The Thanksgiving Day Parade will return to Downtown Houston this year after a year-long break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 72nd annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place Thursday Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. and is open to the public. The parade will cover 20 blocks and feature floats, marching bands and high-flying balloons.
Additionally, Cirque du Soleil will be kicking off their nationwide Allegría tour with a performance at the beginning of the parade.
"So many have enjoyed this free, family friendly parade for over seventy years," said Mayor Sylvester Turner at a press conference announcing the parade's return. "I look forward to seeing Houstonians lining the downtown streets as we celebrate together on Thanksgiving morning."
The holiday season is my favorite time of year and I am so excited to announce that Houston's ICONIC 72nd @HEB Thanksgiving Day Parade is BACK!! I look forward to joining fellow #Houstonians on Thanksgiving morning in celebration.👏🏽👏🏽🎊 pic.twitter.com/ncWoB7VfPx
— Houston Mayor's Office (@houmayor) October 18, 2021
This year’s sponsors include McDonald’s, Goya, Hyatt Regency, HCA Houston Healthcare, and the Houston Livestock & Rodeo — which was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to concerns over the ongoing pandemic. The Rodeo is set to return in 2022, officials said.
The announcement comes after the parade was cancelled last year to curtail the spread of COVID-19 — marking the first cancelation in the event’s 71 years. Instead, the city teamed up with H-E-B to host a food distribution event to give away Thanksgiving meal kits.
More information about the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and how to volunteer during the event, can be found on the city’s website.