This material was originally published by Reform Austin.

Graphic by Reform Austin.

Loading the

Elevenlabs Text to Speech

AudioNative Player…

Thanksgiving in Texas is a time for gathering, celebration, and creating memories. From sparkling parades to festive runs, cities across the state are rolling out traditions that bring families and communities together. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this Thanksgiving week.

Houston – 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade

Are you ready to meet the new 40-foot H-E-Buddy balloon?

  • When: Thursday, November 27, 9:00 a.m.
  • Where: Downtown Houston, from Smith & Lamar to Smith & Dallas Streets
  • Details: Grand marshals Toro, Clutch, Orbit, and Diesel will lead dozens of floats, giant balloons, marching bands, Broadway selections by Theatre Under the Stars, dance shows, and performances from Christina Wells, Danny Gokey, Kam Franklin, and Payton Howie. 

Streets near the route close at 6 a.m. and reopen by 3 p.m. You can check here .

Seating opens at 7 a.m., with entertainment starting at 8 a.m., and reserved seats ($33–$38) available online. The parade is free, and ABC13 will stream it live.

For more information, visit their website .

Austin – 35th Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot

Get dressed as a turkey and run for a cause!

  • When: Thursday, November 27, registration begins at 7:00 a.m.
  • Where: Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
  • Details: Timed and untimed 5-mile races, 1-mile walk/run, wheelchair divisions, and a kids’ K event give participants a festive start to Thanksgiving Day.

For more information and to register, visit their website .

El Paso – Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Day Parade

Step into a day full of color, music, and celebration!

  • When: Thursday, November 27, 10:00 a.m.
  • Where: Montana Avenue, from Ochoa Street to Copia Street
  • Details: Dating back to 1935, the parade features over 100 floats, equestrian units, marching bands, dance ensembles, and local celebrities. Chef Aarón Sánchez serves as Grand Marshal under this year’s theme: “Childhood Is Where Dreams Are Born.” Reserved seating: $10; live stream available on 9 KTSM .

For more information, visit their website .

San Antonio – Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony

You can’t miss this magical event dedicated to the holiday season’s most iconic films.

  • When: Friday, November 28, 6:00 p.m. (live broadcast at 7:05 p.m.)
  • Where: Downtown River Walk, starting at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
  • Details: The parade features 200,000 lights on floats celebrating “Merry Movie Magic,” with Buddy the Elf as Grand Marshal.

For more information, visit their website .

Fort Worth – 2025 GM Financial Parade of Lights

  • When: Sunday, November 30, 6:00 p.m.
  • Where: Downtown Fort Worth, from Weatherford & Throckmorton Streets
  • Details: One of the nation’s top illuminated parades, this event features high school marching bands, car clubs, Ballet Folklorico, and the Grinch, with Chris Cassidy, President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, as Grand Marshal. 

Reserved seating is available online, and the parade will be broadcast live on TXA-21 and Facebook Live .

For more information, visit their website .