What to Expect from the 2024 H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Image: Courtesy The City of Houston
Time for yet another beloved H-Town tradition. The annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is back and putting on a big show for its 75th year. For this installment, the festivities will be honoring some of our hometown heroes. With our athletes making quite the showing at this year’s Paris Olympic Games, the plan to show our Olympians some love feels very apt.
Speaking of the celebration via press release, Lisa Helfman, the Houston managing director of H-E-B Public Affairs, expresses the company’s excitement for the event.
“At H-E-B, we love a parade, but here in Houston, the Thanksgiving Day Parade is our favorite. The opportunity to celebrate and connect with our community is a true joy and we are beyond thankful for the privilege of continuing to share this tradition with everyone for its 75th year.”
The parade will begin with a tribute to local athletes who competed at this summer’s Paris games. It will then be led by a legendary track and field Olympian with several gold medals to his name. Here are all the details on what you can look forward to this year.
When is the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The family-friendly parade will take place Thursday, November 28, at 9am.
Who is the Grand Marshal?
This year, former track athlete and nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis will be leading the parade as the ceremony’s grand marshal.
Who will host the parade?
Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston and KHOU 11 will emcee the festivities.
Image: Courtesy The City of Houston
Who will perform?
There will be a performance from Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Bring It On: The Musical. The precision dance and drill team Apache Belles, who have performed at the parade for 28 years, will also be putting on a show. Other performers include six local and regional marching bands, the Bellville High School Brahmadoras drill team, several dance companies, and more.
What else can we expect?
This year, several new floats have been added to the parade, along with 21 high-flying balloons and a whopping 19 unique floats. Santa Claus and Tom Turkey are also scheduled to make an appearance. Marching bands, drill, and dance teams from all over the state will accompany the procession.
What time should I arrive?
Some streets along the parade route will be closed off as early as the day before the main event. Plan to arrive extra early to make sure you have ample time to navigate the closures and find a favorable viewing spot.
What is the parade route?
According to a press release from the City of Houston, the route will “begin on Smith at Lamar, head north to Walker, east to Milam, south to Pease, west to Louisiana, north to Clay, west to Smith, and north ending at Smith and Dallas.” A finalized map has yet to be released, but keep an eye on the parade website for updates.
How much does it cost?
The H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is free and open to the public. Premium seats located on Smith Street by McKinney Street are available, but tickets are limited. Tickets can be purchased at the parade’s official website for $28.25 each.
Can I volunteer?
If you’d like to engage with the parade as more than just an onlooker, the organizers are accepting volunteers on a limited basis. Visit the City of Houston’s website for more information on how you can help out.
How can I watch the parade?
On the day of the parade, there will be ample curbside space for lawn chairs and blankets. However, if you need to stay home and keep an eye on your turkey, the parade will be broadcast live on KHOU 11.
What about parking?
Easy access parking will be available along the parade route, and Metro buses and trains will operate on a holiday schedule. For more information on the adjusted schedule, visit Metro’s website.
