Fall welcomes cooler days to the Houston area and heralds in the holiday season. Consider shaking up tradition while shopping for the biggest turkey you can find and stocking up on gift-wrapping supplies.
That doesn’t mean you should do away with tradition altogether. Get out and discover what Houston has to offer, from markets to the annual parade and dining out on Turkey Day. Here are seven November events in Houston for you and your family to explore.
Markets
Forget Black Friday. Get your holiday shopping in now before the hustle and the bustle of the holidays look like Houston’s rush hour traffic. Shop local at these markets.
Beers & Art Thanksgiving Market
When: Sun., Nov. 4
Where: Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Avenue
Saint Arnold Brewing Company is thankful for their new Sunday market called “Beers & Art,” and they’re welcoming everyone in for a chance to sample local beer and get to know local artists and makers in the Beer Hall.
Shop for local art, jewelry, treasures and foods for your loved ones for the holidays. Vendors include Pop Soap, Eric’s Earth Treasures, Uncommon Bees, Labels Vintage Streetwear, Knotty Woodworx, Las Ofrendas, Resale Folds, Planet Churro, and Underhill Urban Farm Company, among others. The event runs from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2018 Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
When: Thurs., Nov. 8 – Sun., Nov. 11
Where: NRG Center, 1 NRG Park
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, after 37 years, is now a staple event of fundraising shopping for many families to kick off their holiday shopping. Over 280 merchants gather and offer novelties, toys, decorations, clothing, pottery, ornaments and more in the giant pop-up market. 11 percent of the proceeds are gifted to the Houston Ballet Foundation, along with admission and special events tickets purchased. The 2018 theme is “Cruising into Christmas.”
What to See on Turkey Day
Feeling stuffed and in need of activity? Check out these traditional Thanksgiving events in Houston.
H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
When: Thurs., Nov. 22
Where: Downtown at Smith and Lamar Streets
Gather at 9:00 a.m for the 69th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade which began as the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 1949, Santa showed up at Union Station and drove his sleigh to Foley’s downtown. This year’s participants include Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Santa Claus, nationally known Houstonians, marching bands, community groups, towering inflatables, new floats, and more! It’s free!
The parade starts at the intersection of Smith and Lamar, goes north to Walker and turns right to go down Milam. From there, the parade goes down Pease and up Louisiana to return to Smith at Dallas Street as it ends. Watch along any of these roads.
2018 Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
When: Thurs., Nov. 22
Where: The Galleria, Begin at Post Oak Blvd.
The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is one of the most well-loved November events in Houston. For 26 years, over 20,000 Houstonians wake up to run the Turkey Trot to support BakerRipley’s mission to improve the lives of those in the community. Tickets average $35, with ticket specials for seniors and kids for the runs:
- 7:30 a.m. 10K Start (timed and untimed)
- 8 a.m. 5K Start (timed and untimed)
- 9 a.m. Kids 1K Run
You must wear the timer to win an award. Around 10:30 a.m. the course gets cleared for traffic to resume. 10K runners head down Westheimer, while 5K runners turn off onto Sage and box back around to Post Oak. Kids start and finish their 1K run on a short stint down Post Oak. If you don’t feel like running, you can always sleep in and pick up your t-shirt later.
H-Town Thanksgiving Day Concert
When: Thurs., Nov. 22
Where: White Oak Music Hall, 2915 N. Main St.
Rap fan? Check out the live concert featuring Lil Flip, Lil Keke, Z-Ro, Paul Wall, Martez, & many more. Tickets are $50 to $150 depending on the seats and amenities you choose. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Thanksgiving Day Eating
Why bother with all the money and the hours of cooking? Don’t miss out on sleep. Enjoy the holiday with your loved ones by eating out.
Texas-Style Barbecue at Pappa’s Bar-B-Q
Pappa’s Bar-B-Q will have at least 15 locations open on Thanksgiving day around Houston, and their affiliated restaurants like Pappasito’s Cantina and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen will remain open.
The dine-in holiday meal includes smoked turkey or ham, candied yams, green beans, cornbread stuffing, gravy, and the traditional cranberry sauce for under $10. You can also order your feast to-go, but your order must be placed 48 hours in advance.
Fine Dining at Brennan’s Creole-Style
Brennan’s originally opened as a sister restaurant to Commander’s Palace based in New Orleans. The restaurant serves up a wide variety of Creole cuisine, southern-inspired, and offers prix fixe dining on Thanksgiving.
For $55, start off with appetizers such as turtle soup, gumbo, or shrimp remoulade. Entrees include roasted turkey, duck breast, pecan-crusted speckled trout, jumbo lump crab cakes, and many vegetarian options. Finish your meal with bananas foster, Texicana mousse cake, or lemon meringue pie.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving with a little activity outside the house in Houston. Take advantage of the November events in Houston and get your run in, enjoy the parade, or check out a holiday concert.
Explore the markets this month with gratitude in your heart and mind, and buy something beautiful and made locally for your loved ones. Settle in for a delicious Thanksgiving at a restaurant, without the fuss, or help volunteer for Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels.
Contact us to learn more about what makes Houston the best city to live in, and we’re happy to share our favorite activities in the area.
