Get in the holiday spirit with these events happening in and around Houston this weekend.
Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Day Parade
Enjoy the 67th annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Houston, which begins at the intersection of Lamar Street and Smith Street and ends at Smith Street near Dallas Street. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and Olympic swimmer Simone Manuel will serve as Parade Marshals.
Free. Reserved seats available for $28. 9 a.m. Parade route begins on Smith Street at Lamar Street. The route will travel north to Walker Street, east to Milam Street, south to Pease Street, west to Louisiana Street, north to Clay Street, west to Smith Street, and north to end at Smith Street and Dallas Street. Paid parking is available at 1900 Smith Street, 1600 Smith Street, 701 Jefferson Street and 500 Jefferson Street. 832-393-0838.
www.houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade.
Nov. 24: Uptown Houston Holiday Lighting
More than half a million lights will illuminate Post Oak Blvd. during the 31st annual Uptown Houston Holiday Lighting event. This Thanksgiving night tradition will feature live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus and fireworks.
Free. 4 p.m. Post Oak Blvd., Houston (Parking available at Centre at Post Oak, Dillard’s Parking Garage, Four Oaks Place, Post Oak Plaza, Post Oak Central). 713-621-2504.
www.uptown-houston.com.
Nov. 25-26: Home for the Holidays Gift Market
More than 200 of the region’s most unique gift vendors will gather for this annual holiday market. Home decor, candles, craft foods, accessories and other gift options will be available for purchase in one location.
$6 admission. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. each day. Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston. 409-683-4256.
www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com.
Nov. 25-27: Pop Shop Houston Holiday Fest
In lieu of typical black Friday shopping, Pop Shop America will host three days of handmade craft shopping, art exhibitions, live art and art activities at Silver Street Studios. A fashion show will take place Friday featuring three local designers.
$8 admission (good for all three days). Fri.-Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-6 p.m. Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards Street, Houston.
www.popshopamerica.com.
Nov. 25-27: Celtic Christmas at the Texas Renaissance Festival
The 42nd annual Texas Renaissance Festival will conclude with a Celtic Christmas celebration, transforming the grounds into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations. Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their merry band of elves will be on the grounds greeting visitors. A costume contest and pumpkin pie eating contest will take place throughout the weekend.
Adult general admission $26.45 online, $30 at the gate. Child general admission $14.45 online, $15 at the gate. 21778 FM1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435.
www.texrenfest.com.
