Houston
75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade to Feature Olympian Carl Lewis as Grand Marshal
Known as one of the largest Thanksgiving parades in the state and nation, Houston’s 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off on Thursday, November 28, at 9am.
Led by Grand Marshal and nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, the parade will celebrate Houston’s Olympians from the Paris 2024 Games. Mayor John Whitmire shared his enthusiasm, inviting residents to honor the tradition and Olympic spirit, making the event a joyful start to Thanksgiving Day.
The festivities will begin with a tribute to local Olympic and Paralympic athletes and include a musical performance from Bring It On: The Musical by Theatre Under the Stars. Highlights include a duet from Frozen, 21 giant balloons, 19 themed floats (including Santa Claus and Tom Turkey), and performances by six regional marching bands. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Apache Belles, and the Bellville Brahmadoras will also make appearances.
Lisa Helfman, H-E-B Houston’s Managing Director of Public Affairs, shared her excitement for this year’s parade, marking the 75th year of this beloved tradition. Carl Lewis, also the University of Houston’s Head Track and Field Coach, will lead the celebration, symbolizing both Houston’s rich sports history and its bright future.
The parade will follow a route from Smith and Lamar, heading north to Walker, east on Milam, south to Pease, and concluding at Smith and Dallas. Dating back to 1949, this free event offers premium seating for $28.25, and plenty of curbside space is available for chairs and blankets. Accessible parking and Metro services will be available for those attending.
El Paso
87th Annual Sun Bowl Parade Honors Community and Heroes
The 87th Annual Sun Bowl Parade will bring Thanksgiving morning excitement to Montana Avenue in El Paso, uniting over 250,000 spectators from West Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Founded in 1935 by the El Paso Downtown Lions Club, this cherished event shifted from New Year’s Day to Thanksgiving in 1978 and has grown into the Southwest’s largest community parade. This year’s theme, “Celebrate, Honor & Remembering All The Heroes Who Have Served,” pays tribute to those who serve our country.
Key Details:
- Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Broadcast: Live on KTSM Channel 9 (NBC) at 10 a.m. MT and streaming online.
- Review Stand: Located at 1600 Montana Ave. (Emergence Health Network).
- Tickets: Available from October 5, 2023, at the Sun Bowl Association office and Vista Market locations.
- Route: Begins at Ochoa Street, extending 2.7 miles along Montana Avenue to Copia Street.
With over 100 parade units—including floats, equestrian groups, marching bands, and specialty acts—this year’s lineup promises colorful displays, cultural dancers, and ceremonial military groups. The event will also feature clowns, dignitaries, and a celebrity Grand Marshal.
While cities like Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio won’t be hosting official Thanksgiving parades this year, there are still many exciting holiday events and activities to enjoy. In Dallas, look out for community events like the popular turkey giveaways; and in Austin and San Antonio, expect a variety of festive gatherings, seasonal markets, and family-friendly outings. Stay tuned for our next article where we’ll highlight the best Thanksgiving and holiday activities not to be missed in these cities!
