Greater Houston Holiday Kickoff Nov 27-30

**Greater Houston Gears Up for Post-Thanksgiving Holiday Extravaganza**

HOUSTON – The Greater Houston area is set to ignite the holiday season with an unparalleled burst of festive cheer immediately following Thanksgiving, offering a jam-packed schedule of parades, dazzling tree lightings, spirited shopping opportunities, and community festivals. From Thanksgiving Day itself, Thursday, November 27, through Sunday, November 30, 2025, residents across the region will find a multitude of ways to dive headfirst into the holiday spirit.

The four-day holiday kick-off is a significant economic driver for local communities, drawing visitors and encouraging local spending as families seek out cherished traditions and create new memories.

**Thursday, November 27: Thanksgiving Day Parade Kicks Off Festivities**

The holiday weekend officially begins on Thanksgiving Day with the city of Houston’s time-honored Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now in its 76th year, the parade will wind its way through downtown, starting at 9 a.m. The grand spectacle typically features an impressive lineup of towering helium balloons, elaborate floats from local organizations, award-winning marching bands from across Texas, dynamic dance groups, and special guest appearances. This year, organizers promise a memorable event culminating with Santa Claus’s official arrival. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure prime viewing spots along the route, which traditionally traverses streets like Smith, Louisiana, and Lamar. For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be broadcast live on local television affiliates. Road closures will be in effect downtown from early morning; public transportation or ride-sharing is highly recommended. More details on the parade route and participants can be found at houston.gov/thanksgivingparade.

**Friday, November 28: Black Friday Frenzy and Ice Skating Wonders**

As the Black Friday shopping frenzy ramps up, retail hubs across the region anticipate early morning crowds. Major shopping destinations like The Galleria, Memorial City Mall, Katy Mills, and The Woodlands Mall will open their doors with special deals and extended hours, offering opportunities to snag gifts and enjoy holiday-themed activations, including early visits from Santa Claus at many locations.

Beyond shopping, Friday marks the opening of popular ice skating rinks. The iconic Ice at Discovery Green in downtown Houston will welcome its first skaters of the season. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning downtown skyline backdrop, the rink will be open daily through the winter holidays. Admission fees and operating hours are available at discoverygreen.com/ice-skating.

North of Houston, the city of Conroe will also immerse itself in holiday artistry. The historic Crighton Theatre, a beacon for local arts, will host “Sounds of the Season,” a performance featuring local choirs, musicians, and special guests delivering classic and contemporary holiday carols. Showtimes and ticket information can be found at crightontheatre.org. Meanwhile, Candy Cane Park in Conroe will officially light up for the season, transforming into a magical wonderland adorned with millions of twinkling lights, offering both walk-through and drive-through viewing options, often accompanied by hot chocolate stations and festive characters. Check cityofconroe.org for park details.

**Saturday, November 29: Doves, Skating, and Community Spirit in The Woodlands**

Saturday brings more cornerstone holiday events. The Woodlands will host its cherished annual Lighting of the Doves at Market Street, a tradition symbolizing peace and unity for the community. The event, starting in the late afternoon, features live musical performances, holiday characters, children’s activities, and the grand illumination of the doves and the towering Christmas tree. Santa Claus is also expected to make a grand entrance. Parking can be challenging, so early arrival is advised. Further information is available at visitthewoodlands.com.

Adding to The Woodlands’ festive offerings, The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center will also open its gates on Saturday, providing another popular outdoor ice-skating destination for families and friends. Situated amidst the picturesque Town Center, the rink often hosts special events throughout the season. Details on hours and pricing can be found at thewoodlandstowncenter.com.

**Sunday, November 30: Parades, Markets, and Historic Celebrations Conclude the Weekend**

The long holiday weekend culminates on Sunday with several community-focused celebrations designed to appeal to all ages. Downtown Conroe will continue its festive streak with Santa’s Christmas Parade, featuring local businesses, schools, and civic organizations parading through the historic streets, followed by its own tree lighting ceremony and a bustling holiday market filled with artisanal goods, food vendors, and family entertainment. Details for Conroe’s Sunday events are typically posted on downtownconroe.com.

Further north, Historic Downtown Montgomery invites visitors to step back in time with “Christmas in Montgomery.” This charming family-friendly festival captures the essence of a bygone era with period costumes, horse-drawn carriage rides, craft vendors, live music, and historical reenactments. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the holidays with a touch of Texas history. Event specifics can be found at experiencemontgomerytx.com.

And in Tomball, the Historic Depot Plaza will transform for “Tomball’s Hometown Christmas.” This eagerly anticipated event promises a day of festive fun, often including a snow play area, a petting zoo, train rides, an extensive artisanal market, and continuous stage entertainment featuring local talent. It’s known for its small-town charm and big-time holiday spirit. For full event schedules, visit tomballtx.gov/christmas.

With such a diverse array of options spanning parades, performances, shopping, and community gatherings, Greater Houston residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their itineraries early. Event times, specific locations, and any potential changes due to weather or logistics can best be confirmed by checking the official websites of individual event organizers. Dress in layers, stay hydrated, and prepare for a weekend filled with unforgettable holiday cheer.