Houston Thanksgiving Parade 2025: Start Time, Route, and How to Watch for UH Fans

The annual Houston Thanksgiving Parade is set to roll through downtown again in 2025, bringing marching bands, giant balloons, and a citywide celebration to kick off the holiday weekend. The long-running event draws thousands of families, and University of Houston fans often use the morning to gather before heading into a full weekend of sports and holiday activities.

Start Time and Where to Watch

The 2025 parade begins at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. City officials expect strong attendance and encourage visitors to arrive early to secure a spot along the route. For those who plan to stay home, several regional broadcasters will air the event live, and streaming platforms will provide online coverage.

Because travel increases during the holiday week, organizers note that using METRO or rideshare options may help visitors avoid heavy morning traffic.

Houston Thanksgiving Parade Route Map

The parade follows its familiar loop through downtown, beginning near Bagby Street before turning onto McKinney, Travis, and Lamar. Crowds typically gather near the Theater District and Discovery Green, where viewing areas are more spacious. Officials will release final street-closure maps closer to Thanksgiving.

Families should plan for road closures starting around 6 a.m. and continuing until early afternoon as cleanup crews work to reopen the streets.

Why the Event Matters for the University of Houston Community

The parade continues to serve as a major holiday tradition for University of Houston students, alumni, and staff who remain in the city for Thanksgiving. Many UH supporters use the morning to meet up downtown before heading to campus events or game-day gatherings.

In addition, several UH performance groups and volunteers often participate in the parade, giving the university local visibility at one of Houston’s most-watched community celebrations.

What UH Fans Should Know for 2025

• Plan to arrive early if attending in person, as street closures affect several access points into downtown.
• Broadcast schedules will be announced in the fall, giving Cougar fans multiple options for watching.
• UH’s holiday sports schedule may overlap with parade programming, so checking times in advance helps avoid conflicts.

Looking Ahead

As the city prepares for the 2025 parade, officials continue working on security, transportation, and crowd-flow improvements. UH students and alumni can expect more details as Thanksgiving approaches, including updated maps and performance lineups.

This article is a summary of reporting by Swikblog. Read the full story here.