Rice Village Farmers Market is marking their fourth anniversary with a festive Holiday Bash. (Photo courtesy of Rice Village)

Holiday Bash + 4th Anniversary of Rice Village Farmers Market  
Sun., Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free
Rice Village
The Rice Village Farmers Market is marking their fourth anniversary with a festive Holiday Bash. Meet Santa and snap a picture in one of four holiday-themed Instagrammable spots throughout Rice Village. Catch Grandma’s Boyfriends Carolers bringing the holiday spirit in song, and groove along to lively tunes spun by a DJ. Let the kids get creative at the craft table or visit the talented face painter for some holiday sparkle. Shop unique holiday vendors at the Farmers Market.

Ruck and Havel took inspiration from Houston's extreme weather and industrial architecture to create Radio Tave's mechanical room, a sprawling ductwork maze. (Photo: Arturo Olmos, courtesy of Meow Wolf)

Meow Wolf Houston
Open daily, timed ticketing
Radio Tave
General admission: $40+
Meow Wolf’s Houston location, which opened this fall, is set in an alternative radio station stuck in a parallel universe. Although Meow Wolf is not holiday-themed, exploring the new immersive art installation would be a fun experience with family and friends this holiday season. Meow Wolf features a maze of rooms connected by secret passageways, including through washing machines and refrigerators, and encourages visitors to engage with the exhibit through all five senses. 

Ongoing Happenings this Holiday Season: 

Here’s a sampling of some festive, family-friendly fun happening this season. (Please check individual sites for Thanksgiving week hours.) See our online event calendar for more upcoming events. 

The annual TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights transforms the Houston Zoo into a winter wonderland. (Photo courtesy of the Houston Zoo)

TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights 
Through Jan. 5, 5:30-10:30 p.m. (last entry: 9:30 p.m.)
Houston Zoo
Tickets vary depending on date; $24.95+
The annual Zoo Lights, presented by TXU Energy, transforms the Houston Zoo into a winter wonderland. The Zoo will be lit with earth-friendly LED bulbs. Highlights include Snowy Slopes, featuring a snow machine and ski lift chairs, life-sized animal lanterns, and s’mores-making stations. Santa returns to his workshop to take photos until Dec. 23. New this year: Stroll through the Immersive Twinkle Trail, sponsored by TC Energy, enjoy cookie-decorating stations, and a new holiday tree. 

(Photo courtesy of Discovery Green)

Green Mountain Energy Ice 
Through Feb. 2, 2025; times vary, Discovery Green, Admission: $18
Skate around the ice rink at Discovery Green. Throughout the Ice season, there will be special events, including DJs, Skating Stars, Sundays with Santa, We Love Houston Wednesdays, and more. New this year: Bumper Cars on Ice, Jan. 6-19. 

Experience holiday magic with Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas held at Memorial City Mall, Nov. 22-Dec. 29, 2024. (Photo: Enchant Christmas)

Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas
Through Dec. 29
Memorial City Mall
Adult: $20; ages 4-17: $14; ages 3 and under: free  
This festive event is filled with tons of joyful activities for the whole family, including larger-than-life light displays, a holiday market, ice skating, a snow slide, seasonal treats, live entertainment, and visits with Santa. Theme nights include Paws n’ Claus (Dec. 1), Country Christmas (Dec. 6), Houston Texans Night (Dec. 10), and more. 

Experience an out-of-this-world holiday event at Galaxy Lights, a space-themed holiday light show. (Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston)

Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights 
Through Jan. 5, 6-10 p.m., including Tues., Dec. 31, 6-8 p.m. Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 5; Dec. 24, Dec. 25
Space Center Houston
$19.95-27.95; free for children ages 3 and younger; not included in general admission 
Experience an out-of-this-world holiday event at Galaxy Lights, presented by Reliant. Featured activations and presentations include light displays, kinetic light shows, crystal fireworks shows, Apollo-themed lantern displays, a light tunnel, light pods, astronaut “selfie” lantern display, a walk-through space launch system rocket display, a large shooting star display, s’mores fire pits by the launchpad, LED swings under the 747 Boeing Aircraft, and a screening of Holidays in Space. 

Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist features 3.5 million lights, themed displays, Santa, and more holiday fun. (Photo courtesy of Sugar Land Space Cowboys) 

Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Through Jan. 5, 2025
Constellation Field
Prices vary; kids 3 and under are free
Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist takes place at Constellation Field, featuring more than 3.5 million lights, a dazzling 40 ft. light up tree, light shows, numerous themed displays, Santa Claus (through Dec. 23), holiday vendors, food, and more. New this year: Enjoy a synthetic ice rink on the field.

Don't miss the popular Trains Over Texas exhibit at HMNS this holiday season. (Photo courtesy HMNS | Photographer Mike Rathke)

Holly Jolly HMNS
Through the holiday season
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Price varies
HMNS is celebrating the holidays with a slew of magical holiday activities and special events, including the Holiday Movie Party featuring A Christmas Carol (Sun., Dec. 1, 4:30 p.m.); Santa’s Workshop (Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m.); Santa Claws (Sun., Dec. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.); Storytime with Santa (Sun., Dec. 8, 2 and 3 p.m.); Breakfast with Santa (Sat., Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.); Cookies with Santa (Sun., Dec. 15, 9 a.m.); and Snow Flurry (Sat., Dec. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.). Don’t miss the beloved Trains Over Texas exhibit, the largest indoor O-scale model railroad in Texas. 

A stunning 100-foot long tunnel featuring fuchsia flowers is just one of 50 eye-catching lantern displays at the Houston Botanic Garden's all-new Radiant Nature.

Radiant Nature Presented by Reliant 
Fri., Sat., and Sun. nights, starting at 6 p.m., as well as some weeknights, through Feb. 23
Houston Botanic Garden
$28.50 for ages 3+
Inspired by traditions celebrating the Lunar New Year, as well as regional plants and animals, Radiant Nature features more than 50 Chinese lantern installations throughout the mile-long path, set to a complementary soundtrack. This year’s exhibit features an all-new collection of lantern installations, including a massive iridescent dome that guests can walk inside, where they’ll see a large, moving lotus flower. Other new attractions include a life-sized Chinese palace, a canopy tunnel constructed of traditional oil paper umbrellas, pandas in a field of bamboo with a waterfall, interactive morning glories and sunflowers, and an interactive dragon that guests can manipulate to make it “dance.”