Houston reveals plans for 2025 Thanksgiving parade, Deck the Halls, and City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
Get new details on Houston’s H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade and the reimagined Deck the Hall celebration announced by city leaders.
The holiday season is coming to Houston in a big way!
City officials and sponsors revealed plans Monday for the 2025 H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, Deck the Halls tree lighting, and the City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic.
Mayor John Whitmire said the events are designed to bring energy and joy to the holiday season.
“Our highest priority during the holiday season is public safety… we want everyone to enjoy the holiday season, our parade, our lighting of the tree, and we want to emphasize all Houstonians, all residents are welcome.”” Whitmire said.
Lisa Helfman of H-E-B Houston highlighted the parade’s exciting lineup. This year will feature a 40-foot H-E Buddy balloon, a 50-foot Golden Dragon, and other floats. Beloved Houston sports mascots Diesel, Clutch, Toro and Orbit will serve as the 2025 grand marshals.
“Everybody’s coming together to share joy and gratitude… this is our 76th year, and we are honored to continue this treasured Houston tradition,” Helfman said.
Megan McConomy of Reliant/NRG shared details about Deck the Halls. Houston City Hall will feature a 48-foot decorated tree with nearly 100,000 LED lights and 4,000 ornaments. Entertainment includes Grammy-nominated R&B legend Brian McKnight, along with the Winter Wonderland Kids Zone, Santa’s Workshop, and a fireworks display.
“We are excited to welcome incredible talent and activities this year to what we know will be a remarkable and festive event for Houstonians of all ages to enjoy,” McConomy said.
Chris Larson of Downtown Houston Plus detailed how Downtown Houston is set to sparkle this holiday season with City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic.
The event will feature two main activity zones dubbed the North and South Poles. The North Pole in the Theater District will offer holiday performances, dazzling lights, and festive moments at Lynn Wyatt Square and Market Square Park. The South Pole will center on Discovery Green’s ice rink, Trebly Park, Avenida Plaza, and Dyken Park, where the Houston Astros will host a new immersive experience called Light Up the Park.
Visitors can also explore candy-themed corridors, seasonal decor, photo opportunities, and family-friendly activities including Santa sightings, holiday markets, sing-along concerts, and an elf-on-the-shelf scavenger hunt.
“City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic turns downtown into one big box of holiday sweets… every stop a new flavor, every moment a little brighter. Every visit a reminder of just how sweet the season can be,” Larson said.
