Thanksgiving 2009 Events in the Clear Lake/Bay Area of Houston, TX

The Clear Lake/Bay Area of Houston, TX, is on the Gulf Coast, halfway between Houston and Galveston. Some people prefer to stay in the area, rather than driving up to Houston or down to Galveston, so this article includes local events, as well as some functions in Houston and Galveston. This list contains information on a events that should appeal to a variety of readers.

If you want to make the drive up to Houston, there are several major events that take place on or about Thanksgiving Day. The first is the HEB Holiday Parade, which happens in downtown Houston. This is the big parade in the area, and the event is well attended, and televised. More information can be obtained at: http://www.hebparade.com

Another major event in Houston itself, is the Houston Uptown Uptown Holiday Lighting Ceremony, which takes place on Post Oak Blvd, near the Galleria Mall. Music & concessions start at 4pm, and at 7pm, Santa lights the boulevard, along with a fireworks display. For more information, see: http://www.uptown-houston.com/about/events/upcoming.html

The 20th Annual Superfeast will be held at Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby, between McKinney and Allen Parkway. The City Wide Club of Clubs 26th Annual Feast of Big Sharing Feast will take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. Between 15,000 and 20,000 guests are expected to attend the Superfeast, and 35,000 to 40,000 are expected at the City Wide Club of Clubs event. Both feasts will include turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Superfeast, and from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. http://www.click2houston.com/holidays/3943160/detail.html

Originally, the Superfeast was designed for the homeless, or anyone who wasn't able to provide for themselves, but many have relocated to the Houston area from elsewhere, and don't have family here, so this event is now open to everyone. If you're alone on Thanksgiving, and would like to get in the holiday spirit, this is a fantastic chance to meet others in the area, and if you'd like to help out, volunteers are always needed. In addition to the huge Thanksgiving dinner feast, there are activities for children. Extra food will be donated to End Hunger Network. There will also be a blanket and clothing drive at Waste Management, Inc.'s corporate offices at 1001 Fannin St. and 1021 Main St. Items collected include gently used clothing and blankets, which will be distributed to those in need who attend the Superfeast. If you'd like to volunteer to help with the Superfeast, contact:
(713) 516-3501

Another event that benefits a local charity is the TXU Energy Turkey Trot. The Trot includes a 5K fun run/walk/wheelchair event, a 10K race, a childrens' race, and a party following the races, that benefits Sheltering Arms Senior Services. This event takes place on November 26, 2009, at 8 a.m. in Uptown Park, in Houston. For additional information, see: http://www.uptown-houston.com/about/events/upcoming.html; www.shelteringarms.org, or call 713-685-6524

The major holiday event in Galveston, TX is the Festival of Lights, at Moody Gardens on Galveston Island. Moody Gardens is an entertainment complex on Galveston Island, comprised of pyramid-shaped buildings incorporating a rainforest, aquarium, Imax Theater, white sand beach, The Colonel Paddlewheeler, and various other attractions. Starting in November, the complex is decorated for the holidays, including an outdoor ice rink, holiday shopping, and pictures with Santa. The Festival of Lights runs from 11/14/2009 to 01/02/2010, and is a sight to behold. More information can be obtained by calling 800-582-4673, or visiting: http://www.moodygardens.com/.

Another ice rink is available in Houston, at:
The Ice at Discovery Green, in Discovery Green Park, from 11/26/2009 to 1/18/2010. This rink opens on Thanksgiving day, and includes art exhibits and special appearances by well known skaters. For more information, call 713-400-7336.

For car lovers, the annual O'Reilly AutoRama® takes place from November 26-29, 2009, in downtown Houston. This is a huge indoor car show taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center, which is located at 1001 Avenida De Las Americas. This show celebrates various types of vehicles such as race cars, motorcycles, etc.

In the Bay Area/Clear Lake area, there are several cruises planned for Thanksgiving and the Thanksgiving weekend. For information about Brunch, Lunch & Dinner Cruises on Thanksgiving Day aboard Kemah Yachts, call: 281-538-9600, or visit: www.thebigwhiteboat.com

Kemah, Texas is a small city bordering both Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. The Kemah Boardwalk, which is an entertainment district of restaurants, shops, boating events, and amusement rides. The Kemah Boardwalk is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but on November 28, 2009 the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre will perform the Nutcracker Vignette in Kemah, on Kipp Street, and the event is free. Call 281-334-9880 for more information, or visit: www.kemahboardwalk.com; http://www.visitbayareahouston.com/calendar.cfm?p=events

Dickinson, Texas is a small city along I-45 South, on the way to Galveston Island. The Dickinson Festival of Lights takes place from November 28, 2009 - January 2, 2010, from 6-9:30 pm, at Paul Hopkins Park, weather permitting. The park itself has nature paths along the water, and it's a very peaceful place to visit during during the daytime. At the holidays, the park is transformed into a gorgeous light display. This is a community event organized by many local volunteers. Call 281-337-2795 for more information or visit:
http://www.dickinsonfestivaloflights.org/.

Many in the area are aware of the large events listed here, since they are well-advertised. The smaller events are primarily community-driven, and are great finds. Thanksgiving is a nice time to explore your area, meet others with similar interests, and share the holiday experience.

Sources: http://www.visitbayareahouston.com/calendar.cfm?p=events
http://www.dickinsonfestivaloflights.org/
http://www.moodygardens.com/
http://www.uptown-houston.com/about/events/upcoming.html
http://www.click2houston.com/holidays/3943160/detail.html