Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Thanksgiving Weekend

Hope you all had a wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving feast! If you're on the lookout for things to do with family and friends this weekend, see below. Enjoy the holiday weekend! 

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
This is the last weekend to visit the Texas Renaissance Festival (open today, Thanksgiving Friday), the nation’s largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed event. Ren Fest is marking its 50th anniversary this season. This weekend is themed Celtic Christmas. 

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. 

Holiday Brews on the Bend
Sat., Nov. 30, 2-6 p.m.
$45 general admission 
Add some hops to your holiday season! Enjoy beer tastings from selected breweries on the expansive grounds of beautiful Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. The tastings take place under a festive tent in the Diana Garden as the Paul Chester Quartet provides live jazz to complete the experience. Last admission is at 5 p.m. This event is for ages 21+.

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. Get in the spirit by re-reading A Nod to the Squad: An Homage to Texas A&M’s 12th Man Kickoff Team by Cathy Gordon, Sept. 2024, College Football Traditions: Through the generations by Annie Blaylock McQueen, Nov. 2022, and Beyond Football: What to serve at a tailgate by Andria Dilling, Nov. 2024.  

Flea by Night: Holiday Market 
Sat., Nov. 30, 6-10 p.m.
Free
Discovery Green, Grace Event Lawn
Flea by Night is an open-air market featuring local artisans selling handmade goods. Browse vendors, enjoy holiday music on Avenida de las Americas, and check out food trucks in the vicinity. While you’re at Discovery Green, consider skating around The Ice, enjoying putt-putt at Pixar Putt, and checking out Atlas, the newest art installation at Discovery Green.  

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.

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Sun., Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
$22+
Toyota Center
Cheer on the Rockets as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.   

More Holiday Events
See Festive Fun, our listing of holiday happenings this season, for more ongoing events. Find more on our online event calendar.