November in Houston is prime event season — cooler temperatures, sunny days, and a packed calendar of holiday traditions, concerts, and big-ticket shows. Whether you’re here for the music, the shopping, or the spectacle, you’ll find something worth adding to your calendar.
Downtown Houston pauses to honor those who’ve served, starting with a moment of silence at 11 a.m. and followed by the American Heroes Parade at 11:30 a.m. Expect marching bands, ROTC groups, military vehicles, and plenty of flags along the route from City Hall. Veterans groups, school bands, and community organizations turn out in force, creating one of the city’s most heartfelt annual gatherings. Bring a folding chair if you plan to stay for the whole parade, and check the City of Houston’s Veterans Day page for the route map and transit tips.
NRG Center turns into Houston’s ultimate holiday shopping spree with hundreds of vendors selling everything from gourmet treats to one-of-a-kind décor. A portion of proceeds benefits the Houston Ballet Foundation, so you can feel good about indulging. Veteran shoppers swear by the “divide and conquer” strategy: pick a meeting point, split up, and reconvene to compare finds over a holiday cocktail. If you’re traveling in, Lodgeur’s guide to the Nutcracker Market has insider tips on parking, timing, and nearby stays to make your trip easy.
This family favorite blends world-class figure skating, acrobatics, and beloved Disney characters in a colorful arena spectacular at NRG Stadium. The show hops from story to story, with moments from Moana, Coco, Frozen, and Toy Story stitched together by an adventure plot led by Mickey and friends. Pro tip: NRG concessions can be pricey — eat before you arrive and check Lodgeur’s NRG event guide if you want to pair the show with a Midtown or Energy Corridor stay.
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with Uptown Houston’s festive road race. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or Kids Run, and expect to see plenty of turkey hats and themed costumes along the route. The course winds through the Galleria area, with cheering sections and live music to keep spirits high. Register early at the Houston Turkey Trot site to save on fees and lock in your race shirt. Parking fills up fast, so consider rideshare or the METRO bus to avoid a pre-run scramble.
A downtown tradition since 1949, the parade features giant balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and special celebrity guests. The route begins near City Hall and winds through the heart of downtown, lined with families staking out curb space before sunrise. Bring coffee, folding chairs, and layers — Houston mornings can swing from chilly to warm in the time it takes the first float to arrive. Check the Thanksgiving Day Parade page for start times and the full list of performers.
Classically trained string musicians Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus fuse classical, hip-hop, jazz, and soul into a performance that’s as inspiring as it is entertaining. Expect Bach riffs over booming beats, freestyle violin solos, and audience interaction that gets the whole room on its feet. Playing at 713 Music Hall, the venue’s downtown location means you can easily pair the show with dinner at nearby spots like POST Houston or the Historic District.
Fans of the cozy farming simulation game can immerse themselves in its charming soundtrack, performed live by a full orchestra at Smart Financial Centre. The program moves through the game’s seasons, with projected visuals from Stardew Valley setting the mood. It’s a surprisingly emotional evening for gamers and non-gamers alike — perfect for a relaxing Sunday night out.
Colombian reggaeton star Ryan Castro brings his high-energy world tour to NRG Arena. Known for his charismatic stage presence and club-ready hits, Castro transforms the arena into a massive dance party. Doors open early, so arrive with time to clear security and grab drinks. For parking, transit, and hotel tips, see Lodgeur’s guide to where to stay and park for NRG events.
The “Machine” himself returns to Houston with a stop at NRG Arena. Famous for performing shirtless and telling hilariously embellished stories, Kreischer draws a crowd ready to laugh hard and long. This is a phone-down kind of night — his crowd work is sharp, and you don’t want to miss the unexpected moments. Make it easy on yourself by checking Lodgeur’s NRG event guide for parking and nearby accommodations.
Raise a glass to Mexico’s most famous export at the Texas Festival Grounds. The event features tequila tastings from artisanal producers, craft cocktail stations, food pairings, and live Latin music to set the mood. Serious sippers should spring for the VIP pass for early entry and exclusive pours. Taxis and rideshares are the way to go — this is not a night for designated drivers to feel left out.
The George R. Brown Convention Center hosts this four-day celebration of custom cars, hot rods, and classic rides. Rows of gleaming chrome, celebrity appearances, vendor booths, and hands-on exhibits make it a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for gearheads. Wear comfortable shoes — the exhibit halls are massive — and check the schedule for meet-and-greets if you’re hoping for a photo with a TV car restoration star.
December in Houston brings holiday lights, festive performances, and plenty of ways to celebrate the season — from ice skating under the skyline to candlelight concerts and New Year’s Eve fireworks. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and explore the city’s final events of the year in our December events guide.
