Top Four Family Friendly Thanksgiving Events and Parades in Houston, Texas

With friends and family visiting during the beginning of a very busy holiday season, Houston families can take advantage of a number of family friends and even free, Thanksgiving Day parades and events.

The 61^st Annual HEB Thanksgiving Holiday Parade

November 24, 2011 at 9 a.m.

Minute Maid Park

The 61^st Annual HEB Thanksgiving Holiday Parade is one of the most spectacular parades in Texas and some may argue rivals even the Macy's Day Parade. This year's theme includes "Adventures at Sea" with festive holiday floats that will "set sail" through the downtown streets of Houston beginning at Minute Maid Park and making its way to Discover Green and the George R. Brown Convention Center, decorated in popular and familiar holiday favorite themes. Parade highlights include Tom Turkey, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and marching band performances. The grand finale includes a visit from Santa himself! This event is free and open to the public with bleacher seating, however, tickets are also available and range from Grandstand $25, Handicap Accessible Seating $25, Turkey Seating (folding chair) $15, and VIP Reserved Box Seating $75. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Houston Festival Foundation, Inc. and is used to support more than 1,450 public schools educational programs in the Houston area each year.

Thanksgiving with Santa at The Children's Museum

Nov. 23, 2011 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

1500 Binz
Houston TX 77004

Begin your day with holiday float making and participate in the parade to welcome Santa to Houston and The Children's Museum of Houston. Enjoy many activities at the Eco-Station and Junction to celebrate many different aspects of Thanksgiving including creating your own turkeys, cornucopia and draw a picture of thanks. Be sure to bring your camera and your wish list for Santa. Tickets are $8.00 and general admission.

26^th Annual Uptown Lighting Ceremony

Nov. 24, 2011 4 pm the show starts with Santa's arrival and tree lighting at 7 p.m.

Post Oak Blvd./The Galleria

Bring your friends and family Thanksgiving evening to Post Oak Blvd. in Houston for a free family events which includes holiday music, concessions stage shows, Santa, and approximately 80 brilliantly lit holiday trees. Music includes The Houston Concert Band and the Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir and entertainment from clowns, holiday characters, and even Santa's reindeer. The evening's entertainment ends with a spectacular fireworks display. Call 713-621-2504 for more information. Free parking is available at the many parking garages in the area including Dilliards, Post Oak Tower and The Galleria.

The Ice at Discovery Green

Nov. 24, 2011 - Jan. 22, 2012

1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010

Ice in Houston? It could happen but to make sure it does our popular Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston makes their own. Home to approximately 7200 square feet of ice during the holiday season the park also offers musical performances, art exhibits and special skating performances though out the event. Tickets are $10.00 for all skaters and includes skate rentals. Skating time is limited to 1.5 hours so that everyone gets a chance to stay and play. Be sure to check the skating times using the Discovery Green Event Calendar before you go.

With all this fun, why stay home after the Turkey is done? Unless of course the Texans are playing, that could be a good reason.

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