Houston’s holiday season is ready to hit a high note—and this year, the soundtrack has serious star power. Mayor John Whitmire announced Monday, October 26, that Houston-raised superstar Lizzo will lead the 77th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, while legendary R&B group En Vogue will headline the city’s Deck the Hall celebration in December.

The free Thanksgiving tradition steps off in downtown Houston at 9 a.m. Thursday, November 26. Four-time Grammy Award winner and Emmy Award winner Lizzo returns to the city that helped shape her musical journey as parade grand marshal. Once a flute-playing member of Alief Elsik High School’s marching band, she will share the festivities with that very band—a hometown reunion with enough heart to rival the holiday dinner table.

Expect a moving celebration of Houston pride, featuring 15 floats, 10 oversized balloons, marching bands and performances. Among the eye-catching attractions are giant character balloons and H-E-Buddy, the familiar face of a grocer that has become part of Texas family life.

Houston’s Thanksgiving parade dates to 1949, when Santa Claus arrived at Union Station before traveling to Foley’s downtown department store. Seventy-seven editions later, the spirit remains remarkably familiar: neighbors gather, children marvel and the city celebrates what unites it.

H-E-B deserves a special holiday salute. Founded in Kerrville in 1905, the Texas-grown retailer has made community service as much a part of its identity as groceries. Its food-bank support, Feast of Sharing meals and longstanding commitment to Texas families reflect a simple belief: the season means more when everyone has a place at the table. That same spirit shines through its sponsorship of Houston’s signature Thanksgiving parade.

The holiday cheer continues Saturday, December 5, as Reliant presents Deck the Hall, the Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting and Concert, at Hermann Square outside City Hall. R&B royalty En Vogue will bring signature harmonies and decades of hits, joined by powerhouse vocalist Jessica Sanchez and soul singer MAJOR. The free event promises festive activities, treats, a fireworks finale and the lighting of Houston’s 52-foot holiday tree, adorned with 4,000 ornaments and nearly 100,000 energy-efficient LED lights.

Mayor Whitmire is inviting families from every neighborhood to share these moments together. City officials are coordinating with sponsors and partners, including H-E-B, Reliant, RODEOHOUSTON, bp America and Downtown Houston+, to make the celebrations welcoming and memorable.

The two occasions also spotlight civic partnerships that keep cherished downtown experiences accessible across generations, cultures and neighborhoods—proof that Houston’s greatest holiday attraction has always been its people.

Whether you’re cheering for Lizzo before the turkey reaches the table or singing along with En Vogue beneath the December lights, Houston has two opportunities to make cherished memories without an admission charge.

This season, the invitation is simple: bring your loved ones, bring your holiday spirit—and let Houston bring the music.

For parade details, reserved seating and street closures, visit Houston’s Thanksgiving Parade. For concert information, visit Deck the Hall. Additional updates are available at the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.