The 76th annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will be celebrated Nov. 27 at 9 a.m. in Downtown Houston this year. Hundreds of thousands of patrons are expected to gather for the event, officials said.

What residents need to know

Here is what visitors need to know before heading to Houston.
  • Date and time: Nov. 27, 9 a.m.
  • Starting location: the corner of Lamar and Smith Street
  • Cost: free to the public, or $33 per ticket for reserved seating
The parade route will traverse over 20 blocks along Smith, Walker, Milam and Louisiana streets.



Fun for the family


This year's parade will be led by Houston's sports mascots such as Clutch, Diesel, Orbit and Toro. According to an Oct. 27 news release, the event will also feature a lineup of new floats, balloons, live performances and holiday characters.

Entertainers this year include Christina Wells, a semifinalist from "America's Got Talent"; Danny Gokey; Payton Howie; Gloria Prince; and Bridgjette Jackson.

“For more than seven decades, Houston families have gathered downtown on Thanksgiving morning to celebrate community, gratitude and holiday cheer,” Mayor John Whitmire said in the release. “We look forward to another magical morning filled with music, joy and the spirit that makes this city so special."

Something to note


Premium seating opens at 7 a.m. with entertainment beginning at 8 a.m., although all spectators must be in seats by 8:15 a.m., according to the parade website.

The parade will also be livestreamed on ABC13.