Houston’s 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
(Updated November 21, 2024)
Howdy, awesome Texans. It’s time to say, “Hello, Houston!!!” because Thanksgiving is around the corner and one of the oldest parades in the country i.e. H-E-B Thanksgiving parade is happening on Thursday, November 28th!
H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade 2024
Like every awesome event happening in Houston, Houston’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is something someone must not miss. The Parade will traverse over 20 city blocks and will feature elaborate floats, majestic colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons, and various other entries unique to the majestic, beautiful city of Houston showcasing its diversity and rich culture.
Date and Location
The 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 28, 2024. The event is located in the heart of downtown Houston. It will begin on Smith at Lamar, starting from 9 a.m.
The attendees can expect something real awesome and memorable.
Every year, several thousands of Houstonians flood the streets along the route of the Thanksgiving Parade to cheer on the participants. This parade is an annual tradition for numerous families in Houston.
Note
From 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 28th, the following streets will be closed: Allen Parkway (inbound) between Taft and Bagby, Bagby (northbound) between Dallas and McKinney, Bagby (southbound) between Walker and Clay, Lamar between Louisiana and outbound Allen Parkway at Interstate 45 overpass.
And from 8 to 11 a.m., Smith between Lamar and Walker, Walker between Smith and Milam, Milam between Walker and Pease, Pease between Milam and Louisiana, Louisiana between Pease and Clay, Clay between Louisiana and Smith, Smith between Clay and Dallas, streets will be closed.
History
The History of this tradition is a bit unclear, but it is said that Houston’s inaugural Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1949 when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s department store.
The Thanksgiving Day Parade never fails to fill the Houston air and the Houstonian’s heart with joy and happiness, leading them right into the festival/holiday season. No wonder that Thanksgiving Parade is the Houstonian’s favorite tradition. Today, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events produces/organizes the annual parade.
What makes the 2024 Parade special?
The City of Houston Mayor, John Whitmire, announced that Carl Lewis, a nine-time gold Olympic medalist, will be the Grand Marshal for the 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade.
And thus, will lead the parade to honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
I invite all Houstonians to start their Thanksgiving Day with us as we honor a 75-year parade tradition and celebrate the spirit of the Olympics. I look forward to sharing the experience with family, friends, and all the wonderful supporters who have made it possible for the City to start the holiday season with thanks, joy, and gratitude.
The Honorable John Whitmire (Mayor, City of Houston)
The 75th Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin on Smith at Lamar, and then head north to Walker, east to Milam, south to Pease. Then, moving west to Louisiana, north to Clay, west to Smith, and north ending at Smith and Dallas.
Featuring
The parade will feature several local and regional marching bands, drill teams, dance companies, and more.
The parade will start off with a salute to the Houston area Paris Olympians and Paralympians. The event will then witness a real special performance of songs from Bring it On: The Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda performed by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS). This is just for starters!
The parade then will feature various mind-blowing additional performances, including a mesmerizing vocal duet from the Broadway musical Frozen.
The 21 high-flying balloons, and 19 colorful and unique floats, including the famous Tom Turkey, Santa Claus will cover the sky overshadowing the streets of downtown Houston.
The event will then follow paying tributes to the parade’s 75th Anniversary, Houston’s Olympians, Caring For Our Coast, and a salute to non-profits.
Moreover, the parade will star six local and regional high-stepping marching bands – the Apache Belles and Bellville Brahmadoras, dance companies, KHOU 11 Toy Drive Float, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, etc.
Seating and Parking
The Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is free and open to the public. But a limited number of premium seats are available.
Premium seats can be purchased at houstonthanksgivingparade.org for $28.25 each, the amount includes the service fee.
There will be plenty of curbside space along the route for lawn chairs and blankets. If you’d like, you can bring lawn chairs. Easy access parking will be available along the route. If you have purchased the ticket for premium seats, please make sure to reach your seats before time (before/by 8:15 a.m.)
If you wanna enjoy the Thanksgiving Parade from the comfort of your home, KHOU 11 will stream the parade live.
So, if you gonna watch in person or experience it on T.V. hope y’all will enjoy and cherish the Houston’s fav Thanksgiving Day tradition!
Love y’all!
Feel free to comment down what y’all think about the parade and how excited y’all are!
