Houston's 73rd H-E-B Thanksgiving parade is going to take place on November 24th, Thursday. It is a highly anticipated event since the last two times got canceled. Houston airport travel guide Last year, the parade got canceled due to bad weather, and in 2020 it was canceled because of the pandemic. But this year, one of the oldest downtown parades is all set to take place instead of the rainy forecast.
Everything You Need To Know:
The parade will start at 9 a.m. at Lamar and Smith Street. It will cross over 20 city blocks from Smith to Walker Street, Walker to Milam street, Milam to Pease street, Pease to Louisiana street, Louisiana to Clay street, Clay to Smith, and finally ends on Dallas and Smith Streets. The parade will be free of cost. But there are limited seats available at the starting route. You can buy the seats here for $28.The parade is going to feature 14 floats. Out of those 14 floats, seven of them are entirely new. There are going to be 30 balloons, along with marching bands. The event will also witness special guests like Santa Claus, Houston Astros Mascot Orbit, and Dr. Peter Hotez.
The Grand Marshall
On Thursday, H-E-B announced Curtis "50 Cents" Jackson will be the Grand Marshall of the 73rd annual H-E-B Thanksgiving parade. Last year, the rapper and entrepreneur became a resident of Houston. He has donated a lot of time and energy to fostering leadership qualities in Houston's youth and giving back value to his fellow Houstonians.
Origin
Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to downtown Foleys in 1949. That's when the Thanksgiving parade started. Since then, the parade has undergone some changes, but it has still held its essence through the years. H-E-B has been the sponsor of the parade for 16 years now. You can not only witness the parade but also become a part of it. A massive parade like this can always get some help. You can volunteer as Balloon Handlers, Banner Carriers, Parade Marshals, Seating Ushers, ADA Ushers, or Back Lot. You can apply for volunteering here.
Plan your visit to the 73rd Annual Thanksgiving Parade in Houston with the Texas shuttle service. You can book Dallas to Houston shuttle service. We will pick you up and drop you off at your exact locations. Almost all rides are non-stop in nice cars, SUVs, or shuttles. We are available 24/7. You can also change the time or date with us without being charged. There's less hassle, and you can save more money with us. The Texas Shuttle is safer, affordable, flexible, and more convenient than any other ride. Book a ride with us this season to experience that warm and stress-free holiday vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many floats are in the parade?
There are 14 floats, with seven being entirely new.
Can I buy seats for the parade?
Yes, limited seats are available starting at Lamar and Smith Street for $28 each.
Who is this year's Grand Marshall?
Curtis '50 Cents' Jackson is this year's Grand Marshall.
Getting to the Parade: Parking, Transportation, and Road Closures
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it's essential to plan your transportation and parking in advance. The parade route spans 20 city blocks, and several roads will be closed to accommodate the event. Here are some options to consider:
Parking Options
There are several parking options available near the parade route. You can park at the following locations:
- Avenida Parking Garage (950 Avenida De Las Americas)
- Convention District Parking Garage (1002 Avenida De Las Americas)
- Discovery Green Parking Garage (1500 McKinney St)
- Street parking is also available, but be aware that some streets will be closed for the parade
Public Transportation
You can use the METRORail to get to the parade. The nearest stops are:
- UH–Downtown Station (Main St and Walker St)
- Preston Station (Main St and Preston St)
- Central Station Rusk (Rusk St and Main St)
Road Closures
Several roads will be closed to accommodate the parade. Here are the roads that will be closed:
- Lamar St (Smith St to Dallas St)
- Smith St (Lamar St to Walker St)
- Walker St (Smith St to Milam St)
- Milam St (Walker St to Pease St)
- Pease St (Milam St to Louisiana St)
- Louisiana St (Pease St to Clay St)
- Clay St (Louisiana St to Smith St)
Parade Route and Viewing Areas
The parade route spans 20 city blocks, and there are several viewing areas along the way. Here is a map of the parade route:
Best Viewing Areas
Some of the best viewing areas include:
- The starting point at Lamar and Smith St
- The intersection of Walker and Milam St
- The intersection of Pease and Louisiana St
- The intersection of Clay and Smith St
Food and Drinks
There will be several food and drink vendors along the parade route. You can expect to find a variety of traditional festival foods, such as:
- Turkey legs
- Roasted chestnuts
- Funnel cakes
- Hot chocolate
Accessibility and Accommodations
The parade is wheelchair accessible, and there are several accommodations available for attendees with disabilities. These include:
- Wheelchair-accessible viewing areas
- Sign language interpreters
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
Comparison of Parade Details
| Parade Detail | Houston Thanksgiving Parade | New York City Thanksgiving Parade |
|---|---|---|
| Length of Parade Route | 20 city blocks | 2.5 miles |
| Number of Floats | 14 | 25 |
| Number of Balloons | 30 | 12 |
| Attendance | Estimated 200,000 | Estimated 3.5 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the parade start?
The parade starts at 9:00 AM.
Can I bring my pet to the parade?
No, pets are not allowed at the parade, with the exception of service animals.
Can I bring a lawn chair to the parade?
No, lawn chairs are not allowed at the parade.
Can I bring a cooler to the parade?
No, coolers are not allowed at the parade.
Is the parade wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the parade is wheelchair accessible.
Are there any accommodations available for attendees with disabilities?
Yes, there are several accommodations available, including wheelchair-accessible viewing areas, sign language interpreters, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.
