Houston’s 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade to Honor Olympians with Carl Lewis as Grand Marshal
The 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to bring the holiday spirit to downtown Houston on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Starting at 9 a.m., this cherished tradition will feature a lively mix of colorful floats, marching bands, high-flying balloons, and live performances across 20 city blocks, offering Houstonians a festive start to the Thanksgiving holiday. This year’s parade will also honor the local Olympians and Paralympians who represented Houston at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The parade route will wind through downtown Houston, beginning at Smith Street and Lamar and continuing through key downtown streets before ending at Smith and Dallas. The event is free to the public, with ample curbside space for spectators to enjoy the festivities. Premium seating will also be available for purchase for those seeking a closer view of the parade.
“I invite all Houstonians to start their Thanksgiving Day with us as we honor a 75-year parade tradition and celebrate the spirit of the Olympics,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “I look forward to sharing the experience with family, friends, and all the wonderful supporters who have made it possible for the City to start the holiday season with thanks, joy, and gratitude.”
Celebrating 75 Years of Tradition
This year’s parade marks the 75th anniversary of the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been a Houston tradition since 1949. The inaugural event featured Santa Claus arriving at Union Station and riding his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s department store. Today, the parade has grown into a vibrant celebration of Houston’s community spirit, featuring a mix of performances, performances, and festive displays.
To mark the milestone anniversary, this year’s parade will feature a tribute to Houston’s Paris Olympians and Paralympians, with a special performance of songs from Bring It On: The Musical, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed by Theatre Under the Stars(TUTS). Additional performances include a duet from the Broadway musical Frozen, six local and regional marching bands, and dance troupes including the Apache Belles and Bellville Brahmadoras. Spectators will also be treated to 21 high-flying balloons and 19 colorful floats, including tributes to the parade’s 75th anniversary, Houston’s Olympians, and a salute to local non-profits.
The parade’s iconic floats will include favorites such as Tom Turkey, Santa Claus, and several new designs celebrating the city’s Olympic athletes, community organizations, and environmental initiatives. The KHOU 11 Toy Drive Float, which encourages donations to support local children’s charities, will also make its return to the parade route this year.
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Carl Lewis: A Legendary Grand Marshal
Leading the 75th annual parade as Grand Marshal is Carl Lewis, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest athletes in history. A Houston native, Lewis will serve as the centerpiece of this year’s parade, honoring his legacy and contributions to the city’s athletic and philanthropic communities. Lewis, who competed in four Olympic Games and won gold in track and field, will help highlight Houston’s deep connection to the Olympic spirit.
“Growing up in Houston, I always looked forward to the parade and being part of such a historic tradition is truly special,” said Carl Lewis. “I am honored to be this year’s Grand Marshal and to celebrate with my fellow Houstonians as we kick off the holiday season.”
In addition to his Olympic successes, Lewis has been recognized globally for his athletic achievements, including being named “World Athlete of the Century” by the International Association of Athletics Federations and “Olympian of the Century” by Sports Illustrated. Since retiring from competition, Lewis has become an influential coach and philanthropist, focusing on youth fitness and supporting several charitable organizations through The Carl Lewis Foundation.
Parade Logistics and Participation
The 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is a highly anticipated event in Houston, and organizers have made it easy for everyone to get involved. The parade is free to attend, with spectators encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities along the route. Those looking for a premium viewing experience can purchase tickets for reserved seating, available for $28.25 each, including service fees.
For those planning to attend, parking will be available along the parade route, and Metro buses will operate on a holiday schedule for convenient access. For route and schedule details, visitors can refer to www.ridemetro.org.
The parade is produced by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and is made possible by H-E-B, along with several segment sponsors, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, CITGO, and many others. The event will also be broadcast live on KHOU 11, allowing viewers across the city and beyond to enjoy the spectacle from home.
For more details on the parade route, premium seat purchases, or how to get involved, visit houstonthanksgivingparade.org. You can also follow the parade on Facebook @HoustonSpecialEvents and Instagram @coh_mayors_events for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.
As Houston gears up to celebrate its 75th Thanksgiving Day Parade, the community is invited to come together for a festive, family-friendly event that honors local heroes, Olympic athletes, and the enduring spirit of the city. Whether in person or from home, this year’s parade promises to be a memorable celebration for all.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
