8 Things to Do in Houston in November Before All The Thanksgiving Chaos
- Join the Dia de los Muertos Festivities
- Admire Exotic Cars at Coffee and Cars at POST
- Experience the Holidays Early at Houston Zoo Lights
- Join the Turkey Trot
- Travel Back in Time at the Texas Renaissance Festival
- 6. Enjoy the Lights Show at the Light Park
- Shop at the Farmers Market on Navigation
- Go Ice Skating Outdoors in Discovery Green
Every November, I promise myself I’ll be ready for Thanksgiving. I make plans, I write lists, and somehow, I still end up running around the day before, hunting for canned cranberries and Googling “how long to thaw a turkey.”
This year, I’m making a new promise: not to let the holiday madness take over. Instead, I’m focusing on celebrating in my own way.
Luckily, there are plenty of fun and easy things to do in Houston in November that don’t involve cooking, cleaning, or stressing over turkey!
If you’re looking to have a little fun before the feast, you’re in the right place!
1. Join the Dia de los Muertos Festivities
Media Credit: allthingsmarlon
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a beautiful tradition that honors loved ones who have passed away. In Houston, the festivities come alive with several events throughout early November!
The MECA Día de los Muertos Festival on Kane Street takes place over two days and features children’s art activities, folk art exhibitions, artisan vendors, tasty festival foods, and live music on three stages.
For those who want to go somewhere near downtown, the Discovery Green Celebration invites visitors to enjoy community art projects, local vendors, and soulful Tex-Mex and Chicano music.
For a more intimate, family-friendly celebration, there’s also Family Movie Night at Trebly Park with face painting, and character meet-and-greets.
One of the best parts of the city’s celebrations is the Houston Día de los Muertos Parade at Sam Houston Park. This colorful event has live music, local vendors, and a happy community feeling. For those who can’t go in person, the parade is shown live on ABC13.
| Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes and clothes, especially for big events like the parade or MECA festival where you will be standing and walking through crowds. |
2. Admire Exotic Cars at Coffee and Cars at POST
Media Credit: coffeeandcars
Website: https://www.posthtx.com/
Address: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-999-2550
Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – 11 AM to 9 PM; Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM; Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Houston in November, spend your Saturday morning at Coffee and Cars at POST Houston. This monthly event is a great spot for car lovers and anyone who just enjoys checking out cool vehicles.
The event happens on the first Saturday of every month from 9 AM to 11 AM at POST Houston. There are hundreds of cool cars—from luxury and exotic models to unique custom rides—all in the East Parking Lot.
There’s a special area for high-end cars like Lamborghinis and classic cars, and an open area where anyone can show off their car, so each event feels different.
It’s a good idea to come early. You can walk around, take photos, meet other car fans, or just enjoy the view. The parking lot opens at 7 AM, and the building opens at 8 AM, so you can grab coffee or food before the show starts. The best thing–parking is free until 11:30 AM!
| Pro Tip: If you want to show your own car, you can! Just drive in early and park in the open section—no need to register, and it’s a fun way to join the event. |
3. Experience the Holidays Early at Houston Zoo Lights
Media Credit: houstonzoo
Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-533-6500
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Price Range: Tickets for adults (13-64) range from $22.95 – $36.95; Tickets for children (3-12) range from $17.95 – $29.45
For those excited for the holidays, head over to the Houston Zoo for Zoo Lights! It usually begins in the last week of November and lasts until the first week of January. The zoo becomes a glowing wonderland every night from 5:30 to 10:30 PM.
In this event, there are beautiful light displays like the Whimsical Wildlife Tree, Twinkle Trail in the African Forest, and the colorful Geo Prism Safari. Every corner of the zoo sparkles with something new to see.
And don’t worry, there are plenty of warm and tasty treats to enjoy as you go. We recommend getting a hot cocoa and grabbing some beignets! You can also stop at a s’mores station.
There are also lots of great spots for holiday photos, so bring your phone or camera to snap pictures with friends and family! The Zoo Store is worth a visit too, so you can grab a cute plushie for a fun souvenir.
| Pro Tip: Buy your tickets early online to save money and make sure you get in. Prices go up near holidays and weekends, and popular dates can sell out fast. |
4. Join the Turkey Trot
Media Credit: the.turkey.trot
Website: https://theturkeytrot.org/
Contact Details: +1 713-686-9494
If a fun and special way to start Thanksgiving morning in Houston sounds good, The Turkey Trot is a great choice.
This new event by the popular Saint Arnold Brewing Company brings new life to the city’s holiday celebrations. It replaced the old Houston Turkey Trot and has quickly become a favorite for many people!
You can run a 5K or 10K, or take part in the 1-mile Family Walk. The route shows nice views of Downtown Houston’s skyline. It’s easy and friendly for people of all ages and fitness levels.
This event is also a great way to spend time with family, friends, or coworkers before the big Thanksgiving meal!
Signing up includes a TurkeyDay T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, and access to a fun post-race party with drinks and snacks. Part of the ticket sales supports CoolxDad, a local group helping families and fathers, so participating gives back to the community!
| Pro Tip: Check out the sponsor booths around the event to grab free goodies, learn more, and enter raffles to add extra fun and excitement to your day! |
5. Travel Back in Time at the Texas Renaissance Festival
Media Credit: texrenfest
Website: https://www.texrenfest.com/
Address: 22014 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX
Contact Details: +1 281-356-2178
Admission Costs: General admission tickets start at $39; Season passes start at $700; Weekend passes start at $29
The Texas Renaissance Festival is a great choice for fun things to do every November in Houston. It takes place every weekend from October to November and turns the woods into a big medieval village full of costume, music, and food.
Everyone can join in, no matter what you wear. Some people come dressed as knights or fairies, while others just wear regular clothes. Either way, it’s fun for all ages.
Each weekend has a different theme, like Pirate Adventure or Celtic Christmas. There are special shows, musi, and contests that go with the theme. There are jousting matches, comedy shows, and live bands playing old-style music.
There are more than 400 shops and booths where you can buy handmade gifts, clothes, and crafts. Kids can visit the fairy forest, and adults can enjoy a beer or mead while they walk around.
If you’re hungry, there’s plenty to eat—big turkey legs, spicy wings, and even haggis if you’re feeling brave!
| Pro Tip: Pick up a festival guide at the entrance—it has showtimes, event info, food sports, and restrooms. It’ll help you plan your day and avoid extra walking. |
6. Enjoy the Lights Show at the Light Park
Media Credit: thelightpark
Website: https://www.thelightpark.com/katy
Address: 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd Parking Lot, Katy, TX
If you’re looking for something fun and cheerful to do jumpstart the holiday season in November, take a drive to The Light Park in Katy. It’s a drive-thru light show that’s over a mile long, filled with millions of twinkling lights that flash along with music.
It’s a bright and exciting way to enjoy the holidays—and you don’t even have to get out of your car.
Here’s how it works: when you arrive, you’ll drive through a tent where friendly staff will greet you. This is also where you can grab snacks like popcorn and hot chocolate. They even sell fun extras like light-up glasses and holographic glasses that make the lights look even cooler.
When you’re ready, turn your car radio to 87.9 FM. You’ll hear fun holiday music from DJ Polar Ice. The lights in the park flash along with the music as you drive through, including a super long light tunnel! It’s a fun experience, and a great time to take pictures or videos from your car.
| Pro Tip: If you want to save money, bring your own snacks and drinks with you. While there are snacks for sale, bringing your own food and drinks for the trip is totally allowed. |
7. Shop at the Farmers Market on Navigation
Media Credit: esplanadeatnavigation
Website: https://eastendhouston.com/market/
Address: 500-2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-928-9916
Operating Hours: Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM; Monday to Saturday – Closed
For a great way to spend a Sunday in Houston in November, check out the Farmers Market on Navigation. It’s held every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM right in front of the historic Original Ninfa’s Restaurant in Houston’s East End.
This market is more than just a place to shop. There are fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-made dairy products, tasty homemade foods, and unique handmade crafts. There’s usually live music playing, which makes walking around the market even more enjoyable.
(Plus, the area has some beautiful murals, so you can take a nice stroll before or after shopping!)
The vendors here are very friendly and love sharing tips about their products, whether it’s fresh honey, colorful veggies, or special crafts. The market also has shaded areas with a cool shipping container design, so there are spots to stay comfortable as you explore.
We recommend starting your day with breakfast or brunch at one of the local restaurants nearby, then head over to the market!
| Pro Tip: Be sure to check the market’s schedule before you go because some Sundays have special events, festivals, or extra vendors. Planning ahead will help you enjoy these fun experiences and make the most of your visit. |
8. Go Ice Skating Outdoors in Discovery Green
Media Credit: discoverygreen
Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/location/skating-rink/
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-400-7336
For something fun to do outdoors in Houston every November, go downtown to Discovery Green and go ice skating at the Green Mountain Energy Ice!
This is the city’s only outdoor skating rink, and it’s open every day from mid-November through early February.
The rink is big, beautifully lit, and uses recycled water and clean energy, so it’s good for the planet too. This spot is great for kids, families, couples, or anyone who wants to enjoy the holiday season outside.
There are fun things to do at the rink all week. On Sundays, kids can meet Santa. Saturdays are exciting with a DJ playing music while you skate.
Mondays are called Cheap Skate Night, and tickets only cost $9. On Wednesdays, you can bring a friend and get one ticket free when you buy one!
| Pro Tip: If you or someone in your group has special needs, look into Inclusive Skating Nights. These evenings are designed to be welcoming for people with physical or developmental challenges. The staff creates a safe space where everyone can enjoy the ice! |
