Houston’s Holiday Season Kicks Off with Two Major Events
The holiday season is officially here, and Houston is gearing up to celebrate with two of its biggest events: the 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade and Reliant Presents: Deck the Hall, the Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Concert.
The 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
The parade will take place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, starting at 9 am downtown. This year’s grand marshals will be the collected sports mascots of Houston teams, including Clutch (Rockets), Diesel (Dynamo and Dash), Orbit (Astros), and Toro (Texans). The parade will feature 15 floats and 11 balloons, highlighting the many parts of Houston culture that residents are thankful for. One float will be a tribute to iconic H-town artist David Addickes, creator of the We Love Houston sign, President Heads, and Sam Houston statue.
Parade Performers and Floats
Musical guests will include Christian music star Danny Gokey, country artist Payton Howie, and Kam Franklin, lead singer of The Suffers, who will perform a rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" to herald the arrival of Kris Kringle. The parade is free and open to the public, though premium seats are available for $28.25 at HoustonThanksgivingParade.org.
Reliant Presents: Deck the Hall, the Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Concert
The tree lighting ceremony and concert will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4–8 pm in Hermann Square outside City Hall. The festival portion will include a KidZone, photo opportunities, games, crafts, and Reliant’s signature blinking Santa hats. The concert portion will kick off at 6 pm with Brian McKnight and other performers backed by The Ernest Walker Band. An artificial snow drift and fireworks will top off the festivities.
Festival and Concert Details
The festival and concert are also free to attend. More information can be found at HoustonSpecialEvents.org. Mayor John Whitmire expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This event is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s a wonderful time for Houstonians from every neighborhood to come together, share in the joy of the season, and celebrate the unity and spirit that make our city so special.”
Conclusion
The 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade and Reliant Presents: Deck the Hall, the Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Concert are two events that embody the spirit of the holiday season in Houston. With their rich history, exciting performances, and community-oriented atmosphere, these events are sure to bring joy and cheer to residents of all ages. Whether you’re a native Houstonian or just visiting, these events are a great way to experience the city’s unique culture and holiday traditions.
