The holiday season begins this weekend in the Greater Houston area as city parades roll into town.

51st annual Tomball Holiday Parade
Nov. 19

Presented by the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, the parade theme is “A Gold Medal Christmas” and heralds the season of holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

During the evening, the 2017 Miss Tomball Pageant begins at 7 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball. 10 a.m.-noon (parade). Free (parade spectators), $20 (pageant). Main Street, Tomball. 281-351-7222. www.tomballchamber.org

Puppy Parade and Fun Run
Nov. 19

The third annual Fun Run, benefiting the Performing Arts Department at Spillane Middle School, will feature a timed run, a family run for those pushing strollers or wanting to walk and a dog walking segment. Start times will be staggered, and medals will be awarded in multiple age brackets.

To register, donate or to learn more about the event, visit the Cypress 5K Fun Run & Puppy Parade website at https://thedriven.net/cypress5k.

H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Nov. 24

The 67th annual parade will be led by Olympic gold medalists and Houston natives Simone Biles and Simone Manuel and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. In addition to classic floats, balloons and appearances from Tom Turkey and Santa Claus, the parade will feature local marching bands, the Houston Children's Chorus, Astros mascot Orbit and the Metro Dance Company.

This year, the parade introduces a new tradition, a Mayor's Citywide Sing-a-Long, during which Turner will ask viewers and participants to sing "What the World Needs Now is Love." The event begins at 9 a.m. and is free and open to the public. A limited number of seats along the route are available for $28. 713-635-4000. www.houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade